Furnace and Air Conditioner Combo
Air conditioner and furnace combination units use the same blower to distribute conditioned air throughout your home. They also work with smart thermostats for individualized control.
If you use an alternative model of furnace and AC, your warranty could be voided on both units. The two units being matched saves time and money when it comes to repairs and maintenance.
1. Energy Efficiency
Modern air conditioners and furnaces are highly energy efficient, particularly when used together. If you select gas furnaces with an air conditioner that has a high SEER rating, you will reduce your energy bills throughout the year. To get the most efficient results make sure you have a professional perform a load calculation for your home. This will help you determine what size and kind of system is best for your space.
Furnaces create heat by burning fuel using propane or natural gas. The steam is then circulated through ductwork to warm the air in your house. Then, during the summer, an air conditioner uses a refrigerant–generally a cool gas called freon–to evaporate into a liquid and cool the air that circulates through your home’s ducts. These two systems are like Goldilocks, working together to keep your home’s temperature right.
You should consider a variable speed AC unit if you’re looking to boost the efficiency of your system. This technology allows your air conditioner to run at a lower capacity and helps it better extract moisture from the air, leading to drier indoor air.
Heat pumps are an excellent option for homeowners in mild climates. They are able to provide cooling and heating without burning any fuel. These units transfer heat from the air in your home to the outside air, which cuts down on energy consumption and environmental impact.
A hybrid system–which includes a heat pump and an old-fashioned gas furnace to provide backup warmth during the coldest winter months is another option. A new high-efficiency heat pump will use the same technology to transfer warmth from one part of your home to another but with a gas furnace added for backup during the coldest temperatures.
By replacing your old inefficient HVAC system with a brand new, high-efficiency furnace and air conditioner combo, you can cut your home energy bills by as much as 40%. To maximize savings with your new system, make sure you have the proper insulation and weatherization, as well as thermostat settings.
2. Longevity
The lifespan of a furnace is 15-30 years and an AC unit can last 15-20 years. HVAC systems are typically replaced when a part begins to wear out or has serious malfunctions which affect the efficiency of the unit. If this occurs, homeowners are often faced with the dilemma of whether to replace the air conditioner or furnace. Although it might appear counterintuitive to buy a new HVAC system when your old one is still operating well, it’s typically the most efficient option for homeowners because they can reduce repair costs and cut their energy bills with a newer system.
The installation and purchase of two HVAC systems new is expensive. A combination of a furnace and air conditioner is less costly however. You’ll only need to service your system once per year, instead of twice often with separate units.
A high-efficiency system is a different way to reduce the cost of an air conditioner. Most modern gas furnaces come with an AFUE rating of at minimum 80 percent, while the majority of AC units have an SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) rating of up to 16 or more. This will save you money on your energy bills, and reduce your home heating and cooling expenses.
When you choose a furnace-AC combination from the same manufacturer you can also benefit from an excellent energy efficiency because the two systems are compatible. However, if you choose to go with two different brands it is important to keep in mind that a mix of brands will decrease their longevity and performance.
Mismatched units can cause serious issues that could result in leaks of refrigerant or CO which pose a risk to humans. These problems could also result in damage to your HVAC system as well as your ductwork.
A Georgia Air Repair professional can repair any type of HVAC equipment. It’s important to remember that the majority of manufacturers will not guarantee their products when the units are mixed and match. Making sure you choose the same brand for your air conditioner and furnace will ensure that the unit is installed correctly and repaired and will provide the best performance throughout its life.
3. Convenience
If you decide to install a furnace and conditioner combination both HVAC systems are designed to work seamlessly. The units have shared components, such as the blower fan that distributes temperature-controlled air through your home’s duct system and into rooms of your choice. Choosing a unit specifically designed to operate well with your other HVAC component will save your time and money in the long in the long run. This will ensure that your new and existing HVAC components work together without voiding warranties or causing any other problems to the system.
A furnace and air conditioning unit in your home provides you with all year round comfort. Unlike window air conditioners that only work in summer and can cause carbon monoxide poisoning in winter the units are installed to cool and heat the entire house. They are also more durable and reliable than other kinds of cooling and heating systems.
You will also reduce your energy bills by using a furnace and air conditioning unit. A combination unit has a higher SEER rating than conventional HVAC systems. This lets you conserve energy and enjoy greater convenience. Depending on your rates for utilities and the climate, you might even be saving money by using a heating pump along with electric or gas furnace.
If you are planning to purchase your air conditioner and furnace by borrowing money, it may be better to select a combination unit instead of two separate units. Purchasing two HVAC systems using credit has the result of taking two hits to your credit report, which could negatively impact your borrowing power for years to come. Your credit score will remain unaffected by the purchase of an AC/heater unit with credit approval.
The process of replacing a furnace and AC unit is much easier when you make use of the ductwork you have already installed. The replacement of both the air conditioner and furnace will require extensive ductwork that can be costly.
4. Versatility
For those who live in climates with moderate temperatures, a furnace and AC combination can be a good option. It can efficiently heat your home in the winter and cool it in summer. This type of HVAC also referred to as gas-electric systems, utilizes propane or natural gas to heat your home in the winter months and power in the summer. This makes it more versatile than an furnace and air conditioner, which can only operate in one mode at a given time.
The chemical freon is utilized by air conditioners to cool your house. The AC unit compresses freon, which is then evaporated to circulate cool, dry air throughout your home. It also absorbs heat from the air around your home, which helps to keep it cool. If your home isn’t well-insulated then the evaporation cycle can cause the air to lose its cooling power. This occurs when the refrigerant leaks, or the heat exchanger wears out.
Furnaces heat your home using combustion, but are less efficient in terms of heating than air conditioners. Air conditioners are not able to withstand cold temperatures. A lot of people living in mild climates choose to use a heat pump and oil furnace combination. This type of HVAC system combines the energy-efficient features of a heat pump along with the reliability of an oil furnace.
The key to choosing the best combination of AC and furnace is to ensure that it’s properly sized for your home. A HVAC expert can help you determine which HVAC system is best for your home. They’ll take into consideration aspects like square footage, humidity levels, as well as insulation.
A heating and cooling technician can also assist you in deciding the size of furnace and air conditioner you require. They’ll take into account your heating and cooling needs as well as any plans for expansion you might have for your home. They’ll also inform you which incentives and rebates you can get.
Before you purchase a new HVAC system, you should obtain three quotes from different contractors. Then, compare the prices and the AFUE ratings of each. Make sure you get an HVAC installation by a professional is essential to protect your warranty and ensure your HVAC unit functions properly.
