Furnace and Air Conditioner Combo
The same blower is used to distribute conditioned indoor air throughout your house. They also work with smart thermostats for individualized control.
Using a different brand for your furnace and AC could void the warranty on both units. The synchronization of the two units can save time and money on maintenance and repairs.
1. Energy Efficiency
Modern furnaces and AC units are extremely efficient in energy use, particularly when they’re used in conjunction. You can save a good deal on your utility bills by selecting a natural gas heater and an air conditioner that has a SEER rating. A professional can calculate the load of your home to ensure the most efficient results. This will help determine which size and kind of system is best for your home.
Furnaces generate heat by burning fuel with propane or natural gas. The steam is circulated through ductwork to warm air in your home. 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 in tandem to keep your home’s temperature just right.
If you’re looking to boost the efficiency of your system more, think about a new, variable speed AC unit. This technology allows your air conditioner to run at a lower speed and helps to better remove moisture from the air, resulting in drier indoor air.
The heat pumps are a fantastic option for homeowners living in mild climates. They can provide cooling and heating without burning any fuel. They transfer heat out of your home and into the outside air, reducing the energy cost and affecting the environment.
Another alternative is a hybrid system that blends the heatpump and gas furnaces to provide back-up heating in the coldest winter months. A new high-efficiency heat pump will make use of the same technology to transfer heat from one part of your house to the next however, it comes with a gas furnace to provide back-up in the coldest temperatures.
You can cut down the cost of energy for your home by as much as 40% if you replace your old inefficient HVAC system. To maximize savings from 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 between 15 and 30 years and an AC unit can last 15-20 years. HVAC systems are usually replaced when a part begins to age or suffers serious issues that affect its efficiency. If this occurs, a homeowner is often faced with the choice of whether to replace the air conditioner or the furnace. While it might appear counterintuitive to buy an HVAC system that is brand new if your current one is functioning well, this is typically the most efficient option for homeowners because they can save money on repairs and reduce their energy bills with a newer system.
The purchase and installation of two new HVAC systems could be expensive. However an air conditioner combo is less expensive. You will only have to service your system once per year, instead of twice often with separate units.
A high-efficiency system is yet another option to lower the price of a combination furnace and air conditioner. The majority of modern gas furnaces come with an AFUE (annual energy efficiency ratio) of at minimum 80%, whereas the majority of AC units come with a SEER (seasonal performance rating) of 16 or greater. This will help you save money on your energy bills, and lower your home cooling and heating costs.
When you choose a furnace-AC combination from the same manufacturer you can also benefit from excellent energy efficiency as the systems work well together. If you decide to go with two different brands it’s important to note that a mix of brands will reduce their life span and performance.
Mismatched units could cause serious problems and lead to dangerous CO and refrigerant leaking. These problems can also cause damage to your HVAC system and ductwork.
A Georgia Air Repair professional can repair any type of HVAC equipment. However, it’s important to note that most manufacturers won’t honor their warranties when you mix and match their units. Making sure you choose the same manufacturer for your air conditioner and furnace will ensure that the unit is properly installed and maintained and will provide the highest performance throughout its lifetime.
3. Convenience
Both HVAC systems seamlessly integrate when you install a furnace-air conditioner combination. 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 function with your other HVAC component will save your time and money in the long time. This will ensure that the new and current HVAC components will work together without voiding warranties or causing any other damage to the system.
The presence of a combination of a furnace and air conditioner in your home provides you with all-year-round comfort. Contrary to window air conditioners which only work during summer and can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning in the winter, these units are properly installed to heat and cool your entire house. They are more reliable and durable than other heating and cooling systems.
You will also reduce energy bills by making use of a furnace and air conditioner unit. While conventional HVAC systems have SEER ratings that range from 0 to 10, a combo unit has a higher SEER rating which means you will enjoy more energy savings and convenience. You could save money if you use an air conditioner in conjunction with a gas or electric furnace, depending on your energy costs.
If you plan to purchase your air conditioner and furnace using a loan, it may be better to go with a combination unit rather than two separate units. Purchasing two HVAC systems with credit can have the effect of putting two marks on your credit report, which may affect your borrowing power for a long time. By purchasing a single AC heater and combo unit using a credit card that is approved, your credit score will not be affected in any way.
A combination of a furnace and air conditioner will also allow you to use your existing ductwork, which makes the process less complicated than just replacing an AC unit or a brand new furnace. The cost of replacing both the air conditioning and furnace could be substantial.
4. Versatility
A furnace and AC combo is a great option for those who live in mild climates. It is efficient in heating your home in winter and cool it down in summer. Also called gas-electric systems, this type of HVAC system uses propane gas or natural gas to warm your home in the winter, and electricity to cool it down in the summer. This makes it more flexible than an air conditioner/furnace combo that can only work in one way.
Air conditioners use a chemical called freon to cool your home. The AC unit compresses freon which is then evaporated to circulate cool, dry air throughout your home. It also absorbs heat in the air surrounding your home, which helps keep it cool. However, if your house isn’t properly insulated, the evaporation cycle could cause the air to lose its cooling power. This occurs when refrigerant leaks, or the heat exchanger wears down.
Furnaces utilize combustion to heat your home, but they are less efficient than air conditioners in terms of heating. Air conditioners are also less able to handle cold temperatures. A lot of people living in mild climates opt for the heat pump and oil furnace combination. This kind of HVAC system combines the energy-efficient features of a heat pump along with the reliability of an oil furnace.
The most important factor to consider when choosing the right combination of air conditioner and furnace is making sure it’s properly sized for your home. A HVAC professional can help determine which HVAC system will work best for your home. They’ll consider aspects like area, humidity levels, and insulation.
A heating and cooling technician will also help you decide the size of furnace and air conditioner you require. They’ll take into account your heating and cooling needs and any future expansion plans you may have for your home. They will also tell you what incentives and rebates you can receive.
Before you buy a new HVAC system, it is recommended to obtain three quotes from different contractors. Compare the costs and AFUE rating of each. Make sure you have a professional install of your HVAC system is required to protect your warranty.
