Furnace and Air Conditioner Combo
Furnace and air conditioner combos use the same blower to distribute the conditioned air throughout your home. They also work with smart thermostats that allow for individual control.
If you choose a different brand for your furnace and AC could void the warranty on both units. The synchronization of the two units could save time and cost on repairs and maintenance.
1. Energy Efficiency
Modern furnaces and AC units are extremely energy efficient, particularly when they’re used in conjunction. If you select gas furnaces that come with air conditioning unit with an excellent SEER rating, you’ll be able to save money on your utility bills throughout the year. A professional can calculate the load of your home to ensure the best results. This will allow you to determine which size and kind of system is best for your space.
Furnaces generate heat by burning fuel using natural or propane gas. The steam is then circulated through ductwork to warm 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. The combination of these two systems functions as a Goldilocks power coupler, making sure that your home’s temperature is always just right, never being too cold or too hot.
Consider a variable-speed AC unit if you wish to further increase the energy efficiency of your system. This technology permits the air conditioner to run at a lower power, which allows it to better remove moisture from air.
For homeowners who live in mild climates the heat pump can provide the cooling and heating they require without burning any fuel. They transfer heat from your home to the outside air, reducing the energy cost and affecting the environment.
Another option is a hybrid that combines the heatpump and gas furnaces to provide back-up heating during coldest months. A new high-efficiency heat pump uses exactly the same technology to transfer warmth from one area of your home to another but with an additional gas furnace to provide backup in the coldest temperatures.
You can reduce the cost of energy for your home by as much as 40% if you replace your old inefficient HVAC system. For the greatest savings on energy, make sure to install proper insulation and weatherization as well as thermostat settings with your new system.
2. Longevity
A furnace can last 15-30 years, whereas an AC unit could last for up to 15 years. HVAC systems are typically replaced when a component starts to get old or suffers from serious problems that compromise its efficiency. A homeowner is often forced to decide whether to replace their furnace or air conditioner when this happens. It might seem counterintuitive but investing in an HVAC system that is brand new even if the one you have is still functioning well is often the best choice for homeowners. They can save money on repairs and cut down on their energy consumption.
The installation and purchase of two new HVAC systems is expensive. A furnace and air conditioner combo is much less expensive, however. Plus, you will only need to service the system once per year instead of twice a year for separate units.
A high-efficiency system is another option to lower the price of the combination furnace and air conditioner. Most modern gas furnaces come with an AFUE rating that is at least 80% while most AC units come with an SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) rating of 16 or more. This can save you money on your energy bills and reduce your home cooling and heating costs.
If you select a furnace and AC combination from the same manufacturer, you’ll also benefit from high energy efficiency and durability as the systems will work well. If you decide to choose two different brands, keep in mind that a mismatched combo will affect their efficiency and longevity.
Mismatched units could cause serious problems that can result in dangerous CO and refrigerant leaking. These problems could also result in damage to your HVAC system and ductwork.
A professional from Georgia Air Repair can perform accurate HVAC repairs on all kinds of equipment. It’s important to remember that many manufacturers will not honor their warranty in the event that you mix and match their units. By choosing the same air conditioner and furnace will ensure that the unit is properly installed, repaired and performs optimally over its lifetime.
3. Convenience
Both HVAC systems can work seamlessly together 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. Selecting a unit specifically designed to function with your other HVAC component will save you time and money in the long run. This will ensure that the new and existing HVAC components work together without voiding any warranties or causing any other problems to the system.
A furnace and air conditioner combination can provide you with all-year-round comfort. They can cool and heat your entire house, unlike window air conditioners, which are only effective in the summer months and can lead to CO poisoning in winter. They are more durable and reliable than other cooling and heating systems.
A combination furnace and air conditioner unit will save you on energy costs too. While conventional HVAC systems have SEER ratings of up to 10, a combo unit is more SEER-rated, giving you more energy savings and convenience. You could save money by using a heatpump in conjunction with a gas or electric furnace, depending on your energy costs.
If you plan to purchase your furnace and air conditioner by borrowing money it might be better to go with a combination unit instead of two separate units. Credit card purchases for two HVAC systems can adversely affect your borrowing capacity for years. By purchasing a single AC heater combo unit with an approved credit card, your credit score will not be affected in any way.
A combination of air conditioner and furnace can also permit you to utilize your existing ductwork, making the process much simpler than replacing only an AC unit or a brand new furnace. Replacing both the air conditioning and furnace will require extensive ductwork that could be expensive.
4. Versatility
A furnace AC combination is a fantastic option for those living in moderate climates. It is able to efficiently heat your home in winter and cool it down during summer. Also known as gas-electric systems this type of HVAC system makes use of propane gas or natural gas to heat your home during the winter and electricity to cool it down during summer. This makes it more adaptable than an air conditioner and furnace combination that can only function in one mode at a time.
Air conditioners utilize the chemical freon to cool your home. The AC unit is first compressed by the freon, and then evaporates to circulate cool air throughout your house. It also absorbs heat from surrounding air which keeps your home cool. But 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 or heat exchanger wears out.
Furnaces provide heat to your home through combustion, but are less efficient at heating than air conditioners. They also have a tougher time dealing with cold temperatures than air conditioners. That’s why a lot of people who live in mild climates opt for the heat pump and oil furnace combination. This type of HVAC system combines the energy-efficient features of a heat-pump with the reliability of an oil furnace.
The most important factor to consider when choosing the right combination of air conditioner and furnace is to ensure it’s the right size for your home. A HVAC professional can help you determine which HVAC system is best for your home. They’ll look at factors like the size of the room, insulation, and the humidity levels.
A technician in heating and cooling will also help you decide what size furnace and conditioner you require. They’ll take into account your heating and cooling needs and any plans for expansion you might have for your home. They’ll also let you know which incentives and rebates you can get.
Before you buy a new HVAC system, it is recommended to obtain three quotes from different contractors. Compare the prices and AFUE ratings of each. Make sure you get a professional HVAC installation is crucial to guarantee your warranty and ensure that your HVAC unit works properly.
