Furnace and Air Conditioner Combo
Air conditioner and furnace combos use the same blower to distribute conditioned air throughout your home. They also function with smart thermostats to provide individualized control.
Using a different brand of your furnace and AC could void the warranty on both units. The matching of two units can save time and money on repairs and maintenance.
1. Energy Efficiency
Modern furnaces and AC units are extremely energy efficient, particularly when they’re used in conjunction. You can save a great amount on your energy bills by selecting a natural gas heater with an air conditioner that has an SEER rating. For the most efficient efficiency get a professional to do a load calculation for your home. This will help you determine what size and type of system is right for your space.
Furnaces generate heat using propane or natural gas to burn fuel to create hot steam. The steam then circulates through ductwork, warming the 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. The combination of these two systems functions as an Goldilocks power coupler, making sure that your home’s temperature is always just right, never too hot or cold.
You should consider a variable speed AC unit if you want to boost the efficiency of your system. This technology allows the air conditioner to run at a lower rate and help to better remove moisture from the air, resulting in less humid indoor air.
Heat pumps are a great alternative for homeowners living in mild climates. They can provide heating and cooling without burning any fuel. These units transfer heat from the air inside your home to the outdoor air, which cuts down on energy consumption and environmental impact.
Another option is a hybrid that blends an electric heatpump with gas furnace to provide back-up heating during coldest winter months. A new high efficiency heat pump will use exactly the same technology to transfer warmth from one region of your home to another but with the addition of a gas furnace for backup during the coldest temperatures.
You can cut down your home’s energy bills by as much as 40% when 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
A furnace can last between 15 and 30 years while an AC unit could last for as long as 15 years. The majority of the time, an HVAC system is replaced when one part begins to show signs of ageing or has serious malfunctions that compromise its effectiveness. A homeowner will often have to decide whether to replace their furnace or air conditioner when this occurs. It might seem counterintuitive but investing in an HVAC system that is brand new when the old one is still working well is often the best choice for homeowners. They can save money on repairs and reduce their energy costs.
Purchasing and installing two new HVAC systems can be expensive. However the furnace and air conditioner set-up is much less costly. You will only have to service your system every year instead of twice often with separate units.
A high-efficiency system is another method to lower the cost of a combination furnace and air conditioner. Modern gas furnaces typically come with an AFUE (annual energy efficiency ratio) of at least 80%, while the majority of AC units come with a SEER (seasonal performance rating) of 16 or more. This can save you money on your energy bills, and reduce your home heating and cooling expenses.
If you choose a furnace and AC combination from the same manufacturer you’ll also enjoy excellent energy efficiency and long-lasting performance because the two systems cooperate well. If you choose two brands, be aware that a combination that is not compatible can affect their performance and lifespan.
Incorrectly matched units can cause serious problems that could result in leaks of refrigerant or CO which can be dangerous for humans. These issues can also damage your HVAC system as well as your ductwork.
A professional from Georgia Air Repair can perform precise HVAC repairs on all kinds of equipment. It is crucial to keep in mind that the majority of manufacturers will not honor their warranties if the units are mixed and match. Selecting the identical brand of air conditioner and furnace will ensure that the unit is installed correctly, repaired and performs optimally over its lifetime.
3. Convenience
Both HVAC systems can seamlessly integrate when you install a furnace and 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 work with your other HVAC component will save you time and money in the long time. This will ensure that the new and existing HVAC components work together without voiding warranties or causing any other issues to the system.
A furnace and air conditioner combination can provide you with all-year-round comfort. These units can cool and heat your entire house, in contrast to window air conditioners that are only effective during summer and can cause CO poisoning in winter. They are more reliable and durable than other heating and cooling systems.
A combination air conditioner and furnace unit can save you money on energy costs too. A combination unit offers more SEER than traditional HVAC systems. This allows you to save more energy and also enjoy more convenience. Depending on your energy costs and climate, you may even be saving money by using a heat pump in conjunction with a gas or electric furnace.
If you plan to purchase your air conditioner and furnace by borrowing money, it may be better to go with an integrated unit instead of two separate units. Credit card purchases of two HVAC systems could negatively impact your borrowing capacity for years. By purchasing just one AC heater and combo unit using an approved credit card your credit score won’t take any hits at all.
The replacement of the furnace and AC unit is much simpler when you use the existing ductwork. The cost of replacing both the furnace and air conditioning could be substantial.
4. Versatility
For those who reside in areas with moderate temperatures, a furnace AC combination is a good choice. It is efficient in heating your home during winter and cool it in the summer. Also known as gas-electric systems this type of HVAC system uses propane gas or natural gas to heat your home in the winter months 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.
The chemical freon is used by air conditioners to cool your house. The AC unit compresses freon that is then evaporated to circulate cool dry air throughout your home. It also absorbs heat from the air around your home, which helps keep it cool. If your home isn’t adequately constructed, the process of evaporation could cause the air inside your home to lose its cooling ability. This occurs when refrigerant leaks or when the heat exchanger wears down.
Furnaces make use of combustion to heat your home however they are less efficient than air conditioners when it comes to heating. Air conditioners are also less able to deal with cold temperatures. That’s why many people who live in climates with moderate temperatures opt for a heat pump oil furnace combination. This kind of HVAC system is a combination of energy-efficient features from a heatpump with the reliability of an oil stove.
The most important factor to consider when choosing the right AC/furnace combo is to ensure it’s the right size for your home. A HVAC professional can help determine the HVAC system is best for your home. They’ll consider factors like the size of the room as well as insulation and humidity levels.
A technician with expertise in heating and cooling will also help you determine the proper size furnace and air conditioner that you require. They’ll consider your heating and cooling requirements and any future expansion plans you may have for your home. They’ll also let you know what incentives and rebates you could receive.
Before purchasing a new HVAC system, it is recommended to get three quotes from different contractors. Then, compare the prices and AFUE ratings of each system. Make sure you have a professional install of your HVAC system is essential to protect your warranty.