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 for individualized control.
If you choose a different brand for your furnace and AC could void the warranty on both units. The matching of the two units can save you time and cost on repairs and maintenance.
1. Energy Efficiency
Modern furnaces and air conditioners are energy efficient, particularly when they are used in conjunction. You can save a significant amount on your monthly utility bills by selecting a natural gas furnace with an air conditioner that has an SEER rating. A professional can determine the load for your home in order to achieve the best results. This will allow you to determine which size and kind of system is best for your home.
Furnaces generate heat by burning fuel with propane gas or natural gas. The steam is circulated through ductwork to warm air inside 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 and work together to maintain your home’s temperature right.
If you’re looking to boost the efficiency of your system further, consider a new, variable speed AC unit. This technology allows the air conditioner to run at a lower power which lets it better extract moisture from the air.
For homeowners who live in moderate climates the heat pump can provide the heating and cooling they require without burning fuel. The units transfer heat from your home and into the outside air, reducing the energy cost and affecting the environment.
Another alternative is a hybrid system, which combines the heatpump and a gas furnace to provide back-up heating during the coldest months. A new high-efficiency heat pump uses the exact same technology to transfer warmth from one part of your home to another, but with an additional gas furnace to provide backup during the coldest temperatures.
You can cut down your home’s energy bills by as much as 40% if you replace your old inefficient HVAC system. To maximize savings from your new HVAC system, install the right insulation and weatherization, as well as thermostat settings.
2. Longevity
The lifespan of a furnace can be between 15 and 30 years and an AC unit can last up to 15 years. HVAC systems are usually replaced when a part begins to get old or suffers from serious malfunctions which affect its performance. A homeowner is often forced to decide whether or not to replace their air conditioner or furnace when this happens. While it may seem counterintuitive to invest in a new HVAC system when the old one is working well, it is typically the most beneficial option for homeowners since they can save money on repairs and cut their energy bills with a newer system.
The installation and purchase of two HVAC systems new is costly. A furnace and air conditioner combo is less costly but it is more expensive. Plus, you will only have to maintain the unit once per year instead of twice a year for separate units.
Another way to lower the overall cost of a furnace and air combination is to go for a high-efficiency system. Modern gas furnaces typically come with an AFUE (annual energy efficiency ratio) of at minimum 80%, and the majority of AC units have SEER (seasonal performance rating) of 16 or higher. This can help you reduce your energy bills and significantly decrease your home heating and cooling costs.
If you choose a furnace and AC combo from the same manufacturer you’ll also benefit from high energy efficiency and long-lasting performance as the systems will work well. If you select two different brands, keep in mind that a mismatched combo will reduce their efficiency and longevity.
Mismatched units could cause serious issues that could result in dangerous refrigerant leaks and CO. These issues can also cause damage to your HVAC system as well as your ductwork.
A professional from Georgia Air Repair can perform accurate HVAC repairs on all kinds of equipment. However, it’s important to remember that many manufacturers won’t honor their warranties if you mix and match their units. By choosing the identical brand of furnace and air conditioner will ensure that the unit is installed correctly, repaired and performs optimally over its lifetime.
3. Convenience
If you decide to install a furnace and air conditioner 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 work with your other HVAC component will save you time and money in the long run. It will also help ensure that your new and existing components will function perfectly without voiding one’s warranty or causing problems with the HVAC system.
A furnace and air conditioner combination will provide you with all-year-round comfort. In contrast to window air conditioners, which are only effective in the summer months and can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning during the winter, these units are properly set up to heat and cool the entire house. They are also more durable and reliable than other kinds of heating and cooling systems.
Additionally, you can save on energy costs by making use of a furnace and air conditioning unit. A combination unit has more SEER than conventional HVAC systems. This enables you to conserve energy and enjoy greater convenience. You could save money by using an air conditioner in conjunction with a gas or electric furnace, depending on the rates you pay for utilities.
If you are planning to purchase your air conditioner and furnace by borrowing money it is possible to go with a combination unit instead of two separate units. Credit card purchases of two HVAC systems can negatively affect your borrowing capacity over the course of years. Your credit score will be unaffected by purchasing a single AC/heater combo unit on authorised credit.
The process of replacing a furnace and AC unit is much less difficult when you use the ductwork you have already installed. Replacing both the AC and furnace will require extensive ductwork that can be costly.
4. Versatility
A furnace AC combination is a fantastic option for those living in moderate climates. It can heat your home efficiently during the winter months, and cool it in summer. Also known as gas-electric systems, this type of HVAC system uses propane or natural gas to heat your home during the winter and electricity to cool it down in summer. This makes it more adaptable than an air conditioner and furnace combo that can only work on one mode at a given time.
The chemical freon is employed by air conditioners to cool your house. The AC unit compresses first the freon, which then evaporates to circulate cool air throughout your home. It also absorbs heat from the surrounding air and keeps your home cool. If your home isn’t adequately constructed, the process of evaporation could cause the air in your home to lose its cooling ability. This happens when the refrigerant leaks or the heat exchanger wears down.
Furnaces provide heat to your home through combustion, but they are not as efficient in terms of heating than air conditioners. They also have a tougher to deal with cold temperatures than air conditioners. This is why many people living in moderate climates choose an oil furnace and heat pump combination. This kind of HVAC system blends the energy-efficient characteristics of a heat-pump with the reliability of an oil furnace.
To select the ideal AC/furnace combination, you must ensure that it’s right-sized for your home. An HVAC professional can assist you to determine which HVAC system is the best for your house. They’ll take into consideration factors like square footage, humidity levels, as well as insulation.
A technician with expertise in heating and cooling will also assist you in determining the right size furnace and air conditioner you require. They’ll take into account your heating and cooling requirements and any future expansion plans for your home. They will also tell you which rebates and incentives you can receive.
Get three estimates from different contractors before purchasing an entirely new HVAC unit. Compare the prices and AFUE rating of each. Remember that an HVAC installation by a professional is crucial to protect your warranty and ensure your HVAC unit is working properly.