Furnace and Air Conditioner Combo
Furnace and air conditioner combos use the same blower to distribute the conditioned air throughout your house. They can also be controlled by smart thermostats.
Using a different brand for your furnace and AC could void your warranty on both units. The matching of two units can save time and money on maintenance and repairs.
1. Energy Efficiency
Modern furnaces and AC units are extremely energy efficient, particularly when they’re combined. If you choose a gas furnace with an air conditioner that has an impressive SEER rating, you will save money on your utility bills throughout the year. A professional can calculate the energy load of your home in order to achieve the best results. This will allow you to determine which size and kind of system is suitable for your space.
Furnaces produce heat by using propane or natural gas to burn fuel and create hot steam. This steam then circulates through ductwork and warms 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 two systems works like a Goldilocks power couple, ensuring that your home’s temperature is just right, never being too cold or too hot.
If you want to increase the efficiency of your system further, consider a new variable speed AC unit. This technology allows the air conditioner to run at a lower rate, which helps to better remove moisture from the air, resulting in dry air inside.
Heat pumps are a great option for homeowners living in mild climates. They are able to provide cooling and heating without burning fuel. They transfer heat from the air in your home to the outdoor air, which reduces on energy costs and environmental impact.
Another alternative is a hybrid system that blends an electric heatpump with a gas furnace to provide back-up heating during the coldest months. A new high efficiency heat pump uses the same technology to transfer warmth from one area 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 modern high-efficiency furnace and combination, you can reduce your energy bills by up to 40%. For the greatest savings on energy costs, be sure to install proper insulation and weatherization settings to go with your new system.
2. Longevity
A furnace could last for 15-30 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 component begins to show signs of getting old or suffers from serious malfunctions that compromise its effectiveness. A homeowner will often have to decide if they want to replace their air conditioner or furnace when this occurs. It might seem counterintuitive, but investing in a new HVAC unit when the existing one is still working well is usually the best option for homeowners. They will save money on repairs and reduce their energy consumption.
Installing and buying two HVAC systems new can be costly. A furnace and air conditioner combo is much less expensive however. Additionally, you’ll only have to maintain the system once a year instead of twice a year for separate units.
A high-efficiency system is another way to reduce the cost of an air conditioner. Modern gas furnaces typically have 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 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 enjoy excellent energy efficiency and longevity since the systems will work well together. If you decide to choose two different brands, remember that a combination that is not compatible can affect their efficiency and life span.
Mismatched units can cause serious issues that could result in leaks of refrigerant or CO which pose a risk to humans. These issues can also harm your ductwork and affect the efficiency of your HVAC system.
A Georgia Air Repair professional can repair any kind of HVAC equipment. It is important to keep in mind that the majority of manufacturers will not guarantee their products in the event that the units are mixed and matched. Making sure you choose the same manufacturer for your furnace and air conditioning will ensure that your unit is installed correctly, repaired and will provide the best performance over its life.
3. Convenience
If you decide to install a furnace as well as an air conditioner the HVAC systems are designed to function 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 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.
The presence of a furnace and air conditioning unit inside your home will provide you with all-year-round comfort. These units can heat and cool the entire house, unlike window air conditioners, which are only effective in summer and can cause CO poisoning in winter. They are also more robust and reliable than other kinds of heating and cooling systems.
A combination air conditioner and furnace unit can save you money on energy costs as well. A combination unit has a higher SEER rating than traditional HVAC systems. This enables you to save energy and also enjoy more convenience. You could save money if you use a heatpump in conjunction with a gas or electric furnace, depending on your utility rates.
If you’re planning on buying your air conditioning and furnace with credit, you may be interested in a combo unit instead of two separate units. Credit card purchases for two HVAC systems can negatively affect your borrowing capacity for years. Your credit score will be unaffected by purchasing one AC/heater combination unit with credit approval.
A furnace and air conditioner combo can also permit you to use your existing ductwork, making the process much simpler than just replacing an AC unit or a new furnace. Replacing both the air conditioning and furnace will require extensive ductwork that could be expensive.
4. Versatility
For those who reside in climates with moderate temperatures, a furnace AC combination can be a good choice. It can efficiently heat your home 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 the summer. This makes it more adaptable than an air conditioner and furnace combination that can only function in one mode at a given time.
Air conditioners make use of an ingredient called freon in order to cool your home. The AC unit compresses freon, which is then evaporated to circulate cool dry air through your home. It also absorbs heat from the surrounding air which helps keep your house cool. If your home isn’t adequately insulated, the evaporation process could cause the air in your home to lose its cooling capability. This occurs when the heat exchanger or refrigerant wears out.
Furnaces utilize combustion to heat your home however they are less efficient than air conditioners when it comes to heating. Air conditioners are not able to withstand cold temperatures. That’s why many people living in mild climates opt for an oil furnace and heat pump combination. This kind of HVAC system combines the energy-efficient features of a heat pump with the reliability of an oil furnace.
To select the ideal combination of furnace and AC, you must ensure that it’s right-sized for your home. A HVAC professional can assist you to determine which HVAC system is suitable for your house. They’ll look at factors like square footage, insulation, and humidity levels.
A specialist in heating and cooling can assist you in determining the size furnace and air conditioner you require. They’ll take into account your heating and cooling needs, as well any plans for expansion you may have for your home. They’ll also explain the types of incentives and rebates are available to you.
Before purchasing a new HVAC system, it is recommended to get three estimates from various contractors. Then, compare the prices and AFUE ratings for each system. Make sure you have a professional install of your HVAC system is required to protect your warranty.
