Furnace and Air Conditioner Combo
Furnace and air conditioner combination units use the same blower to distribute the conditioned air throughout your house. They also function with smart thermostats that allow for individual control.
If you choose 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 repairs and maintenance.
1. Energy Efficiency
Modern furnaces and AC units are extremely energy efficient, particularly when they’re combined. You can save a significant amount on your monthly utility costs by selecting a gas heater and an air conditioner with SEER ratings. A professional can estimate the load of your home to ensure the best results. This will help determine which size and type of system is right for your home.
Furnaces create heat by burning fuel with propane or natural gas. The steam is circulated through ductwork to warm the 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, ensuring that your home’s temperature will always be just right, never being too hot or cold.
Consider a variable-speed AC unit if you’re looking to further increase the efficiency of your system. This technology allows the air conditioner to run at a lower rate, which helps it to remove moisture from the air, which results in dry air inside.
The heat pumps are a fantastic option for homeowners in mild climates. They can provide cooling and heating without burning fuel. The units transfer heat from your home to the outside air, reducing the energy cost and affecting the environment.
A hybrid system, which includes a heat pump and an old-fashioned gas furnace to provide back-up warmth during the coldest months–is another option. A new high-efficiency heat pumps will utilize the same technology to transfer heat from one region of your home to the next, but with an added gas furnace for back-up during the coldest temperatures.
You can cut your energy costs for your home by up to 40% when you replace your old inefficient HVAC system. To get the most savings on energy costs, be certain to install the proper insulation and weatherization as well as thermostat settings to go with your new HVAC system.
2. Longevity
A furnace can last 15-30 years, whereas an AC unit can last for as long as 15 years. Typically, an HVAC system is replaced when one component starts to show signs of ageing or the other is suffering from serious issues that affect its efficiency. When this happens, a homeowner is often faced with the choice of whether to replace the air conditioner or the furnace. It might seem counterintuitive, but investing in an HVAC system that is brand new when the old one is still in good working order is usually the best option for homeowners. They will save money on repairs and cut down on the energy bills.
Installing and buying two new HVAC systems can be costly. However an air conditioner combo is much less costly. In addition, you only need to service the system once a year instead of twice a year for separate units.
A high-efficiency system is a different option to lower the price of an air conditioner. Modern gas furnaces typically have an AFUE (annual energy efficiency ratio) of at minimum 80%, and the majority of AC units have SEER (seasonal performance rating) of 16 or more. This will help you save money on your energy bills and will reduce your home’s cooling and heating costs.
If you select a furnace and AC combination from the same manufacturer you can also benefit from excellent energy efficiency as the two systems are compatible. If you decide to choose two brands, be aware that a mismatched combo can affect their performance and lifespan.
Incorrectly matched units can cause serious problems and result in dangerous refrigerant leaks and CO. These issues could also cause damage to your ductwork and affect the efficiency of your HVAC system.
A Georgia Air Repair professional can repair any kind of HVAC equipment. However, it’s important to know that the majority of manufacturers will not honor their warranties when you mix and match their units. Selecting the same furnace and air conditioner will ensure that the unit is correctly installed and is repaired to ensure that it performs at its best throughout its life.
3. Convenience
Both HVAC systems can work seamlessly together 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. You can save time and money by choosing an appliance that is compatible with the other HVAC component. This will ensure that the new and current HVAC components work together without voiding any warranties or causing any other damage to the system.
A combination of a furnace and air conditioner will give you comfort all year long. They can heat and cool the entire home, unlike window air conditioners which are only effective in the summer months and can lead to CO poisoning in winter. These units are more durable and reliable than other cooling and heating systems.
A furnace and air conditioner combo unit can help you save on energy costs as well. A combination unit offers more SEER than traditional HVAC systems. This allows you to save energy and enjoy greater convenience. It is possible to save money by using a heatpump in conjunction with a gas or electric furnace, based on the rates you pay for utilities.
If you intend to purchase your furnace and air conditioner with a loan, it may be better to choose a combination unit rather than two separate units. The purchase of two HVAC systems with credit has the effect of taking two marks on your credit report, which may adversely affect your borrowing capacity for years to come. If you purchase a single AC heater with an approved credit card, your credit score won’t be affected in any way.
A combination of a furnace and air conditioner will also allow you to use your existing ductwork, making the process much simpler than replacing only an AC unit or a new furnace. The cost of replacing both the air conditioning and furnace could be substantial.
4. Versatility
If you live in climates with moderate temperatures, a furnace and AC combination can be a good option. It can heat your home efficiently during the winter months, and cool it down in the summer. This type of HVAC, also known as gas-electric systems, utilizes propane or natural gas to heat your house in the winter months and power in the summer. This makes it more flexible than an air conditioner and furnace combo that can only function on one mode at a time.
Air conditioners utilize the chemical 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 from surrounding air, which helps keep your home cool. However, if your house isn’t properly insulated, the evaporation process could cause the air to lose its cooling power. This happens when the refrigerant leaks or when the heat exchanger wears down.
Furnaces are a way to heat your home with combustion, but they are less efficient at heating than air conditioners. They also have a tougher time dealing with cold temperatures than air conditioners. Many people in mild climates prefer a heat pump and oil furnace combination. This type of HVAC system combines the energy-efficient features of a heat pump along with the reliability of an oil furnace.
The key to choosing the right AC/furnace combo is to ensure that it’s sized correctly for your home. A HVAC professional can help determine which HVAC system will work best for your home. They’ll take into consideration factors such as square footage as well as insulation and the humidity levels.
A technician who specializes in heating and cooling can also help you determine the right size furnace and air conditioner you require. They’ll take into account your heating and cooling requirements, as well any future expansion plans you might have for your home. They’ll also explain what types of incentives and rebates are available to you.
Before you purchase a new HVAC system, it is recommended to obtain three quotes from different contractors. Then, you can compare the costs and AFUE ratings for each system. Don’t forget that an HVAC installation by a professional is necessary to ensure the warranty is protected and that your HVAC unit is working properly.
