Furnace and Air Conditioner Combo
Air conditioner and furnace combos use the same blower to distribute conditioned air throughout your home. They can also be controlled by smart thermostats.
If you use a different brand of furnace and AC your warranty may be void for both units. The matching of two units can save you time and cost on repairs and maintenance.
1. Energy Efficiency
Modern furnaces and AC units are extremely energy efficient, particularly when they’re combined. By choosing gas furnaces with an air conditioner with an impressive SEER rating, you will save a lot on your utility bills throughout the year. For the most efficient efficiency make sure you have a professional perform an energy calculation for your home. This will allow you to determine the proper size and type of system for your home.
Furnaces generate heat by 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 work like a Goldilocks power couple, ensuring that your home’s temperature is just right–never too hot or cold.
If you want to increase your system’s energy efficiency even more, think about a new, variable speed AC unit. This technology allows the air conditioner to run at a lower capacity and helps it better extract moisture from the air, which results in dry air inside.
For homeowners who live in moderate climates A heat pump could provide the cooling and heating they require without burning any fuel. These units transfer heat out of your home to the outside air, which reduces energy costs and impact on the environment.
A hybrid system that includes a heat pump and traditional gas furnaces to provide back-up warmth in the coldest months–is another option. A new high efficiency heat pump will use the same technology to transfer warmth from one part of your home to another, but with the addition of a gas furnace for backup during the coldest temperatures.
By replacing your old, inefficient HVAC system with a new, high-efficiency furnace and air conditioner, you could reduce your energy costs by up to 40%. To maximize savings with your new system, install the right insulation and thermostat settings, as well as weatherization.
2. Longevity
A furnace can last between 15 and 30 years, whereas an AC unit could last for as long as 15 years. HVAC systems are usually replaced when a component begins to age or suffers serious problems that compromise its performance. A homeowner will often have to decide whether or not to replace their furnace or air conditioner when this happens. Although it might seem counterintuitive to purchase a new HVAC system when your old one is still functioning well, this is usually the most beneficial option for homeowners since they can save money on repairs and lower their energy costs with a newer system.
The purchase and installation of two new HVAC systems could be expensive. A furnace and air conditioner combo is much less expensive however. Plus, you will only need to maintain the system once per year instead of twice per year with separate units.
A high-efficiency system is a different way to reduce the cost of an air conditioner. Most modern gas furnaces come with an AFUE (annual energy efficiency ratio) of at minimum 80%, and most AC units have SEER (seasonal performance rating) of 16 or greater. This will help you save money on your energy bills, and will reduce your home’s heating and cooling expenses.
If you select a furnace-AC combination from the same company you can also benefit from high energy efficiency since the systems work well together. However, if you choose to go with two different brands, it’s important to remember that a mismatched combination will reduce their longevity and performance.
Unmatched units can cause serious issues that could result in dangerous CO and refrigerant leaking. These problems can also damage your HVAC system and ductwork.
A Georgia Air Repair professional can repair any type of HVAC equipment. It is important to keep in mind that the majority of manufacturers will not respect their warranties when the units are mixed and matched. Choosing the same brand for your air conditioner and furnace will ensure that your unit is properly installed and repaired and will provide the best performance over its life.
3. Convenience
When you opt to install a furnace and conditioner combination both 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 that is specifically designed to operate well with your other HVAC component will save you money and time in the long run. This will ensure that the new and current HVAC components will work together without voiding any warranties or causing any other issues to the system.
Having a furnace and air conditioning unit inside your home will provide you with year round comfort. In contrast to window air conditioners, which are only effective in the summer months and can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning in winter they are installed to cool and heat your entire home. They are also more robust and reliable than other kinds of heating and cooling systems.
A combination furnace and air conditioner unit can save you money on energy costs as well. Combination units have a higher SEER rating than conventional HVAC systems. This enables you to save more energy and enjoy greater convenience. Depending on your utility rates and the climate, you might even be able to save money by using a heating pump in conjunction with electric or gas furnace.
If you are planning on purchasing your air conditioning and furnace using a loan, you may think about a combination unit instead of two separate units. Credit card purchases for two HVAC systems can adversely impact your borrowing capacity for years. If you purchase a single AC heater and combo unit using a credit card that is approved, your credit score will not suffer any damage at all.
A combination of air conditioner and furnace can also let you utilize your existing ductwork, which makes the process much less difficult 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 combo is a great choice for those living in mild climates. It can efficiently heat your home in winter months and cool it down in the summer. Also known as gas-electric systems this type of HVAC system makes use of natural or propane gas to heat your home in the winter and electricity to cool it down in the summer. This makes it more versatile than an air conditioner and furnace combo that can only work in only one mode at a time.
The chemical freon is employed by air conditioners to cool your home. The AC unit is first compressed by the freon, which then evaporates to circulate cool air throughout your home. It also absorbs heat in the air surrounding your home, which helps to keep it cool. If your home isn’t adequately constructed, the process of evaporation can cause the air in your home to lose its cooling capability. This happens when the refrigerant or heat exchanger wears out.
Furnaces utilize combustion to heat your home, but they are less efficient than air conditioners in terms of heating. Air conditioners are also less able to deal with cold temperatures. Many people in mild climates opt for an oil furnace combination. This type of HVAC system incorporates energy-efficient features of a heatpump with the reliability of an oil stove.
When choosing the best combination of AC and furnace, you need to make sure that it is appropriate for the space you live in. A HVAC expert can assist you in determining which HVAC system will work best for your home. They’ll consider factors like the size of the room, insulation, and humidity levels.
A technician with expertise in cooling and heating will assist you in determining the size furnace and air conditioner you need. They’ll consider your cooling and heating needs, as well as any plans for future expansions to your home. They’ll also explain what types of incentives and rebates are available to you.
Before you buy a new HVAC system, it is recommended to get three estimates from various contractors. Compare the costs and AFUE ratings of each system. Remember that a professional installation of your HVAC system is necessary to protect your warranty.