Furnace and Air Conditioner Combo
Air conditioner and furnace combination units use the same blower to distribute the conditioned air throughout your home. 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 synchronization of the two units can save you time and money on repairs and maintenance.
1. Energy Efficiency
Modern air conditioners and furnaces are extremely energy efficient, especially when they are used in conjunction. By choosing a gas furnace with an air conditioner with a high SEER rating, you will save money on your energy bills throughout the year. A professional can determine the load of your home in order to achieve the most efficient results. This will help you determine the right size and type of system that is appropriate for your space.
Furnaces produce heat by using propane or natural gas to ignite fuel to produce hot steam. This steam then circulates through ductwork, warming the 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. The two systems are similar to Goldilocks and work together to keep your home’s temperature just right.
You should consider a variable speed AC unit if you wish to further increase the energy efficiency of your system. This technology permits your air conditioner to operate at a lower rate, which helps it to remove moisture from the air, resulting in drier indoor air.
Heat pumps are a great alternative for homeowners living in mild climates. They can provide heating and cooling without burning fuel. These units transfer heat from the air inside your home to the outdoor air, which reduces on energy costs and environmental impact.
A hybrid system–which combines a heat pump with traditional gas furnaces to provide backup warmth during the coldest months–is another option. A new high-efficiency heat pump makes use of the exact same technology to transfer warmth from one area of your home to another however, it has an additional gas furnace to provide backup in the coldest temperatures.
If you replace your old, inefficient HVAC system with a modern, high-efficiency furnace and air combination, you can reduce your energy bills by up to 40%. For the best energy savings with your new system, make sure you have the proper insulation, weatherization and thermostat settings.
2. Longevity
A furnace can last 15-30 years, while an AC unit may last for up to 15 years. HVAC systems are usually replaced when a part begins to get old or suffers from serious issues that affect its efficiency. If this happens, a homeowner is often faced with the decision of whether to replace the air conditioner or the furnace. While it may appear counterintuitive to buy a new HVAC system when your old one is still working well, it is usually the most efficient option for homeowners because they will reduce repair costs and reduce their energy bills with a modern system.
Installing and buying two HVAC systems new is costly. However, a furnace and air conditioner set-up is less expensive. You’ll only need to service your system every year instead of twice as often if you have separate units.
A high-efficiency system is a different way to reduce the cost of the combination furnace and air conditioner. The majority of modern gas furnaces come with an AFUE (annual energy efficiency ratio) of at least 80%, while most AC units have SEER (seasonal performance rating) of 16 or higher. This can help you save on your energy bills and significantly decrease your home heating and cooling costs.
If you select a furnace and AC combination from the same manufacturer, you’ll also enjoy excellent energy efficiency and long-lasting performance as the systems will work well. If you decide to choose two different brands, keep in mind that a mismatched combination will reduce their efficiency and life span.
Incorrectly matched units can cause serious problems that can cause dangerous CO and refrigerant leaking. These issues could also cause damage to your ductwork and affect the effectiveness of your HVAC system.
A professional from Georgia Air Repair can perform accurate HVAC repairs on any kind of equipment. However, it’s important to remember that many manufacturers will not honor their warranty if you mix and match their units. Making sure you choose the same brand for your furnace and air conditioning will ensure that your unit is installed correctly and maintained, and will offer the highest performance throughout its lifetime.
3. Convenience
Both HVAC systems can operate seamlessly 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 will save time and money by selecting the unit that is compatible with the other HVAC component. It will also help ensure that your new and existing components will work together well without voiding either one’s warranty or causing problems with the HVAC system.
A combination of a furnace and air conditioner inside your home will provide you with year round comfort. In contrast to window air conditioners, which only work during summer and can cause carbon monoxide poisoning in the winter the units are installed to cool and heat the entire house. They are more reliable and durable than other cooling and heating systems.
Additionally, you can reduce energy bills by using a furnace and air conditioner combination unit. A combination unit has a higher SEER rating than conventional HVAC systems. This enables you to save more energy and also enjoy more convenience. Depending on your utility rates and climate, you may even be saving money by using a heat pump along with an electric or gas furnace.
If you intend to purchase your furnace and air conditioner by borrowing money, it may be better to go with an integrated unit instead of two separate units. Credit card purchases for two HVAC systems can adversely affect your borrowing capacity for years. If you purchase a single AC heater with a credit card that is approved, your credit score will not take any hits at all.
The process of replacing a furnace and AC unit is much easier when you make use of the ductwork you have already installed. The cost of replacing both the furnace and air conditioning can be high.
4. Versatility
A furnace AC combination is a great option for those who live in moderate climates. It will efficiently heat your home during the winter months, and cool it in summer. This type of HVAC is also referred to as gas-electric systems, utilizes propane or natural gas to heat your house in winter and electric during summer. This makes it more flexible than a conventional air conditioner/furnace combination that can only work in one mode.
Air conditioners utilize the chemical freon to cool your home. The AC unit first compresses the freon before it evaporates to circulate cool air throughout your house. It also absorbs heat from the air around your home, which helps keep it cool. However, if your house isn’t well-insulated then the evaporation cycle can cause the air to lose its cooling power. This happens when the heat exchanger or refrigerant wears out.
Furnaces utilize combustion to heat your home but they are not as efficient than air conditioners in terms of heating. They also have a harder time dealing with cold temperatures than air conditioners. This is why many people living in moderate climates choose a heat pump oil furnace combination. This type of HVAC system is a combination of energy-efficient features from heatpump and the reliability of an oil stove.
To choose the right AC/furnace combination, you must make sure that it is right-sized for your home. An HVAC professional can assist you to determine which HVAC system is best for your home. They’ll look at aspects like area, humidity levels, as well as insulation.
A specialist in cooling and heating will also help you determine the proper size furnace and air conditioner you require. They’ll take into account the needs of your heating and cooling and any plans for future expansions to your home. They will also tell you what incentives and rebates you could get.
Get three quotes from different contractors before you purchase a new HVAC unit. Compare the prices and AFUE rating of each one. Be aware that a professional installation of your HVAC system is required to protect your warranty.