Furnace and Air Conditioner Combo
Furnace and air conditioner combos use the same blower to distribute conditioned air throughout your home. They also work with smart thermostats for individualized control.
If you use a different brand of furnace or AC the warranty may be voided on both units. The matching of two units can save you time and money on maintenance and repairs.
1. Energy Efficiency
Modern air conditioners and furnaces are highly energy efficient, especially when they are used in conjunction. You can save a great amount on your monthly utility bills by selecting a natural gas heater and an air conditioner with SEER ratings. A professional can calculate the load of your home to ensure the most efficient results. This will allow you to determine the proper size and type of system for your home.
Furnaces create heat by burning fuel with propane or natural gas. The steam is then circulated through ductwork to warm 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. Both systems are like Goldilocks working in tandem to keep your home’s temperature just right.
You should consider a variable speed AC unit if you wish to increase the energy efficiency of your system. This technology allows your air conditioner to operate at a lower capacity, which helps to better remove moisture from the air, which results in drier indoor air.
For homeowners living in moderate climates the heat pump can provide the heating and cooling they need without burning fuel. The units transfer heat from the air inside your home to outdoor air, which cut down on energy costs and also reduces environmental impact.
Another option is a hybrid, which combines an electric heatpump with a gas furnace to provide back-up heating during the coldest months. A new high-efficiency heat pumps will use the same technology to transfer heat from one region of your home to the other and will be paired with a gas furnace to provide back-up in the coldest winter temperatures.
By replacing your old, inefficient HVAC system with a new, high-efficiency furnace and air conditioner combo, you can cut your home energy bills by up to 40 percent. For the best energy savings from your new HVAC system, you must install the correct insulation and weatherization, as well as thermostat settings.
2. Longevity
The lifespan of a furnace is between 15 and 30 years and an AC unit can last up to 15 years. Typically an HVAC system is replaced when one component starts to show signs getting old or has serious malfunctions which affect its performance. If this occurs, a homeowner is often faced with the choice of whether to replace the air conditioner or furnace. It might seem counterintuitive but investing in a new HVAC unit when the existing one is still in good working order is often the best option for homeowners. They will save the cost of repairs and also reduce the energy bills.
The purchase and installation of two new HVAC systems could be expensive. However the furnace and air conditioner set-up is less expensive. Additionally, you’ll only need to service the system once a year instead of twice a year for separate units.
A high-efficiency system is yet another method to lower the cost of the combination furnace and 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 reduce your energy costs and drastically reduce your home’s cooling and heating costs.
If you opt for a furnace and AC combo from the same manufacturer, you’ll also benefit from high energy efficiency and longevity because the two systems work well. If you choose two different brands, remember that a combination that is not compatible can affect their efficiency and longevity.
Incorrectly matched units can cause serious problems that could lead to CO and refrigerant leaks which can be dangerous for humans. These issues could also cause damage to your ductwork and affect the effectiveness of your HVAC system.
A Georgia Air Repair professional can repair any kind of HVAC equipment. However, it’s important to note that most manufacturers will not honor their warranties in the event that you mix and match their units. Choosing the same air conditioner and furnace will ensure that the unit is correctly installed and is repaired to ensure that it performs at its best over its lifetime.
3. Convenience
Both HVAC systems will operate seamlessly when you install a furnace-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. This will ensure that your new and existing HVAC components will work well together without voiding warranties or causing any other damage to the system.
A furnace and air conditioner combo will provide you with comfort all year long. They can cool and heat your entire house, in contrast to window air conditioners, which are only effective during summer and can cause CO poisoning in winter. These units are more durable and reliable than other heating and cooling systems.
A combination furnace and air conditioner unit can help you save on energy costs as well. Combination units have more SEER than conventional HVAC systems. This lets you save energy and enjoy greater convenience. You could save money if you use an air conditioner in conjunction with a gas or electric furnace, based on the rates you pay for utilities.
If you intend to purchase your air conditioner and furnace using a loan, it may be better to choose a combination unit rather than two separate units. Purchasing two HVAC systems with credit can have the result of taking two hits to your credit report, which may adversely affect your borrowing capacity for a long time. By purchasing just one AC heater with an approved credit card, your credit score will not suffer any damage at all.
The procedure of replacing a furnace and AC unit is much simpler when you make use of the ductwork you have already installed. The cost of replacing both the furnace and air conditioning could be substantial.
4. Versatility
For those who live in areas with moderate temperatures, a furnace-AC combination can be a good option. It can efficiently heat your home during winter months and cool it down during summer. Also known as gas-electric systems this kind of HVAC system makes use propane gas or natural gas to heat your home in the winter, and electricity to cool it down in summer. This makes it more flexible than an air conditioner/furnace combo which can only function in one mode.
The chemical freon is used by air conditioners 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 and helps keep your house cool. If your home is not adequately insulated, the evaporation process could cause the air inside your home to lose its cooling ability. This occurs when the heat exchanger or refrigerant wears out.
Furnaces heat your home using combustion, but 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 opt for an oil furnace combination. This type of HVAC combines energy-efficient features from a heatpump with the reliability of an oil stove.
The key to choosing the right AC/furnace combo is to ensure that it’s properly sized for your home. A HVAC professional can help you determine which HVAC system is the best for your home. They’ll take into consideration factors such as the size of the room, insulation, and the humidity levels.
A technician who specializes in cooling and heating will also assist you in determining the proper size furnace and air conditioner you need. They’ll take into account your heating and cooling requirements, as well any future expansion plans you might have for your home. They will also tell you what rebates and incentives you can get.
Before you buy a new HVAC system, it is recommended to get three estimates from various contractors. Compare the prices and AFUE rating of each system. Make sure you have a professional install of your HVAC system is necessary to protect your warranty.
