Furnace and Air Conditioner Combo
Furnace and air conditioner combination units use the same blower to distribute the conditioned air throughout your house. They can also be controlled by smart thermostats.
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 you time and money on maintenance and repairs.
1. Energy Efficiency
Modern air conditioners and furnaces are extremely energy efficient, particularly when they are used in conjunction. You can save a good deal on your utility bills by selecting a natural gas heater with an air conditioner that has SEER ratings. For the most efficient efficiency get a professional to do a load calculation for your home. This will help determine which size and kind of system is suitable for your space.
Furnaces produce heat by burning fuel with propane gas or natural gas. The steam is then circulated through ductwork, which warms 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 two systems are similar to Goldilocks and work together to keep your home’s temperature right.
Consider a variable-speed AC unit if you want to further increase the efficiency of your system. This technology allows the air conditioner to run on a lower power which allows it to better remove moisture from the air.
Heat pumps are an excellent alternative for homeowners living in mild climates. They are able to provide cooling and heating without burning fuel. The units transfer heat from the air in your home to the outside air, which cut down on energy costs and environmental impact.
A hybrid system, which incorporates a heat pump with traditional gas furnaces to provide backup warmth during the coldest months–is another option. A new high-efficiency heat pump can make use of the same technology to transfer heat from one part of your house to the next, but with an added gas furnace to provide back-up in the coldest temperatures.
By replacing your old inefficient HVAC system with a brand new high-efficiency furnace and conditioner, you could reduce your energy costs by up to 40%. For the greatest energy savings, be certain to install the proper insulation and weatherization as well as thermostat settings with your new HVAC system.
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 typically replaced when a part begins to age or suffers serious malfunctions which affect its efficiency. A homeowner will often have to decide if they want to replace their air conditioner or furnace when this happens. It may seem counterintuitive, but investing in an HVAC system that is brand new when the existing one is still in good working order is usually the best option for homeowners. They will save money on repairs and reduce their energy costs.
Installing and buying two new HVAC systems is expensive. However the furnace and air conditioner set-up is less expensive. Plus, you will only need to service the system once a year instead of twice per year for separate units.
A high-efficiency system is another method to lower the cost of an air conditioner. The majority of modern gas furnaces have an AFUE (annual energy efficiency ratio) of at least 80%, while the majority of AC units have a SEER (seasonal performance rating) of 16 or more. This will help you reduce your energy costs and significantly decrease your home 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 long-lasting performance as the systems will cooperate well. If you decide to go with two different brands it’s important to note that a mismatched combination will reduce their longevity and performance.
Incorrectly matched units can cause serious problems and lead to dangerous refrigerant and CO leaks. These issues can also damage your HVAC system and ductwork.
A specialist from Georgia Air Repair can perform precise HVAC repairs on any type of equipment. However, it’s important to remember that many manufacturers won’t honor their warranties in the event that you mix and match their units. Selecting the same brand for your air conditioning and furnace will ensure that the unit is correctly installed and repaired and will provide the highest performance throughout its life.
3. Convenience
Both HVAC systems 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. Choosing a unit that is specifically designed to operate well with your other HVAC component will save your time and money in the long run. It will also help to ensure that your existing and new components will work effectively without voiding the other’s warranty or causing other issues with the HVAC system.
A furnace and air conditioner combo will give you all-year-round comfort. In contrast to window air conditioners, which only work during summer and can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning in winter, these units are properly set up to heat and cool the entire house. They are also more durable and reliable than other types of heating and cooling systems.
A combination furnace and air conditioner unit can help you save on energy bills as well. While traditional HVAC systems have SEER ratings of up to 10, a combo unit is more SEER-rated which means you will enjoy more energy savings and greater convenience. You may be able save money if you use the heatpump along with a gas or electric furnace, depending on your utility rates.
If you are planning to purchase your furnace and air conditioner with a loan it might 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 hits to your credit report, which can negatively impact your borrowing power for years to come. Your credit score will remain not affected by buying a single AC/heater combo unit that is financed with credit.
The replacement of a furnace and AC unit is much less difficult when you use the existing ductwork. Replacing both the AC and furnace will require extensive ductwork that could be costly.
4. Versatility
A furnace AC combination is a fantastic option for those who live in mild climates. It is able to efficiently heat your home in winter months and cool it down in the summer. Also known as gas-electric systems, this kind of HVAC system makes use natural or propane gas to heat your home in the winter months and electricity to cool it down in summer. This makes it more flexible than an air conditioner/furnace combo that can only work in one way.
Air conditioners use an ingredient called freon in order 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 keeps your home cool. If your home isn’t well insulate, the process of evaporation could cause the air inside your home to lose its cooling capacity. 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 in heating than air conditioners. Air conditioners are also less able to handle cold temperatures. Many people living in mild climates prefer an oil furnace combination. This type of HVAC system combines energy-efficient features from a heatpump with the reliability of an oilstove.
To choose the right combination of furnace and AC, you must ensure that it’s right-sized for your home. A HVAC expert can assist you in determining which HVAC system will work best for your home. They’ll take into consideration factors like area, humidity levels, as well as insulation.
A specialist in heating and cooling will assist you in determining the proper 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 tell you what kinds of incentives and rebates are available to you.
Before you buy a new HVAC system, you must obtain three quotes from different contractors. Compare the costs and AFUE rating of each system. Remember that an HVAC installation by a professional is crucial to ensure the warranty is protected and that your HVAC unit works properly.
