Furnace and Air Conditioner Combo
The same blower is used to distribute conditioned air throughout your house. They also work with smart thermostats for individualized control.
If you choose a different brand for your furnace and AC could invalidate your warranty on both units. Combining the two units can save time and money when it comes to maintenance and repairs.
1. Energy Efficiency
Modern furnaces and air conditioners are highly energy efficient, especially when paired together. You can save a good amount on your monthly utility costs by selecting a gas furnace with an air conditioner that has SEER ratings. A professional can determine the load for your home to ensure the best results. This will help determine which size and type of system is right for your space.
Furnaces generate heat by using natural or propane gas to burn fuel to create hot steam, which 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. These two systems are like Goldilocks and work together to keep your home’s temperature just right.
Think about a variable-speed AC unit if you wish to increase the energy efficiency of your system. This technology permits the air conditioner to run at a lower capacity, which helps to better remove moisture from the air, which results in dry air inside.
Heat pumps are a great alternative for homeowners living in mild climates. They are able to provide cooling and heating without burning fuel. They transfer heat from the air inside your home to outdoor air, which reduces on energy costs and also reduces environmental impact.
A hybrid system that combines a heat pump with an old-fashioned gas furnace to provide back-up warmth during the coldest months — is an alternative. A new high-efficiency heat pump will use the same technology to transfer heat from one area of your house to the next, but with an added gas furnace to provide back-up in the coldest winter temperatures.
By replacing your old, inefficient HVAC system with a modern high-efficiency furnace and conditioner combo, you can reduce your energy bills by as much as 40 percent. To get the most energy savings, be sure to install proper insulation and weatherization settings with your new HVAC system.
2. Longevity
The lifespan of a furnace is 15-30 years, while an AC unit can last for 15 to 20 years. HVAC systems are usually replaced when a component begins to get old or suffers from serious malfunctions which affect the efficiency of the unit. When this happens, a homeowner is often faced with the decision of whether to replace the air conditioner or the furnace. Although it might seem counterintuitive to purchase an HVAC system that is brand new if the old one is operating well, it’s typically the most efficient option for homeowners because they can save on repair bills and reduce their energy bills with a modern system.
Purchasing and installing two HVAC systems new can be expensive. However, a furnace and air conditioner combo is less expensive. You’ll only need to service your system every year, instead of twice often with separate units.
Another way to lower the overall cost of a furnace and air conditioner combo is to opt for a high-efficiency system. Most modern gas furnaces come with an AFUE rating of at least 80% while most AC units have an SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) rating of up to 16 or more. This will save you money on your energy bills and lower your heating and cooling expenses.
If you select a furnace and AC combo from the same manufacturer you’ll also benefit from high energy efficiency and durability because the two systems cooperate well. If you choose two different brands, remember that a mismatched combo will reduce their efficiency and longevity.
Mismatched units could cause serious problems and cause dangerous refrigerant leaks and CO. These issues can also damage your ductwork and affect the efficiency of your HVAC system.
A Georgia Air Repair professional can repair any type of HVAC equipment. However, it’s important to know that the majority of manufacturers will not honor their warranty if you mix and match their units. Making sure you choose the same manufacturer for your air conditioning and furnace will ensure that your unit is correctly installed and maintained and will give you the highest performance throughout its life.
3. Convenience
Both HVAC systems work seamlessly together 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’ll save time and money by selecting an appliance that is compatible with the other HVAC component. This will ensure that the new and current HVAC components work together without voiding warranties or causing any other damage to the system.
A furnace and air conditioner combination will provide you with peace of mind all year round. Contrary to window air conditioners which only work in the summer months and can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning in the winter the units are set up to cool and heat your entire house. They are more reliable and durable than other heating and cooling systems.
Additionally, you can reduce energy bills by making use of a furnace and air conditioner unit. While conventional HVAC systems come with SEER ratings that range from 0 to 10, a combo unit has a higher SEER value, giving you more energy savings and greater convenience. It is possible to save money if you use a heatpump in conjunction with an electric or gas furnace, based on the rates you pay for utilities.
If you are planning to purchase your air conditioner and furnace by borrowing money it might be better to select an integrated unit instead of two separate units. Purchasing two HVAC systems with credit has the result of taking two hits on your credit report, which may affect your borrowing power for years to come. Your credit score will remain not affected by buying one AC/heater combination unit on authorised credit.
The process of replacing the furnace and AC unit is much simpler using your existing ductwork. The replacement of both the air conditioner and furnace will require extensive ductwork and could be expensive.
4. Versatility
A furnace and AC combo is a great choice for those who live in moderate climates. It can heat your home efficiently in the winter, and cool it in the summer. This type of HVAC system also referred to as gas-electric systems, utilizes natural or propane to heat your home in the winter months and power during summer. This makes it more flexible than an air conditioner and furnace combination that can only work in one mode at a given time.
Air conditioners make use of the chemical freon to cool your home. The AC unit compresses freon that is then evaporated to circulate cool dry air through your home. It also absorbs heat in the air around your home, which helps to keep it cool. But if your home isn’t properly insulated, the evaporation cycle can cause the air to lose its cooling power. This happens when the refrigerant or heat exchanger wears out.
Furnaces make use of combustion to heat your home however they are less efficient than air conditioners when it comes to heating. Air conditioners are also less able to handle cold temperatures. Many people in mild climates choose to use an oil furnace combination. This kind of HVAC system incorporates the energy-efficient features of a heat pump along with the reliability of an oil furnace.
The most important factor to consider when choosing the right combination of air conditioner and furnace is making sure it’s the right size for your home. An HVAC expert can help you determine which HVAC system is the best for your house. They’ll take into consideration aspects like area, levels of humidity, and insulation.
A technician who specializes in heating and cooling will assist you in determining the proper size furnace and air conditioner you need. They’ll take into account the needs of your heating and cooling, as well as any plans for future expansions to your home. They’ll also let you know which incentives and rebates you can get.
Get three quotes from different contractors before purchasing the new HVAC unit. Compare the costs and AFUE rating of each one. Be aware that a professional installation of your HVAC system is essential to protect your warranty.
