Furnace and Air Conditioner Combo
Air conditioner and furnace combos make use of the same blower to distribute the conditioned air throughout your home. They can also be controlled by smart thermostats.
Using a different brand of your furnace and AC could invalidate your warranty on both units. The synchronization of the two units could save time and money on repairs and maintenance.
1. Energy Efficiency
Modern furnaces and AC units are extremely efficient in energy use, particularly when they’re paired together. You can save a good amount on your energy bills by choosing a gas heater and an air conditioner with a SEER rating. To get the most efficient results get a professional to do an energy calculation for your home. This will help you determine the proper size and type of system that is appropriate for your space.
Furnaces generate heat using natural or propane gas to burn fuel and create hot steam, which 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. Both systems are like Goldilocks, working together to keep your home’s temperature right.
If you’re looking to boost your system’s energy efficiency even further, consider a new, variable speed AC unit. This technology permits the air conditioner to operate at a lower power which lets it better extract moisture from the air.
For homeowners living in climates that are moderate the heat pump can provide the heating and cooling they require without burning any fuel. They transfer heat from the air inside your home to the outdoor air, which reduces on energy costs and also reduces environmental impact.
A hybrid system that includes a heat pump and a traditional gas furnace for back-up warmth in the coldest winter months is another option. A new high-efficiency heat pump uses the exact same technology to transfer warmth from one region of your home to another however, it has an additional gas furnace to provide backup during the coldest temperatures.
You can reduce your energy costs for your home by up to 40% if you replace your old, inefficient HVAC system. To maximize savings with your new system, you must install the correct insulation and thermostat settings, as well as weatherization.
2. Longevity
A furnace could last for 15-30 years while an AC unit can last for up to 15 years. The majority of the time, an HVAC system is replaced when a component starts to show signs getting old or suffers from serious malfunctions that compromise its effectiveness. When 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 old one is still in good working order is often the best option for homeowners. They can save the cost of repairs and also reduce their energy consumption.
The installation and purchase of two HVAC systems new is expensive. However, a furnace and air conditioner set-up is less expensive. You will only have to service your system once a yr, instead of twice often with separate units.
Another method to cut down on the total cost of a furnace and air conditioner combo is to opt for a high-efficiency system. Modern gas furnaces are equipped with an AFUE rating of at least 80 percent, while the majority of AC units have an SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) rating of 16 or more. This can help you reduce your energy bills and dramatically reduce your home’s heating and cooling expenses.
If you select a furnace-AC combination from the same company, you will also enjoy an excellent energy efficiency because the systems work well together. However, if you choose to go with two different brands it is important to keep in mind that a mismatched combination can reduce their lifespan and performance.
Mismatched units can cause serious problems that could lead to leaks of refrigerant or CO, which are hazardous for humans. These issues can also harm your ductwork, which can affect the efficiency of your HVAC system.
A Georgia Air Repair professional can repair any type of HVAC equipment. It is important to keep in mind that most manufacturers will not guarantee their products if the units are mixed and match. Choosing the same brand for your air conditioning and furnace will ensure that the unit is installed correctly and repaired and will give you 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. Selecting a unit specifically designed to function with your other HVAC component will save your time and money in the long time. This will ensure that your new and existing HVAC components will work well together without voiding any warranties or causing any other issues to the system.
Having a combination of a furnace and air conditioner inside your home will provide you with all year round comfort. They can cool and heat your entire house, unlike window air conditioners, which are only effective during summer and can cause CO poisoning in winter. They are more durable and reliable than other heating and cooling systems.
A combination furnace and air conditioner unit will save you on energy costs too. While traditional HVAC systems come with SEER ratings that range from 0 to 10, a combination unit is more SEER-rated which means you will enjoy greater energy savings and convenience. You may be able save money by using the heatpump along with an electric or gas furnace, based on your utility rates.
If you’re thinking of buying your air conditioning and furnace using credit, you may think about a combination unit instead of two separate units. Credit card purchases of two HVAC systems can negatively impact your borrowing capacity for years. Your credit score will be unaffected by purchasing a single AC/heater combo unit with credit approval.
A furnace and air conditioner combo can also permit you to use your existing ductwork, which makes the process less complicated than simply replacing an AC unit or a brand new furnace. The cost of replacing both the air conditioning and furnace can be high.
4. Versatility
If you live in areas that have moderate temperatures, a furnace-AC combo can be a great option. It can efficiently heat your home during winter and cool it down in the summer. This type of HVAC system is also referred to as gas-electric systems, utilizes natural or propane to heat your house in the winter months and power in the summer. This makes it more versatile than an air conditioner and furnace combination that can only work in only one mode at a time.
Air conditioners utilize an ingredient called freon in order 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 keep it cool. If your home isn’t well-insulated, the evaporation cycle can cause the air to lose its cooling power. This occurs when the heat exchanger or refrigerant wears out.
Furnaces provide heat to your home through combustion, but they are less efficient at heating than air conditioners. Air conditioners are not able to withstand cold temperatures. This is why many people who live in moderate climates choose the heat pump and oil furnace combination. This type of HVAC system blends the energy-efficient characteristics of a heat pump with the reliability of an oil furnace.
The key to choosing the best combination of AC and furnace is to ensure it’s sized correctly for your home. An HVAC professional can assist you to determine which HVAC system is suitable for your home. They’ll consider factors like the size of the room, insulation, and humidity levels.
A specialist in cooling and heating will assist you in determining the right size furnace and air conditioner you need. They will take into consideration your heating and cooling needs as well as any plans for expansion you may have for your home. They’ll also inform you which incentives and rebates you could get.
Get three quotes from different contractors before you purchase a new HVAC unit. Then, compare the prices and AFUE ratings of each system. Don’t forget that an expert HVAC installation is essential to ensure the warranty is protected and that your HVAC unit works properly.