Furnace and Air Conditioner Combo
The same blower is used to distribute conditioned air throughout your home. They can also be controlled via smart thermostats.
If you have a different brand of furnace or AC, your warranty could be void for both units. The synchronization of the two units can save you time and cost on repairs and maintenance.
1. Energy Efficiency
Modern furnaces and AC units are extremely efficient in energy use, particularly when they’re combined. You can save a significant amount on your monthly utility bills by selecting a natural gas heater and an air conditioner with an SEER rating. For the best efficiency results get a professional to do an energy calculation for your home. This will allow you to determine which size and kind of system is best for your home.
Furnaces produce heat by using natural or propane gas to burn fuel and create hot steam, which then circulates through ductwork and warms 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 working in tandem to keep your home’s temperature right.
You should consider a variable speed AC unit if you want to further increase the energy efficiency of your system. This technology permits the air conditioner to run at a lower rate, which helps it better extract moisture from the air, resulting in drier indoor air.
For homeowners who live in climates that are moderate A heat pump could provide the heating and cooling they require without burning any fuel. The units transfer heat from your home and into the outside air, which reduces the energy cost and affecting the environment.
Another alternative is a hybrid system, which combines an electric heatpump with gas furnace to provide back-up heating during the coldest months. A new high-efficiency heat pump will use the same technology to transfer warmth from one region of your home to another but with a gas furnace added for backup during the coldest temperatures.
You can cut down the cost of energy for your home by up to 40% if you replace your old, inefficient HVAC system. To get the most energy savings from your new HVAC system, you must install the correct insulation, weatherization and thermostat settings.
2. Longevity
The lifespan of a furnace is 15-30 years and an AC unit can last 15-20 years. The majority of the time an HVAC system is replaced when one part starts to show signs of getting old or is suffering from serious issues that affect its efficiency. If this occurs, a homeowner is often faced with the dilemma of whether to replace the air conditioner or the furnace. Although it might seem counterintuitive to purchase a new HVAC system when the old one is operating well, it’s typically the most efficient option for homeowners because they will reduce repair costs and lower their energy costs with a newer system.
Purchasing and installing two new HVAC systems could be expensive. A furnace and air conditioner combo is more affordable, however. You’ll only need to maintain your system once per year instead of twice as often if you have separate units.
A high-efficiency system is a different way to reduce the cost of a combination furnace and air conditioner. The majority of modern gas furnaces come with an AFUE rating that is at least 80% while most AC units come with an SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) rating of 16 or more. This will save you money on your energy bills and reduce your heating and cooling expenses.
If you opt for a furnace and AC combo from the same manufacturer, you’ll also benefit from high energy efficiency and durability as the systems will work well together. If you choose two brands, be aware that a mismatched combination will affect their efficiency and life span.
Mismatched units could cause serious issues that could lead to dangerous refrigerant leaks and CO. These issues can also cause damage to your HVAC system and your ductwork.
A Georgia Air Repair professional can repair any kind of HVAC 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 your unit is properly installed, repaired and will give you the best performance over its life.
3. Convenience
If you decide to install a furnace and air conditioner combination both HVAC systems are designed to work 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. Choosing a unit that is specifically designed to function with your other HVAC component will save your time and money in the long run. This will ensure that the new and existing HVAC components will work well together without voiding any warranties or causing any other problems to the system.
A furnace and air conditioning combo inside your home will provide you with all year round comfort. They can cool and heat the entire house, unlike window air conditioners which are only effective in the summer months and can lead to CO poisoning in winter. 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 costs too. While traditional HVAC systems have SEER ratings as high as 10, a combination unit is more SEER-rated, giving you more energy savings and convenience. Depending on your utility rates and climate, you may even be able to save money by using a heat pump along with electric or gas furnace.
If you intend to purchase your furnace and air conditioner by borrowing money, it may be better to choose a combination unit instead of two separate units. Buying two HVAC systems using credit has the effect of taking two hits on your credit report, which could negatively impact your borrowing power for years to come. If you purchase a single AC heater with an approved credit card your credit score won’t suffer any damage at all.
The process of replacing a furnace and AC unit is much simpler using the existing ductwork. Replacing both the AC and furnace will require extensive ductwork that can be costly.
4. Versatility
A furnace and AC combo is a great option for those who live in mild climates. It can heat your home efficiently during the winter months, and cool it down in the summer. Also called gas-electric systems, this kind of HVAC system makes use propane or natural gas to heat your home during the winter, and electricity to cool it down in the summer. This makes it more flexible than an air conditioner/furnace combo that can only work in one mode.
The chemical freon is used by air conditioners to cool your home. The AC unit first compresses the freon, and then evaporates to circulate cool air through your home. It also absorbs heat from surrounding air which helps keep your home 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 heat exchanger or refrigerant wears out.
Furnaces are a way to heat your home with combustion, but they are not as efficient in heating than air conditioners. Air conditioners are also less able to deal with cold temperatures. That’s why a lot of people living in moderate climates choose a heat pump oil furnace combination. This kind of HVAC incorporates the energy-efficient features of a heat pump with the reliability of an oil furnace.
The key to choosing the best combination of AC and furnace is making sure it’s properly sized for your home. An HVAC professional can assist you to determine which HVAC system is suitable for your house. They’ll consider factors such as area, humidity levels, as well as insulation.
A technician who specializes in cooling and heating will also help you determine the size furnace and air conditioner you require. They’ll take into account your heating and cooling needs and any future expansion plans you might have for your home. They will also tell you what rebates and incentives you can get.
Before purchasing a new HVAC system, you must get three estimates from various contractors. Then, compare the prices and AFUE ratings of each system. Make sure you have a professional install of your HVAC system is necessary to ensure your warranty.
