Furnace and Air Conditioner Combo
Furnace and air conditioner combination units use the same blower to distribute conditioned air throughout your home. They can also be controlled via smart thermostats.
If you have an alternative brand of furnace and AC your warranty may be void for both units. Combining the two units can save time and money on maintenance and repairs.
1. Energy Efficiency
Modern air conditioners and furnaces are energy efficient, particularly when paired together. You can save a good amount on your energy bills by selecting a natural gas heater and an air conditioner that has an SEER rating. For the best efficiency results make sure you have a professional perform an energy calculation for your home. This will allow you to determine the proper size and type of system for your space.
Furnaces produce heat by using propane or natural 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. The two systems works like an Goldilocks power coupler, ensuring that your home’s temperature is always just right, never being too hot or cold.
If you’re looking to improve the efficiency of your system further, you should consider purchasing a brand new variable speed AC unit. This technology permits the air conditioner to run on lower power, which allows it to better extract moisture from air.
The heat pumps are a fantastic option for homeowners in mild climates. They can provide cooling and heating without burning fuel. The units transfer heat out of your home and into the outside air, reducing energy costs and impact on the environment.
A hybrid system–which incorporates a heat pump with a traditional gas furnace for back-up warmth during the coldest months–is another option. A new high-efficiency heat pump will utilize the same technology to transfer heat from one area of your house to the other however, it comes with a gas furnace to back up the heat during the coldest temperatures.
You can cut the cost of energy for your home by as much as 40% when you replace your old inefficient HVAC system. However, for the best savings on energy, make certain to install the proper insulation, weatherization, and thermostat settings to go with your new HVAC system.
2. Longevity
A furnace can last 15-30 years, whereas an AC unit can last for up to 15 years. HVAC systems are usually replaced when a component starts to get old or suffers from serious problems that compromise the efficiency of the unit. When this occurs, homeowners are often faced with the decision of whether to replace the air conditioner or the furnace. While it may seem counterintuitive to invest in an HVAC system that is brand new if your old one is still operating well, it’s typically the best option for homeowners as they will reduce repair costs and reduce their energy bills with a modern system.
The installation and purchase of two HVAC systems new is costly. However an air conditioner combo is much less costly. In addition, you only need to maintain the system once a year instead of twice a year for separate units.
Another way to reduce the total cost of a furnace and combination is to go for a high-efficiency unit. Most modern gas furnaces come with an AFUE rating of at least 80 percent, while the majority of AC units have an SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) rating of up to 16 or more. This can help you save on your energy bills and dramatically reduce your home’s cooling and heating costs.
If you choose 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. However, if you go with two different brands, it’s important to remember that a combination that is not compatible can reduce their longevity and performance.
Incorrectly matched units can cause serious problems that can cause dangerous CO and refrigerant leaking. These problems can also damage your HVAC system and ductwork.
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 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 installed correctly, repaired and will provide the best performance throughout 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. You will save time and money by choosing an appliance that is compatible with the other HVAC component. It will also ensure that your new and existing components will work effectively without voiding the other’s warranty or causing other issues with the HVAC system.
A combination of a furnace and air conditioner will give you peace of mind all year round. They can heat and cool the entire home, unlike window air conditioners which are only effective during summer and can cause CO poisoning in winter. These units are more reliable and durable than other heating and cooling systems.
Additionally, you can save on energy costs by using a furnace and conditioning unit. A combination unit offers an increased SEER rating than traditional HVAC systems. This lets you save energy and also enjoy more convenience. You could save money if you use a heatpump in conjunction with an electric or gas furnace, based on your utility rates.
If you intend to purchase your furnace and air conditioner by borrowing money it might be better to go with a combination unit instead of two separate units. Credit card purchases for two HVAC systems can adversely affect your borrowing capacity over the course of years. By purchasing a single AC heater and combo unit using a credit card that is approved, your credit score will not take any hits at all.
A combination of a furnace and air conditioner can also permit you to utilize your existing ductwork, making the process much less difficult than replacing only an AC unit or a brand new furnace. The replacement of both the air conditioner and furnace will require extensive ductwork, which could be expensive.
4. Versatility
If you live in climates with moderate temperatures, a furnace and AC combination can be a good choice. It is able to efficiently heat your home during winter and cool it in summer. This type of HVAC system, also known as gas-electric systems, utilizes natural or propane to heat your home in winter and electric during summer. This makes it more flexible than an air conditioner and furnace combination that can only work on one mode at a time.
Air conditioners utilize a chemical called freon 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 helps keep 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 capability. This occurs when the heat exchanger or refrigerant wears out.
Furnaces are a way to heat your home with combustion, but are less efficient in terms of heating than air conditioners. They also have a tougher time dealing with cold temperatures than air conditioners. That’s why a lot of people living in mild climates opt for the heat pump and oil furnace combination. This kind of HVAC system incorporates energy-efficient features of a heatpump with the reliability of an oil stove.
To choose the right AC/furnace combination, you must make sure that it is right-sized for your home. A HVAC expert can help you determine which HVAC system is the most suitable for your home. They’ll take into consideration factors such as the size of the room as well as insulation and the humidity levels.
A specialist in cooling and heating will assist you in determining the size furnace and air conditioner that you need. They’ll take into account your heating and cooling requirements and any future expansion plans for your home. They will also tell you which incentives and rebates you can get.
Before you buy a new HVAC system, it is recommended to 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 required to ensure your warranty.
