Furnace and Air Conditioner Combo
Furnace and air conditioner combos make use of the same blower to distribute conditioned air throughout your home. They can also be controlled by smart thermostats.
If you are using an alternative model of furnace and AC your warranty may be void for both units. The synchronization of the two units could save time and money on maintenance and repairs.
1. Energy Efficiency
Modern air conditioners and furnaces are energy efficient, especially when used together. If you choose gas furnaces with an air conditioner with a high SEER rating, you’ll be able to save money on your energy bills throughout the year. A professional can estimate the load of your home in order to achieve the most efficient results. This will help you determine the appropriate size and type of system that is appropriate for your space.
Furnaces generate heat using propane or natural gas to ignite fuel to produce hot steam. This steam 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. The combination of these 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 boost the efficiency of your system further, consider a new variable speed AC unit. This technology permits the air conditioner to run at a lower rate and help it better extract moisture from the air, which results in dry air inside.
The heat pumps are a fantastic alternative for homeowners living in mild climates. They are able to 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 that 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 region of your home to the next however, it comes with a gas furnace to provide back-up in the coldest winter 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 sure to install proper insulation, weatherization, and thermostat settings in conjunction with your new system.
2. Longevity
The lifespan of a furnace is between 15 and 30 years, while an AC unit can last for 15 to 20 years. Typically an HVAC system is replaced when a component begins to show signs of ageing or the other suffers from serious malfunctions that compromise its effectiveness. The homeowner will usually have to decide whether or not to replace their furnace or air conditioner when this happens. While it may appear counterintuitive to buy an HVAC system that is brand new if your old one is still functioning well, this is typically the most beneficial option for homeowners since they will save money on repairs and lower their energy costs with a modern system.
Installing and purchasing two HVAC systems new is expensive. A furnace and air conditioner combo is less costly however. 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 yet another method to lower the cost of the combination furnace and air conditioner. The majority of modern gas furnaces come with an AFUE (annual energy efficiency ratio) of at least 80%, while the majority of AC units come with SEER (seasonal performance rating) of 16 or greater. This will save you money on your energy bills, and reduce your heating and cooling expenses.
If you select a furnace-AC combination from the same manufacturer and you’ll also benefit from an excellent energy efficiency because the systems work well together. If you decide to go with two different brands it is important to keep in mind that a combination that is not compatible will decrease their lifespan and performance.
Mismatched units could cause serious problems and result in dangerous CO and refrigerant leaking. These problems can also damage your HVAC system and your ductwork.
A professional from Georgia Air Repair can perform precise HVAC repairs on all kinds of equipment. It’s important to note that most manufacturers will not honor their warranties when you mix and match their units. Selecting the same manufacturer for your air conditioning and furnace will ensure that your unit is installed correctly and maintained and will provide the highest performance throughout its lifetime.
3. Convenience
If you decide to install a furnace and conditioner combo both HVAC systems are designed to work together 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 can save time and money by selecting a unit that works well with the other HVAC component. This will ensure that the new and existing HVAC components work together without voiding warranties or causing any other problems to the system.
A furnace and air conditioner combo will provide you with peace of mind all year round. They can heat and cool the entire house, in contrast to window air conditioners that are only effective during summer and can cause CO poisoning in winter. They are more durable and reliable than other cooling and heating systems.
You will also reduce energy bills by making use of a furnace and air conditioning unit. While conventional HVAC systems come with SEER ratings that range from 0 to 10, a combination unit has a higher SEER value, giving you more energy savings and convenience. Depending on your utility rates and the climate, you might even be in a position to save money by using a heating pump along with electric or gas furnace.
If you intend to purchase your air conditioner and furnace by borrowing money it is possible to select 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. Your credit score is unaffected by purchasing an AC/heater unit that is financed with credit.
A combination of air conditioner and furnace can also let you make use of existing ductwork, making the process much less difficult than just replacing an AC unit or a brand new furnace. Replacing both the air conditioning and furnace will require extensive ductwork and can be costly.
4. Versatility
For those who live in climates with moderate temperatures, a furnace-AC combination can be a good choice. It can efficiently heat your home in the winter, and cool it in summer. This type of HVAC system is also referred to as gas-electric systems, uses natural or propane to heat your house in the winter months and power during 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 is first compressed by the freon before it evaporates to circulate cool air through your home. It also absorbs heat from surrounding air which helps keep your house cool. If your home isn’t properly insulated, the evaporation cycle could cause the air to lose its cooling power. This occurs when the heat exchanger or refrigerant wears out.
Furnaces heat your home using combustion, but they are not as efficient at heating than air conditioners. Air conditioners are also less able to deal with cold temperatures. That’s why many people living in climates with moderate temperatures opt for an oil furnace and heat pump combination. This type of HVAC system incorporates energy-efficient features of heatpump and the reliability of an oil stove.
To select the ideal combination of AC and furnace, you need to make sure that it is sized correctly for your house. An HVAC expert can help you determine which HVAC system is the best for your home. They’ll look at factors like square footage as well as insulation and the humidity levels.
A technician for heating and cooling will also help you determine what size furnace and air conditioner you require. They will take into consideration your heating and cooling requirements and any plans for expansion you might have for your home. They’ll also let you know what incentives and rebates you can get.
Get three estimates from various contractors prior to purchasing an entirely new HVAC unit. Compare the costs and AFUE rating of each system. Make sure you get an HVAC installation by a professional is crucial to guarantee your warranty and ensure that your HVAC unit works properly.