Furnace and Air Conditioner Combo
Air conditioner and furnace combos make use of the same blower to distribute the conditioned air throughout your house. They also function with smart thermostats to provide individualized control.
If you are using another model of furnace and AC, your warranty could be void for both units. The matching of the two units can save time and money on repairs and maintenance.
1. Energy Efficiency
Modern air conditioners and furnaces are highly energy efficient, especially when they are used in conjunction. If you select gas furnaces with an air conditioning unit with a high SEER rating, you’ll be able to save money on your utility bills throughout the year. A professional can estimate the energy load of your home to ensure the best results. This will help you decide the appropriate size and type of system for your home.
Furnaces generate heat using natural or propane gas to burn fuel to create hot steam, which then circulates through ductwork and warms 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 are similar to Goldilocks working in tandem to maintain your home’s temperature right.
Think about a variable-speed AC unit if you want to increase the energy efficiency of your system. This technology permits the air conditioner to run on lower power and allows it to better extract moisture from air.
For homeowners who live in moderate climates, a heat pump can provide the heating and cooling they require without burning fuel. They transfer heat from the air in your home to outdoor air, which cuts down on energy costs and also reduces environmental impact.
Another alternative is a hybrid system that combines a heatpump with gas furnaces to provide back-up heating during the coldest winter months. A new high-efficiency heat pump will use exactly the same technology to transfer warmth from one region of your home to another however, it has the addition of a gas furnace for back-up during the coldest winter temperatures.
You can cut down the cost of energy for your home by up to 40% when you replace your old inefficient HVAC system. For the greatest savings on energy, make sure to install insulation and weatherization settings in conjunction with your new HVAC system.
2. Longevity
A furnace could last for 15-30 years, while an AC unit may last for up to 15 years. In general an HVAC system is replaced when a component starts to show signs getting old or has serious malfunctions which affect its performance. The homeowner will usually have to decide whether or not to replace their furnace or air conditioner when this happens. Although it might seem counterintuitive to invest in a new HVAC system when your current one is operating well, it’s typically the best option for homeowners as they will save on repair bills and lower their energy costs with a modern system.
Installing and purchasing two new HVAC systems is expensive. However the furnace and air conditioner combo is less expensive. In addition, you only have to maintain the system once per year instead of twice a year with 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 have an AFUE (annual energy efficiency ratio) of at minimum 80%, and the majority of AC units come with a SEER (seasonal performance rating) of 16 or more. This will allow you to save on your energy bills and significantly decrease your home heating and cooling expenses.
If you select a furnace and AC combo from the same manufacturer you’ll also benefit from excellent energy efficiency and long-lasting performance as the systems will cooperate well. If you choose two brands, be aware that a mismatched combo will affect their efficiency and longevity.
Incorrectly matched units can cause serious problems that can lead to dangerous refrigerant and CO leaks. These issues can also harm your ductwork and reduce the effectiveness of your HVAC system.
A Georgia Air Repair professional can repair any kind of HVAC equipment. It’s important to remember that the majority of manufacturers won’t honor their warranties in the event that the units are mixed and matched. Selecting the same manufacturer for your furnace and air conditioning will ensure that the unit is correctly installed and repaired and will provide the best performance throughout its life.
3. Convenience
Both HVAC systems will seamlessly integrate when you install a furnace 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. Choosing a unit specifically designed to work with your other HVAC component will save your time and money in the long in the long run. It will also ensure that your new and existing components will work effectively without voiding the other’s warranty or causing problems with the HVAC system.
A combination of a furnace and air conditioner inside your home will provide you with all-year-round comfort. In contrast to window air conditioners, which only work in summer and can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning in the winter, these units are properly installed to heat and cool your entire house. They are more reliable and durable than other heating and cooling systems.
A furnace and air conditioner combo unit can help you save on energy costs as well. A combination unit offers an increased SEER rating than traditional HVAC systems. This lets you conserve energy and also enjoy more convenience. Depending on your utility rates and climate, you may even be saving money by using a heat pump along with electric or gas furnace.
If you intend to purchase your air conditioner and furnace by borrowing money it might be better to select a combination unit instead of two separate units. Buying two HVAC systems using credit has the effect of putting two marks on your credit report, which may adversely affect your borrowing capacity for years to come. If you purchase a single AC heater and combo unit using a credit card that is approved, your credit score will not be affected in any way.
A furnace and air conditioner combo can also let you use your existing ductwork, which makes the process much simpler than replacing only an AC unit or a new furnace. The replacement of both the air conditioner and furnace will require extensive ductwork, which can be costly.
4. Versatility
For those who live in areas that have moderate temperatures, a furnace AC combination can be a good choice. It is efficient in heating your home in winter months and cool it down in the summer. Also known as gas-electric systems this type of HVAC system uses natural or propane gas to heat your home during the winter, and electricity to cool it down in summer. This makes it more adaptable than an air conditioner and furnace combo that can only work in one mode at a given time.
Air conditioners utilize the chemical 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 keeps your home cool. But if your home isn’t properly insulated, the evaporation cycle could cause the air to lose its cooling power. This occurs when refrigerant leaks or the heat exchanger wears down.
Furnaces make use of combustion to heat your house however they are less efficient than air conditioners when it comes to heating. Air conditioners are not able to withstand cold temperatures. This is why many people who live in mild climates opt for an oil furnace and heat pump combination. This type of HVAC is a combination of energy-efficient features from heatpump and the reliability of an oilstove.
To choose the right combination of AC and furnace, you need to ensure that it’s right-sized for your home. An HVAC expert can help you determine which HVAC system is suitable for your home. They’ll consider factors such as the square footage, the humidity levels, and insulation.
A specialist in heating and cooling will also assist you in determining the right size furnace and air conditioner that you require. They’ll consider your cooling and heating needs and any future expansion plans for your home. They’ll also let you know which incentives and rebates you can get.
Before you purchase a new HVAC system, you must get three quotes from different contractors. Compare the prices and AFUE ratings of each system. Be aware that a professional installation of your HVAC system is required to protect your warranty.