Furnace and Air Conditioner Combo
Furnace and air conditioner combos make use of the same blower to distribute the conditioned air throughout your home. They also function with smart thermostats for individualized control.
If you use another model of furnace and AC, your warranty could be void for both units. Combining the two units can save time and money on repairs and maintenance.
1. Energy Efficiency
Modern air conditioners and furnaces are highly energy efficient, particularly when they are used in conjunction. If you select gas furnaces that come with air conditioning unit with a high SEER rating, you can save money on your energy bills throughout the year. To get the most efficient results get a professional to do an estimate of the load for your home. This will help you determine the appropriate size and type of system for your home.
Furnaces generate heat by using natural or propane gas to burn fuel and create hot steam. The steam 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 in tandem to keep your home’s temperature just right.
If you want to increase your system’s energy efficiency even more, think about a new variable speed AC unit. This technology allows the air conditioner to run on lower power and lets it better extract moisture from the air.
For homeowners living in mild climates the heat pump can provide the heating and cooling they need without burning fuel. The units transfer heat out of your home and into the outside air, which reduces energy costs and impact on the environment.
Another option is a hybrid system that blends a heatpump with a gas furnace to provide back-up heating in the coldest months. A new high-efficiency heat pump makes use of exactly the same technology to transfer warmth from one part of your home to another, but with an additional gas furnace to provide back-up during the coldest winter temperatures.
You can cut down your home’s energy bills by as much as 40% if you replace your old inefficient HVAC system. However, for the best savings on energy costs, be sure to install proper insulation and weatherization settings with your new system.
2. Longevity
A furnace can last 15-30 years, whereas an AC unit can last up to 15-20 years. HVAC systems are typically replaced when a component begins to get old or suffers from serious issues that affect the efficiency of the unit. A homeowner is often forced to decide if they want to replace their air conditioner or furnace when this happens. It might seem counterintuitive, but investing in an HVAC unit that is new even if the one you have is still working well is often the best choice for homeowners. They will save the cost of repairs and also reduce their energy costs.
Purchasing and installing two HVAC systems new can be costly. A furnace and air conditioner combo is more affordable but it is more expensive. You’ll only need to maintain your system once a yr, instead of twice often with separate units.
A high-efficiency system is another option to lower the price of an air conditioner. Modern gas furnaces typically have an AFUE (annual energy efficiency ratio) of at minimum 80%, and most AC units come with SEER (seasonal performance rating) of 16 or higher. This can help you reduce your energy costs and dramatically reduce your home’s heating and cooling expenses.
When you choose a furnace-AC combination from the same company you can also benefit from an excellent energy efficiency because the two systems work well. If you choose two brands, be aware that a mismatched combo can affect their performance and lifespan.
Mismatched units could cause serious problems that can result in dangerous CO and refrigerant leaking. 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. It is crucial to keep in mind that most manufacturers will not guarantee their products when the units are mixed and mixed. Selecting the same furnace and air conditioner will ensure that the unit is installed correctly, repaired and performs optimally throughout its lifespan.
3. Convenience
Both HVAC systems can operate seamlessly when you install a furnace-air 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. You will save time and money by choosing the unit that is compatible with the other HVAC component. This will ensure that your new and existing HVAC components will work together without voiding any warranties or causing any other damage to the system.
A combination of a furnace and air conditioner in your home provides you with all-year-round comfort. Unlike window air conditioners that only work during the summer months and can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning during the winter, these units are properly installed to cool and heat the entire house. They are also more durable and reliable than other types of heating and cooling systems.
A combination air conditioner and furnace unit can help you save on energy costs too. While traditional HVAC systems have SEER ratings of up to 10, a combination unit is more SEER-rated, giving you more energy savings and greater convenience. Depending on your rates for utilities and the climate, you might even be saving money by using a heat pump along with a gas or electric furnace.
If you are planning to purchase your furnace and air conditioner by borrowing money it might be better to choose a combination unit instead of two separate units. The purchase of two HVAC systems with credit can have the effect of putting two hits to your credit report, which could affect your borrowing power for a long time. Your credit score will remain not affected by buying one AC/heater combination unit with credit approval.
The replacement of a furnace and AC unit is much simpler using the existing ductwork. The replacement of both the air conditioner and furnace will require extensive ductwork that could be expensive.
4. Versatility
For those who reside in climates with moderate temperatures, a furnace-AC combination is a good choice. It can efficiently heat your home in the winter and cool it in summer. This type of HVAC 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 flexible than a conventional air conditioner/furnace combination which can only function in one way.
Air conditioners make use of an ingredient called freon in order to cool your home. The AC unit compresses freon that is then evaporated to circulate cool dry air throughout your home. It also absorbs heat from the surrounding air and helps keep your house cool. If your home isn’t properly insulate, the process of evaporation could cause the air in your home to lose its cooling capacity. This occurs when refrigerant leaks or the heat exchanger wears down.
Furnaces heat your home using combustion, but are less efficient in terms of heating than air conditioners. They also have a harder to deal with cold temperatures than air conditioners. That’s why many people living in mild climates opt for a heat pump oil furnace combination. This kind of HVAC blends the energy-efficient characteristics of a heat pump along with the reliability of an oil furnace.
The most important factor to consider when choosing the right combination of air conditioner and furnace is making sure it’s sized correctly for your home. A HVAC expert can help you determine which HVAC system will work best for your home. They’ll consider aspects like area, levels of humidity, and insulation.
A technician in heating and cooling will also help you decide what size furnace and conditioner you need. They’ll take into account your heating and cooling requirements, as well as any plans for future expansions to your home. They will also tell you what rebates and incentives you can receive.
Before you purchase a new HVAC system, it is recommended to get three estimates from various contractors. Then, you can compare the costs and AFUE ratings of each system. Be aware that a professional installation of your HVAC system is required to ensure your warranty.
