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 can also be controlled by smart thermostats.
If you use an alternative brand of furnace and AC, your warranty could be void on both units. The matching of two units can save you time and money on maintenance and repairs.
1. Energy Efficiency
Modern air conditioners and furnaces are energy efficient, particularly when they are used in conjunction. You can save a great deal on your utility bills by selecting a natural gas heater with an air conditioner that has an SEER rating. For the most efficient efficiency, have a professional do an energy calculation for your home. This will help you determine what size and type of system is right for your home.
Furnaces create heat by burning fuel using propane or natural gas. The steam is circulated through ductwork to warm 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 and work together to maintain your home’s temperature right.
If you’re looking to boost your system’s energy efficiency even more, think about a new variable speed AC unit. This technology allows the air conditioner to operate at less power which lets it better extract moisture from air.
For homeowners living in mild climates, a heat pump can provide the heating and cooling they require without burning fuel. They transfer heat out of your home into outside air, reducing the energy cost and affecting the environment.
A hybrid system, which combines a heat pump with a traditional gas furnace for back-up warmth in the coldest months — is an alternative. A new high-efficiency heat pumps will use the same technology to transfer heat from one part of your house to the other, but with an added gas furnace to back up the heat during the coldest winter temperatures.
You can cut down your energy costs for your home by up to 40% if you replace your old inefficient HVAC system. To get the most energy savings, be sure to install proper insulation, weatherization, and thermostat settings with your new system.
2. Longevity
A furnace can last 15-30 years, whereas an AC unit may last up to 15-20 years. Typically an HVAC system is replaced when a component starts to show signs getting old or is suffering from serious issues which affect its performance. When this occurs, a homeowner is often faced with the choice of whether to replace the air conditioner or furnace. It may seem counterintuitive, but investing in an HVAC unit that is new even if the one you have is still in good working order is often the best choice for homeowners. They will save money on repairs and reduce the energy bills.
Installing and buying two HVAC systems new could be expensive. However an air conditioner set-up is less expensive. You’ll only need to service your system once per year instead of twice often with separate units.
Another way to reduce the total cost of a furnace as well as air combination is to go for a high-efficiency model. Most modern gas furnaces come with an AFUE (annual energy efficiency ratio) of at least 80%, while most AC units have SEER (seasonal performance rating) of 16 or higher. This will save you money on your energy bills, and will reduce your heating and cooling expenses.
If you choose a furnace and AC combination from the same manufacturer, you’ll also benefit from excellent energy efficiency and longevity since the systems will work well together. If you select two different brands, keep in mind that a combination that is not compatible will affect their efficiency and life span.
Unmatched units can create serious issues that could cause CO and refrigerant leaks, which are hazardous for humans. These issues can also damage your ductwork, which can affect the efficiency of your HVAC system.
A professional from Georgia Air Repair can perform precise HVAC repairs on all kinds of equipment. It’s important to know that the majority of manufacturers won’t honor their warranties if you mix and match their units. Choosing the same brand for your furnace and air conditioning will ensure that the unit is installed correctly and repaired, and will offer the best performance throughout its lifetime.
3. Convenience
When you opt to install a furnace and air conditioner the 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. Selecting a unit specifically designed to operate well with your other HVAC component will save your time and money in the long in the long run. It will also help ensure that your new and existing components will work together well without voiding either one’s warranty or causing problems with the HVAC system.
Having a furnace and air conditioning combo in your home will provide you with all-year-round comfort. Contrary to window air conditioners which are only effective in the summer months and can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning in winter the units are set up to heat and cool your entire house. They are also more durable and reliable than other kinds of heating and cooling systems.
A combination furnace and air conditioner unit can help you save on energy bills as well. While conventional HVAC systems come with SEER ratings as high as 10, a combination unit is more SEER-rated which means you will enjoy more energy savings and convenience. It is possible to save money if you use an air conditioner in conjunction with a gas or electric furnace, depending on your energy costs.
If you intend to purchase your air conditioner and furnace by borrowing money it is possible to go with an integrated unit instead of two separate units. Buying two HVAC systems using credit has the effect of taking two hits on your credit report, which can adversely affect your borrowing capacity for years to come. Your credit score is not affected by buying an AC/heater unit with credit approval.
A furnace and air conditioner combo can also permit you to use your existing ductwork, making the process much less difficult than replacing only an AC unit or a new furnace. The replacement of both the air conditioner and furnace will require extensive ductwork that can be costly.
4. Versatility
A furnace and AC combo is a fantastic option for those living in moderate climates. It can efficiently heat your home in the winter, and cool it in summer. Also known as gas-electric systems, this kind of HVAC system makes use propane gas or natural gas to warm your home in the winter, and electricity to cool it down during summer. This makes it more adaptable than an air conditioner and furnace combo that can only function in one mode at a given 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 and helps keep your home cool. If your home is not adequately constructed, the process of evaporation could cause the air inside your home to lose its cooling capability. This occurs when the refrigerant leaks or when the heat exchanger wears down.
Furnaces heat your home using combustion, but are less efficient in terms of heating than air conditioners. Air conditioners are also less able to deal with cold temperatures. Many people in mild climates choose to use the heat pump and oil furnace combination. This type of HVAC is a combination of energy-efficient features from an oil furnace with the reliability of an oil stove.
To choose the right combination of AC and furnace, you need to ensure 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 take into consideration factors such as area, humidity levels, and insulation.
A technician who specializes in heating and cooling will assist you in determining the right size furnace and air conditioner that you require. They’ll take into account the needs of your heating and cooling and any plans for future expansions to your home. They’ll also explain what types of rebates and incentives are available to you.
Before purchasing a new HVAC system, you must 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 essential to ensure your warranty.
