The Surprising Connection between Your Furnace and Your AC

Customers of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are often surprised to discover that the two systems are intertwined and that improving the performance of one might have a knock-on effect on the other. If you want the most comfortable house possible, it’s in your best interest to learn how your furnace and air conditioner interact with one another so you can make informed decisions about their installation and maintenance.

There is a small learning curve involved in understanding how your air conditioner and furnace function independently and in tandem. To put it plainly, the air conditioner in your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system uses an outdoor unit to cool the refrigerant, while the furnace uses indoor fans and coils to do the same task. The ductwork of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system distributes heated or cooled air throughout the house.

The Comparisons between Forced Air and Central Air

Forced air systems and central air systems serve different functions in a home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system; therefore, it’s important to know the difference between the two. A forced air system refers to any heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system that uses ducts and vents to provide conditioned air into a building or room. Forced-air systems include appliances like your heater and air conditioner.

To beat the sweltering heat of summer, central air conditioning systems use a closed circuit of refrigerated/cycled air to supply cool air on demand. The heating and cooling components of your home’s forced air (furnace) and central air (AC) systems are identical. Refrigerant is cycled through the system, which consists of an external condenser and compressor, an indoor fan and evaporator coils, and a ductwork system that recirculates the cooled air.

That is to say; your central air conditioner functions separately from your heating system. The air conditioner’s exterior unit is not physically connected to the furnace, but both units share the same ductwork, registers, and vents to bring cool air into the house.

Can I Run My Heater without My Air Conditioner, and Vice Versa?

HVAC systems are not universally standardized in design or functionality. Your home may have an air conditioner but no furnace, or vice versa, depending on your region’s weather patterns.

Depending on the time of year, some regions may experience high temperatures, high humidity, low temperatures, or high humidity and low temperatures. Because of that, homeowners in those areas use a wide range of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.

Some homes opt to put in a window or wall-mounted air conditioners, which cool individual rooms. This is because a furnace is sometimes unnecessary in warmer areas, making room air conditioners and ductless mini-split ACs a more cost-effective cooling solution.

Some residences have a heat-only system, which does not require an AC unit, to keep them comfortable. By weighing the benefits and drawbacks of each option, you can pick the one that works best for your family and your lifestyle.

Is There Any Difference between a Heat Pump and a Furnace?

Heat pumps are an energy-efficient alternative to conventional heating and cooling systems and are widely used in moderate areas without extreme weather. According to the Department of Energy’s website, a heat pump system can cut your heating electricity use by around half compared to traditional heating methods like furnaces and baseboard heaters.

How Can I Tell If My Unit Is a Heat Pump or an Air Conditioner?

It can be difficult for homeowners to tell the difference between an air conditioning system and a heat pump system due to their similar appearance. You can tell what kind of air conditioner or heat pump you have by looking at the labeling on the condenser and indoor air handler. You may also tell if you have a heat pump by checking for a reversing valve inside the condenser or by observing what happens to your outside unit when you switch the thermostat to heating mode.

Conclusion

Overall, the furnace and AC are connected in more ways than one. The furnace is responsible for creating the airflow that the AC needs to cool the house. The AC is also responsible for regulating the humidity levels in the house, which can impact the furnace’s ability to work properly.

By understanding these connections, homeowners can be more prepared to address any issues that may arise with their HVAC units.

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