HVAC Basics: Air conditioner + furnace matched systems
By Anne Fonda with expert review by Kimberly Sexton, Senior Systems Engineer
A central air conditioner and gas furnace combined are the most common central heating and cooling system throughout the United States.
What does an air conditioner do?
A central air conditioner works by taking heat and humidity from your home and releasing it outside to ultimately lower the temperature in your home. This happens during the refrigeration cycle. AC units with a higher SEER2 rating and more speeds will provide the highest level of comfort if your summers are hot and humid. They will also use less energy than a single-stage counterpart.
WHAT DOES A FURNACE DO?
Trane furnaces are designed to provide maximum heat with minimum fuel usage
With their expertly designed and rigorously tested components, Trane furnaces are designed to provide maximum comfort and reliability. In conjunction with the system’s thermostat and air conditioner, a Trane furnace works to keep you comfortable in all seasons by delivering heated or cooled air via your ductwork system.
During the summer, your furnace works as an air handler to move air over your system’s evaporator coil to deliver cold, refreshing air to your home. When temperatures drop, your furnace burns natural gas or propane to generate heat to warm your entire home.
MONITOR YOUR INDOOR AIR QUALITY FOR COMFORT AND HEALTH
Enhance comfort and breathe easier with an indoor air quality monitor
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air can be 2-5 times more polluted than outdoor air. Common indoor pollutants can trigger allergy and asthma symptoms. High or low humidity reduces air quality and comfort. Improper ventilation can allow volatile organic compounds to build up and cause health problems.
That’s why we offer the Awair Element™ indoor air quality monitor. It shows you what is going on with your indoor air quality, and it integrates with your HVAC system. That means it can signal a humidifier or dehumidifier to come on, start up a whole-house cleaner to remove pollutants, or launch a whole-house ventilation system to clear the air.
What steps should homeowners take before HVAC replacement?
STEP 1
Determine your heating and cooling needs
Do you live in a place where the temperature outside plummets in the winter? If yes, consider investing in a high-efficiency furnace to heat your home quickly and reliably. Does the temperature where you live stay consistent and mild most of the year? If so, a heat pump could provide the heating and cooling you need all year long. Somewhere in between? Consider a hybrid system.
STEP 2
Work with a licensed HVAC professional
When it’s time to replace your AC, furnace, or entire HVAC system, leave it to a licensed HVAC professional. They can offer recommendations, ensure proper sizing, and help maintain your system for peak performance. Proper sizing and installation are crucial to getting the highest efficiency and most reliable comfort from your furnace and air conditioner.
STEP 3
Clear your schedule for installation
Most new HVAC equipment takes a few hours to a day to install, and you must be home for the process in case your technician has any questions for you. Before they leave, the technician should test your system, explain new features to you, and answer any questions you may have.
Anne Fonda, Content Writer
A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need.
She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism.
When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.
Related products
Get helpful HVAC tips in our newsletter
Sign up for our email newsletter to learn helpful HVAC tips and tricks before your purchase your system.Related articles
Contact a local dealer
Dealers can answer questions, help you find the right products for your home, and repair your system.
We’re here to help
Connect with our Customer Care team about your products, warranties, and dealer concerns.
Available Monday – Friday from 7am to 5pm CST
A phone