Hey everyone, Tony Marino here. Today I want to talk about something that comes up a lot during the heating and cooling season: the all-important furnace and air conditioner combo. Whether you’re building a new home, upgrading an old system, or just exploring your options, knowing the ins and outs of a good AC furnace combo or gas furnace and air conditioner combo is key to getting reliable comfort and efficiency year-round.
I’ll break down the basics of a furnace AC combo, explain why getting a matched new furnace AC combo matters, and walk you through what to expect on gas furnace and AC combo prices. I’ll also explain how the Goodman 3 Ton 14.5 SEER2 R-32 Bundle fits in as one of the top furnace air conditioner combos available right now.
What Exactly Is a Furnace and Air Conditioner Combo?
When we talk about an AC furnace combo, we’re referring to a matched set of HVAC equipment that includes both:
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A gas furnace — your primary heat source during colder months, typically powered by natural gas or propane.
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An air conditioner — responsible for cooling your home during warmer weather.
Together, these components form a furnace central air combo or a furnace air conditioner combo system, working in tandem through your home’s ductwork to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures all year round.
The key to a great combo is that both units are designed and sized to work perfectly with each other — which leads to better efficiency, reliability, and overall comfort.
Why Choose a New Furnace AC Combo?
There are many benefits to investing in a new furnace AC combo instead of replacing one system at a time:
1. Matched Performance
Manufacturers design furnace and AC combos to optimize efficiency and performance. When components are properly matched, the system cycles smoothly and maintains consistent temperature and humidity control.
2. Energy Efficiency
New combos like the Goodman 3 Ton 14.5 SEER2 R-32 Bundle use modern technology, including high-efficiency gas furnaces and air conditioners with SEER ratings above 14. This means you’ll save on monthly energy bills while reducing your carbon footprint.
3. Simplified Installation and Maintenance
Replacing both the furnace and AC at once often makes installation easier and cleaner, with less disruption to your home. Plus, having one matched system simplifies future maintenance.
4. Longer Equipment Life
Matched systems tend to experience less wear and tear because they’re designed to work together, leading to fewer breakdowns and longer lifespan.
If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide on how to choose the right HVAC combo system, Energy Star’s HVAC selection guide offers great insights.
The Goodman 3 Ton 14.5 SEER2 R-32 Bundle: A Solid Furnace Air Conditioner Combo
This Goodman system combines a 3-ton, 14.5 SEER2 R-32 air conditioner with a compatible gas furnace to create a high-efficiency combo package.
Here’s why it’s a great pick:
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Efficient Cooling and Heating: The 14.5 SEER2 AC unit uses the newer R-32 refrigerant, which is more environmentally friendly and efficient than older refrigerants.
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Reliable Heating: Paired with a gas furnace designed for efficient, comfortable heat delivery.
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Environmental Responsibility: Using R-32 refrigerant reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to older systems.
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Quiet Operation: Designed to minimize noise, so your comfort doesn’t come with a racket.
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Durability: Goodman products are known for robust build quality and excellent warranties.
For a closer look at this system, you can visit the detailed product page for the Goodman 3 Ton 14.5 SEER2 R-32 Bundle.
How to Choose the Best Gas Furnace Air Conditioner Combo for Your Home
Picking the right gas furnace air conditioner combo depends on several factors:
1. Size Matters
Getting the right size — or tonnage — is critical. Too small a system won’t keep your home comfortable; too large wastes energy and causes short cycling.
HVAC professionals use Manual J load calculations to determine your home’s heating and cooling requirements based on size, insulation, window placement, and local climate. For a DIY overview, check out HVAC.com’s guide to sizing AC units.
2. Efficiency Ratings
Look for high AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) ratings on the furnace — 90% or higher is ideal for gas furnaces — and SEER ratings of 14 or above on the AC for best energy savings.
3. Matched Components
Always choose a system where the furnace and AC are matched by the manufacturer or verified to work well together. Mismatched systems can reduce efficiency and cause early wear.
4. Budget and Incentives
Consider the upfront costs, but also factor in energy savings over time. Many utility companies offer rebates for high-efficiency systems; check your local programs for deals.
Energy Star has useful info on rebates and incentives for HVAC upgrades.
What You Can Expect: Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner Combo Prices
The price for a gas furnace and AC combo varies widely depending on factors like:
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System size and efficiency
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Brand and model
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Installation complexity
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Local labor rates
On average, you might expect to pay anywhere from $5,000 to $12,000 or more for a quality furnace AC combo installed by a pro.
Breaking that down:
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A reliable gas furnace can range from $1,500 to $4,500.
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A mid to high-efficiency AC unit can range from $2,000 to $5,000.
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Installation costs vary but often add 30-50% to equipment prices.
Want to dig deeper into pricing? HomeAdvisor offers a comprehensive breakdown of HVAC installation costs.
Benefits of the Air Conditioner Gas Furnace Combination
The biggest advantage of an air conditioner gas furnace combination is seamless year-round comfort — one system to heat and cool your home efficiently.
Additional benefits include:
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Improved Air Quality: Modern furnace AC combos include advanced filtration options.
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Better Humidity Control: Matched systems manage humidity better for enhanced comfort.
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Smart Thermostat Compatibility: Most new combos integrate well with smart thermostats for precise control.
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Lower Energy Bills: Properly matched, efficient systems reduce your monthly energy costs.
For homeowners considering upgrades, This Old House’s HVAC buying guide is an excellent resource.
Furnace Air Conditioner Combo Maintenance Tips
To get the most from your furnace air conditioner combo, proper maintenance is essential:
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Change air filters every 1-3 months.
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Schedule annual professional tune-ups to check system components, clean coils, and inspect ductwork.
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Keep the outdoor condenser unit clear of debris.
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Seal leaks in ductwork to maintain airflow and efficiency.
Final Thoughts from Tony Marino
When it comes to comfort and efficiency, nothing beats a properly matched furnace AC combo like the Goodman 3 Ton 14.5 SEER2 R-32 Bundle. Choosing the right size, efficiency, and combo package saves you money and keeps your home cozy year-round.
If you’re ready to upgrade or install a new furnace air conditioner combo, start with accurate sizing and select a reputable brand. Then, trust a certified installer to do the job right.
Stay comfortable, save energy, and keep it Tony Marino style.
