What’s the difference between an HVAC unit and furnace?
An HVAC unit or furnace are essential parts of every home. Some people think that they’re interchangeable terms, but they aren’t. The difference between an HVAC unit and furnaces isn’t huge, but it’s still worth exploring both components in detail. If you’d like to find a furnace contractor in Roseville MN, then reach out to All Climate Mechanical today for all your needs!
Heating versus cooling
The main difference between an HVAC system and a furnace is what types of temperature services they can provide. Furnaces are only able to heat your home, while HVAC units can heat or cool your home. HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. This is a very broad term because HVAC systems can do much more than just provide heating and cooling. For example, an HVAC system can also provide ventilation for your home by creating airflow throughout the house. Furnaces, on the other hand, are only able to provide heating through a series of ducts throughout your home. Before winter settles in this year, it’s worth addressing your current heating system to make sure you’re prepared for all the cold months have to offer.
Definition
The two terms are often used interchangeably, but there is a distinction between the two. An HVAC unit refers to the entire system (including air ducts and vents) that cools or heats a house. A furnace is just one component of an HVAC system, or can be it’s own system entirely- one that’s only function is heating. A furnace is a system that uses a burner to heat air and send it through ducts to warm your house. The most common type of furnace is an oil-fired one, but there are also gas, electric and solar units available. An HVAC unit includes the furnace as well as other components like fans and thermostats that regulate temperature.
Temperature settings
Temperature settings are usually controlled by a thermostat, which tells the furnace to turn on or off based on your desired temperature. A humidifier can be added to an HVAC unit to keep air moist in dry climates. The difference between a furnace and an HVAC unit when it comes to temperature settings is flexibility. A furnace won’t be able to help you cool your house in the summer, but it can improve your home’s chill in the winter. An HVAC unit, on the other hand, can use heating or cooling systems to keep your home at a consistent temperature year-round.
Heating source
No HVAC unit is complete without a furnace or heating component, but furnaces never need an HVAC unit to warm a home. Both furnaces and HVAC units can use a number of sources for heat- such as electricity, natural gas, propane, and oil-but they don’t necessarily have to be used together. There are some heating options that can work independently from your HVAC unit, like radiant floor heat or baseboard heaters. If your home has cold spots during the winter, it may be worth looking into a supplemental heating unit to keep your house comfortable during the cold months.
Efficiency
Whether you have a furnace or an HVAC unit, their efficiency can be important. Both units are designed to provide the right amount of heat for your home based on your needs, but HVAC units use more energy than furnaces because they require more parts to run. If you’re looking to save on your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint, it’s important to consider the efficiency of your HVAC or furnace system. The size of your home can also play a role in your decision, as larger homes may require more energy to keep warm than smaller ones.
Size and shape
The main difference between a furnace and an HVAC unit is their size. A furnace is typically small enough to fit in your home’s basement or crawlspace, while an HVAC unit requires more space. If you need to cool or heat multiple rooms in your home, then an HVAC system may be best for you. However, you’ll also need the proper space to house it.
An HVAC system is a complicated machine, and that leads to different definitions. The furnace is the heart of an HVAC system and is what provides your home or business with heat in the colder months. But it’s not a single machine; it’s usually made up of multiple components that work together to keep the temperature just right. Furnaces on their own can provide all the heat your home needs these winter months. At All Climate Mechanical, we’d be happy to help you with Furnace Replacement, Roof Top Heating Units, Residential Heating, Thru-the-Wall Systems, Ductless Split Systems, Thermostats and Controls, Preventative Maintenance, and more! If you still have any questions after reading this article, always consult your local HVAC professional. We’re always happy to help so give us a call today!
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