Air conditioners and furnaces are necessary, but they serve different functions in your home. The furnace keeps your home warm enough while cooling it. But have you ever wondered that the furnace and air conditioner are linked? I researched to answer this question in this article.
If you have forced air conditioning and central air conditioning, the air conditioner, and furnace are linked to your home’s HVAC system. The AC system, on the other hand, operates independently of the furnace. Nonetheless, furnaces and air conditioners share the same distribution system, which includes ventilation openings and air ducts.
Although most of the population knows the importance of air conditioners and furnaces, how they function is not always clear. I’ve described all the details on how to check AC and furnace are connected. So, read on to find out where the circuit breakers are in the furnace!
How AC And Furnace Are Connected?
Shared Air Distribution:
The shared air distribution system is one of the most visible links between your furnace and AC. Heating and cooling use the same ducts and vents, allowing optimum air movement.
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
Best Seller  | Glade PlugIns Refills Air Freshener, Scented and Essential Oils | Essential Oils for Home and Bathroom, Hawaiian Breeze, | $21.40 |
Best Seller  | Air Wick Plug in Scented Oil Refill, 5 ct, Brown Sugar and Vanilla | Brown Sugar and Vanilla, Air Freshener, Essential Oils, Fall Scent, Fall decor | $12.49 |
Best Seller  | Glade PlugIns Refills Air Freshener Starter Kit, Scented Oil | Scented Oil for Home and Bathroom, Hawaiian Breeze, | $3.98 |
Best Seller  | Glade PlugIns Refills Air Freshener, Scented and Essential Oils | Essential Oils for Home and Bathroom, Cashmere Woods | $4.99 |
Best Seller  | Air Wick Essential Mist Refill, 3 ct, Coconut and Pineapple | Coconut and Pineapple, Essential Oils Diffuser, Air Freshene | $15.60 |
Thermostat Management:
A central thermostat controls a modern heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. This thermostat allows you to choose the ideal temperature for your home and can tell the furnace or air conditioner to turn on as needed to keep that temperature.
All-Year Comfort:
The ability to offer heating and cooling from a single system simplifies control while ensuring year-round comfort. When the temperature rises in the summer, the air conditioner takes control, and when it’s frigid in the winter, the furnace takes over.
Energy Conservation:
A linked HVAC system may use less energy than independent units. It can optimise utilising resources like ductwork and air handling systems, cutting energy waste and utility bills.
Also check: No Water Coming Out of AC Drain Pipe – What’s Wrong?
How do furnaces interact with alternating current power?
Furnaces are most common in convection-heated homes. The indoor fan of a forced air system pushes cool air out of the ducts and into the house’s rooms. Warm air rises to the ceiling, where return air vents quickly collect it on the walls. The cold air is then recirculated throughout the room.
Fans are not used in evaporative cooling systems. Instead, it functions similarly to the human body in that it cools itself by sweating. First, the compressor and indoor coils in your home collect heat. Air conditioners then use fans to circulate cool air throughout your home. The indoor coil then contains the heat from inside your home.
As you can see, both wiring systems have complexities that you should be aware of when installing or repairing your home. Let us see how it goes!
Wiring Systems for AC and Furnaces:
Air conditioner and furnace wiring are frequently done in a centralized unit known as a junction box. This junction box is located close to the furnace and air conditioner. Each wire is connected to both devices via the junction box. Those with furnaces and air conditioners are almost always wired together. However, they don’t necessarily share common parts or components.
While your furnace is responsible for regulating the temperature in your home during the winter, it also serves a purpose for Indoor Air Quality. A blower removes all excess moisture and dampness from your home. It can help you stay healthy and reduce the likelihood of mold and mildew growth.
When the fan motor is not used, a moisture-sensitive component known as a pull inductor holds it in place. The purpose of this small device is to provide an airtight seal and keep hot or cold air from escaping around the furnace door or through the ducts before it enters the room.
The furnace fan is not designed to provide air conditioning. If your device has a convertible theme, it will work during the warmer months. When the temperature in your home rises, the fan motor’s temperature sensor alerts you to switch from heating to cooling.
Finally, the furnace condenser is intended to work with the blower motor. Its function is to provide power when the thermostat requires cooling or heating.
Are The Air Conditioner & Furnace On The Same Circuit Breaker?
The installation of the furnace and air conditioner on the breaker is determined by the heating and cooling unit in your home.
For example, if you have a furnace with AC units, the circuit breaker may be set for both units on the same circuit. Some homes, however, have separate systems for heating and cooling. This means that the air conditioner can be turned off without interfering with the furnace’s operation—the system and whether an expert set it to determine how they are connected.
If you have two separate units, you must correctly wire them together. Connect both units to their respective circuitry to avoid overloading your home’s electrical system and damaging your appliances.
Where should the circuit breaker for the furnace be installed?
The circuit breaker for the furnace is near the main electrical panel. It is frequently located on the side of the furnace for easy access. This position ensures that no one is near a gas leak or an electrical hazard in the event of an emergency power flow to the switch. When resetting the Circuit Breaker, you must follow the instructions in the user manual.
Does the air conditioner also work through the furnace filter?
Yes, the furnace and air conditioner share the same air filter. Depending on size, furniture filters should be replaced every 3-9 months. It is also best to change the indoor air filter when changing the furnace filter during the heating season.
Should you turn off the air conditioner and furnace simultaneously?
It depends on whether the air conditioner and furnace are separate or integrated systems. You don’t want to turn off a device that uses AC power and heat simultaneously. On the other hand, you can save money on your electricity bill by turning off the furnace and using an air conditioner to cool the house.
How do I know if my air conditioner is ON?
There are numerous indications that your air conditioner is not working correctly. However, the most obvious sign of an air conditioner problem is when your home stops cooling during the day’s peak.
Checking the fuse box or tripping the circuit breaker are two solutions to this problem. You can also disable any breakers that you suspect are causing the issue. Finally, use a hair dryer to determine whether everything has failed and whether the coil is frozen or clogged with water. Assist you in your decision.
Also check: 4 Best Air Conditioner Covers For Winter
When should I turn my air conditioner off?
To save money, turn off the air conditioner as much as possible. Using natural ventilation is the simplest way to reduce the cost of cooling your home. If you can open windows and doors to allow airflow, you’ll find that it saves you more money than you think.
One of the most expensive aspects of cooling a home is using an air conditioner instead of natural ventilation. As a result, do everything you can to avoid this. However, it is also critical not to overuse the air conditioner before leaving for work in the morning. The enhanced system keeps your home cooler while using more energy than usual.
Advantages of a Connected HVAC System
Consistent Coziness
A combined furnace and air conditioning system provides consistent comfort all year, eliminating the need for separate heating and cooling equipment.
Savings On Expenses
While the initial investment in a linked HVAC system may be larger, the long-term cost benefits from improved energy efficiency and decreased maintenance needs can be significant.
Saving Space
Because you won’t need separate units for each purpose, combining heating and cooling into a single system can free up important space in your home.
Better Air Quality
A central air handling system might incorporate air filtration and purification options, improving the quality of your indoor air.
Environmental Advantages
Energy-efficient HVAC systems are good for the environment since they reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Conclusion
The lifeblood of the home is a properly functioning HVAC system, but it cannot be simple to understand. If you are experiencing system issues, please keep the following in mind:
First and foremost, you must properly manage your HVAC system. Regular maintenance checks ensure that no significant issues arise throughout the year.
Finally, remember that your HVAC system can be repaired or replaced. There are many different companies, so you can always find a good contractor with little research and patience.
