Is my furnace in my AC unit?

Author: Emmet Rempel IV  |  Last update: Thursday, April 3, 2025

The air conditioner is the outside unit. The furnace is the inside unit. Both distribute air into the same ductwork. If you're wondering, the air conditioner unit is outside the home because its primary function is to remove heat from the air, and the heat needs somewhere to go.

Is the furnace part of the AC?

Your furnace and air conditioner are stand-alone components of your HVAC system. Both your furnace and your AC use ducts and vents to circulate air throughout your home. These systems are tied together because they use the same infrastructure. However, they still operate independently of each other.

Where is my furnace located in my house?

Most furnaces are installed in the center of your home, either in a special utility closet or downstairs in the basement. If your home doesn't have a basement, it may also be in a crawl space or the attic. You may find other equipment like the water heater or your washing machine in the same area.

Do furnace and AC use the same blower?

Comfort Systems Rely On Each Other for Best Performance

Your air conditioner and furnace are dependent on each other in various ways, such as: Both AC and furnace use the same thermostat to activate and shut down. The AC and the furnace use the same blower to spread cool and warm air throughout your home.

Will a furnace work if the AC is broken?

Yes... your gas furnace will work just fine without the condenser. Insulate the wiring with tape. If you plan to reuse those copper lines... plug them as best you can.

Should I Replace My AC and Furnace At The Same Time? Golden Rule Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Elec.

Does my furnace have anything to do with my AC?

Your furnace and your air conditioning system are two central components of your HVAC system, connected and controlled for greater efficiency. During warmer weather, you'll need to turn off your furnace and use your air conditioner instead. Your central air conditioning system is independent of your furnace.

How do I know if my thermostat or furnace is broken?

A bad thermostat can be detected when your AC or furnace is not turning on, your HVAC systems are not turning off, the thermostat not responding, your HVAC system is short-cycling, the room temperature not matching the temperature displayed on the thermostat, and the programmed setting resetting themselves.

Is the AC and furnace the same unit?

Understanding that your furnace and AC work both separately and together can be a bit confusing. Simply put, the air conditioning part of your heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) system chills refrigerant (with an outside unit) while the furnace works inside with fans and coils.

Can a bad blower motor cause no AC?

Your AC's blower motor is responsible for moving air through your air conditioner to cool it and then pushing it back out into your home. Without this incredible component, your AC can't provide any cooling effect, no matter how much the compressor runs.

How to know if a furnace is on?

How to check if your furnace is working
  1. Ensure Thermostat is turned up.
  2. Inspect lower door panel on exterior of furnace, can you see any flashing lights? ...
  3. Re-set furnace switch, usually located on roof above furnace.
  4. Main inducer fan should come on first.
  5. Igniter area should start to glow in after 20-30 seconds.

Are the furnace and AC filter the same?

While many people refer to air conditioning and furnace filters as if they're different, this is not the case. Your furnace and your air conditioning system use the exact same filter, so there's no need to worry about purchasing separate filters for each piece of equipment.

Does central AC have a furnace?

The central AC system is independent of your furnace, using an outdoor unit that is not connected to the furnace at all. But, it essentially borrows the delivery system to provide cool air throughout your home. Again, the difference is somewhat small, which is actually why the two terms get confused.

Are AC and furnace on the same breaker?

Most of these breakers are installed in the main breaker panel of the house. HVAC components, however, are an exception in that a unit draws so much electrical power that it typically requires a dedicated breaker and does not share that circuit with other devices.

Where is a furnace located?

Typically your furnace is centrally located in the home. It is usually located in an area such as a utility closet (by a cold air return), garage, attic, basement, or crawlspace; in the case of a heat-pump (a dual-system) it will be located outside of the home.

How do I reset my AC blower?

Most blower motors are controlled by a red or black switch on the side of the unit. Hold the button down for a few seconds (the manual will tell you precisely how long), then release. Replace the Panel and Restore Power.

Why is my central AC running but not blowing air?

If your air handler is running but not blowing air, there are two likely scenarios: either a broken AC blower belt or an issue with the motor itself. If the air handler is humming or buzzing but not making the mechanical sounds of a motor running, you're most likely talking about an issue with the motor itself.

How much does it cost to replace a blower motor in an air conditioner?

Installing a new heating and air conditioner blower motor could cost around $150 to $250, with most of that coming from labor costs. HVAC technicians usually go for around $75 to $125 per hour. A blower motor replacement might take anywhere from one-and-a-half to two-and-a-half hours.

Why is my furnace not turning on?

There are several reasons why your furnace may not turn on. The most common include a broken thermostat, gas line issues, clogged air filters, blocked ductwork, a tripped circuit breaker, and issues with the furnace itself.

Why is AC not blowing cold air?

First, check your filters and coils for dirt and debris that may be impeding airflow. Once you've cleaned the filters and coils, run the air conditioner with just the fan so that the ice accumulation can melt off. If the AC still doesn't blow cold air, it could be that refrigerant levels are too low.

Is a furnace part of an HVAC system?

HVAC Meaning: What is HVAC? HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. This system is responsible for heating and cooling your home and includes products like furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps as well as ductwork, thermostats and other home comfort controls.

How can people tell if their furnaces are broken?

One of the most obvious signs that a furnace needs repairs is that the unit is not doing its job. If your furnace is producing no heat or only a low level of heat regardless of your thermostat settings, schedule repairs.

Can a bad thermostat cause AC not to cool?

When your thermostat is working correctly, you can keep it as cool or warm as you need. A bad thermostat can cause your AC to not cool or heat the room to the desired temperature. Air conditioning concerns are more apparent: Your thermostat is one of the best indicators of your air conditioning system's health.

Will my furnace still work if my thermostat is not working?

An HVAC system needs power to operate, so if it cannot start, you will be stuck with a thermostat that does not work. If so, ensure your furnace switch is on and your HVAC circuit breaker is set correctly.

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