HVAC vs. Furnace – What’s the Difference?
HVAC is an abbreviation for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. An HVAC system is a complex of three different units that combine to provide the above services. HVAC systems will also detect the fall or rise of temperatures inside of the house via a thermostat in order to send signals to the relevant machinery, which in turn will regulate the cooling off for the heating up of the ambient air.
On the other hand, a furnace is a system that utilizes its thermostat to detect the rise and fall of a building’s temperature and adjusts it via heating the ambient air using fuels such as oil or gas.
HVAC System vs. Furnace: Purpose
As its name suggests, an HVAC system serves several purposes involving heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. An HVAC system will be able to serve all three of these purposes at the same time in a single system without a single action ever overriding another. For example, as the room temperature drops below the desired levels, the thermostat on an HVAC system sends a signal to the coils of the unit, which will rotate to heat the air in the building being blown out into the room. The same air is then sucked in by the blower, and it’s then sent outside of the building by a ventilator that will exchange fresh air in return.
A furnace, in contrast, will only serve one purpose: heating the house up. Temperature dropping below the desired levels will be raised after the thermostat sends signals to the boiler, which will heat up either oil or gas. Then, the furnace distributes the heated air throughout the structure via a ventilation system through forced pressure.
HVAC System vs. Furnace: Installation
Due to the complex nature of an HVAC system, it can be difficult to install without expert knowledge. Even the smallest of mistakes can cause tragic accidents that can lead to the quick malfunctioning or even total destruction of your HVAC system. Installing a new HVAC system will also take longer than your average furnace. In contrast, furnaces are generally straightforward to install and will not take much time. Regardless, a furnace that is not installed by a professional has a higher risk of catching fire and leading to other tragic outcomes. We always recommend that your new or upgraded HVAC system or furnace is installed by trained professionals in the field with plenty of experience.
HVAC System vs. Furnace: Cost
Since HVAC systems are able to perform multiple responsibilities regarding climate control, they will have a proportionately higher cost on average than a furnace. However, if you only require the heating of your home, it’s possible that you can save some additional money by opting for only installing or upgrading a furnace. This is best decided by evaluating where you live, your lifestyle, your budget, and the HVAC systems and furnaces available to you.
Ready for a New Furnace or HVAC System?
Learning more about Magnolia Heating and Cooling’s selection of new furnace and HVAC installation services will equip you with the best knowledge possible for what could best fit your needs. Give us a call or email today to schedule a free consultation with one of our master HVAC technicians in California!
