Are HVAC and Furnace the Same Thing? A Bristol Homeowner’s Guide

Homeowners typically don’t worry about scheduling heating services in Bristol, IL, during the summer months. Temperatures climb well into the 80s in June, July, and August, giving people plenty of time to soak up the sun at nearby Raging Waves, Illinois’ largest waterpark.

However, the winter months are decidedly different. In December, January, and February, temperatures plunge in Bristol — often into the teens — forcing homeowners to huddle inside and fire up their furnaces.

“Are HVAC and furnace the same thing?” is a question you might ask if you’re a first-time homeowner in Bristol or someone who hasn’t spent much time tending to your home’s heating system. Anderson Plumbing & Heating answers this question and more below. 

Is an HVAC System the Same Thing as a Furnace?

Many people use the terms “HVAC system” and “furnace” interchangeably. However, the answer to the question, “Are HVAC and furnace the same thing?” is “no.”

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, encompassing all of a home’s heating and cooling system components. A furnace is just one part of an HVAC system.

The Key Differences Between an HVAC System and a Furnace

Distinguishing an HVAC system from a furnace on a fundamental level is simple. Still, other key differences between the two set them even further apart.

Let’s examine them next to gain an even stronger understanding of why the answer to the question, “Are HVAC and furnace the same thing?” is “no.”

They Involve Different Installation Processes

Installing a new HVAC system in your home is an extensive process involving removing old heating and cooling systems and replacing them with new ones.

Depending on the age and condition of a house, installing a new HVAC system might also require replacing old ductwork, vents, registers, etc.

Installing a new furnace, on the other hand, is a much simpler task by comparison. Since it’s only one part of an HVAC system, you can pull out an old furnace and slide a new one into its place. You may also need to adjust your HVAC system to accommodate a new furnace.

They Receive Different Energy Ratings

Because a furnace connects to an HVAC system, you might think they utilize the same energy ratings, but this is not the case.

HVAC systems are rated based on SEER/EER standards, the latest of which is SEER2. Although SEER2 is a cooling standard, it also effectively measures an HVAC system’s efficiency.

You can calculate an HVAC system’s SEER2 by dividing its cooling output in BTUs by its electrical energy output in watt-hours. The higher this total number, the more energy-efficient a furnace is. 

Furnaces receive different ratings. They get an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating, which is designed to show how efficient they are in transforming fuel into heat as they warm homes. Generally speaking, homeowners should search for furnaces with AFUEs of at least 90%, if not higher.

They Require Different Types of Maintenance

Maintaining furnaces is not a task you should attempt yourself. Furnaces have many working parts — filters, burners, heat exchangers, and blower motors — that can easily be damaged if not properly handled. Enlist the help of a certified technician to inspect the system and ensure it is in good working order.

But this is just a fraction of what technicians must look at while maintaining HVAC systems. In addition to evaluating the various components within the furnace, technicians must analyze the indoor and outdoor units of HVAC systems. They will also inspect ductwork for signs of dust, mold, pest infestations, and other potential dangers.

So, Are HVAC and furnace the same thing?” Now that you know the answer is “no,” trust the expert team at Anderson Plumbing & Heating to keep your HVAC system and furnace working in peak condition for the following season.