Air Conditioners vs. Furnaces: What’s the difference?


When it comes to the comfort of your home or commercial space, both furnaces and air conditioners provide the comfortable environment you’re looking for. For decades, these two machines have been some of the most important pieces of equipment for your home or office — and for good reason. As these two machines work hard to provide the comfort you and your family desires, there are some differences between them to take note of. In this post, we’ll talk about how these two machines differ and which one is best for you.

How Furnaces Work

Your furnace starts when it receives a signal from the thermostat that tells it to turn on. Depending on the temperature you set, when the thermostat detects the air temperature dropping below that number, it activates the furnace. When the thermostat sends its signal to the furnace, the furnace gas valve opens and ignites the burner component beneath the combustion chamber. The gas valve works with the thermostat to regulate the amount of gas that flows into your furnace and heats your home.

The Power of Air Conditioners

Especially in warmer climates like Arizona, an air conditioner becomes vital for the comfort of you and your family. In fact, it would be very miserable to experience a summer without one in most parts of America. But as you walk over to crank down your thermostat, have you ever wondered how that cool air is made? As we adjust our thermostat and go back to our hectic lives, we never give it a second thought. However, by educating yourself on the process, it can help you determine if a furnace or air conditioner is right for you.

What System is Right For You?

So now that you understand everything you need to know about air conditioners and furnaces, which one is right for you? Well, the quick answer is, it depends on where you live. If you live in a very cold climate that has very harsh temperatures, a furnace is the best option. On the other hand, if you live somewhere with very warm temperatures, a furnace won’t be as effective as an AC unit in terms of cooling power and durability. That being said, a furnace works best in mild climates where temperatures aren’t extreme, but you still need an indoor temperature adjustment for certain months out of the year.

Your Heating Company Since 1985

Collins Comfort Masters offers superior-quality air conditioning and heating for residents Phoenix and the East Valley. When you choose Collins Comfort Masters for your heating and cooling services, you can rest assured that all of our highly-trained technicians are NATE-certified and have extensive experience in their respective fields. Contact us today for heating or AC repair!