What type of system uses a furnace and an air conditioner in conjunction?

The correct choice highlights a system that effectively combines both heating and cooling capabilities through separate components. In a split HVAC system, the furnace typically serves as the heating element, while the air conditioner, which is also a distinct entity located outside the home, provides the cooling. This division allows for efficient operation because each unit can be optimally designed for its specific function, enabling better energy performance and flexibility in controlling the indoor environment.

In contrast, other systems like a geothermal HVAC system utilize ground-source heat exchangers for both heating and cooling but do not combine a furnace and an air conditioner. A hybrid HVAC system does offer additional advantages by using multiple energy sources (like combining electric and gas heating), but it specifically refers to the ability to switch between them rather than the distinct use of both a furnace and an air conditioner. An all-in-one unit system typically refers to a single integrated unit that handles both heating and cooling functions internally, rather than having separate systems. This distinction is vital in understanding the configurations and operational methodologies of different HVAC setups.