What Are the Four Main Types of HVAC Systems?

• 19 Oct 2022
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What Are the Four Main Types of HVAC Systems?

Have you been doing research to find out what the best type of HVAC system is for your home or business so that you can make the right decision? After the research, you find out that there isn’t just one type of HVAC system, but that there are four main types, and now you need even more help to figure this all out? Well, you’ve come to the right place!

The Experts Agree: Here Are the Four Main Types of HVAC Systems

Duct-free (mini-split) system

Hybrid split system

Heating and cooling split systems

Packaged systems – heating and air conditioning

The experts may agree on the main types of systems, but not on which is best, or even the pros and cons of each. That’s a personal decision, one you have to make, based on your own circumstances, environment and budget. Speaking of budget, some customers might be concerned about price. Our article to help customers who are leaning towards a window A/C unit

HVAC systems are divided into either local or central systems. Central HVAC systems have equipment that is grouped together and tends to be located away from the area being cooled, with the conditioned air being supplied through a system of ducts.

Local HVAC systems may be located in or near the area being conditioned, so no ductwork is required. Local systems include heating, air conditioning and ventilation.

Split heating and cooling systems are really common in residential buildings. They have two components, one of which is used for heating and one if for cooling. A traditional thermostat controls the temperature for the building.

Traditionally, in split systems, the heating equipment is located in some indoor storage area, closet or basement, and tends to run on gas, and is driven by a fan to push the air throughout the building.

However, tradition is about to change, since some states, such as California, are now mandating “electrification”, which outlaws gas in new buildings, and all heating (along with all A/C) will be done by electricity.

A hybrid split system uses two kinds of fuel; typically, natural gas and electric. It can be advantageous to use when you already have a gas furnace in your home. Let’s take a more detailed look at the systems.

Mini-Splits (Ductless)

Mini-splits are systems providing both heating and cooling and allow you to set temperatures individually in rooms or spaces. The ‘split’ means that they have two main components: an outdoor compressor and an indoor air handler unit.

Hybrid AC Split System

the benefits of a Hybrid AC Split System are extensive. A variety of equipment is available to help you accomplish this goal. Even so, you might not be aware of the existence and usefulness of a hybrid AC split system. Typically, a hybrid AC split system consumes whatever fuel is available in a season. It can use electricity, gas, or oil to heat or cool your home.

Conventional HVAC setups include a furnace and an air conditioner whereas a hybrid split system comprises a furnace and a heat pump. With a hybrid system, you define an ideal temperature. If the outdoor temperature falls below or rises above this point, the system assumes control of your home’s temperature.

Hybrid HVAC Split System

Split Systems

Split systems are the most common type of central air conditioner in the U.S. It is housed inside your home, inside a closet, is the evaporator coil, which removes moisture and heat from the atmosphere. Outside your home, a metal box contains the capacitor coil.

The coil discharges the compressor, which pumps the refrigerant throughout the device. The inner part of the air conditioner is connected to a duct network. The blower circulates cold air through these ducts to reach all parts of the house. This type of system is the most efficient to set up with a central furnace in your residence, as it can share the ducts used by the heating system.

Split systems are separated into two locations: indoor and outdoor. Indoor is a furnace, which can be either gas or electric (the air handler) and the second location is outdoors, which is where the condenser unit is situated.

HVAC Split System - MM Comfort Systems

Packaged Units

A packaged unit is an “all-in-one system” that can provide both cooling and heating from a single cabinet.  The cabinet system can be installed at ground level, in a crawl space or on a rooftop. The single location frees up internal spaces for “usable” square footage when compared to a split HVAC system that needs some dedicated indoor space.

With a packaged system, you can have space for those new shoes and have the space to be comfortable in your home! Packaged units have the main heating and cooling components in a single-boxed cabinet that sits outside the home.  It’s a package!

HVAC Packaged Unit – Lennox

Regardless of the system you choose, always choose a state of California licensed hvac contractor to properly and safely install your new or replacement system—or even to repair or service your existing system.   Check the Pro List at The HVAC – Heating & Air Conditioning Pros California State Directory 

https://www.airconditioninghvaccalifornia.com

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