The most popular types of air conditioning systems are split heating and cooling systems. As the name implies, the system is divided into two main components, one for heating and the other for cooling. These systems are easily recognizable because they contain both indoor and outdoor units. Split heating and cooling systems are the most common type of air conditioning system used in residential buildings.
They consist of two separate components, one for heating and the other for cooling, and they use a traditional thermostat to control the temperature of the entire structure. The heating unit is usually located in a basement, utility closet, or other indoor storage space and runs on gas. It uses an evaporator or fan to push heat through the ducts of a building. The cooling system is located outside and is connected to the ducts of a building through a series of tubes.
It uses compressors, coils, and refrigerant to generate cold air, and a fan directs hot air out and away from the building. A hybrid split HVAC system has the same structure and cooling unit as a split system, but it doesn't rely solely on gas to generate heat. While your heater can burn gas, it can also switch to electrical power. Electric heating is often slower and less powerful than gas heating, but this option gives building owners greater control over their energy consumption and can help reduce energy costs in milder climates. Packaged heating and cooling systems are less common than split systems, but their smaller size makes them more suitable for small buildings that lack additional storage space. The heating and cooling components are housed in a single unit and are usually stored on a roof, in an attic, or near the foundation of the building.
Packaged air conditioning systems connect to the supply and return ducts of a building, often through a single hole in the wall. Depending on the climate, building owners can choose to install an integrated heat pump containing evaporator coils or an air conditioner integrated with an air controller with optional thermal separation elements. Both systems cost less to install than split systems and are easier to maintain. Ductless mini-split systems are installed in individual rooms and are common in multi-family homes, office buildings, and hotel rooms. These electrical units include an outdoor compressor and condenser, a refrigerant, an indoor air treatment unit, a heat pump, power cables, and a thermostat for each zone.
Copper tubes connect interior and exterior components, and a compressor can connect up to nine indoor air treatment units. A minisplit heat pump is a ductless system, making it a great option for homeowners who don't yet have an installed ductwork. It's also a great option for homes with multiple residents because each room has its own unit and thermostat to control heating and air conditioning. And don't be confused by the name: mini-split heat pumps aren't just for cold climates; they also have split cooling systems. Available options allow heating or cooling between one and five zones, and there are interior and exterior components. A split heating and air conditioning system has interior and exterior components connected by a set of copper refrigerant lines.
The outdoor equipment includes a compressor for cooling and a condenser for heating, while the indoor equipment has an air controller for cooling and an evaporator coil for heating. Another type of HVAC split system is a combination of a heat pump and air controller. With this system, the heat pump is the outdoor unit which works to cool the house by circulating hot air from inside the coolant to the outside while introducing cooler air from outside (and vice versa for heating). The indoor air controller circulates hot or cold air through an air blower. A packaged system provides heat and cooling in a single unit.
They are usually installed in an attic or on the top floor of a house and are used as an option when traditional split systems are not an option. They work best in warm climates as they usually don't provide as much heat as a traditional oven; however there are advanced combination options that use gas and electricity to provide more heat as well as heat pump or dual fuel options. These popular HVAC units cost slightly more than traditional split HVAC systems; if they require maintenance replacement parts can be hard to come by. If you're not sure what type of air conditioning system you have it's best to have a professional HVAC technician come to your home. If you're thinking about upgrading your HVAC system you'll want to consider what components of the HVAC system you currently have installed in your home (including ductwork radiators plumbing) as well as what additional functions (such as purifiers humidifiers) may be needed to provide the best indoor air quality airflow in your home. Whether you're installing a new HVAC system or need a temporary temperature control solution for your workplace there's an HVAC system that can meet your needs. To help you understand the differences learn about your HVAC options we've put together this list of 13 common types of HVAC systems so you can choose which one best suits your home or business.
