A Detailed Guide on the Common Types of HVAC Systems

Are you trying to learn more about the different types of HVAC systems for homes? If yes, you should check out our guide.

An air conditioner is an air conditioner, right? Same with a heater? To most people that would be the case and it would be enough.

The fact is, there is a lot more to the various types of HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) systems used in homes and businesses. Learning more about the hard details could save you some serious money.

Get started and see what will be the best fit for your comfort needs!

A Comfortable Home Is a Happy Home

A broad stroke description of HVAC is simply “a system or group of systems that are used for moving air between the indoor and outdoor environments.”

It operates intending to maintain a comfortable temperature as well as filter for air quality and maintaining levels of humidity that are appropriate.

And with approximately 51% of a home’s energy consumption going to heating and cooling, it is important to understand the differences and where costs can be cut and made more efficient.

There are four major variations of modern HVAC systems:

Heating and Air Conditioning Split System

The most commonly a residential HVAC system, this is generally what is being referred to when people mention air conditioning. These have been branded as Central Air as well.

As the name suggests it is made up of two individual systems, one for cooling and one for heating, placed outside and inside respectively. They tend to have ductwork placed around the home for air transfer fitted with blowers to direct the air.

Often the split system is playing a double role using air purifiers and scrubbers to improve quality while air passes through the system.

The two units are controlled by a thermostat placed somewhere in the home. The need determines which unit is activated.

Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump

These “mini” systems can be thought of as add-ons and used as needed when updating a home or as the requirements change. These mini-units connect to the main compressor unit and serve as individual systems.

This option is utilized most when there are needs for single rooms that do not directly affect the rest of the building. Or when several rooms are not being utilized and the desire is to be energy efficient.

They allow for a greater range of control over temperature because they are independent systems per area or room.

As these are a hybrid system, the heat pump allows for warm air during colder months without installing even more equipment. These systems, with their lack of duct-work, have little to no cooling or heating loss.

Without those splits there is a large reduction in energy usage, approximately 20-30 percent according to the EPA.

Packaged Heating and Air Conditioning System

This is a combination unit of the two, heating and cooling units, into a single HVAC system. Generally, these units are installed on the roof or upper levels of a building or home.

Because it can both heat and cool the building with a single unit, it tends to be more energy-efficient than multi-unit systems. They are also useful for those units that have little room for a furnace.

Packaged systems are available in full electric as well as a gas/electric hybrid. The latter being a gas furnace for heat and electric air conditioner and coil for cooling.

Hybrid Heat Pump System

Heat pumps work by removing heat from surrounding air and moving it outside from the interior or vice versa. In warmer areas, especially the southern United States, the heat pump is utilized as a more efficient system because they rarely drop below freezing in those communities.

The hybrid heat pump system is made up of an electric heat pump and a gas furnace. Interestingly enough the heat pump does not just work to cool the building but also can transfer heat into the building.

What this means is that unless it is exceedingly cold, the furnace is not kicked on and the heat pump, solely, is utilized for both cooling and heating.

With their flexibility and efficiency, hybrid heat pump systems have been shown to save a large amount yearly, 30 to 50%. With these savings, the initial investment is easily paid for within just a couple of years.

There are tax rebates as part of various green initiatives that are offered by local and federal governments when outfitting your home or business with hybrid systems as well.

Outfitting Your Home

No matter what type of home HVAC system you decide on, it is important that you also make it an energy efficient HVAC system. With better air quality and lower energy bills, the benefit of giving Broussard Services a call to get set up is obvious.

See what they can do for your home today!

It should be noted that each of the various systems is available in different fuel consumption styles. Central Air conditioners can be found in electric, gas, and oil for example.

The Many Types of HVAC Systems

Now that you have learned about the types of HVAC systems, pros and cons, it is time to start shopping! Because a comfortable home is a happy home and if you are wise you can save a lot on your bills at the same time!

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