While you may know that you can have an HVAC system installed in your home, you may not be aware of the fact that there are different types. Most homeowners think all HVAC systems are created equal. That simply isn’t the case. Let’s take a look at the different types of HVAC systems that are out there, courtesy of Cleveland Heat and Air so that you can better understand the variances between them.
Split Heating And Cooling Systems
One of the most popular types of HVAC systems is the split heating and cooling system. This type of system has two main units that utilize the same ductwork throughout the home. There is an outdoor compressor unit that is responsible for cooling your home during the hot summer months. This unit is full of refrigerant and coils that cool the air. There is a fan in the system that works to blow the hot air out of your home while replacing it with the cooled air.
This type of system comes with a heating component, as well. This is usually located in the basement or similar storage area of your home. Most typically utilize gas to heat the house. A fan or an evaporator is utilized to then circulate the heated air throughout your home. This type of split heating and cooling system is controlled via a thermostat. Depending on the specific type of thermostat that you use, you may be capable of programming specific room temperatures for particular times of the day — for example, turning up the air conditioner a half hour or so before you get home from work.
Hybrid Split System
The next category of HVAC systems that we’re going to discuss is the hybrid split system. This type of system is very similar to the split heating and cooling system, with only a couple of key differences. This type of unit will have an outdoor condenser responsible for cooling your home in the summertime. It will also have an indoor gas unit that is responsible for heating your home in the cold winter months.
The main difference that sets this type of hybrid split system apart from the traditional split heating and cooling system is that it has the option for electric-powered heat. In the traditional split units, there is just the gas-powered heating option. This type of hybrid system is ideal for residents in climates, where there are months that aren’t extremely cold. They can utilize just the electric heat for their HVAC system, which is cheaper than utilizing gas. However, they’ll still have the gas unit that will allow them to be cost-effective when running their heating system in the dead of winter.
Mini-Splits (Duct-Free System)
This type of system is fairly newer on the market and provides many advantages to other types of HVAC systems. The mini-splits are individual units that get hung on the wall of each room. This allows you to easily control the temperature of each individual unit. This means you can keep your bedroom super cool while keeping your living room at a warmer temperature.
Mini-split units are connected to an outdoor compressor unit, just like the other HVAC systems. They provide both heating and cooling for all units. It’s important to note that mini-splits are hung directly on the wall, so they’re not as hidden as other duct-type of HVAC systems. These are great for adding heating and cooling to additions in your home or for businesses like hotels where there’s a need to control temperatures in individual rooms.
Packaged HVAC Systems
A packed HVAC system is one that has all the major components of the system packaged into one large cabinet. These are always installed at the exterior of your home, which makes a big difference in the noise level of this unit. You’ll find that it’s much quieter than other types of units out there.
A packaged system has an internal blower that draws in untreated air and forces the treated air into your home environment. There are various types of packages you can opt to purchase. These include a gas furnace with an electric air conditioner, a heat pump system, and a hybrid system. Packaged systems tend to be selected when a traditional split system unit is not an option.
Geothermal HVAC Systems
The last type of HVAC system that we’re going to talk about is the geothermal system. This utilizes the natural temperature of the earth to help cool and heats your home. At first, there are pipes installed outside. These can be installed in water or below the ground. There is water with refrigerant that is constantly circulated through the heat pump. The natural temperature of the earth allows for the water to shed excess heat in the summer and collect that heat in the cold months of winter.
The biggest advantage of this type of HVAC system is that it’s very energy-efficient. In fact, it’s considered about four times more efficient than a traditional split heating and cooling system. The only drawback that homeowners tend to have with this type of system is that it’s more expensive to install. It can run anywhere from two to five times that of traditional split heating and cooling systems. However, there are still many tax breaks and government grants available, which can get you this type of system for much less.
Tips For Picking The Best HVAC System For Your Home
With so many options, you may be wondering just what type of system is best for your home or office. Hopefully, you now have a good idea of the pros and cons of each type of system out there. This can help you to weigh your options better and pick the right system for your home. Let’s look at a few rules of thumb when it comes to deciding between these types of systems.
The traditional split heating and cooling system are very popular for a reason. It’s cost-effective to run and fairly affordable to have installed in a new home. When it comes to heating and cooling additions to your home, a mini-split is the clear way to go. This way, you don’t have to worry about trying to tie in your new addition to your existing HVAC system.
The packaged HVAC systems should only really be considered when a traditional split system is not available for the property. Geothermal HVAC systems are a great option for homeowners who are planning on living in their home for at least a decade or more. Also, this type of system must be something that is in your budget to construct. It’s more expensive to purchase but can save you a ton of money on energy costs throughout its lifespan.
Whether you’re building a new home or upgrading your existing home, there are various options you have for installing HVAC systems. By understanding the various types of systems that are available for purchase, you can better work on deciding what system is best for your needs. Remember that you want to take into account the price of the system and how much it will cost to run the system in the winter and summer months.
