Choosing the right type of HVAC system for your home is important for both your comfort and your wallet. Different types of units work for different spaces; HVAC systems are not one-size-fits-all. If you’re in the market for a new HVAC unit or you’re thinking about getting an HVAC system installed in your home, you have a few things to consider before making a decision.
It’s also helpful to have a baseline knowledge of the types of heating and cooling systems if you’re looking for a new place to live. The efficiency and structure of the current system installed in a home you’re looking at will make a big difference in how much it will cost to live there, and the amount of heating and cooling power it will provide.
This article will go over the 4 main types of HVAC units and the building structures they tend to suit best.
When you picture an HVAC unit, this is probably the type that comes to your mind by default. It has both an indoor and outdoor component that are connected to one another by ductwork and refrigerant lines.
They tend to contain:
Pros and cons of this type of unit:
Pros:
Cons:
These units use a combination of an electricity-powered heat pump and a gas furnace to heat and cool your home. The computer within the system detects the temperature outside and chooses between heating options accordingly. Heat pumps tend to be less efficient than gas furnaces at producing heat once the outdoor temperature drops below freezing, though recent advancements in heat pump technology have narrowed the gap in efficiency.
Like a heating and cooling split system, hybrid split systems also have both an indoor and an outdoor unit. They normally consist of:
Pros and cons of this type of unit:
Pros:
The main pro of this unit is that it can save you money on your heating bills. Hybrid systems are designed to keep your heating bills low by choosing the most efficient heating option depending on the temperature. Heat pumps are also very efficient at cooling homes in the summer (don’t let the name fool you!).
Cons:
Not all heating and cooling systems contain ductwork! Ductless mini-splits are electricity powered and compact; they only consist of a single wall-mounted vent connected to an outdoor compressor via refrigerant lines and pipes. The vent pulls in air and circulates it through the system, heating or cooling it accordingly, and then pushes it back out into the room. Several vents can be installed throughout a building.
These types of units normally consist of:
Pros and cons of this type of unit:
Pros:
Cons:
The main issue with mini-splits is that they’re not easily suited to larger, open-concept spaces. And if a unit is incorrectly sized for a space, it can end up consuming excessive energy or even break down.
These units contain all the components of an HVAC system together in one metal box, which is normally placed either on the roof of a building or on a single slab near the foundation. These units are often used for commercial purposes, such as in office buildings, but work well for houses too.
These units normally contain:
Pros and cons of this type of unit:
Pros:
Cons:
Once you’ve made a decision on what HVAC unit is best for your home, keep us in mind for any HVAC supplies you’ll need pre- and post-installation, such as filters or vent covers. We have the largest selection of ready-to-ship HVAC parts in the U.S., and we can get you whatever you need, when you need it.