Know Your System: What Are The Different Types of HVAC Systems?

Installing the perfect heating and cooling system in your Charleston home is a big decision. HVAC systems determine many aspects about your home, such as comfort, air quality, and utility bills. When making the decision on which HVAC system to install in your home, it is important to compare and contrast each option. In this blog, we detail the main types of heating and cooling units and the benefits of each.

The Most Common Types Of HVAC Systems

There are many different types of heating and cooling options, but just one perfect fit for your home. We are here to help make your home comfort decisions as easy as possible. Below are the four main types of HVAC systems.

• Split Heat Pump Or Gas Furnace System
• Dual Fuel System
• Packaged Heat Pump or Gas Furnace System
• Ductless System

Split Systems

A split system is the most common type of HVAC system used in residential buildings. The term “split” refers to having two separate units to heat and cool your home. The condenser is located outdoors, while the air handler or furnace is located inside your home. The two units are connected by copper tubing and both utilize the thermostat, but have different operational processes and components. Typically, split systems have the cooling unit located outside and the heating unit located inside. An example of a split system is an air conditioning unit and a furnace or a heat pump system.

Benefits Of Split Systems

Split systems can provide many advantages for your home, such as:

• Energy Efficient. Split HVAC systems are an energy efficient heating and cooling option, because the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is often higher on available systems when compared to a packaged system.
• Customizable. Split systems allow the flexibility of choosing many heating and cooling options for the two units.
• Reliable Heating And Cooling. Split systems can provide dependable heating and cooling by having separate units designated for both summer and winter seasons.
• Added Home Value. Due to high efficiency systems, split systems can add to your home’s resale value.

Dual Fuel Systems

Dual fuel systems combine the best qualities of gas furnaces and heat pumps, while aiming to reduce utility bills without sacrificing comfort. The unit operates through a hybrid heating system by switching between gas and electric power. Dual fuel systems allow homeowners to choose from gas power, which offers quick and thorough heating, to electric power, which offers efficient and quiet heating. An example of a dual fuel system would be the use of an air source heat pump and a gas furnace to provide both heating and cooling.

Benefits Of Dual Fuel Systems

Dual fuel systems can offer a variety of benefits to your Charleston home, such as:

• System & Fuel Flexibility. Hybrid split systems can switch between fuel to electric power, which allows the flexibility of using the cheapest source each season.
• Energy Efficient. Hybrid split systems reduce energy usage and can save 30-50% in energy costs over the years.
• Back Up Heating. Due to the system having two heat sources, you will rarely have to worry about discomfort during a system breakdown.
• Environmentally Friendly. Hybrid split systems can benefit the environment by its ability to switch fuel sources at the most economical time.

Packaged Systems

Packaged systems can heat and cool your home using just one unit. These units operate the same way a separate air conditioner or heating unit would, along with using similar components. Packaged systems are beneficial for homes looking to save space, because the unit can be installed on the roof or on a composite pad outdoors.

Benefits Of Packaged Systems

Packaged HVAC systems can present many benefits for your home, such as:

• Saves Space. Packaged systems only take up space in one location rather than two.
• Convenience Of Two Systems In One. Packaged systems have all components needed to heat and cool in one place, which is easy and flexible for most homeowners.
• Easy Installation. Packaged units arrive assembled and only have to be installed in one location rather than two.
• Minimal Maintenance. All components are located in the same spot which makes repairs and maintenance a breeze for your 5-Star technician.

Ductless Systems

Ductless systems, also known as mini-split systems, can provide comfort to your home without needing ductwork. Ductless systems have an indoor unit(s) installed in specific rooms and one outdoor unit. These systems are perfect for homes aiming to save space and new additions, such as sun rooms, garages, and basements.

Benefits Of Ductless Systems

Installing a ductless system can have many advantages to you and your home, including:

• Zoned Heating & Cooling. Due to ductless systems being mounted on a wall in a specific room, the unit only effectively heats and cools the designated spot when prompted.
• Energy Efficient. Ductless systems can save energy due to many reasons, such as avoiding air lost in ductwork.
• Easy Installation. Ductless systems are easy to install and typically cheaper than other HVAC systems.
• Save Money. Ductless systems are aimed to heat and cool a specific room rather than a whole house. This can save money on utility bills by only heating and cooling used rooms.

Let a 5 Star Charleston technician help you evaluate the perfect heating and cooling solution for your home. We can show you how to maintain your budget while staying comfortable in every season. Give us a call for a FREE estimate today!