Heating, cooling and air conditioning have become synonymous with construction in many homes. HVAC systems are critical and are at the epicenter of comfort in homes hence making them quite vital and essential focal points while building a home.
There are different types of HVAC systems that vary based on functionality, purpose, size of the house, geographical location and prevailing climatic conditions among other critical factors, which aid to define which HVAC system would be the most fitting for your home. However, there are major and well-known HVAC systems commonly used in many homes and mostly preferred by many installers and companies due to multiple reasons. This article discusses the six major types of HVAC systems to ensure that you are well guided in case you are desirous of having one installed in your home and this shall be done as follows.
- Ductless System
This is also referred to as the mini split air conditioner. It is intended for basic and simple setups without any complex technicalities. An example is a huge room and many small adjacent rooms. They have several benefits including flexibility as in the mini split arrangement, the heat exchanger and the compressor are positioned separately and this enhances the ease of application in different forms of usage.
- Electric Furnace
This HVAC system in ideal for those who live in very hot and humid areas. It is famed for its use of electricity rather than gas or oil like many other types of HVAC systems. This, therefore, makes it a forerunner in the HVAC air conditioning industry as it champions eco-friendliness due to the limited or minimal emissions. It merely entails a connection to an electricity source for it to function thus rendering it quite a decent option compared to the issues usually associated with oil and gas-dependent HVAC systems. It is also cost-effective due to the elimination of the need to use oil and gas. However, if this type of HVAC system is being deployed in a huge house with vast spaces, it could end up being quite expensive than anticipated and this is associated with the colossal amounts of electricity units being consumed to run this system.
- Heat Pump
This is also commonly referred to as the air handler system. It is comprised of a heat pump that is strategically placed and installed outside the house. The heat pump heats and cools the air using a refrigerant. Conversely, the air handler is installed inside the house and it employs an air blower to seamlessly circulate hot and cool air throughout your home. It is relatively cheap with the only deterrent being that it can only tend to be expensive when it is expected to function and circulate hot air throughout the year as the heat resistance strips can make you incur some incremental costs that were never anticipated while contextualizing the project.
- Split System
It is well famed for having the components installed in different areas. It comes in two different types the central system and the mini split system. The central system is fitting for spaces that are used sparingly as the HVAC system can be switched off to aid in minimizing energy costs. This is a ducted system, which helps to circulate cold air, and it has the great advantage of having a temperature control capability in different areas of the house. This automated feature gives it an edge but it always comes down to preference.
- Packaged Heating and Cooling
It is not as common as split systems but it is great for small spaces as the heating and cooling systems are housed in a single unit. The best area to place them is usually an attic or on the roof. One can choose to use evaporator coils or use an air handler system and this is mostly dictated by the prevailing climatic conditions. The system is cheap to install and most crucially relatively easier to maintain compared to split systems.
- Hybrid Split System
This system shares identical features, structure and cooling unit with a split system with the distinction being that it does not strictly depend on gas to create heat. Its heater can use gas but it can also function using electric power. The electric option is usually deemed to be slower but conversely, it is also cheap, especially in areas with good climatic conditions as it gives the homeowner better control of his energy consumption expenses.
The aforementioned as the six major types of HVAC systems thus you stand to be properly guided. You should not hesitate to consult a licensed professional in case of any blurriness pertaining to HVAC systems to ensure that you make a well informed decision.