A Homeowners Guide to the Common Types of HVAC Systems

Modern homeowners know what they want when it comes to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning HVAC Systems.

• Some families focus on comfort in the background, like plumbing and electrical systems.
• Some families have specific health needs, and their HVAC must provide the best indoor air quality possible.
• Some families need a quality HVAC, but affordability is vitally important since the family budget is very tight.

One of the great benefits of this industry is the variety of systems available to homeowners who need to install a new system or replace a failing existing system. Below are a few of the options available to homeowners in the current market.

Packaged HVAC Systems

This is the most common system in the South: 93% of homes have a central heat/air system in a coordinated set of components.

• This system became popular during the 1960s and is a very efficient approach to both heat and cool spaces.
• A central cabinet houses both heating and cooling equipment along with a very powerful blower motor.
• The blower motor moves air through a network of ducts, connecting all the spaces of the home. This air movement can move heated or cooled air or operate as a fan to mix fresh air.
• An outdoor unit facilitates the cooling function, and in some systems, it also serves as the primary heater.

Packaged systems are efficient combination systems with enough versatility to make them attractive. However, it is much harder to create zones for customized comfort preferences; the entire space uses one thermostat to control large spaces.

A variation of this type of system is a zoned dual-packaged system. Two or more combination heating and cooling packages service different areas of the same space. An example might be a system to service the first story and a separate system to service the second story.

Mini-split HVAC Systems Options

The second most popular HVAC system is portable/temporary units that service single rooms or small spaces.

A new design, originating in Japan, is beginning to draw attention in the US, especially when homeowners remodel old homes or have spaces that are difficult to condition using traditional packaged systems. Mini-split systems are ductless, efficient, and very versatile.

• The outdoor portion of the mini-split system is very similar to packaged system condenser units. But, instead of pushing refrigerant gas to a central air cabinet, the refrigerant is pushed to smaller air handler units mounted on the wall in each room.
• Some mini-split systems use heat pump technology during the winter; the same components used during the cooling season provide adequate heat during the winter—especially in the deep South. Some mini-split systems have small furnaces in each space that connect to the same wall-mounted air handler.
• One thermostat controls both the heating and cooling functions. However, each room is zoned separately and can be set to individualized comfort preferences.

Mini-split HVAC systems often cost a little more, and each component needs to be serviced regularly, just like packaged systems.

Of course, portable heating and air conditioning options remain. It is best to remove window air conditioners during the winter and prepare them for storage. Indoor portable air conditioners must be connected to the outdoors (to release heat outside during heat transfer and to allow the humidity to drain away. Using electric heaters indoors must be done with the utmost diligence to prevent a damaging and deadly fire. (Never use natural gas or propane space heaters without adequate ventilation of the exhaust.)

Need Help Deciding on Which HVAC Systems to Install – Call RM Mullinix

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and our HVAC Systems services, schedule an appointment or visit our AC maintenance information page.