4 Types of HVAC Systems to Know

Homeowners often take their HVAC systems for granted. But to keep them running in peak condition, they require regular maintenance and repair services. Consistent filter changes and periodic tune-ups are part of the process.

With this in mind, here’s a brief lesson on HVAC systems and the types of HVAC systems currently available at Affirmative Air Conditioning:

Heating and Air Conditioning Split System

This system is called a split system because the work of controlling the temperature is done by two separate units, one that is installed outside the home and the other inside. The outdoor unit contains the condenser and the compressor, while the indoor unit contains the evaporator coil and the blower.

The indoor unit is often connected to a furnace or heat pump. Currently, this is the most popular type of HVAC system for residential customers. It’s perfect for homes that have a furnace but no air conditioning.

A typical HVAC Split System will usually have the following:

• An outdoor unit that houses the compressor, the condenser coil, a fan, and other key electrical components.
• An indoor unit that houses an evaporator coil. This is usually installed above the furnace.
• A series of pipes that circulates refrigerant from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit, and vice-versa.
• A blower that blows warm or hot air over the cold evaporator coil, which in turn absorbs heat from the air.
• A duct system that helps circulate the cooled or heated air throughout your property.
• A thermostat that allows you to control the system itself and set the temperature.

Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump

This HVAC system is similar to the Heating and Air Conditioning Split System, with one key difference: it doesn’t require any duct systems to work, making them perfect for smaller spaces where ducts aren’t really possible.

With a Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump, the indoor units are directly installed in the areas within the house that need specific temperature control. They are also designed so that they are the units blowing the cooled or heated air. This also means that you can have as many as four indoor units connected to just one outdoor unit.

This type of HVAC system contains the following elements:

• An outdoor unit that houses the compressor, the condenser, and the fan.
• A compact fan coil.
• A thermostat.
• Tubing or piping that circulates refrigerant to and from both indoor and outdoor units. These tubes are small and only requires 3-inch holes.

Hybrid Heat Pump System

This HVAC system involves two key elements: a heat pump that’s powered by electricity and a home furnace that burns natural gas, fuel oil, or propane. The heat pump works like a typical air conditioner, pumping cool air into your home, but it can also reverse the process and provide heating.

It does this by using the flow of refrigerant in pipes to transfer heat from warmer areas outside the home to the inside. This process is quick and takes very little energy, providing an economical and reliable solution all year-round.

A typical Hybrid Heat Pump System will have the following:

• A heat pump that heats and cools the refrigerant.
• A furnace, usually one that uses up fuel to function.
• An evaporator coil that converts the refrigerant and helps with the air circulation.
• A thermostat.

Packaged Heating and Air Conditioning System

This system is an all-in-one package. It contains all the important components of an HVAC system into one unit: the compressor, the condenser, and the evaporator.

The fact that they have this compact design makes them perfect for homes and office buildings that do not have the space required to accommodate all the separate components of a typical HVAC system. They are also often set up alongside furnaces with electric coils for added heating.

A Packaged Heating and Air Conditioning System consist of the following elements:

• The air conditioner/heat pump together with the evaporator/fan coil housed in one single unit.
• A thermostat.
• Optional accessories to improve air quality, such as air purifiers, cleaners, ventilators, and UV lamps.

When it comes to keeping your heating or cooling system in top condition in the Greater Phoenix area, there’s no better HVAC team to call upon for that than us here at Affirmative Air Conditioning. We’ve got more than 20 years of HVAC experience under our belt and we create legions of satisfied customers on a daily basis. Reach out to us by using our Contact Us page or by calling 480-418-8685 for all your HVAC needs, whether it’s about installing a new air conditioning system, helping you with ductwork, or more.