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.
Heating and Cooling Split Systems
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.
Make the Installation Easier with the Right Mounting Bracket
For outdoor components like heat pumps or AC compressors, having a sturdy mounting bracket is essential to keep your system stable and working efficiently. Our Universal Outdoor Mini Split Mounting Bracket is a perfect fit for systems up to 500 lbs and 36,000 BTUs, providing the support you need. It’s powder-coated and made of steel for added durability and weather resistance, plus it comes with all the installation hardware you'll need.
Hybrid Split Systems
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.
Ductless Mini-Split Systems
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.
Enhance Your Mini-Split with a Line Set Cover Kit
For ductless mini-split systems, it’s crucial to ensure that your line sets are protected from outdoor elements. Our HVAC Premium 4" Mini Split Line Set PVC Pipe Cover Kit offers a sleek and professional way to protect your mini-split’s line sets, increasing durability and improving aesthetics. Made from sturdy PVC, it covers and conceals unsightly pipes while prolonging the system's life by shielding the pipes from weather damage.
Packaged Heating and Air Systems
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.
HVAC Premium: Your One-Stop Shop for All Your HVAC Needs
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, vent covers, and more. 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.
