Most homes have a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system that they rely on to keep themselves comfortable during inclement weather. HVAC systems have become more complex as technology has developed, but there are still things that you can do to keep your HVAC system functioning and as good as new.
It is important to identify the type of HVAC system yours is so you can better understand how you can maintain it. Here are the most common types of HVAC systems available:
Heating and Air Conditioning Split System
A split HVAC system uses different units to heat and cool the home. The cooling system is comprised of an outdoor and an indoor unit. The outdoor unit contains a compressor and condenser, while the indoor unit has a blower with the evaporator coil, which is also connected to an existing furnace or a heat pump.
If a household already has a furnace, this is the cheapest to get installed.
Hybrid Heat Pump System
This is another type of HVAC system that produces both low and high temperatures through a heat pump, which is used along with a furnace that burns fuel like propane, natural gas or other fuels. The advantage you get with a heat pump is it can also function as a cooling solution — so it’s just one device that can heat and cool your home.
Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump
If your home doesn’t have provisions for ducting, then ductless systems are your best option. These have an outdoor unit, which can support up to four indoor air handling units. Ductless systems can work well with existing ducted systems to increase heating or cooling efficiency.
Packaged Heating and Air Conditioning System
This type of HVAC system consists of a condenser, evaporator and compressor packed into one unit, which is usually positioned on the roof of the building.
If space comes at a premium on the inside, this is the type of HVAC that is preferred as it only requires simple ducting to be run throughout the building. The most common here is the packaged air conditioner with the air-cooled condenser.
