Ducted and ductless HVAC units are standard fittings in private residences, workplaces, and large commercial establishments. They serve the heating and cooling needs of individuals. Different types of systems, equipment, and components work in tandem to make a place comfortable and cozy. Air conditioners maintain optimal temperature in a room during summer and winter. Other allied components, such as mini splits, vents, louvers, grilles, dampers, furnaces, ductwork, heat pumps, air handlers, and more, support the primary unit.
In this article, we shed light on the various types of HVAC supplies that impact the overall efficacy and functioning of air conditioning units. Without further ado, let’s dive in.
Ducted HVAC Systems
Ducted air-conditioning systems use a network of air ducts that distribute processed or conditioned air throughout a building. The ducts pump out hot and cold air. The main components consist of an indoor and outdoor unit connected to a series of ducts.
1. Split Systems
They are the most common types of ‘forced air’ systems, consisting of an indoor and outdoor unit. The indoor unit features an air handler and evaporator coil, while the outdoor unit features a compressor and condenser. Split systems are common sights in residential buildings. It uses a thermostat to control the temperature.
The heating unit in split systems is in the basement of the building. The gas-powered heater uses a blower fan to push heat through the ductwork and into the building. On the other hand, the cooling system is outside the apartment. It connects with the ducts through a series of tubes. The refrigerant and compressor generate cool air, and a fan blows out the hot air.
2. Hybrid Split Systems
A hybrid system has the same structure as a split system but combines the power of gas and electrical power to cool and heat a place. The gas furnace can switch to electrical power to save energy costs. The heat pump produces mild heating and effective cooling, while the gas furnace offers powerful heating during peak winter. It improves your energy consumption, resulting in lower electricity bills in moderate climatic zones. With a hybrid split HVAC system, you qualify for energy rebates and tax subsidies.
3. Zoned HVAC Systems
An autonomous zoned system allows you to control the temperature in different areas of your home, building, or room. Such systems use dampers within the ductwork that allow and stop airflow to a specific zone. When you partially restrict or block airflow to one area while pushing air into another zone, it helps adjust the temperature in a large house or building. Zoning not only ensures a comfortable living but also reduces energy costs by improving efficiency by restricting airflow to zones that do not require it.
Certified AC installation experts can zone ducted air-conditioning systems by installing multiple HVAC equipment units on different floors to control temperature. Each unit functions independently. Therefore, it is necessary to install two or more heating and cooling systems.
4. Packaged Heating and Cooling
They are smaller in size, making them perfect for installation in small buildings and apartments with limited storage space. Packaged heating and cooling systems are uncommon, unlike split AC systems. They get installed in the loft or attic space. It consists of a single unit that houses the heating and cooling components. Packaged HVAC systems connect to the return and supply ducts through a hole drilled in the wall. They are easier to maintain and affordable to install than split systems.
Ductless HVAC Systems
1. Ductless Mini Splits
Duct-free mini-split AC systems consist of an outdoor compressor unit with one or more indoor air handling and distribution units. They are popular installations in small residences, hotels, restaurants, cafes, and offices. The components in a mini-split system are the compressor, condenser, refrigerant line, evaporator coil, heat pump, indoor air-handling unit, thermostat, and power cables. A copper tube connects the indoor and outdoor units.
Duct-free HVAC mini splits offer improved energy efficiency in the long run, unlike their ducted counterparts, which are prone to energy loss. However, they are expensive to install. You can heat and cool a room of your choice that has members present. It minimizes energy loss, which is often associated with ducted systems.
2. Window Air-Conditioners
Window ACs are self-sufficient units that cool a small room or space. As the name suggests, they are installed in a window or within an exterior wall by cutting a rectangular shape. All the air-conditioning components, such as the condenser, compressor, evaporator coil, and air-handling unit, are put inside a compact metal (galvanized steel) box. However, they are visually less appealing and noisier than split ACs. Window air-conditioners are affordable alternatives for cooling a single room. It is duct-free, easy to install, portable, and can utilize multiple units to cool a large living or working space.
3. Portable Air-Conditioners
Portable ACs are mobile units that can be moved from one room to another. They are similar to window units. It features a flexible exhaust tube or host that is connected to the air conditioner and passed through a window to remove the hot air and moisture from the living space. It is a portable and mobile unit that does not require permanent installation. Portable air-conditioning systems are affordable vis-a-vis mini-splits, window units, and centralized HVAC systems. If you live in a small home or one-bedroom studio apartment, this AC unit is the perfect choice.
4. Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are smaller versions of traditional HVAC systems that cool and heat your home. It works by transferring heat from one place to another, unlike a furnace that generates heat. It expels warm air from the room in summer while extracting heat from the outdoors in winter. It offers an alternative heating option for colder climate zones. A heat pump draws warm air from outside and runs it over a condenser coil before distributing it in a room. A built-in reverse valve switches between heating and cooling whenever required.
End Note
If you live in Texas, Arizona, or California, installing HVAC systems for cooling makes sense. These states experience extreme weather conditions in summer. Check for the reputation of the company when purchasing HVAC supplies from reputed American and global brands. In Texas, companies like Advantage Mechanical Supply and others offer the best-selling heating and cooling products, shipping across the continental United States. Visit their website for more information.
