With the help of Service Champions Heating & Air Conditioning, an air conditioning contractor in Brea, California, Warner Service details the best HVAC systems for your home, depending on square footage, climate, and energy efficiency:
Heating & Air Conditioning Split System
One of the most common home heating and cooling systems, split systems have components that are indoor and outdoor. This HVAC system includes the following:
- An outdoor air conditioner that cools refrigerant
- An indoor furnace and a fan or evaporator coil for conversion of refrigerant and circulation of air
- Indoor ductwork that carries air through your home
- An indoor thermostat to manage the system’s temperature
- Occasional optional accessories for pristine indoor air quality, including electronic air cleaners, air purifiers, humidifiers, and UV lamps
Hybrid Heat Split System
This HVAC system is an advanced version of a traditional split system that considers energy efficiency. This HVAC system includes the following:
- An outdoor heat pump that heats or cools refrigerant and allows for the option of an electrically fueled system that’s above energy efficiency of the average gas furnace
- An indoor furnace plus evaporator coil for conversion of refrigerant and circulation of air
- Indoor ductwork that carries air through your home
- An indoor thermostat to manage the system’s temperature
- Occasional optional accessories for pristine indoor air quality, including electronic air cleaners, air purifiers, humidifiers, and UV lamps
Duct-Free Split Heating & Air Conditioning System
A duct-free system is a great option for homes that can’t fit a traditional split system, which normally includes ductwork. It’s also a great option for homes that need additional heating and cooling within an existing system. This HVAC system includes the following:
- An outdoor heat pump or air conditioner that heats or cools refrigerant
- A compact fan coil
- A series of wires and tubing for refrigerant, connecting the outdoor A/C unit or heat pump to the fan coil
- An indoor thermostat to manage the system’s temperature
- Occasional optional accessories for pristine indoor air quality, including electronic air cleaners, air purifiers, humidifiers, and UV lamps
Packaged Heating & Air Conditioning System
A packaged heating and cooling system is a great option for homes that don’t offer adequate space for the multiple components of a traditional split system. Packaged systems offer a variety of options that fit everything from an entire home to one-room units. This HVAC system includes the following:
- An outdoor heat pump or air conditioner that heats or cools refrigerant with an evaporator/fan coil in one unit
- An indoor thermostat to manage the system’s temperature
- Occasional optional accessories for pristine indoor air quality, including electronic air cleaners, air purifiers, humidifiers, and UV lamps
HVAC System Tips:
- According to HGTV, “Single-stage heating and cooling is popular in colder...climates and hot and humid areas, respectfully, because the systems are set to provide comfort for the coldest or warmest days of the year.”
- Zoned systems control individual areas of your home by opening and closing zone valves or dampers inside vents or ductwork. This can save you a lot of money on energy.
- According to HGTV, “Seek Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings...in the 80s and 90s. The national minimum for furnaces in the United States is 78 percent.” Check out our fan-favorite furnaces here.
- Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) 13 is the minimum air conditioner efficiency that you should purchase.
For more information about home heating, air conditioning systems, and other HVAC system tips, download Warner Service’s Heating Troubleshooting Checklist by clicking on the button below:
This checklist details solutions to common heating problems, including uneven home heating, leaky ductwork, boiler malfunctions, and drafts.