Types Of HVAC Systems and Their Benefits

External HVAC units in backyard and their benefits

If you're in the market for a new HVAC system, you may wonder what the different types are. There are quite a few options, and deciding which is suitable for your home can be challenging.

An HVAC system works by circulating air throughout your home to keep it at a comfortable temperature. It is essential for heating and cooling your home and can also help improve the air quality.

Read more: How Does My HVAC System Work?

The three main types of HVAC systems are central air conditioners, furnaces, and heat pumps. Read on to learn about each type and decide which is best for your home.

1) Standard Split Systems

These are the standard type of HVAC systems in the United States. Standard split systems include an outdoor unit, which houses the condenser and compressor, and an indoor unit, which contains the evaporator. Refrigerant lines connect the two units.

Standard split systems are available in a variety of configurations, including:

  • Single-stage: Single-stage systems have one cooling or heating setting. They're either on or off, so they're not energy efficient.
  • Two-stage: Two-stage systems have two cooling or heating settings. A two-stage system is more energy efficient than a single-stage system because it runs at a lower capacity most of the time.
  • Variable-capacity: Variable-capacity systems have multiple cooling or heating settings. They adjust capacity based on the temperature inside your home, so they're the most energy-efficient option.

The ideal lifespan of a standard split system is 15-20 years. It may vary based on the quality of the unit, how well it's maintained, and the climate.

Read more: How Long Does An HVAC System Last?

2) Packaged HVAC Systems

Packaged HVAC systems are an excellent choice for homeowners who don't have a lot of space for their HVAC systems. These systems are also a good choice for those who live in areas with extreme weather conditions.

Packaged HVAC systems come in two types: air source and ground source. Air source packaged HVAC systems are the most common type of packaged system. These systems use an air conditioner and a furnace to heat and cool your home. The air conditioner in a packaged system is usually located on the roof, while the furnace is in the basement or crawl space.

Ground source packaged heating, and cooling systems use a heat pump to transfer heat from the ground to your home. These systems are less common than air source systems, but they are more efficient and can save money on energy bills.

3) Geo-Thermal Heating and Cooling

This system uses the earth as a heat source in the winter and a heat sink in the summer. It can be used in any climate and is one of the most efficient systems available. Geothermal heating and cooling units are becoming increasingly popular due to their high efficiency and low operating costs.

In a geothermal system, a series of underground pipes are used to exchange heat between your home and the earth. In the winter, the HVAC system extracts heat from the ground and uses it to warm your home. In the summer, the process is reversed, and the system transfers heat from your home into the ground. For the best HVAC in Sandy Springs, contact Moncrief Heating & Air Conditioning. Our team of experienced professionals can help you select the right system for your home and budget.