When it comes to air conditioning systems, there are four main types to choose from: split systems, hybrid systems, ductless systems, and packaged heating and air systems. Each of these HVAC units has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to understand the differences between them before making a decision. Split systems are the most common type of air conditioning system. As the name suggests, it is divided into two separate units, one for heating and the other for cooling.
It should be noted that these systems come with indoor and outdoor units that can be easily identified. EB Air has more than 27 years of combined experience in managing projects that require performance and a solution of the highest quality. Air source heat pumps are becoming increasingly popular in the residential HVAC market. An electric heat pump is a more efficient option than an electric furnace if electricity is the only energy source available.
The heat pump moves heat instead of generating energy from a fuel source, allowing for more efficient performance, especially at moderate temperatures. Heat pumps also work in reverse, providing central air conditioning during the hottest months of the year. A combination of furnace and heat pump is a dual-fuel hybrid heating system. When the weather is nice, the heat pump keeps your home comfortable and generates low heating bills.
As the temperature approaches freezing, the gas oven provides additional heat, which avoids resorting to the less efficient electrical resistance heater that normally serves as a backup heating source. Ductless minisplits have become more popular over the years. This system is a type of heat pump that can provide heating and cooling all year round. Units that are wall-mounted inside your home have a built-in air controller, eliminating the need for any duct network. Finally, geothermal HVAC systems are perhaps the coolest possible option, but also understandably the rarest.
Geothermic means taking heat from one's own land. These heat pumps are the most energy efficient and environmentally friendly air conditioning system available. Like air-source heat pumps, they are designed to move heat instead of generating it from an energy source. Morelli Air's heating and air services include air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces, packaging units, split systems, geothermal and ductless systems, boilers, coolers, thermostats and indoor air quality products. Central air conditioners are perhaps the most common type of residential HVAC system after wall and window air conditioners.
Central air conditioning systems use a network of ducts and a fan to carry cold air around the house, but how the air is cooled in the first place is a bit more complicated. Outside the house, the compressor squeezes out the gaseous refrigerant, converts it back into gas and heats it. The hot air is expelled through the exhaust from the system and the cycle starts again. The biggest drawback of central air conditioners is that they require an additional heat source such as an oven. Ovens are much simpler than central air conditioners.
Most residential furnaces use natural gas or oil to heat a series of fins called a heat exchanger, although some also use propane. A blower motor forces air through the heat exchanger to increase its temperature before passing through a network of ducts throughout the house. Ovens are popular because they are relatively affordable and very energy efficient. Most gas-fired ovens achieve an efficiency of between 80 and 90%, and some newer models have an impressive efficiency of 95%. They are also very reliable and require little maintenance compared to other home heating options such as heat pumps. First, ovens are known for drying out the air in your home which can cause respiratory problems for some people if they don't use humidifiers to improve indoor air quality.
Second, while ovens don't require much maintenance when something goes wrong they often require an expensive repair. In addition, a malfunctioning oven can spew dangerous carbon monoxide (CO) into your home making it extremely important to install CO detectors throughout your home. One of the main advantages of a ductless minisplit is that it can be used for both heating and cooling reducing the need for two systems. Ductless minisplit systems are more expensive than ductless air conditioning units but you don't have to pay to install and maintain a separate heating system making conditions even. Heat pumps are more versatile than air conditioners but they also have higher initial costs. These initial costs are offset to some extent by money saved by not having to purchase a separate heating system.
On the other hand a disadvantage of heat pumps is that they generally have a shorter lifespan than air conditioners and ovens as they operate year-round. It depends on what type of HVAC system you're talking about: central air conditioners usually last 15 to 20 years while heat pumps last 10 to 15 years; natural gas or electric ovens can last 20 to 25 years with regular maintenance; more affordable options such as window air conditioners and wall-mounted air conditioning units have a shorter lifespan with an average lifespan of about 10 years. Before deciding what type of HVAC system is right for your home talk to a certified HVAC technician who can help you make an informed decision.
