In accordance with the United States Department of Energy, HVAC systems make up about 48% of a home’s total energy use, that means the system type you choose may significantly impact your heating and cooling costs. Selecting an HVAC monterey option that suits your home’s layout, size and local climate is of high importance for your comfort and efficiency of your system.
Here are 6 HVAC system types for you to consider. Let’s see which is more suitable for your space!
6 Types of Residential HVAC Systems
Type 1: Standard AC and Furnace Split System
In this system, a blower fan in the furnace pulls in untreated air, heats or cools it, and pushes the air back through the ductwork to your space. Usually, the separate furnace is natural gas powered. If there is no access to natural gas, a propane powered unit can be used as well.
Forced air systems are rather popular in areas with mild climates. There is no need for central air conditioning due to cool temperatures through open windows in Summer. Homeowners just have a furnace for winter. Another benefit is that the majority of modern natural gas furnaces are over 90% energy efficient. However, this type of system requires ductwork and may cause dangerous leaks that leads to carbon monoxide poisoning. It’s not recommended for those with severe allergies, these systems disperse more dust and pathogens around the house. Besides, it keeps the air much drier during the cold seasons.
Type 2: Standard Heat Pump and Air Handler Split System
This in another good option for you. The heat pump provides both air conditioning and heating. A compressor circulates refrigerant through the system. Cold air is taken indoors when heating and pushes it outside. In warm seasons, it works vice versa.
Affordable operating and equipment prices make standard heat pumps rather popular among consumers. Moreover, they are usually very energy efficient.
However, just like the abovementioned split systems, they also need ductwork and may spread allergens in your space. The systems aren’t as efficient when heating in sub-zero temperatures. In such cases HVAC options will be more useful.
Type 3: Mini-Split Heat Pump System
Another HVAC option that is worth of your attention is the mini-split heat pump system. It is considered are the second-most energy efficient option for heating and cooling. It is like a standard heat pump system, but with several units spread out throughout the space. The number of units depends on the size of your home. No ductwork is required here.
On the other side, the initial setup cost is higher than a traditional heat pump system. Its parts are harder to obtain and in some areas with sub-zero winter temperatures a mini-split system might not be a good idea.
Type 4: Boiler with Radiant Heat System & AC
Boiler with a radiant heat system is another comfortable option for you. It has an additional air conditioning unit for cooling in hot seasons. The boiler unit heats up water and pushes it through special pipes in your flooring to keep your rooms warm. There are a few types of systems such as those which use electricity, propane or natural gas to heat the water.
Experts claim, that radiantly heated air is the most comfortable solution, as it keeps perfect balance between dryness and humidity. It’s very pleasant to have warmed floors against bare feet on cold mornings.
However, boilers often take more time to heat the whole space than a regular furnace system. They as well need special radiant floor pipes for proper functioning. The initial price is also tangibly higher.
Type 5: Electric Furnace and AC Split System
For some places, a split system with an air conditioning unit and an electric furnace is the most practical solution. It is similar to the abovementioned forced air system, with the difference in usage of an electric furnace instead of propane or natural gas powered one.
For climates where little winter heating is needed, it is the most suitable solution, especially if winter lasts justs two or three weeks. It’s also a good option for secondary or vacation houses.
These devices aren’t as energy efficient as the others mentioned. However, frequent periods of non-use offset any increase in heating bills.
Type 6: Geothermal Heat Pump System
And, last, but not least, a geothermal heat pump system. This type depends on a series of underground pipes to circulate water below ground where it gets warmed in winters and cooled in summers. This option is very energy efficient. The natural temperature of the earth’s soil is used in the climate regulation process.
Geothermal systems are undoubtedly the most used among homeowners who are concerned about their environmental impact and those committed to a green lifestyle. This type is the most energy-efficient on the market, and most last up to twenty-five years before requiring major repairs or replacement.
Unfortunately, there are some drawbacks. Geothermal heat pumps are the most expensive to install initially. This is especially true for existing homes compared to new construction, where plumbing is much simpler. Furthermore, due to the specific nature of the installation, repair costs are also among the highest. However, most homeowners find the additional expense justified given the dramatic increase in annual heating and air conditioning costs.
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