Exploring Air Conditioning Systems

Air conditioning systems keep spaces warm or cool and provide ventilation. They also control humidity and filter indoor air pollutants.

ENERGY STAR-certified heating and cooling systems are an energy-efficient way to regulate temperatures in a building. Learn how to choose the right AC system for your facility by understanding the different types.

1. Split System

A split system is a common type of air conditioner. It has an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, unlike a packaged air conditioner or window unit, which contain the entire HVAC system in one piece. Split systems are customizable based on the space in your home. They are also more energy efficient than other types of air conditioning and can add value to your home or investment property. However, the outdoor unit makes your system vulnerable to weather and animal damage, especially if it is not properly installed.

A split-system air conditioner consists of an outdoor compressor and condenser, as well as an indoor unit that houses the fan coil, furnace, or air handler. The indoor unit is connected to the outdoor unit via copper tubing that replaces the ductwork used in central air systems. Split systems are more flexible and quieter than a packaged unit because the components are located outdoors. They can also be more effective in smaller homes because they allow you to control the temperature of individual rooms.

2. Packaged System

An alternative to a split system, a packaged unit has the evaporator coil, compressor, and other components housed in a single cabinet. This allows it to be installed outdoors, removing the need for an attic or utility closet and saving space inside the home. It also offers the ability to heat and cool using either an electric or gas furnace, providing more flexibility in climate control for homes in milder regions of the country.

The air supply and return ducts run through the roof or side of the building to connect with the unit, which is usually located on a rooftop or outdoor concrete slab. Many models include an electric or natural gas furnace, eliminating the need for a separate indoor heating source.

Because the components are housed together, it’s often easier to perform maintenance on a packaged system. However, the unit is exposed to the elements and long-term exposure may accelerate wear and tear.

3. Ductless System

A ductless system is an ideal cooling option for homes that don’t have existing ductwork. They are easy to install and provide zoned comfort. Many offer remote control, Wi-Fi connectivity and voice-activated controls for a more customized experience.

Ductless systems are also energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. They use refrigerants that do not impact our planet’s ozone layer, and many of them qualify for federal, state and local utility rebates.

They can also be used to heat rooms such as a sunroom, home office or garage. This prevents homeowners from having to juggle window air conditioners in the summer and space heaters in the winter.

They are also more versatile than a traditional central HVAC system. For example, they can offer zoning capability so that two people in the same room can set their own comfort preferences. The ductless system will then cool the air in each room separately. This prevents over-cooling of the whole house and saves money.

4. High-Speed Mini HVAC

Ductless mini-split AC systems are energy efficient and versatile enough to heat and cool different zones of your home. They have two functional components: an outdoor compressor unit and an indoor air-handling unit.

If you have a new construction home or want to add air conditioning to an existing room that doesn’t have ducts, this is the system for you. It’s also the best option for adding air conditioning to historic, architecturally sensitive or aesthetically challenging homes that can’t accommodate traditional ductwork.

High velocity systems use small, flexible ducting that can be snaked through walls and ceilings without requiring extensive remodeling work. In a study conducted by the IBACOS research team, high velocity AC systems proved to be more effective at cooling homes than conventional ducted systems. In addition, they require less installation space and are quieter. However, they’re more expensive upfront and can require specialized maintenance.