HVAC systems are intended to keep the home warm and cool according to the weather conditions so that people living inside the home feel comfortable.

There are two main types of HVAC systems: Ducted HVAC Systems and Ductless HVAC Systems. In Ducted HVAC systems, air passes through multiple ducts to cool or heat the space. In a Ductless HVAC system, as the name suggests, there is an absence of ducts, so the air is delivered through alternative methods. Understanding the types of HVAC systems helps in selecting the right solution for your needs.

Types of Ducted HVAC System

When exploring the types of HVAC systems, it’s essential to consider factors like efficiency, cost, and the specific requirements of your space.

Ducted HVAC systems use ducts to distribute the air throughout the home, they are mostly used in residential and commercial buildings. The ducted HVAC system consists of an outdoor unit, an indoor unit, and ducts that carry the air. For more clarity, if any building uses vents to pass hot and cool air have a ducted HVAC system.

Split System:

A Split system is also known as a forced air system, in this system some components are located inside the home while others are located outside. It has two separate components one for heating and one for cooling, and a thermostat is used to control the temperature. In a split system heating and cooling systems are both connected to building ductwork through several tubes.

Hybrid Split System:

The Hybrid Split System is the same as the split system the difference is split system depends only on gas to generate heat while the hybrid split system uses gas as well as electricity. It is also known as a dual-fuel system. Electric heating is less powerful than gas-enabled heating, but it reduces energy consumption.

Packaged Heating and Cooling:

The packaged heating and cooling systems are smaller in size which makes them perfectly suited for the smaller sized spaces. As compared to the split system this system costs less, and this is a single unit, so it is easy to maintain.

Zoned System:

Zoned systems allow for control of the temperature in separate rooms or individual parts of the building. Zoned HVAC systems use dampers in the ducts that block or give direction to air to the specific zones. Each zone has its thermostat to customize the temperature settings according to your convenience.

Types of Ductless HVAC System

As the name suggests ductless HVAC systems do not require ducts to heat or cool, these systems are commonly used on temporary working sites.

Ductless Mini Split:

Ductless mini-split systems are installed in a separate room usually in a large office building, hotel rooms, and residential buildings. This system mainly consists of an indoor air handling unit, heat pump, outdoor compressor and condenser, power cable, and a thermostat.

A ductless mini-split system is expensive to install but it helps to reduce energy consumption. In cold environments, the heating components work less effectively in such a case you need to add an extra heating system.

Hydronic System

In all HVAC systems, we use air to radiate heat but in hydronic systems rather than air water is used to radiate heat. These systems typically consist of boilers, pipes, radiators, and radiant floor systems. Boilers are used to heat the water then it is distributed with the help of multiple pipes throughout the building. Hydronic heating systems are compatible with different fuels including gas and electricity.

Portable Spot Cooler:

Portable spot coolers are air conditioning units used to cool large rooms or outdoor areas. They work by pulling in ambient air, cooling it using a refrigerant-cooled coil, and passing it back into the area to remove humidity. Portable spot coolers are best suited in cooling areas where traditional AC systems can’t reach. These systems are easily movable, but an exhaust setup is needed to prevent warm air from re-entering.

Portable Heat Pump:

Portable Heat Pumps and spot coolers are similar in size and function the difference is it has both heating and cooling capabilities and offer additional heating options for cold environments. In heating mode, a heat pump takes in outside air, passes it over the condenser coil, and then distributes warm air throughout the room.

Selecting the right HVAC system requires considering factors like space size, climate, and energy efficiency. Ducted systems offer consistent control, while ductless options provide flexibility and cost savings. By understanding the different system types, you can make a well-informed decision to ensure year-round comfort and optimal energy performance for your home or business.

HVAC systems are a common term in the construction industry; every construction industry professional is aware of HVAC systems, and they are one of the most important aspects during the construction of a building.

What is HVAC?

HVAC stands for Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning; the role of an HVAC system is to maintain the temperature so that people living inside the home feel comfortable. HVAC systems keep your home cool in summer and warm in winter; in short, they adjust the home temperature according to the weather condition. HVAC systems are not particular about homes; they are used in residential and commercial buildings as well.

Components of the HVAC System

An HVAC system consists of many different components that are planted inside as well as outside the home, all collectively doing the job of controlling temperature, humidity, and air quality inside a home. Below some mostly used HVAC components are mentioned.

Air Conditioner:

Air Conditioner absorbs the heat and humidity from the home and transfers it to the environment this way it cools down your home. A good-sized air conditioner can keep your home cool in extremely hot and humid conditions.

Furnace:

Some heat pumps use electricity to heat while furnace burns natural resources such as gas and oil to generate heat. Then this generated heat distributed throughout the home to increase the inside temperature.

Air Handler:

Air handlers distribute the cool and warm air throughout the home to maintain the temperature. Air handlers are usually connected with heat pumps but can also be connected with air conditioners.

Ductwork:

Ductwork or Duct is a system of pipes that carry the air through the different HVAC units. Proper installation and regular maintenance of ductwork are needed otherwise it can cause severe problems.

Humidifier/ Dehumidifier

Many HVAC systems have humidifiers their job is to add moisture in dry air in hot weather, whereas dehumidifiers remove the extra moisture from the humid air in cold weather.

Air Purification Systems:

Air Purification System is not that important for the HVAC system it’s an additional part. Air purifier captures bacteria, viruses, and other pollutants before they enter in HVAC system and improve the home’s indoor air quality.

Thermostat:

The thermostat is like the brain of the HVAC system, it helps to control indoor temperature. The change in thermostat temperature signals other HVAC components that the home needs to be cooler or warmer.

Boilers:

A boiler is the heart of the heating system that ignites the fuel to heat water. In winter this heated water is sent through the pipes and radiators to heat a home.

Geothermal Heat Pump:

Geothermal heating systems are nothing but geothermal pumps that collect the heat from the nearby water source or from beneath the earth. The geothermal heating system requires less electricity as compared to other heat pumps which is why these systems are more efficient.

Radiant Heating:

Many HVAC systems have humidifiers the function is to add moisture to dry air during the summer, whereas the dehumidifier removes extra moisture from the humid air during the winter.

How Does HVAC Work?

The core principle of an HVAC system is to take the fresh air from the environment then cool down or heated according to weather conditions before it circulates throughout the home or in any specified area. Now let’s understand each process one by one. Once the HVAC system is installed in your home you can control the temperature inside the home with a thermostat.

Heating Process:

The HVAC heating process involves convection, conduction, and radiation with the help of heating equipment like heat pumps and boilers.

Ventilation Process:

In the HVAC system ventilation process keeps the indoor and outdoor airflow clean and consistent. To keep the temperature under control it collaborates with cooling and heating systems.

Air Conditioning Process:

The Air Conditioning process is the most important part of the HVAC system. In an HVAC system, the air conditioning process involves cooling down the space by removing heat and moisture. The system functions by passing refrigerant through a cycle of compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation.