Different Types of Heating and Cooling System
Whether residential, industrial, commercial, or institutional, almost all buildings need heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to change outdoor air conditions according to the desired conditions. The outdoor air, whether it is cold or hot, is drawn into the buildings and then heated or cooled before it is distributed in the indoor space. Thereafter, it is exhausted to the ambient air or is reused in the system. There are three elements to a heating and cooling system. These elements are-
· A source of cool or warm air
· A method of sending the cooled or heated air into living spaces
· A way to control the temperature
The function of controlling the temperature is usually accomplished with the help of a thermostat, which recognizes whenever it is too hot or too cold. It then turns the HVAC system on and off to maintain the temperature of the room according to individual preferences. Always consult an AC Contractor when deciding to work on or replace your air conditioning unit.
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Parts of a Heating System
· Furnace: A furnace works by burning gas or oil to heat the surrounding air.
· Boiler: A boiler heats the water for homes with the help of radiators.
· Heat pump: Heat Pumps heat indoor air by taking warm air from outside and transferring it indoors.
· Fan coils: It is something that pushes the warm air into the air ducts.
· Ducts: Airducts help in distributing warm air from the furnace or heat pump throughout the living space
· Thermostat: Thermostats direct the HVAC system on how and when to operate based on individual temperature preferences.
Parts of a Cooling System
· Air conditioner: An air conditioner is an appliance that removes warm air from your home.
· Heat pump: It is a device that removes warm air from living spaces.
· Fan coils: Something that circulates cool air through the air ducts.
· Ducts: Air ducts help in distributing cool air throughout the living space
· Evaporator coils: They transfer heat to the heat pump or air conditioner.
· Thermostat: Thermostats direct the HVAC system on how and when to operate, based on individual temperature preferences.
Types of Heating and Cooling Systems
There are four different types of heating and cooling systems. Choosing the right HVAC systems for a building depends on a multiplicity of factors like the age of the building, climate, and other individual preferences. Following is a comprehensive discussion about the four classifications of HVAC systems.
1. Heating and Air Conditioning Split System: This is the most common type of HVAC system for residential heating and cooling needs. As is implied by its name, this system is split into an indoor and outdoor unit. The outdoor unit contains the compressor and the condenser, while the indoor unit contains the blower and the evaporator coil. The cooling function of these split systems is performed by the outdoor unit, which uses compressors, refrigerants, and coils to cool the air, and a fan to blow out hot air.
The HVAC systems also have heaters, which are usually placed in basements or other storage spaces. The heater uses gas to heat the house, which is then dispersed by either a fan or an evaporator to circulate the air. The temperatures in this system are managed with the help of a thermostat. Most split systems also come with humidifiers or purifiers to maintain a comfortable indoor environment.
2. Hybrid Heat Pump System: This type of HVAC system is similar to split systems, except for one key difference, which is its ability to switch between gas and electric power. In a hybrid system, an electric-powered heat pump is used together with a furnace that works by burning natural gas, fuel oil or propane. It is one system that efficiently heats and cools your home. In the summers, it works as an air conditioner, while in the colder months, the heat pump takes the heat out of the cold air and distributes it through the house. Hybrid HVAC systems use thermostats, as well as traditional ducts to provide all the benefits of a split system. The advantage of this system is that it allows energy conservation and also lessens energy bills.
3. Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump: A ductless HVAC system is a perfect solution for spaces that are not compatible with conventional systems. They allow better independent control as they are attached as individual units in rooms that need cooling. One can attach as many as 4 indoor units with each outdoor unit. These types of HVAC systems are most ideal for hotels because of the advantage of individual temperature control.
4. Packaged Heating and Air Conditioning System: A packaged HVAC system is an all-in-one unit, which contains the condenser, compressor, and evaporator. It provides both heating and cooling needs for the house and can be placed outdoors or even indoors because of its compact size. The packaged systems are most commonly used in offices and small commercial spaces, which do not have adequate space for split systems. They are usually more suitable for warmer climates since the heating system in this unit is not as powerful as the others.