This makes choosing the best air conditioner a lot more difficult. There are so many residential HVAC system types to choose from. As such, when shopping for a new heating and cooling HVAC system, you have to consider its different features and what you need for your home.

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A traditional type of air conditioning system might be the right choice to heat and cool your home, but it may not deliver the energy savings you expect. As such, you would need to consider the more advanced central air conditioning types of HVAC systems. Some units use geothermal heat, while others use hybrid air conditioners with many benefits.

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This guide will help you choose between two specific types of HVAC heating and cooling air conditioners, namely ducted and ductless residential HVAC systems. By the time you finish reading, you will be able to keep your home comfortable using the best air conditioning unit for your needs.

Ducted Vs. Ductless Residential HVAC System Types

The main difference between these two types of HVAC systems is that one requires ducts to be installed, while the other does not. In general, a ducted indoor air conditioning system would be more expensive to install but provide more uniform heating and cooling throughout your home.

On the other hand, a ductless residential HVAC system is easy to install and can provide efficient air conditioning. Each option is most suited for different homes and situations and comes in a wide range of options to consider.

Four Types of Ducted HVAC Systems

If you are hunting for the perfect air conditioning unit for your home, consider a ducted HVAC system. There are four main options to choose from, and these are as follows:

Split System

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In many places that experience extreme temperature variations, a split system is the most common option. This central air conditioner comes in two parts. One section is used for cooling, while the other does the heating, hence the name “split system.”

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The heating component of such HVAC systems can be located inside the basement of the building. It is usually gas-powered and comes with an evaporator to push heat throughout the house. As for the cooling system, it is usually located outside the house and uses a system of ducts and tubing to circulate cold air. The cooling is achieved using compressors, refrigerants, and coils.

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Hybrid Split System

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Similar to the split system in terms of its design, the hybrid variant is great when it comes to using less energy. This is because you will not be relying on gas or oil alone to create heat. The hybrid split system switches between gas and electric power to drive the furnace and heat the house. It is a great option to have in mild climates that will not overwhelm the electric heaters.

Zoned System

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Zoning is simply a way to give the homeowner more control over their heating and cooling split systems. In larger homes, this may mean installing multiple HVAC systems in different rooms so that each area is cooled or heated only when needed.

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Automatic or manual dampers can also be used to control the direction of the airflow from the air conditioner, which allows you to focus on specific areas of the house where people are seated.

Packaged Heating and Cooling

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In smaller buildings, a packaged heating and cooling HVAC system may be the best way to go. If space is a premium in your home, you will appreciate the small size of these units. Using just a single hole in the wall, you can connect your packaged HVAC system to the building’s duct system. This unit may also come with a heat pump, coils, and an evaporator.

Four Types of Ductless HVAC Systems

The other residential HVAC system types that you can consider are under the ductless category, and these are:

Hydronic Heating

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To radiate heat, a hydronic HVAC system uses hot water rather than air. Once the water is heated in the boiler, it will be distributed throughout the house using a radiator or baseboard heater.

Duct-free Mini-split

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In multi-family homes, ductless mini-split systems are the most common choice. These ductless mini-splits have an outdoor condenser and compressor, a heat pump, a thermostat, and power cables for each zone of the home.

This type of residential HVAC air conditioning system can be tricky to install in some cases. However, it has been shown to achieve better energy-saving levels over time. It allows easy temperature control for individual parts of the house at any time.

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Portable Heat Pump

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If you are in cold environments but still want a small air conditioning unit that you can lug around with you, a portable heat pump may be the best option. It works by running air from the outside over a condenser and then dispersing it throughout the space. The unit uses a reversing valve to switch from heating to cooling.

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Portable Spot Cooler

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Similar to a portable heat pump, a portable spot cooler is used for cooling and is a great mobile option to consider. This mini HVAC system draws ambient air from the outside and then runs it over a closed-loop coil to cool it. It also removes humidity from the air. Portable spot coolers can operate in any location as long as there is an electricity outlet.

Choose the Right HVAC System for Your Needs

If you Google “HVAC Santa Clarita” or “HVAC Los Angeles”, you will be shown a wide range of places where you can buy an AC unit for your home. However, the difficulty is in choosing the right HVAC for your needs.

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You have to carefully consider the attributes of all the different types of HVAC units listed in this article and decide which one sounds like the perfect fit for your home.