HVAC System Types & Key Features to Keep in Mind

HVAC is short for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. A HVAC system helps to make indoor environments comfortable and suitable for homes and businesses.

When we talk about commercial HVAC system types and HVAC features, you need to balance exactly what you will offer as a contractor. If you can supply a lot of HVAC types, that sounds great on paper. After all, you can reach a wider spread of customers, right? Not necessarily. You need to actually be able to supply and service all of these systems, which means more costs in terms of equipment and overhead.

So, how do you determine the ideal fits for your business? By using project management software HVAC software like eSUB. Our financial tools make it easier for you to figure out how much profit you are making on certain types of jobs, so you only offer work with the HVAC features and types that will be the best for you financially. By tracking your employees and equipment, you can also further efficiency for your jobs.

fan
Photo by ieang

This is largely a matter of business sense. The more types of systems that you can service, the larger your customer base is by default. This increases the chances of you having a profitable system, no matter where you are based or other outside factors. Keeping this in mind, here are some of the HVAC systems and features that set installations apart.

The Main HVAC System Types

When we talk about the different HVAC system types, most are referring to one of four options. Here’s a close look at the traits of each. 

Heating and Air Conditioning Split System

These are the conventional HVAC systems and the most common one in terms of being present in homes across the country and the world. These are popular because you can use them in any home style or region. Each system has two different components of the overall system, hence the name. The components are present both inside and outside of the building and include an air conditioner that cools the refrigerant and a furnace/fan to convert said refrigerant and circulate the air around. When the air is appropriately cooled or heated, there are ducts to carry it around the building. The user can also manipulate the thermostat to manage and control it.

Consists of:

— Components of the system are both inside and outside the building

— An Air conditioner that cools the refrigerant

— Furnace and a fan to convert the refrigerant and circulate the air

— Ducts that carry the air all through the building

— Thermostat to manage and control the system

thermometer
Photo by ronstik

Hybrid Heat Split System

Think of this as an advanced version of the conventional split system that improves energy efficiency. This system consists of a heat pump designed to heat and cool refrigerant, along with a furnace/evaporator coil that helps convert refrigerant and air circulation. The major difference here is that this is a hybrid system that lets the property owner switch between hybrid and gas-powered at will using a control panel. Ducts channel air around the building just like with a traditional split system. This is especially useful for people who know they are going to put more stress on their HVAC systems at a certain type of day. 

Consists of:

— Heat pump that heats or cools the refrigerant

— Furnace and evaporator coil for conversion of the refrigerant and air circulation

— Ducts to channel air around the building

— Control panel to adjust and control the system

Duct Free Split Heating & Air Conditioning System

While this presents a larger up-front cost for many property owners, it’s often worth it, especially for commercial buildings. These systems are ideal for areas where a conventional duct system can’t reach. However, they also make a complement for existing ducted systems to give more control on a room-to-room basis. The way this works is that there is a heat pump or air conditioner to heat or cool refrigerant as needed, along with a compact fan coil in every single room or area. Wire and tubing connect the outdoor unit to the fan coil, and this can be manipulated via either a control panel or thermostat.

Consists of:

— Heat pump or air conditioner to heat and/or cool the refrigerant

— Compact fan coil

— Wire and tubing for the refrigerant that connects the outdoor unit to the fan coil

— Thermostat or control panel

Packaged Heating & Air Conditioning System

his is an ideal solution for homes and offices where space is a major concern, making split systems unviable. This consists of an air conditioner and heat pump combined into one large outdoor cabinet. These generally combine the evaporator and fan coil into the space as well. Aside from the space concerns, the main benefit is less noise inside the building. However, by exposing your entire HVAC system to the elements, it’s generally weaker and needs replacement sooner.

Consists of:

— Air conditioner and heat pump together with the evaporator and fan coil in one unit

— Thermostat or control panel

Now that you know the four different types of systems, it is important to consider the different features of HVAC systems.

HVAC Features To Follow

Now that you know the four different types of systems, it is important to consider the different features of HVAC systems. These are what your customers are going to be thinking about when they select a system from one of your options, so it’s important you know what they value as well. 

Photo by SergeyKlopotov

Refrigerant

No matter the HVAC style, there are different types of refrigerant that you can use in your HVAC system. One option worth considering is an environmentally friendly refrigerant such as R-410A. More and more homeowners are prioritizing it both to protect the planet and increase the property value.

Location of indoor unit

Placement matters when it comes to where your furnace is. A furnace mounted in the closet or floor level areas is less likely to lead to leaks and water damage. As a result, you want to avoid setting any indoor units in an attic or higher-level area. This is more likely to damage the ceiling or result in a leak.

Location of outdoor unit

Ideally, you want to keep these in as obscured an area as possible. This means a location not likely to be seen, heard, or damaged. This means you may want to reconsider the classic placement of right by the bedroom window. 

Air-filter location

While many people miss this deadline, you should be replacing air filters around every three to four months. Make sure the filters are in an easy place to reach to make this task easier.

Filter dryer

Consider installing a filter-dryer to reap a variety of benefits. The filter dryer removes damaging moisture and grit which keeps the system running more efficiently while expanding its lifespan.

Design and balance of ductwork

 It’s important to make sure that your ducts are properly sized and balanced around the home to maintain comfort. In terms of energy efficiency, externally insulated round ducts are generally best.

When we talk about commercial HVAC system types and HVAC features, you need to balance exactly what you will offer as a contractor. If you can supply a lot of HVAC types, that sounds great on paper. After all, you can reach a wider spread of customers, right? Not necessarily. You need to actually be able to supply and service all of these systems, which means more costs in terms of equipment and overhead.

Final Thoughts

So, how do you determine the ideal fits for your business? By using project management software like eSUB. Our financial tools make it easier for you to figure out how much profit you are making on certain types of jobs, so you only offer work with the HVAC features and types that will be the best for you financially. By tracking your employees and equipment, you can also further efficiency for your jobs.

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