The need for heating and cooling systems is critical in most parts of the country due to climatic conditions. And if you are living in Iowa, you know how drastic the climate can change here. Sometimes, we even have all four seasons in the same week. It’s best to have a heating, cooling and ventilation (HVAC) system that is efficient and suitable for your property needs. But, there are so many different types of HVAC systems out there. It can be hard to know what kind is right for your home, office or business, in general. This guide will walk you through the main types of HVAC systems and see which might be best for you and your needs.
Packaged Heating and Cooling
In a packaged HVAC system, the heating and cooling components are combined in a single unit that is mounted on the roof or near the building’s foundation. This single unit provides for easy installation and easy replacement of parts like condensers and compressors.
Packaged heating and cooling systems are often installed in small, poorly insulated buildings. The smaller size of these units makes them less expensive than split units, and they can be ducted directly into an existing HVAC system.
Split System
The most common types of HVAC systems in a building are split systems. In a traditional system, they are split between two separate components — one for heating and one for cooling. The heating component is typically located in a basement or other indoor storage space and runs off natural gas or propane fuel. It’s connected via ductwork to the cooling unit, which sits on the outside of the building.
Split systems use a traditional thermostat to control the temperature for the entire structure. On the other hand, modern electric heat pumps utilize technology that can be better utilized in a split system — and are your best option if you have electric heating and cooling needs.
Hybrid Split System
A hybrid split HVAC system is essentially a split system with the ability to switch between gas and electric, both of which can play a role in heating and cooling climates. While this option gives building owners more control over their building’s energy consumption and can help reduce energy costs in milder climates, it could be less efficient than other types of HVAC systems. However, since hybrid split systems mix in some electric heat, it has the capacity to produce an even combination of heat sources for your property for reduced energy consumption especially during the winter.
Zoned System
HVAC zoning systems offer greater control over the temperature in separate rooms or areas in a building. It’s one of the best ways to control the temperature in different areas or regions in your home. There are many ways for technicians to zone ducted systems, and the most effective one frequently relies on the size of the facility. For instance, larger homes may need multiple HVAC systems to control the temperature on different floors. And since each system is completely separate from each other, this type of zoning requires building owners to install two or more heating and cooling units.
Installing manual or automatic dampers in an air duct system to regulate the volume of airflow in various locations is another typical method of zoning. A damper can be partially closed to restrict airflow to one area while pushing it toward another, making it simpler to set each room’s temperature. By guiding air away from areas that don’t require it, this sort of zoning both makes people more comfortable and increases energy efficiency.
Hydronic Heating
The most common type of heating in households is hydronic systems. Although they are referred to as hydronic, they don’t actually use water. Instead, they’re pipes that run through a building and have large radiators (or floor-level heaters) at the end of them. The water is heated on a large boiler and then transferred into the vertical pipe system. It then goes through the floorboards, heating up everything it comes in contact with until it makes its way back out into the room again.
Despite the short list of hydronic heating types, it’s still a great option for certain homeowners. Hydronic systems can be more simple to install and maintain than other types of HVAC systems because they don’t require electric or chemical pumps, hoses and tubing. Another advantage is that these systems are far less expensive to purchase and operate than other heating options.
Duct-Free Mini-Split
Ductless mini-split systems are a popular way to heat and cool multiple rooms within a building. In multifamily residences, business buildings, and hotel rooms, mini-split systems are typical fixtures placed in individual rooms. The latest mini-splits can also include an automatic defrost function that allows the technician to defrost without leaving the home or office.
Mini-split systems are less expensive to install and operate than conventional ductless air conditioning units, but they don’t provide the same amount of comfort as traditional systems. The outdoor compressor and condenser in a mini-split system needs to run constantly, while in a traditional system it will cycle on and off with temperature changes. Low-temperature energy is lost during this off period. No matter what type of HVAC system you choose, make sure it’s properly installed by a professional who has experience with these types of systems so you can reap the benefits over time.
Portable Spot Cooler
Spot coolers are designed to cool a room or space quickly. They are portable air conditioning units that you can use in large rooms, industrial manufacturing facilities and outdoor spaces. Their small size makes them easy to move around and install in various locations, making the perfect choice for commercial applications or small-scale residential cooling needs.
Looking for an HVAC system provider in Iowa?
If you are looking to solve air quality issues in your home, Comfort Solutions offers a total home comfort package. We combine expertise from the worlds of heating & cooling, insulation, air sealing and energy audits into one roof. Combining this knowledge with industry leading technologies and state of the art equipment allows us to offer you the highest level of service available.