When most homeowners think of air conditioning systems, they generally tend to believe there is only one type of system — the classic split-system central air conditioner. Most of us know this system uses a series of supply ducts and return registers to circulate air throughout the home and contains an indoor air handle/evaporator and an external compressor. But did you know that there are other systems and configurations available to homeowners which might better suit their specific needs? Read on and we’ll tell you about some of the basic options and configurations available. A packaged system is similar to a split-system, except that the entire mechanical end of the system is contained within a single cabinet. These cabinets are usually placed on the roof or on a concrete slab near the home’s foundation. Many of these units also include electric heating coils or a natural gas furnace, which eliminates the need for an indoor furnace. Ductless mini-split systems are used when a homeowner doesn’t want or can’t have ductwork placed into their home. These systems use a unit that pushes cool air into your home from an outside unit. The great part about these systems (beside no ductwork!) is that you can control the temperature of a whole home or just one room by controlling the air handlers in each area. Heat pumps are a type of split system that provides both heating and cooling in the home for year-round comfort. There are two different types of heat pump systems:

• Air source heat pumps: These units pull heat from the outdoors for heating or release it from your home for cooling.
• Geothermal heat pumps: Otherwise known as ground source heat pumps, these systems either pull heat from the ground or disperse it into the ground to provide heating and cooling.

This is just a small overview of some of the basic options available to the homeowner. Additionally, some of these systems can be configured to use efficient high-end technology such as variable refrigerant flow (VRV), which provides incredibly efficient cooling and heating. To learn more about the systems available to your come, contact a trusted HVAC company with extensive experience in all these systems. Understanding your options can go a long way to improving the comfort and air quality within your home.

Comfort Air Conditioning & Heating is one of Manhattan and Nassau County’s leading HVAC contractors. We offer a full range of air conditioning and heating services, including: installations, maintenance, 24 hour emergency service and so much more. Call our experts today at 516-799-0700. We’re A+ Rated by the Better Business Bureau.