Guide to Choosing the Right HVAC System

Whether you’re installing a new HVAC system or replacing an existing one in your home, choosing the right HVAC system can be overwhelming! We’ve created this guide to help you better understand the different types of HVAC systems, including their benefits and drawbacks, so you can make a more informed decision. Let’s take a look at five of the most common AC furnace NJ below.

Heating and Cooling Split Systems

Heating and cooling split systems are one of the most popular types of HVAC systems. Heating and cooling split systems, as the name implies, are made up of two units: one that cools a home and one that heats a home. They typically contain one outdoor unit, such as a central AC unit, that is placed on a flat cement foundation, and one indoor unit, such as a furnace, located in a utility closet, attic, or basement.Depending on your needs, several combinations are available:

• Furnace and air conditioner: These systems are also called forced air systems since they use blower fans to circulate air through the ducts.
• Heat pump and air handler: Heat pumps deliver both cool and warm air and are incredibly energy-efficient. This system does not create cold or warm air; rather, it transports it from the inside to the outside and vice versa, depending on whether you want to cool or heat your home. Heat pump split systems are ideal for warm environments that rarely experience freezing temperatures, so keep that in mind when shopping for AC furnace NJ. An air handler with a blower motor is used to distribute the warm and cool air via ducts.
• Heat pump and furnace: This is called a hybrid heat system, and is ideal for extremely cold environments. The heat pump supplies heat in moderate temperatures and when the temperature drops below freezing, the system converts over to the gas furnace.

Pros and Cons of Heating and Cooling Split Systems

Pros: Heating and cooling split systems are energy-efficient, affordable, and popular HVAC systems. If you already have ductwork, you may be able to install a new system without having any additional work done. Cons: This system requires ductwork, which is expensive to install if you don’t already have it in your home.

Hybrid Split Systems

A hybrid split system is similar to a traditional heating and cooling split system. The main difference between the two is that a hybrid split system uses an electric hybrid heating system, which allows you to choose between using gas power or electric power to heat your home. For example, you may decide that electric heating will suffice during the early winter months and that you’ll switch to gas power once the temperature drops below freezing. This system has all the benefits of a split system, plus the option of further energy conservation, which will lower your energy costs!

Pros and Cons of Hybrid Split Systems

Pros: As previously mentioned, hybrid split systems save energy and heat houses more effectively.Cons: This system requires ductwork, which can be expensive if you don’t already have it. Additionally, hybrid split systems are more expensive than standard split systems, but they will save you money in the long run by decreasing your monthly energy bills.

Ductless Split Systems

A ductless split system consists of several indoor units that can be placed in any room that you want. These units are typically mounted on walls or ceilings and are connected to an outdoor compressor. Ductless split units are perfect for new additions to homes such as garages or bedrooms since they allow for independent control of the unit.

When to Consider a Ductless Split System

Ductless split systems are not for everyone; however, if you’re looking for an AC furnace NJ, purchasing a ductless split system may be an excellent idea if you have a central air conditioning system but don’t have existing ductwork in your garage, basement, or in another room that is a new addition to your home. Furthermore, if you don’t use every room in your house and don’t require heating and cooling in every room, a ductless split system will save you a lot of money!

Pros and Cons of Ductless Split Systems

Pros: Ductless split systems are best for homes that don’t have ductwork. They also are extremely energy-efficient with their own individual thermostats that can be used to create a controlled, zoned environment. Cons: This type of HVAC system is expensive, the units are visually obvious, and it is not suitable for extremely cold environments. Ductless split systems also require regular cleaning and maintenance to stay in good repair, and the cost of repairs and replacement parts can be outrageously high.

Packaged Systems

A packaged system is a single unit that has the ability to both heat and cool your home. This type of AC furnace NJ is compact and can be stored in the attic or on the top floor of a multi-story home. Packaged systems are typically used in warmer climates since the heating isn’t as powerful as other HVAC systems. However, if you want more powerful heating, there are options that utilize both gas and electric heat.

Pros and Cons of Packaged Systems

Pros: Since packaged systems are placed inside the home, they tend to be quieter than most HVAC systems. They are also perfect for smaller homes or apartments that have little to no outdoor space for a unit. Cons: Package systems don’t offer as many options as heating and cooling split systems and are far less efficient. They are also not the best option for extremely cold environments since the heating isn’t as powerful as a standard split system.

Geothermal HVAC Systems

Geothermal HVAC systems use the stable temperatures of the earth to heat and cool a home. When heating, refrigerant collects heat from the ground, and when cooling, heat is dumped into the ground.

Pros and Cons of Geothermal HVAC Systems

Pros: Geothermal HVAC systems are popular among pro environmentalist households because they deliver up to four times the efficiency of a standard HVAC system! Their annual cost is extremely low, and although the initial cost can be up to five times the cost of another AC furnace NJ, the system will pay for itself within a few years. Cons: You should only consider installing a geothermal HVAC system if you’re planning on living in the same home for more than ten years. Repairs can be expensive in addition to the high initial cost.

How to Choose the Right HVAC System for Your Home

Choosing the right HVAC system for your home requires a lot of thought and consideration. Here are a few pointers:

• If you are replacing your current system, we recommend sticking with the same type of system that you have to save money. For example, if your current system has ductwork, consider a standard split system, hybrid system, or a geothermal system.
• What are your energy conservation goals? If you want to save a lot of energy and money in the long run, consider installing a geothermal system if you plan on living in your home for at least another ten years. Otherwise, there are several other energy-efficient HVAC systems you can explore.
• Do you need a whole system or just a single unit? If you’re converting your basement or garage to a living space and only need one or two units, purchasing ductless mini-split units is an affordable solution.
• Do you have the space for an outdoor unit on the side of or behind your house? If you don’t, you may want to consider installing a packaged system, especially if you live in a warm area.
• Climate plays a huge role in determining which HVAC system you should choose. If you live in an area that has warmer weather, opting for a furnace split system or a heat pump system should meet all of your needs. However, if you live in an area with colder weather, a gas furnace with a central air conditioner or a hybrid system will be more suitable.

Before deciding on an AC furnace NJ, we recommend reaching out to an HVAC expert at Quick Serve Pro to discuss your goals and better understand which system meets your needs. We’re always happy to help!