What Type of A/C Unit Do I Have?

Whether you’re a new home owner, or just don’t have much experience with heating and air conditioning, you might be wondering “What type of unit do I have?”

In today’s age, you could see a variety of HVAC units in your own neighborhood. If you’re facing a breakdown, knowing about the unit in your home may expedite the service process.

Split Systems

One of the most popular central air conditioners in the US is the split system (see above). Tucked somewhere inside your home you will find an evaporator coil, and outside you will find a metal case which houses the condenser coil and the compressor. This system is economical for houses with a central furnace that will allow the system to share the ductwork already in place (or vice versa).

Ductless Mini-Split System

Ductless Mini-Splits

No ductwork? No problem. The ductless mini split can be found mounted high in various rooms of your home. These indoor air-handling units combine your coil and compressor with tubing that connects the outside to the inside, circulating refrigerant. Although expensive to cool an entire house, you might have one of these in your garage, workspace, or additions to your home.

Rooftop Package Unit

Package Units

The package unit combines the condenser, evaporator, and compressor into a single unit – typically placed on the roof or on a slab near the foundation. When conjoined with an internal natural gas furnace, you will phase out the need for a furnace inside the building. It can also be set up as a heat pump, so even if you have natural gas to the home, if you hear the compressor turn on in heating, you have all electric cooling and heating. It’s a good argument for solar!

Heat Pumps

An innovation of the split system, heat pumps can be a great addition to homes with warmer to mild climates. How do you know if you have a heat pump? Flip on the heat and if you can hear the unit running outside, then you have a heat pump! If you are still not sure, take a look in the condenser outside for a reversing valve – a brass gadget with 3 fittings on one side. The reversing valve makes it possible for your unit to COOL & HEAT your home.

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