Heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning, also known as HVAC, is a system whose primary functions are to help maintain good indoor air quality through adequate ventilation with filtration and to provide thermal comfort. HVAC systems are among the most energy-intensive components in buildings.
Many other high-performance goals, such as water consumption and acoustics, can be influenced by the HVAC system’s selection and design.
The energy performance of various HVAC systems varies and, more importantly, is dependent on the building’s characteristics. Engineers face a significant challenge when it comes to selecting a suitable system for a specific building during the early design stages.
A variety of parameters, like insulation level, HVAC system type, supply air temperature setpoint, and fresh air supply, influence heating and cooling energy consumption in a building. In this article you will find the best HVAC systems, recommended by engineers.
Table of Contents
Split System
A split system divides the condenser from the air handler, allowing the system to be custom designed for the placement. Split systems are common in multi-story buildings, with the condenser on the outside and the air handler inside a closet or attic space.
This design is typically more expensive at first because additional connections must be made between the condenser and air handler, in addition to the standard connections to a thermostat.
Split systems are very adaptable because the main components are separate and can be connected in a variety of ways. These systems can be installed almost anywhere and have few design constraints. The condenser is usually mounted on an outside wall, so the system takes up less space in the yard.
This makes it susceptible to all types of weather, which can influence its longevity. So for example, if you live in Trenton, Ontario, near Lake Ontario, it’s wise to check with local contractors what type of installation the HVAC Trenton area has to offer.
Image source: Sentral HVAC
Package Unit
A package unit is a heat pump that has all of its working components in one large enclosure. You have certainly noticed a large gray or green box attached to the side of a house or building filled with various components.
These components do not require additional connections to the home. These package units are frequently the least expensive version of a heat pump.
All of the working parts are packed into one unit, which makes the package unit less expensive. This eliminates the extra work and costs associated with connecting separate parts. A package unit can often be installed or swapped out in a matter of hours. Package units are powerful, simple to maintain, and easily replaceable.
Hybrid Split System
A hybrid split HVAC system heats and cools the air using both gas and electricity. These hybrid systems are generally more expensive to install. However, these systems are frequently the most dependable HVAC systems available. A hybrid split system will be much more reliable because it uses both electricity and gas.
Some designs even serve as generators, supplying power to the system even when electrical power is unavailable. Hybrid units are more difficult to design and install, allowing the installer to tailor the system before placing it. These systems are also more commonly found in luxurious homes with more complex design elements.
Image source: Adria Security Summit
Geothermal
Geothermal HVAC systems, which take advantage of the ground’s consistent temperature, are relatively new to modern construction. For example, a standard heat pump may be required to raise the temperature of the incoming air by twenty degrees or more, which can consume a significant amount of energy.
However, geothermal HVAC systems rely on a large area of ground into which pipes, better known as PEX, are installed. The ground temperatures tend to remain consistently below the frost line, so these pipes are never colder than the surrounding soil.
Geothermal HVAC systems typically provide the highest return on investment. These systems are generally best for homeowners who plan to live in their homes for a longer period of time.
Due to their high efficiency, geothermal systems are more environmentally friendly than the rest of the systems. According to some estimates, the system will use less than half the energy required to operate a standard heat pump over its lifetime.
Final thoughts
The goal of installing an HVAC is to have a system that understands what’s happening in a building, keeps everything properly cooled, saves money, and mitigates any issues caused by misuse. While everyone is familiar with buildings, many people underestimate how complex their systems are.
HVAC systems can help to simplify things for occupants and operators. By offloading some of the complexity to HVAC systems, you’ll be well on your way to creating a better environment for the people who live and work in the building.
