A ductless HVAC system is a single-zone HVAC system that does not require ductwork to transport conditioned air throughout a home or other building. Instead, these systems use small, indoor units that are connected to the air distribution system in the building. Ductless HVAC systems are typically less expensive to install and operate than conventional HVAC systems and are often used in office buildings and other small spaces where ductwork would be impractical.Ductless HVAC systems are generally classified as either hydronic (water-based) or air-based. Hydronic systems use a heat transfer fluid (such as water or glycol) that is heated and cooled in a central boiler or cooling tower and then pumped through a series of pipes to the indoor units. Air-based ductless systems, on the other hand, use a refrigerant to transport cooled air from a central air conditioning unit to the indoor unit.
A standalone HVAC system is a small, centralized operation that does not require ductwork to transport conditioned air throughout a home or other building. Instead, the air in the home or other building is drawn from the outdoor air, as with a ductless system. There are three main types of standalone HVAC systems: mini-split, packaged, and rooftop.Mini-split HVAC systems consist of an indoor unit and a remote outdoor unit that are connected with a pipe. The indoor unit is generally placed in a central location in your home (such as in the basement or attic) while the remote outdoor unit is installed outside the home on a concrete slab or other foundation. The indoor and outdoor units are connected with a pipe that allows conditioned air to be drawn from the outdoor unit and distributed throughout the home. The remote outdoor unit contains a fan, compressor, and other components necessary to create conditioned air from the source water (such as a well or lake). The indoor unit contains a fan, a heating and cooling system, and a blower motor. The indoor unit also contains a control panel that allows you to adjust the temperature and other settings of the system.Packaged HVAC systems consist of an indoor unit and an outdoor unit that are connected with a pipe. The indoor unit is generally placed in a central location in your home (such as in the basement or attic) while the outdoor unit is installed outside the home on a concrete slab or other foundation. The indoor and outdoor units are connected with a pipe that allows conditioned air to be drawn from the outdoor unit and distributed throughout the home. The outdoor unit contains a fan, compressor, and other components necessary to create conditioned air from the source water (such as a well or lake). The indoor unit contains a fan, a heating and cooling system, and a blower motor. The indoor unit also contains a control panel that allows you to adjust the temperature and other settings of the system.
A centralized HVAC system is a large, centralized operation that requires ductwork to transport conditioned air throughout a home or other building. The most common type of centralized HVAC system is referred to as a packaged central air system. These systems consist of an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit is generally placed in a central location in your home (such as in the basement or attic) while the outdoor unit is installed outside the home on a concrete slab or other foundation. The indoor and outdoor units are connected with ductwork so that conditioned air is transported from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit through the ductwork. The outdoor unit contains a fan, compressor, and other components necessary to create conditioned air from the source water (such as a well or lake). The indoor unit contains a fan, a heating and cooling system, and a blower motor. The indoor unit also contains a control panel that allows you to adjust the temperature and other settings of the system.
The different types of HVAC systems each have their own advantages and disadvantages. It is important to understand the pros and cons of each type of system to help you make an informed decision when purchasing or installing a unit in your home or business.