Is a Split System HVAC Right for Your Home?

There are several different modern setups you might be considering when it comes to your home’s HVAC needs, and a split system HVAC arrangement is one of the single most common. What is a split system HVAC, and is this sort of system right for your home?

At Thompson’s Comfort Connection, we provide a wide range of heating and air conditioner installation and repair services to clients around Sandy, Midvale, Draper, Cottonwood Heights, Riverton and nearby areas, including split systems of many varieties. You may not realize it when you first hear the term, but split system HVAC setups are actually referring to highly common arrangements that might even already be hard at work in your home. Here are basics on what this term means, some different split system HVAC options, and how split systems compare to other systems for heating and cooling.

Split System is a Broad Term

It’s important to note that a split system HVAC isn’t really one specific type of system you can point to in most cases. Instead, this is a broad term that generally refers to any setup where heating and cooling appliances are separated between an outdoor unit and indoor unit.

This varies slightly based on the specific type of split system being discussed – there are several subcategories we’ll go over below. But in general, this term applies to any situation where the outdoor unit houses one portion of the HVAC system (often the condenser or compressor), while the other part of the system is located inside your home.

Split System Vs. Packaged System

The split system setup is in contrast to a packaged system, where all components are housed in one single unit. Packaged systems are often used for smaller homes or apartments that don’t have the space to accommodate both indoor and outdoor units – they’re installed outside and contain everything inside them.

Split system setups, on the other hand, allow you to separate your heating and cooling equipment into different locations if desired. This can reduce noise within the home and may make maintenance and repairs simpler, plus it allows you to customize your system based on your specific needs.

Types of Split Systems

Here are three primary split system configurations commonly in use today:

• Central split: By far the most common, this setup features a central furnace or air handler that’s connected to an outdoor unit through ducts. During the summer, the heat is pumped out of your home and into the air outside; during winter months, this cycle reverses.
• Ductless split: As the name suggests, this setup doesn’t involve ducts. It instead utilizes individual air handlers in each room or zone of the home – these are connected to an outdoor unit but can be controlled independently. These kinds of modern setups are often used in home additions, garages or other areas that don’t have existing ductwork.
• Heat pumps: Finally, heat pumps are a highly energy-efficient option that uses electricity to transfer thermal energy between outside and inside air. This is the same basic system used in refrigerators, just on a larger scale.

Benefits of Split Systems

While the specific benefits of split system HVAC setups vary between individual types we went over above, they tend to come with some broad advantages regardless. These include:

• Efficiency: Split systems are generally more energy-efficient than packaged systems, using less energy to heat and cool your home.
• Flexibility: With multiple units instead of one central setup, you can customize the heating and cooling in each area of your home to fit specific needs.
• Cost-effective: Split systems may cost more upfront, but they often last longer and require fewer repairs over time.
• Quiet operation: Split systems are typically quieter than packaged systems, which can be a major plus for light sleepers or those who prefer a peaceful home environment.

Choosing the Right Split System for Your Home

If you’re considering a split system HVAC setup for your home, it’s important to consult with an experienced HVAC technician who can help you determine the best option for your specific needs. Factors like home size, climate and budget will all play a role in making the right choice. Ductless split systems, for example, may be a great option for smaller homes or those in mild climates, while heat pumps are better suited for larger homes that need more efficient heating and cooling.

Whatever your needs may be, Thompson’s Comfort Connection is here to help you find the perfect split system HVAC setup for your home. Contact us today to learn more about this or any of our AC and furnace repair services around Sandy, Draper, Midvale, Riverton, Cottonwood Heights or any nearby area!