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What Type of Air Conditioning System Do I Have?
First, let’s distinguish the difference between a Heat Pump and Straight-Cool air conditioning system. Heat pump equipment will cost more upfront but save you money when you are heating your home. They both cool your home the same. The only difference between heat pump and straight-cool systems (in Central Florida) is that with heat pump systems you typically use them along with a heat strip which gives you two sources of heat whereas with a straight-cool system you will typically only have a big electric heat strip, gas furnace, or oil burner as your source of heat.
Heat pumps are almost always used in conjunction with an electric heat strip. A heat pump is an air conditioner with a few extra components. It has a defrost control board, accumulator, and reversing valve that reverses the flow of the refrigerant being pumped from the compressor. The easiest way to understand how a heat pump works is to understand that when in "Heating Mode" the system is running in reverse from how it would run in "Cooling Mode". You will save money on your electric bill when using a heat pump in the "Heating Mode" only. This is because the compressor and smaller electric heat strip will use less power than just one big electric heat strip would.
Now we can discuss and define the different types of systems commonly used for residential applications.
Heat pumps are almost always used in conjunction with an electric heat strip. A heat pump is an air conditioner with a few extra components. It has a defrost control board, accumulator, and reversing valve that reverses the flow of the refrigerant being pumped from the compressor. The easiest way to understand how a heat pump works is to understand that when in "Heating Mode" the system is running in reverse from how it would run in "Cooling Mode". You will save money on your electric bill when using a heat pump in the "Heating Mode" only. This is because the compressor and smaller electric heat strip will use less power than just one big electric heat strip would.
Now we can discuss and define the different types of systems commonly used for residential applications.
Split Systems: Most common heating and air conditioning system (in Central Florida) that requires an indoor Air Handler and outdoor Condensing Unit.
The outdoor Condensing Unit will sit on a hurricane rated concrete pad at least one foot off any exterior wall and connect to the indoor Air Handler by copper tubing which carries the refrigerant. They are also sometimes placed on rooftops which require a hurricane rated stand. There needs to be a high voltage disconnect within arm’s reach to the unit. The condensing unit basically consists of a compressor, condenser coil, condenser fan motor and various electrical components. If it is a heat pump condenser it will also have an accumulator, reversing valve, and defrost control board. This unit requires periodic cleaning to operate efficiently.
The indoor Air Handler will typically be located in your garage, attic, closet, or mechanical room. This unit also needs to have a high voltage disconnect within arm’s reach. Like we said above it is connected to the outdoor unit by copper tubing. This unit is connected to your duct work and moves the cool or warm air throughout the home. The air handler consists of a blower motor, evaporator coil, condensate drain line, and various electrical components including electric heat kit. This system is controlled by a wall mounted thermostat. Again, this unit requires periodic cleaning to operate efficiently.
The outdoor Condensing Unit will sit on a hurricane rated concrete pad at least one foot off any exterior wall and connect to the indoor Air Handler by copper tubing which carries the refrigerant. They are also sometimes placed on rooftops which require a hurricane rated stand. There needs to be a high voltage disconnect within arm’s reach to the unit. The condensing unit basically consists of a compressor, condenser coil, condenser fan motor and various electrical components. If it is a heat pump condenser it will also have an accumulator, reversing valve, and defrost control board. This unit requires periodic cleaning to operate efficiently.
The indoor Air Handler will typically be located in your garage, attic, closet, or mechanical room. This unit also needs to have a high voltage disconnect within arm’s reach. Like we said above it is connected to the outdoor unit by copper tubing. This unit is connected to your duct work and moves the cool or warm air throughout the home. The air handler consists of a blower motor, evaporator coil, condensate drain line, and various electrical components including electric heat kit. This system is controlled by a wall mounted thermostat. Again, this unit requires periodic cleaning to operate efficiently.
Packaged Systems: Most commonly used in Central Florida for mobile/manufactured homes and when duct work is under the floor. They are also used in other applications though. This is an outdoor unit. It consists of everything a split system does, but it is all contained as one outdoor unit. This system will sit on a hurricane rated concrete pad and needs to have a high voltage disconnect within arm’s reach. It connects to your duct work under the home or in the attic. They are sometimes placed on roof tops which require a hurricane rated stand. They are controlled by a wall mounted thermostat. Like all systems they need periodic cleaning to operate efficiently.
Mini-Split Systems: These are referred to as ductless systems. The outdoor unit can sit on a hurricane rated concrete pad, rooftop or mounted to an exterior wall. It will have a high voltage disconnect within arm’s reach and connect to the indoor unit by copper tubing. The indoor unit is wall mounted near the ceiling and the system is controlled by a remote control thermostat that is similar to your televisions remote. There is no duct work and they can only cool or heat an open room. These systems are very quiet and efficient but will not be suitable for an entire home with multiple rooms. We typically use these systems for customers looking to cool or heat garages, sunrooms, porches and additions. Like all other equipment they need periodic cleaning to operate efficiently.
Condo/Apartment Split Systems: Many apartments and condos in FL require us to use “condo-pack” air handlers and sometimes the condensing units are what we call “through-the-wall” condensers. They work exactly like the split-system that we discussed earlier but they are designed for smaller applications with less room to work with, or residences that are located on higher levels. The condo-pack air handler is typically mounted to a wall, or on a stand in a closet with a louver door.
The difference between a through-the-wall condensing unit and a normal outdoor condensing unit is that the unit is literally through the wall. Instead of the condenser fan blowing upwards like with a normal condensing unit, they push the air out through the front of the unit.
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