Welcome to your starting point for HVAC-101! The product links on the left of HVAC 101 will provide you with detailed information about each product and its purpose in the home comfort setup. Below is starter information on basic system options, and HVAC Terms will get you familiar with common lingo used by HVAC professionals.

Split Systems
A traditional home comfort system has two parts: an indoor unit, such as a furnace or air handler, and an outdoor unit. An air conditioner is the outdoor unit that cools air and sends it to the indoor unit for circulation through your home. Indoor and outdoor units are designed to work together. When the air conditioner is properly matched with a furnace or air handler, you get maximum efficiency and longer system life. Air conditioning and cooling efficiency is measured using a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). A higher SEER means higher energy efficiency. The latest standard for SEER is 13 (beginning January 2006).

A "split system" central air conditioner includes a compressor, fan, condenser coil, evaporator coil and refrigerant. The system removes heat from indoor air and transfers it outside, leaving the cooled indoor air to be recirculated. A central air conditioning system uses electricity as its power source.

Hybrid System
A hybrid system is a split system using a heat pump for the outside unit instead of an air conditioner. This balance allows for higher energy efficiency as the system can balance between electricity or gas for the best energy conservation.

Ductless System
Duct-free systems can be used in situations where typical ductwork cannot be installed.

Packaged System
For homes that do not have the space for typical split systems, a packaged system can be used. Packaged systems combine all of the heating and cooling components into one unit, thus saving space. Additionally, a packaged system must be mounted on the roof.