8 Most Common Types of HVAC Systems
Learn your splits from your hybrids and find the right HVAC system for your home
Whether you’re building a new home or looking to overhaul the heating and cooling system in your current house, you must carefully consider the various types of HVAC systems to decide which to install.
After all, this system will dictate how comfortable you're going to be in your home during the summer and winter months. If you’re stumped, don’t worry; we’ve broken down eight of the most common types of HVAC systems so you can see a side-by-side comparison.
Comparing the Types of HVAC Systems
| Type of HVAC | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Split Systems | Customize each part of system to fit your needs; Low-maintenance | Can be noisy; Installation can be more complicated |
| Hybrid Systems | Can switch between power supplies; Can switch automatically at certain temperatures | Not ideal for extreme temperatures; Installation can be pricey |
| Packaged Heating and Air Systems | Energy efficient; Compact and quiet | Heating system may not be strong enough for some climates; Installation can be tricky |
| Duct-Free Systems | Allows for better temperature control; More energy-efficient than many other systems | Installation is costly; Requires more maintenance |
| Hydronic Heating | Easy to heat separate rooms; Efficient heating; Keeps floors warm | Offers heat only; Whole-house systems are expensive |
| Portable Air Conditioner | Low installation cost; Easy to DIY; Portable | Less energy efficient; Not aesthetically pleasing |
| Portable Heat Pump | Safer and more efficient; Low upfront costs; Easy to DIY | Not suitable for large spaces; May be noisy |
| Geothermal Heat Pump | One of the most energy-efficient systems; Provides year-round savings | Higher upfront cost; Complex installation |
1. Split Systems
Heating and cooling split systems are the most common type of HVAC unit. True to its name, this type of system has a unit for cooling the air and another for heating it.
The split cooling system is outside of the home. It uses refrigerant to cool the air and a fan to keep hot air out. You may notice these units outside homes or businesses, as they make a bit of noise during the summer.
The heating unit of the system is inside the house. It heats the air and then spreads it through the house via a fan or evaporator.
Split System Cost
On average, installing a new AC unit costs between $3,900 and $8,000, with most people paying around $5,900. This kind of HVAC unit needs to be installed professionally and has to be connected to your electrical and plumbing systems, which can bump up the price.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Provides comfortable temperatures in the summer and winter | Can be noisy |
| You can customize each part of the system to fit your needs best | Installation can involve more work than some other systems |
| Fairly low-maintenance | Usually requires professional installation |
Best for: Most home types, especially ones that experience extreme heat and cold weather
2. Hybrid Systems
Hybrid or hybrid split systems are similar to a split system in terms of setup. They also function in basically the same way.
The difference is a hybrid system can switch between gas and electricity to be more efficient. This can be good for the planet as well as your utility bill.
Instead of simply using gas to produce heat, this system pulls air through a heat exchanger that is powered by the electricity already running through your home, warming the air. A blower pushes this heated air through the ductwork in your home.
Cost of a Hybrid System
If you decide to install a hybrid system, you can expect to pay between $2,500 and $10,000 for it. Keep in mind that your system will switch back and forth between gas and electricity (depending on the temperature outside), which can impact its efficiency and energy costs.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Can switch between power supplies for increased efficiency | Not ideal for homes in areas that experience extreme temperatures |
| Set to switch automatically at certain temperatures | More expensive installation |
Best for: Homes in moderate climates without extreme temperatures
3. Packaged Heating and Air Systems
A packaged heating and air system is a less common type of HVAC system.
These systems are typically installed as high as possible in the structure and act as one contained unit to produce both heating and cooling.
These systems are much smaller than other types of HVAC systems for residential properties. They also run relatively efficiently. The downside is that the heating system does not run as well as the cooling system, so they’re best for homeowners who live in warmer climates.
Cost of a Packaged System
As an all-in-one unit with heating and cooling capabilities, packaged systems typically cost between $10,000 and $14,000. Since they’re placed near your roof (or another elevated place in your home), they’re pricier to install than many other HVAC options.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Relatively energy efficient | Heating system may not be strong enough for some climates |
| Compact | Installation can be tricky |
| Quiet | Shorter life expectancy than split systems |
Best for: Warmer climates, as these systems aren’t quite as powerful as other options
4. Duct-Free Systems
Also referred to as mini-split or ductless mini-split systems, a duct-free system has individual HVAC units in each room of the house rather than two big units like a split system. This configuration makes the system more expensive than the traditional split system, particularly in terms of installation costs. But the benefit of them is that you can better control the temperature in specific rooms.
You'll often see these types of systems installed in businesses where individual control of temperatures in rooms is key, such as in a hotel. But they're also used in homes, particularly if you build an addition to the house and want to control the temperature better in that one area.
Also, these systems are more efficient and may save you on energy costs in the long run.
Cost of a Ductless Mini-Split
Most ductless mini-split AC systems cost between $2,000 and $14,500. Your total costs will depend on a few factors, including the size of the system, its location in your home, the number of rooms you need to cool, and local labor costs.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Allows for more temperature control, especially room-to-room | Installation may be more costly than other systems |
| More energy-efficient than many other systems | Requires more maintenance, as each unit has its own filter |
| Quieter than traditional systems | Professional installation is usually necessary |
Best for: Homeowners who want more control of the temperature in each room and don’t have existing ductwork
5. Hydronic Heating
If you’ve ever enjoyed heated floors in a hotel bathroom, you’re probably familiar with radiant floor heating and, by extension, hydronic heating. This HVAC system relies on liquid to control the temperature instead of air. A boiler heats the liquid (water or a glycol solution) that flows through the flexible pipes underneath the floors.
Hydronic heating works best beneath concrete floors but is ideal for anywhere you’d like warmth beneath your feet. As the floors warm up, so does the rest of the room.
Cost of Hydronic Heating
Typically, hydronic heating costs between $1,700 and $6,050, with an average price of $3,800 per project. However, if you want to install a whole-house radiant heating system, prices can range between $13,800 and $48,000 (based on an average 2,300-square-foot home).
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to heat separate rooms or zones | Offers heat only |
| Efficient heating that can save money on utility bills | Damage to the system can lead to leaks or floods |
| Provides comfort by keeping floors warm | Whole-house systems are pricey |
Best for: Heating specific areas of your home
6. Portable Air Conditioner
Wouldn’t it be handy to have a supply of air conditioning on wheels? As it turns out, this is completely possible with a portable air conditioner. These units are on wheels and work like a fan by pulling in ambient air. In a portable AC unit, the refrigerant cools the inner closed-loop coil, which cools the ambient air as it passes through the system, and cool air blows into the room.
Thanks to the wheels, you can move this AC unit with you throughout the day as you shift from your bedroom to the home office, to the living room, and back to the bedroom again.
This type of air conditioner has a low upfront cost and is easy to install: All you need to do is plug it into an outlet and position the unit’s exhaust tube out of a door or window to let out warm air.
Cost of Portable AC
Portable air conditioners cost far less than whole-house heating and cooling options, with an average price of $100 to $500 per unit. Of course, there are trade-offs for this affordability. Notably, portable ACs can only cool one area at a time.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Low unit and installation cost | Less energy efficient than other HVAC systems |
| Easy to DIY | Take up significant space in a room |
| Portable and easy to move from room to room | Not an aesthetically pleasing option |
Best for: Temporary solutions or single-room cooling
7. Portable Heat Pump
Portable heat pumps are similar to portable AC units, but these handy machines can pull double-duty and offer both heating and cooling. These systems are on wheels, making it easy to heat or cool different rooms in your home. However, they have hoses you’ll need to place through a window or door.
These units draw in air and direct it to flow over a condenser coil. Depending on whether the system is in the heating or cooling mode, the coil will heat or cool the passing air, which flows into the room to regulate the temperature.
Cost of Portable Heat Pump
Portable heat pumps cost anywhere from $300 to $700, depending on the size, model, and brand. Since they can heat and cool, they may offer better value than their portable AC counterparts.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Safer and more efficient to run than space heaters | Not suitable for heating large spaces or entire homes |
| Low upfront costs | May be noisy |
| Easy to DIY installation | Takes up floor space |
Best for: Heating small spaces or for renters
8. Geothermal Heat Pump
A geothermal heat pump is a system that relies on natural warmth or coolness from underground to maintain stable, comfortable temperatures in the home. Within this system, a ground loop of underground pipes on the property connects to a heat exchanger and the home’s ductwork.
Warm or cool air is pulled from the home and pushed through the underground pipes. Depending on the season, the air is warmed or cooled underground and flows back into the home at a comfortable temperature.
Because of its potential to lower your household carbon footprint, a geothermal heat pump system is often eligible for a Residential Energy Efficient Tax Credit, which can help offset the high upfront installation costs.
Cost of a Geothermal Heat Pump
Geothermal heat pumps are often pricier than other HVAC systems, with average costs ranging from $4,300 to $24,300. However, you could see long-term savings by switching to this eco-friendly energy source.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| One of the most energy-efficient HVAC systems | Higher upfront cost than other HVAC systems |
| Provides year-round utility cost savings | Complex installation |
| Long-lasting, with the ground loop lasting over 50 years and interior components lasting about 24 years | Requires space in and below your yard |
Best for: Homeowners looking for the most sustainable HVAC option
How to Pick an HVAC System
Ultimately, the best way to determine what kind of HVAC system you need and avoid making a big HVAC mistake is to talk to an HVAC pro. When you hire an HVAC expert near you, they can describe these systems in more detail, take a look at your home, make some recommendations, and give you a quote. Many times, they’re even willing to do a free consultation.
Consider the following when deciding between different types of HVAC systems:
Location
If your area stays balmy year-round, you’ll want to focus on adding a system with a strong AC unit rather than focusing on heat, for example. If your area gets fairly cold, something like a packaged system may not be your ideal HVAC option.
Efficiency
Ensuring your system is energy-efficient should be important to everyone, especially if you are focused on shrinking your carbon footprint, so be sure to ask your pro about the best option for your home and budget.
Home Size
This aspect can help determine not only what type of system you choose but its size as well.
Budget
The average cost to replace an HVAC system is $7,500, with a typical range of $5,000 to $12,500, so you want to make sure you choose the right system the first time.
With their expertise, you can be confident you’re making not only the right decision today but years from now.