Are you thinking about investing in a new HVAC system for your Framingham, MA, home? Get in touch with Pro Comfort Control at (508) 684-5331 to explore your options.
If you’re building a new home, have an older air conditioning system, or rely on window units to cool individual rooms and want to upgrade, you have several options, including split and packaged systems. Your first question may be, “What is a split system HVAC?” The experts from Pro Comfort Control, the top HVAC contractor in Framingham, explain.
The Basics of Split System HVAC
A split system is one with indoor and outdoor components connected by copper tubing. This is in contrast to a traditional central air conditioning system, which has a single indoor unit to heat and cool your home, usually in the attic.
Typically, the outdoor unit contains the compressor and condenser, and the indoor unit contains the evaporator and the air handler that distributes the cold air throughout your home. The indoor unit also contains the furnace, which generates heat via the chosen fuel source (gas, oil, or electric).
Types of Split Systems
When you opt for a split system, you can select from a variety of configurations to best meet your indoor comfort needs. The most common types of split systems include the following.
Air Conditioning
Split system air conditioners have an indoor unit, typically mounted on the wall or ceiling, and an outdoor unit. The inside air handler pulls the warm air in from the room, which flows to the outdoor unit. That component releases the heat outside and pushes the cooled air back inside, where a fan circulates it into the room.
Heating
Cold Framingham winters mean that a reliable heater is a necessity. A split system also often includes a heater, such as a furnace, usually found in the basement. An increasing number of homeowners are choosing heat pump systems in addition to a furnace for maximum efficiency.
Ductless vs. Ducted Systems
A split HVAC system can be either ducted or ductless. Ducted systems move air from the heater or air conditioner through a series of wall and ceiling ducts and vents to heat or cool your home. Ductless systems have individual air handlers in specific rooms; air moves between them and the outdoor unit to control the temperature in those spaces.
The Difference Between Split Systems and Heat Pump Systems
One question that often comes up during discussions of, “What is a split system HVAC?” is how heat pumps fit in. Essentially, a heat pump can be a component of a split HVAC system. A heat pump can provide both heating and cooling, as it works by removing heat from one area and transferring it to another.
When you opt for a split system configuration, you can select the components you want to include. Many Framingham homeowners include a heat pump with a split air conditioner to handle cooling and some heating, as well as a furnace for backup heating. This is because in a colder climate like Massachusetts, a heat pump may not be able to adequately warm your home, and you’ll need to supplement it with a heater that has more power.
Pros and Cons of Split System HVAC in Framingham
With over five decades of experience installing and maintaining HVAC in Framingham, Pro Comfort Control has a unique understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of any system configuration.
On the whole, split systems are energy efficient while still allowing precise temperature control in different rooms or zones. They are usually quiet, and installation is relatively easy, especially if you choose a ductless system or already have ductwork. They are reliable and long-lasting, so they are a good investment.
On the downside, a split system does take up outdoor space, and if you don’t maintain it, the outside unit can get noisy. Extreme weather can affect their efficiency, too, especially on very cold days.
Get Help Choosing the Perfect System for Your Framingham Home
Now that you have an answer to, “What is a split system HVAC?” Pro Comfort Control can help you select the perfect equipment and system design for your Framingham, MA, home. We’ll make sure you stay comfortable year-round and have the best air quality possible. Check out our reasons to care about indoor air quality to see why that’s so important!
Give us a call at (508) 684-5331 to schedule a consultation to discuss your needs. Our knowledgeable team will provide upfront pricing for five-star installation so you can feel confident that your home has the best climate control possible.
