HVAC System Types Explained Simply
If your quote mentions "heat pump," "split system," or "all-electric," you might be wondering what that actually means for your home. This guide breaks down the most common system types in plain language.
1. Heat Pump (Heating + Cooling in One)
A heat pump is a single system that can both heat and cool your home. Instead of burning fuel to create heat, it moves heat from one place to another:
- In summer: it pulls heat out of your home and releases it outside (like an AC).
- In winter: it pulls heat from outside air (even when cold) and brings it indoors.
Heat pumps are popular because they're efficient and don't require separate heating and cooling equipment. However, in very cold climates, they may need backup heat (often called "auxiliary heat").
Common Heat Pump Types
- Ducted heat pump: Uses your existing ductwork to move air through the house.
- Ductless / mini-split: Individual indoor units mounted on walls, no ducts needed.
- Cold-climate heat pump: Designed to work efficiently even in very cold weather.
What to Look For on Your Quote
- Model numbers for both the outdoor unit and indoor unit(s).
- Mention of "auxiliary heat" or "emergency heat" if you're in a cold area.
- Whether ductwork modifications are included.
2. Air Conditioner + Furnace (Traditional Split System)
This is the classic setup many homes have: an air conditioner for cooling and a furnace for heating. They're two separate systems that share the same ductwork and indoor blower.
- Air conditioner: outdoor unit that cools in summer.
- Furnace: indoor unit that heats in winter (usually gas, oil, or electric).
This setup is reliable and well-understood by most contractors. However, it requires two pieces of equipment and (if gas) a fuel line and venting.
What to Look For on Your Quote
- Separate model numbers for the AC and furnace.
- Fuel type for the furnace (natural gas, propane, oil, or electric).
- Whether gas line work or venting is included.
- Efficiency ratings (SEER2 for cooling, AFUE for furnace heating).
3. All-Electric System
An all-electric system uses only electricity for heating and cooling — no gas, oil, or propane. This usually means:
- A heat pump (most common), or
- An air conditioner paired with electric resistance heating (less efficient).
All-electric setups are popular in areas with mild winters, high electricity availability, or where gas lines aren't practical. They're also simpler to maintain since there's no combustion equipment.
What to Look For on Your Quote
- Confirmation that no gas work is needed.
- Whether the system is a heat pump or AC + electric heat.
- Electrical panel capacity (all-electric systems can draw significant power).
4. Hybrid / Dual-Fuel System
A hybrid system combines a heat pump with a gas furnace. The system automatically switches between the two based on outdoor temperature and efficiency:
- Mild weather: the heat pump runs (more efficient).
- Very cold weather: the gas furnace takes over.
This setup offers flexibility and can be cost-effective in areas with cold winters and variable energy prices. However, it's more complex and requires both electric and gas infrastructure.
What to Look For on Your Quote
- Model numbers for both the heat pump and furnace.
- How the system decides when to switch between heat pump and furnace.
- Gas line and electrical requirements.
5. Packaged System
A packaged system puts all the equipment in one outdoor cabinet instead of splitting it between indoor and outdoor units. Common in commercial buildings and some homes with limited indoor space.
- All components (compressor, coils, blower) are outside.
- Ductwork connects directly to the outdoor unit.
Packaged systems can be heat pumps, AC + gas heat, or AC + electric heat. They save indoor space but may be noisier since everything is outside.
What to Look For on Your Quote
- Confirmation that it's a "packaged" unit.
- How ductwork will connect to the outdoor cabinet.
- Noise considerations (since all equipment is outside).
6. Ductless Mini-Split
A ductless system uses individual indoor units (often wall-mounted) connected to one or more outdoor units. No ductwork required.
- Great for homes without existing ducts.
- Allows different temperatures in different rooms ("zones").
- Usually very efficient and quiet.
Ductless systems are popular for additions, older homes, and situations where installing ducts would be difficult or expensive.
What to Look For on Your Quote
- How many indoor units ("heads") are included.
- Where the indoor units will be mounted.
- How refrigerant lines will be run between indoor and outdoor units.
Simple Questions to Ask Your Contractor
- "Which type of system are you proposing, and why is it a good fit for my home?"
- "Are there other system types I should consider?"
- "What are the main pros and cons of this setup for my situation?"
- "Will this system work well in our climate year-round?"
Want Your Quote Explained in Context?
If your estimate mentions a system type and you'd like the whole thing translated into plain English:
ClarityHeat explains wording only. System selection should always be reviewed with a licensed HVAC professional.