AirCompDX

HVAC Reference

8 system types compared.

HVAC home

General references

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ENERGY STAR / EPA
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ENERGY STAR / EPA
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ENERGY STAR / EPA
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US Dept. of Energy
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US EPA

Central split system

14–20 SEER2

Outdoor condenser + indoor coil on furnace or air handler, ducted throughout home.

Best forWhole-home retrofit and new construction with existing ducts.
Pros
  • Even whole-home distribution
  • Familiar service parts
  • Wide equipment selection
Cons
  • Duct losses can be 20–30%
  • Single zone unless zoning added

Air-source heat pump

15–20 SEER2 / 8–10 HSPF2

Reversing-valve refrigeration cycle providing heat and cooling.

Best forMild-to-cold climates with electric or dual-fuel setup.
Pros
  • One system for heat + cool
  • 3–5× efficient vs resistance heat
Cons
  • Aux heat needed below balance point
  • Frost/defrost cycles reduce output
Reference PDFs
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US Dept. of Energy

Cold-climate heat pump

18–24 SEER2 / 10–13 HSPF2

Variable-speed inverter heat pump rated for continuous heating at 5°F and below.

Best forNorthern climates replacing fossil-fuel heat.
Pros
  • Rated heat down to −13°F on many models
  • Modulating capacity matches load
Cons
  • Higher upfront cost
  • Requires low-load-tolerant ductwork
Reference PDFs
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NEEP

Ductless mini-split

20–33 SEER2

Wall/ceiling indoor units connected to an inverter outdoor unit via refrigerant lines.

Best forAdditions, garages, homes without ducts, zone control.
Pros
  • No duct losses
  • Individual zone control
  • Very high efficiency
Cons
  • Wall units visible
  • Line-set penetrations
Reference PDFs
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ENERGY STAR

80% AFUE gas furnace

80% AFUE

Single- or two-stage furnace vented via natural draft or induced draft.

Best forCost-driven retrofit in mild climates.
Pros
  • Lower equipment cost
  • Simple venting
Cons
  • 20% of fuel wasted
  • Being phased out in some regions

90%+ condensing furnace

90–98% AFUE

Two heat exchangers, condensate drain, PVC direct vent.

Best forCold-climate primary heat.
Pros
  • High efficiency
  • Sealed combustion safer
Cons
  • Condensate drain must be maintained
  • Vent length limits
Reference PDFs
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US Dept. of Energy

Packaged rooftop / ground unit

14–17 SEER2

All-in-one heat pump or gas/electric on the roof or a slab.

Best forLight commercial, mobile homes, homes without indoor equipment space.
Pros
  • Single install location
  • Easy roof service
Cons
  • Roof or slab exposure shortens life

Ground-source (geothermal) heat pump

COP 3.5–5.0

Ground loop transfers heat with stable earth temperature.

Best forLong-tenure homeowners with lot space.
Pros
  • Highest seasonal efficiency
  • Long equipment life
Cons
  • High install cost
  • Loop repairs difficult
Reference PDFs
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US Dept. of Energy