HVAC units (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) help in maintaining ideal temperature and humidity within residential or commercial spaces of various sizes. They can be utilized for heating and cooling purposes. There are three basic types of HVAC systems — split, hybrid, and ductless mini split heating. Additionally, each of these units has multiple parts, with the thermostat, furnace, evaporator coil being a few important ones. Keep reading to know more about HVAC units.

Types of HVAC systems
If you are looking for an HVAC system for your new home or want to replace an old system, you can choose one from the following five types:

A furnace and air conditioner
This is a common type of HVAC unit. While air conditioners work on electricity, furnaces can use gas, oil, electricity, or natural gas as fuel.

Heat pumps
They use electricity to transfer the heat from a warm place to a cool place, and make hot spaces cooler and cool spaces warm. It is more energy efficient than furnaces.

Furnaces and heat pumps
These units are hybrid HVAC dual heating systems. A furnace creates heat and distributes it through the house in winter, while the heat pump absorbs the heat and transfers it into the outside air in summer.

Ductless mini-split
This system has one outdoor and one indoor unit connected through electrical wiring and tubing. The indoor unit can be wall-mounted or floor-mounted, and cool or hot air is delivered without any ducts.

Geothermal pumps
These pumps use the temperature below the earth to produce heat. This heat is then transferred through long loops of pipes to heat or cool buildings.

Costs
HVAC systems can range from $5,000 to $35,000 on an average. Geothermal HVAC systems are the most expensive, costing up to $27,000 and above. You can find central systems between $6,000 and $12,000. Furnace and split HVAC range between $6,000 to $13,000. Heat pump systems are less expensive and cost between $3,500 to $8,700. Installation costs are additional and vary based on the type of HVAC, its size, and capacity.

Services
Maintaining or repairing such services can be done only by licensed and qualified technicians as it is a complex system consisting of mechanical and electrical components. The major type of HVAC services include installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, ductwork, and repair, including:

• Uninstalling an old HVAC system and installing a new one
• Installing ductwork, pipes, water, and electricity lines
• Periodic inspection of complete HVAC components
• Repairing and replacing faulty components
• Cleaning or replacing filters, ductwork, and pipes as required
• Checking, repairing, and replacing components damaged due to wear and tear.

Best brands
Energy efficiency and using the latest technology are two important factors you should look for in an HVAC brand. The brand should also be durable, offer good warranty and insurance, and provide good customer service. Some of the leading HVAC brands are:

Trane
It is one of the oldest brands. Trane is a reputed service provider that makes air conditioners, furnaces, heat pumps, and air handlers. Their official website has a comprehensive pricing guide.

Carrier
An energy-certified HVAC brand, Carrier is a trusted company that makes air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces, and ductless HVAC systems. They offer a 10-year warranty on specific parts and repairs for most of their units.

Goodman Manufacturing
Goodman is an affordable brand known for reliability. Customers can choose an extended warranty plan and save on any unexpected costs.