Standard Sizes You Should Know When Looking For a New HVAC Unit

It is important that you choose the right HVAC unit size for your property to make the most of your system. There are multiple efficiency ratings in several different types of HVAC systems which can make it difficult to choose. This short guide will help you make an informed decision by providing information about various sizes and types of HVAC units.

There are four major types of HVAC systems that come in varied sizes. These are:

Heat Pump

Heat pumps work to provide both heating and cooling via a special valve. The system works by pulling air from the ground or outside. Depending upon the manufacturer, heat pumps come in varied sizes between 1.5 tons and 5 tons. The ratings are 14.00 to 20.00 for SEER with cooling capacity “British Thermal Units per Hour” (BTHU) between 17,600 and 56,000 BTHU. The heating efficiency (HSPF) rating for heat pump HVAC systems varies from 8.2 to 10.

Cooling Only Split-System

This is ideal for houses that have minimal square footage. A condensing unit is used in cooling-only split systems that employ an outdoor compressor and condenser coil. The indoor air handling unit makes use of a supply air fan and cooling coil. Cooling-only split systems have top energy efficient ratings (EEC) and are capable of providing both cooling and heating.

Cooling capacity in these systems ranges from 2.5kW to 7.1kW and the heating capacity is between 3.2 and 8.1kW.

HVAC Packaged-System

This is an all-in-one unit that provides both heating and cooling and is available in four types - gas/electric, heat pump, air conditioner, and dual fuel systems.

• The gas/electric system has an EER rating of 12.00 and a SEER rating that ranges from 13.2 to 16.6
• The packaged heat pump has a SEER rating that ranges from 13.00 to 16.00 and an HSPF rating between 8.00 and 8.5
• Dual fuel heating and cooling system range from 14.25 to 16.00 for SEER
• Air conditioner packaged systems have SEER ratings ranging from 13.00 to 15.00, tonnage between 2 and 5 tons, and EER ratings ranging from 11.4 to 12

Ductless HVAC System

These are the easiest to install on the wall or the ceiling. Ductless heating and cooling systems are the most reliable HVAC systems consisting of an outdoor compressor and an indoor unit with a coil and fan. Mini split ductless systems can provide superior temperature control with high energy efficiency for specific zones within the house. Both indoor and outdoor units are controlled by a remote.

Multi-split indoor ductless systems offer the same features of comfort, energy efficiency, and easy installation. The difference is that this type of HVAC system can cover 5 different zones within a house with each indoor unit connected to a single outdoor compressor. Ductless HVAC systems also offer multi-split outdoor unit that allows separate temperature control for a maximum of five individual zones within a house.

Depending upon the manufacturer, ductless systems can have SEER ratings between 16.00 and 22.00, EER ratings of 8.2 to 14.2, and cooling BTUH between 9,000 and 34,600.