Types of Heating and Cooling Systems Explained

Heating and cooling systems have three basic elements—a source of warm or cool air, a method of sending the heated or cooled air into your living space, and a way to control the temperature in your home.

The thermostat recognizes when the temperature is too hot or too cold, and turns the system on and off to maintain your temperature based on your preferences. A furnace, air conditioner, or heat pump will take in existing air from inside your home, heat or cool it, then push that air back into your living space to achieve the desired temperature.

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a carrier heating system shown a heat pump and furnace

What are the parts of a heat system or heating system?

Furnace—burns oil or gas to heat air
Boiler—boils water for homes with radiators
Heat pump —heats indoor air by taking warmth from outside air and transferring it indoors
Fan coils—pushes warm air into ducts
Ducts— distribute warm air from the furnace or heat pump throughout your home
Packaged products—a full heating and cooling system in one
Thermostat—tells the system how and when to operate based on your desired temperature

What are the parts of a cooling system?

Air conditioner—removes warm air from your home
Heat pump — removes warm air from your home
Fan coils—circulate cool air through the ducts
Ducts— distribute cool air throughout your home
Evaporator coils—transfer heat to the air conditioner or heat pump
Packaged products—a full heating and cooling system in one
Thermostat—tells the system how and when to operate based on your desired temperature

To learn more about a heating system or cooling system, connect with your local Carrier dealer. They are equipped to service, repair, or install your home heating system or cooling system. Carrier dealers offer a wide variety of heating systems for your home.

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