Skip to main content
Air Conditioners, HVAC Education, Furnaces, Heat Pumps, Ductless Systems, Geothermal, Indoor Air Quality

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.

Click here to learn more on ductless mini split

carrier_infinity_system-cropped

What are the parts of a 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
Air Conditioners, HVAC Education, Packaged Products, Indoor Air Quality

Is Air Conditioning Bad for the Environment?

Air Conditioners, HVAC Education, Packaged Products, Indoor Air Quality

How Long Do Air Conditioners Last?

HVAC Education, Buying Tips, Furnaces, Heat Pumps, Troubleshooting, Technology

How Long Does A Furnace Last?

Learn More
Chat-icon
Let's chat
- Home-icon
chat-circle-icon