Here’s a quick primer to help explain the key components of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system and help you determine which may best meet your family’s needs.

Matched system
It all starts with a matched system, which refers to components that are designed to work together to provide greater efficiency, reliability and comfort. Matched systems can be “split” (separate units placed inside and outside the home) or “packaged” (one single unit, which houses all components in a single cabinet, placed outside the home). Both split and packaged systems include a combination of specialized components. Read on to learn more about how each component can give you cleaner, more comfortable air and more control over your home environment.

Outdoor unit: Air conditioner or heat pump
An air conditioner offers cool, quiet comfort during the hottest days by extracting heat and moisture from indoors. A heat pump looks like an air conditioner, but it does double duty, acting as both an air conditioner and a furnace. Unlike a furnace, it doesn't burn fuel to create heat. A heat pump uses electricity to keep your home warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and comfortable all year round.

Indoor unit: Furnace or air handler
A furnace works with an air conditioner to heat and evenly circulate air throughout your home. An air handler performs the same duties as a furnace in homes that use electricity instead of gas. It works with an air conditioner to circulate cool air in the summer. Or, when paired with a heat pump, it circulates cool air in the summer and warm air in the winter.

Air cleaner or filtration system
For even greater comfort and cleaner indoor air, an air filtration system can be added to your furnace or air handler to filter out unwanted airborne particles. The American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning AccuClean whole-home air filtration system removes up to 99.98 percent of the allergens from the filtered air that your family breathes, including dust, dander, pollen and bacteria. It also removes more than 99 percent of the common flu virus from the filtered air in your home, according to a new Harvard-led research study.

Thermostat
This is the control center for your home comfort system. A programmable thermostat will automatically adjust temperatures throughout the day, ensuring greater energy efficiency and enhanced comfort.

Humidifier
A humidifier will add moisture to the air during wintertime and in hot, dry climates. A humidifier can be attached to a furnace and programmed to automatically turn off once humidity in your home reaches a pre-set level.

Communicating systems
Some systems are not only matched but can “communicate” with each other to deliver ultimate comfort, convenience and peace of mind. One option is the American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning AccuLink system, which uses built-in technology to ensure all components are automatically and properly charged, configured and calibrated. It even includes a Telephone Access Module (TAM) that lets you monitor the system and make temperature or humidity adjustments when you’re away, so you can spend more time enjoying your family and less time worrying about your home.

We’re here to help.
A professional HVAC contractor can help you decide what components are right for your home depending on where you live and your house’s energy sources. For expert advice, contact an independent American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning dealer in your area. find a dealer