By Anne Fonda
An HVAC split system, or split system HVAC is a heating and cooling system typically consisting of an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. This is why some refer to the system as an indoor-outdoor system.
Common pairings include:
| Outdoor Unit | Indoor Unit |
| Central Air Conditioner | Furnace |
| Heat Pump | Air Handler (warmer climates) |
| Heat Pump | Furnace (colder climates) |
| Multi- or Mini-Split Heat Pump | Ductless Units (wall mount or ceiling mount) |
All of these are split systems. A split system air conditioner can be either an AC unit or a heat pump, as heat pumps provide both heating and cooling.
A split system heat pump paired with a furnace is commonly known as a dual-fuel system or dual-fuel heating system. The heat pump uses refrigerant and electricity while the furnace burns gas or oil. They work together to heat and cool your home.
Ductless systems heat and cool your home without the use of ductwork. The ductless split system can be a ductless mini-split system with one indoor unit and a mini-split heat pump outside, or a multi-zone ductless system with up to 6-8 indoor wall mount or ceiling mount units paired with a mini-split heat pump outside.
When it comes time for HVAC replacement, whatever indoor and outdoor units you choose for your home, the set should be a matched system. Matched systems ensure the indoor unit and the outdoor unit play well together. Look for an energy-efficient pairing that can help you use less energy and save money on your utility bills.
They are paired for capacity, heating and cooling stages, brand, and more. Today’s sophisticated HVAC technology requires a matched system for optimal performance. It may also be required for you to be eligible to claim federal energy tax credits and utility rebates.
If you’re tight on space, a packaged system might be right for your home. It’s the only HVAC system that is not a traditional split system. Work with your local American Standard dealer to find the right system for your home.
A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need.
She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism. When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.
Expert review by Mark Woodruff, Senior Product Manager, Ducted Outdoor
A two-unit HVAC system, with one unit located outside the home and the other inside the home, that typically fulfills both heating and cooling needs.
A combination of two HVAC systems that work together to both heat and cool your home.
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