Split System or Packaged System?
See below for some information to get you started.
Split Air Conditioning Systems
Split systems are most commonly used for residential homes. Consisting of an outdoor condenser (housing the compressor or heat pump) and an indoor unit (housing the evaporator and potentially the furnace), a split system offers higher efficiency potential. The higher the SEER rating (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio), the less energy the equipment uses to operate and the less you pay in utility bills. For a split system, SEER ratings range from 13 to 23. If you already have a furnace, this is the more cost-effective choice. Despite a higher initial investment, the long-term savings are worth it.
Packaged Air Conditioning Systems (Self-Contained)
Packaged systems are most commonly used for commercial buildings. Typically located on the roof, one unit houses the condenser, compressor, and evaporator and may include electric heating coils or a natural gas furnace. The design is wonderfully space-saving and the equipment can be installed out-of-sight and provide a distance from operational sounds. The installation costs are less expensive and SEER ratings typically fall between 13 and 18.
The Foundation of Effective Cooling: AC Design
Every comfortable home and efficient commercial space begins with a plan long before any equipment is installed. AC design is the engineering discipline that determines how cool air moves through a building, how much capacity a system needs, and how quietly and economically that system will run for years to come. Skipping this step, or treating it as an afterthought, is the single most common reason homeowners end up with rooms that never cool evenly, energy bills that climb higher than expected, and systems that wear out prematurely.
At AMHAC, we approach AC design as the blueprint for lasting comfort. A thoughtfully engineered system accounts for the specific characteristics of your property rather than relying on rough estimates. This matters in older homes and newer construction alike across Eastchester, Scarsdale, New Rochelle, White Plains, Bronxville, Mamaroneck, Riverdale, Yonkers, NY and Greenwich, CT, where architectural styles, insulation levels, and window placements vary dramatically from one neighborhood to the next.
How We Approach the Design Process
Proper AC design starts with data, not guesswork. We perform a detailed load calculation, commonly referred to as a Manual J, which measures the actual heat gain and loss of your space. This calculation factors in square footage, ceiling heights, the number and orientation of windows, insulation values in walls and attics, and even the number of people who typically occupy each room. The result tells us precisely how much cooling capacity your home requires, expressed in BTUs and tons of refrigeration.
From there, we design the distribution network. Ductwork sizing, register placement, and return air pathways all influence how effectively conditioned air reaches every corner of a building. Undersized ducts create noise and pressure imbalances, while oversized equipment short-cycles, cooling the air quickly without removing enough humidity. Our team balances these variables to deliver a system that runs efficiently and maintains consistent temperatures throughout.
Key Elements We Engineer Into Every Design
A complete AC design is more than choosing a unit and connecting it to existing ducts. Several technical considerations shape the final plan, and each one contributes to comfort, efficiency, and equipment longevity.
- Load calculation accuracy: We size the system to match the true cooling demand rather than defaulting to a larger unit that wastes energy and money.
- Ductwork layout and sizing: Proper duct dimensions and routing reduce static pressure, minimize air leakage, and keep airflow balanced between rooms.
- Refrigerant line placement: Correctly routed and insulated lines protect efficiency and prevent capacity loss over long runs.
- Zoning options: For multi-level or large homes, we design zoned systems that let you cool specific areas independently, reducing waste in unoccupied spaces.
- Efficiency targets: We select equipment with SEER2 ratings appropriate to your goals, balancing upfront investment against long-term operating savings.
Each of these elements interacts with the others. A high-efficiency condenser paired with poorly designed ducts will underperform, which is why we treat the design as a complete system rather than a collection of parts.
Where Thoughtful AC Design Makes a Difference
The benefits of careful design show up in many settings. In a two-story colonial, proper zoning and return air placement stop the second floor from becoming uncomfortably warm while the first floor runs cold. In a renovated space with an added room, a load recalculation ensures the existing system can handle the new demand or identifies where supplemental cooling is needed. For light commercial spaces, design considerations expand to include occupancy patterns, equipment heat loads, and ventilation requirements that keep both customers and staff comfortable.
We also help homeowners planning to replace aging equipment. Rather than swapping in an identical unit, we reassess the home to confirm the original sizing was correct in the first place. Many properties have changed over the years through new windows, added insulation, or finished basements, and the right-sized replacement often differs from what was installed decades ago.
Working With AMHAC
At All Makes Heating & Air Conditioning (AMHAC) we dedicate time together towards improving the experience we provide to our clients. Although decisions and actions aren’t always clear-cut, it’s our values that provide us with guidelines for our choices. It is through the company standards that we improve our chances to behave consistently as a team on giving memorable experiences and making our family, friends, neighbors, and suppliers glad to live and work with us.
Call AMHAC and experience our mission and values firsthand. We will ensure that servicing and/or replacing your HVAC equipment will be an outstanding customer experience. Whether you need a new system designed from the ground up or a thorough evaluation of your current setup, our team is ready to build a plan that fits your home and your goals.
