When the Central Valley heat hits, your home’s air conditioner becomes the most important machine you own. But do you know how your system works, or even where all the parts are?
At JC Melton Air Conditioning, one of the most common misconceptions we hear is: “My air conditioner is outside and the heater is in the attic.”
That might be true for a Split System, but for a Packaged Unit, everything is different! Understanding your system is the first step toward efficient cooling and smart AC maintenance in Fresno, CA.
This simple guide breaks down the two main types of HVAC systems found in Fresno homes.
The Two Broad Groupings of HVAC Systems in Fresno
In the Fresno and Madera areas, homes typically use one of two modern air conditioning and heating setups:
1. The Split System (The Common Misconception)
A Split System is exactly what the name implies: the major components are split between two locations — one indoors and one outdoors.
- Outside Component: The Condensing Unit (the large box on the ground with the fan on top). This handles half of the cooling process by expelling heat from your house into the outside air.
- Inside Components: The Evaporator Coil (the other half of the cooling system), the Furnace, and the Indoor Blower are located together in your attic, closet, basement, or garage.
If you have an outdoor AC unit and your heater is upstairs in the attic, you likely have a Split System.
2. The Packaged Unit (The Rooftop Solution)
A Packaged Unit is a single, large cabinet that contains all four major components in one box.
- Location: Packaged units are typically installed on a rooftop or on a concrete slab next to the house.
- Function: All the work — cooling, heating, and air circulation — is performed in one cabinet, and the conditioned air is routed through ductwork into your home.
Packaged Units are a great, space-saving option for homes with limited indoor space, which is why they’re common across Fresno homes and businesses.
The Four Core Components of Every HVAC System
Regardless of whether your system is split or packaged, it requires these four parts to keep your house comfortable:
- The Condensing Unit: Always outside. Removes unwanted heat from the home.
- The Evaporator Coil: Indoors or inside the package. Absorbs heat from the indoor air.
- The Furnace: Indoors or in the package. Adds heat to the air during winter months.
- The Indoor Blower: Moves air across the Furnace and Coil, distributing it through your vents.
Why This Knowledge Is Crucial for AC Maintenance in Fresno
Knowing your system type is vital for ensuring you get the best performance and maintenance in Fresno’s hot Central Valley climate.
For both Split Systems and Packaged Units, all four components need regular seasonal checkups. When our expert technicians arrive for your scheduled service, we need access to all areas where your components are located — whether that’s on the roof, the side of the house, in the attic, or inside a utility closet.
Don’t wait until your AC stops cooling during a heatwave! Regular service on your Condensing Unit, Evaporator Coil, Furnace, and Blower is the only way to prevent costly emergency repairs.
Invest in your comfort and system longevity with the JC Melton Melton Care Preferred Maintenance Plan. We inspect and maintain all components, wherever they’re located, to keep your heating and cooling system running efficiently all year long.
Call Fresno’s HVAC Experts Today
Ready to schedule your next AC maintenance in Fresno or find out whether you have a Split System or a Packaged Unit? Contact JC Melton Air Conditioning — Fresno’s trusted HVAC company for over 70 years.
Call us at 559-268-6286 or visit jcmeltonair.com to schedule service and protect your home’s comfort.