Energy Academy
Level 2/HVAC Systems
HVAC Fundamentals2 / 13

System Types & Configurations

All-air, air-water, heat pump, and multi-zone systems.

10 min read · Jacob Willis, Net Zero Lead · Last reviewed July 2026

HVAC systems come in many configurations, each with different efficiency characteristics, control flexibility, and cost. Understanding the main types will help you diagnose where energy is being wasted.

In this lesson

  • 01The spectrum: all-air to all-water to heat pump
  • 02Sizing and oversizing
  • 03Distribution and controls
  • 04The trend: decentralisation and modulation
  • 05Sources and further reading