Split System

An HVAC system with separate indoor and outdoor units. The outdoor unit contains the compressor and condenser coil, and the indoor unit contains the evaporator coil and blower (or furnace). The two are connected by refrigerant lines. Most central air conditioners and heat pumps are split systems. This contrasts with a packaged system, where all components are in a single outdoor unit. In residential HVAC, “split system” usually means a furnace or air handler inside plus a condensing unit outside.