CSLB Class B General Contractor's License Practice Exam

An air conditioning system that has an air handler inside the building and a condenser outside is called a __________.

1. Split system

2. Packaged unit

3. Single zone system

4. Multi-zone system

The correct answer is: Split system

A system described as having an air handler inside the building and a condenser outside is known as a split system. This type of configuration allows for better efficiency in cooling or heating because the components are separated, enabling the indoor unit to handle air distribution while the outdoor unit is dedicated to heat exchange. In a split system, the indoor air handler typically contains the evaporator coil, which cools the air, while the outdoor unit houses the compressor and condenser coil, which expels the heat. This design is common in residential and commercial applications because it minimizes noise inside the living spaces and provides flexibility in installation. On the contrary, a packaged unit integrates all components into a single unit, typically located on the roof or outside, which is different from the split configuration. A single zone system serves a single area, while a multi-zone system contains multiple air handlers for different zones in a larger space, neither of which specifically highlights the separation of an indoor air handler and outdoor condenser.