Purchasing a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system requires several decisions. You must consider your indoor comfort needs, the space in and configuration of your home or business and your budget and lifestyle. Both split and packaged systems work with ducted systems for residential and commercial properties. In some situations, a packaged unit may better suit your needs. Here are some important facts about packaged HVAC equipment.
What Is a Packaged HVAC System?
Both packaged and split systems contain the same equipment: a compressor, evaporator coil and condenser for air conditioning and a furnace for heating. In split systems, the compressor and condenser are housed outside. The evaporator coil and heating unit are located inside. In packaged units, all the components are housed in a cabinet and placed in a convenient location outside. Both systems offer energy-efficient heating and cooling options for a comfortable living space.
Advantages of Packaged HVAC Systems
Some buildings may not have space inside to install a split system. Packaged products solve this problem. Cabinets are made of high-grade galvanized steel to retard corrosion.
Four configurations are available:
- Packaged air conditioners use electricity to run the components of the system. They can provide limited heating by warming heat strips. Air flowing over the strips is blown into the living space.
- Packaged heat pumps offer both air conditioning and heating. During warm months, heat is captured and routed out of the living space. By reversing the flow of refrigerant, heat energy is captured outside during cold months and routed inside.
- Packaged gas-electric systems use electricity for cooling and natural gas or propane for heating.
- Packaged dual-fuel systems combine a heat pump and gas furnace. In cold climates like Montana’s, the furnace kicks in when the heat pump loses efficiency, optimizing energy efficiency and comfort.
Package products achieve energy efficiencies up to SEER 18 for air conditioning and AFUEs of approximately 80% depending on the brand and model. Two-stage compressors and variable speed motors increase energy efficiency. Many are Energy Star-certified.
Consult the Pros to Find the Best Packaged Product for Your Home
A certified HVAC professional can help you evaluate your indoor comfort needs and recommend a system that works with your lifestyle and budget. Superior Heating & Cooling Inc. provides a full suite of heating and cooling services for customers in central Montana. We understand how the extremes of climate can affect comfort and experience. As a Daikin Comfort Pro, our technicians undergo extensive training on Daikin equipment to bring you technical expertise in all aspects of indoor climate control. We strive for 100% customer satisfaction in each job we undertake.
For more information about packaged heating and cooling products, call the pros at Superior Heating & Cooling Inc. Ask about our free estimates for new installations.
