When you need to install an HVAC system in your home, you should always carefully consider your choice. Although most people choose split HVAC systems, opting for a packaged system instead can provide some major benefits. Before we look at the advantages that a packaged HVAC system offers, it’s first important to look at what packaged HVAC systems are and how they compare to split systems.
Packaged vs. Split HVAC Systems
Most standard HVAC systems that run on a standard central air conditioner or a heat pump are split systems. In a split system, the primary part of the system (i.e. the AC condenser or heat pump) is located outside somewhere next to the home and contains both the compressor and condenser coil. The interior part of the system is the air handler that houses both the evaporator coil and the blower are located. The interior and exterior parts of a split system are then connected by a set of copper refrigerant lines.
Packaged HVAC systems are completely different as all of the components including the compressor, blower, evaporator coil and condenser coil are in one self-contained unit. The only parts of the system that are located inside are the air ducts and thermostat. Everything else is in one large unit that sits outside either next to the building or sometimes on the roof. This unit is then connected to the air ducts via a large hole in an exterior wall or the roof.
Saves Space
One of the biggest advantages of choosing a packaged HVAC system is that it requires much less space than a split system. The interior air handler part of a split HVAC system is always fairly large and bulky and requires quite a bit of space in the basement or attic. This can be an issue for smaller homes and apartments where space is at a premium since it takes up valuable square footage that you could use for other purposes. With a packaged system, you won’t have to worry about giving up any usable interior space since everything other than the ductwork is outside. A packaged system can also save you space in the yard outside your house since you can often choose to have it installed on the roof, which isn’t always possible with the exterior part of a split system.
Much Quieter Operation
One issue with split systems is that they tend to be somewhat noisy. When a split system is running, you’ll typically be able to hear the noise of the blower in almost every part of the home. Another major advantage of packaged systems is that they produce almost no noticeable sound since the blower and everything else are outside. If the packaged system is installed next to your house, you may still be able to hear a bit of noise as it runs if you’re standing in a room with an exterior wall right next to the system. You’ll also hear a faint sound of air moving through the ducts, but the overall noise level will still be much lower than if you had a split system.
Lower Upfront Cost
Another advantage of choosing a packaged system over a split system is that it will almost always cost you less to install. The cost to purchase either type of system can still be comparable depending on the specific brand, model, type and energy-efficiency rating. However, packaged systems still have a lower cost overall since they are much easier and take much less time to install.
Split systems have more components that need to be installed since everything comes separately. When installing a split system, the technicians will have to connect the copper refrigerant lines to the evaporator coil and outdoor unit by brazing them at high heat. Brazing is a fairly slow process since it must be done extremely carefully to prevent damaging the components, and the technician must work in steps by repeatedly heating the components and allowing them to fully cool before proceeding. With a split system, you also have to pay an additional cost to install the copper line set that connects the indoor and outdoor units. Once the installation is complete, the technician will then need at least a few additional hours to fully calibrate all of the components and make sure everything works according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Packaged systems are fully built in a climate-controlled factory and are essentially ready to start working as soon as they are mounted outside and connected to the supply and return air ducts. This greatly cuts down on the time and cost of the installation since there are no refrigerant lines that need to be installed and nothing that needs to be brazed or connected.
Easier to Service, Maintain and Repair
Any type of central air conditioning or heat pump system requires yearly maintenance to continue functioning effectively and working energy efficiently, and this is true for both split systems and packaged systems. However, the overall maintenance requirements for a packaged system are lower than with a split system since there are no refrigerant lines or other additional components. It also takes technicians less time overall to service and maintain a packaged system since everything is conveniently located in the same place.
If any issues arise and your HVAC system suddenly isn’t working as it should be, it will also be easier for a technician to inspect everything and quickly diagnose the problem if you have a packaged system. When inspecting and servicing or repairing a packaged system, the technician won’t need to keep going inside and outside like they would if you have a split system. In fact, the technician normally won’t even need to go inside your house at all unless they suspect that there is an issue with your thermostat or air ducts.
Another issue with servicing a split system is that the air handler is often in a cramped area in the basement or attic. This can make it more difficult for the technician to access everything, which is another issue that can contribute to increased maintenance time and costs.
Can Provide Both Air Conditioning and Heating
Some packaged systems have just a traditional central air conditioner, but you also have the option to get a packaged system that can also provide heating. Some packaged heating/cooling systems are all-electric and use a heat pump to provide both heat and AC. There are also dual-fuel gas and electric packaged systems that contain both a traditional air conditioner and a gas furnace. This type of system can be an especially great choice for colder climates where a gas furnace is almost always the best, most effective heating option. A packaged heat pump system is also an excellent option due to its superior energy efficiency. However, you always need some type of auxiliary or supplementary heat source when using a heat pump system in a colder climate.
At Joyce Cooling & Heating Inc., we’ve been providing exceptional residential and commercial HVAC services to customers in the Nashua and Canterbury areas since 1995. Our technicians specialize in HVAC installation and can help if you’re looking for either a packaged or split system. We also offer expert HVAC repairs and maintenance services so give us a call for all of your cooling and heating needs.
