package or split unit?

[chas_yankee]

Need to replace a 16 year old Heat pump unit. First contractor has advised to go with packaged unit-- due to limited room under house. Other contractors have not indicated any problems with staying with a split system or disadvantages of air handler under house versus outside.

Any benefits of switching to a package unit?

[beenthere]

Depends on how easy access to the crawl is.

[chas_yankee]

opening is 28x23 inches, ~ 6 inches off ground with a porch beam about 12 inches above and halfway in (half of opening is under porch, half out). area is clear 12 feet in front of opening (no prch posts or anything). crawl space ~30" high inside

[ascj]

The biggest reason in my parts we suggest a packaged unit over a split system, in a crawl space application, is moisture. Most crawl spaces are not proper ventilated, so they retain alot of moisture. And the air handler or furnace seems to rust out alot faster. But that as to do with mostly the crawl space design.

[beenthere]

Not the biggest, or smallest.


No real operational advantage one over the other.
Alittle easier to work on the package unit.

[chas_yankee]

Thanks, can you comment on my 2 options so far (or others to consider):
option 1: lennox xp15, cbx32mv; HC16 filter; CS7000 controller

option 2: 14-SEER AMERICAN STANDARD PACKAGE UNIT WITH R410-A FREON. VARIABLE SPEED BLOWER, HEAT STRIPS AND A DIGITAL THERMOSTAT. no model numbers yet.

price quote is about same for both units, both with 10 year parts and labor warranty, both are indicated t qualify for the $1500 credit.