Switching from a split to a package unit

[netguysc]

Hi, I just bought a 1920 sq foot modular home / double wide that currently has a split system. The outside condensor unit was stolen and so now I am in the market for a heat pump.

I want to replace whats left of the split unit with a package unit. I don't like the fact that if the drain line clogs that I would have a small flood inside my house, it also seems like the indoor half has rust issues creating a-coil leaks etc. It also seems to me that package units tend to be more reliable, anyways. Anyways I just prefer a package unit.

Can this be done easily or is it problematic? There is plenty of room underneath the house, I am not sure how the return vent will be configured unless it is put where the indoor half of the split unit was.

Any insights on this idea of mine?

[adamwhatley]

Can it be done? Yes anything can be done but there will need to be some changes to the duct system. You will need to have the package unit connected to the existing trunk line and have a return installed going back to the new unit. If you go down this road use metal ductwork connections not flex or Ductboard as this are not designed to be in the elements. If it was me depending on what efficient level you are trying to arrive at I would stay with split system set up but don't expect more then 14 seer with split system in a split system due to the limits or area for air handler. You can higher efficient package units up to 15-16 seer maybe more with a package unit.

So what are you trying to achieve? How much $ are you wanted to invest in this project? Just some things to think about! If you want the most cost effective thing to do at this point then stay with split system if you are wanting to get higher seer/efficient out of the home then package system might be the way to go. You just need to look at your investment costs verus how long you are going to be leaving there. Go with a heat pump either way for good electric bills for both winter & summer.

[DirkRoper]

I wouldn't do it. You got more duct work that is exposed to the elements and that can leak or be chewed through by varmints. You are going to have issues with a good way to run your return that's going to require you to cut some holes through to the outside. Even though they're designed to be outside, I don't like having my heating equipment outside where more heat is wasted.

My experience has been that packaged equipment doesn't last as long as split systems, but that's probably because most of the packaged equipment I run into is in commercial applications, not residential.

[tedkidd]

Expect high energy costs as your equipment attempts to heat and cool the outdoors. Also, these units tend to have much shorter life expectancy. Particularly if going hybrid, combustion and cold temperatures means accelerated metal fatigue.

[netguysc]

thanks for the answers guys,

I hope to spend $4000 or less. I plan on living in the house for eternity.

I guess I was also hoping for the most efficient heat pump for less than $4000, and I was hoping that going to a higher seer package system would not be a very involved task.

Sounds like a split unit is the best decision at this time.

[amd]

If the unit is installed with an emergency pan and switch to shut down the system when the main pan overflows, you won't get a flood.

Split is better than packaged.

[jpsmith1cm]

A split system will do fine, ASSUMING a few things.

Proper setup.

Proper maintenance.

If the system is installed right and maintained correctly, you will have less trouble with it than if you just keep running it until it quits or floods your home and then call for service.

[tedkidd]

If you are going to stay a while you may want to start with an audit. Getting sizing wrong will mean unnecessarily high bills and shortened equipment life.

Don't just focus on upfront cost, you need to understand total cost. Saving just $500 a year adds up pretty quick if you intend to stay. And shortly people will pay attention to annual energy cost when buying, so it'll matter when you sell too. This green thing is picking up speed.

[energy star]

You may just have a rubber hose off the a-coil. Have you HVAC tech run a new drain with a clean out. Yours is just leaking (maybe). This will allow you to clean it. Keep the split system.

[hvacvegas]

If the unit is installed with an emergency pan and switch to shut down the system when the main pan overflows, you won't get a flood.

Split is better than packaged.

How do you install a secondary pan on a downflow?

They make inline, drain blockage sensors. If your worried about it, invest in that.


I wouldn't put a packaged unit in, unless as a last resort.

There's a reason the biggest market is split systems. Efficiency, life expectancy are the big ones.

[heaterman]

Like any system, it is ALL about proper installation. We do both styles of systems, no marked difference in performance or longevity. I am assuming you are total electric, no fossil fuel?

[amd]

How do you install a secondary pan on a downflow?



Those are installed in attics?

[netguysc]

Thanks for all the input guys, The flooding I referred to was at my current house and at some friends houses. I am guilty of only changing filters and then just letting a system run, until it doesn't and then calling the a/c guys.

I will plan on a split-system. How would I go about getting an audit? I assume just calling an a/c professional and request one but are there any details that I need to provide when I call or things to look out for? Any price range on this service?

Thanks again everyone

Yes all electric system

[motoguy128]

I think he means an energy audit. Some utilties have programs that will do these for free. There are oftne professionals that do specifically these types fo audits. They will identify air leaks in your home and places where you are otherwise losing or wasting energy and give you a list of recommendations.

[hvacvegas]

Those are installed in attics?

Who said anything about an attic?

And yes, I've seen them in attics.
Replacing one in about 2 months.
In a mechanical room, central return, duct runs along ceiling of second floor in a sofit, vents come right off the trunk, some supplies go up to the fished parts of the attic.

Other one I remember:
2 ton. Central return at the Air handler. Air dumps out of the bottom of the air handler, uses 2 joist spaces as their jerry rigged duct, floor grill at the other end of the finished attic.
Turned this one down.

[tedkidd]

I think he means an energy audit. Some utilties have programs that will do these for free. There are oftne professionals that do specifically these types fo audits. They will identify air leaks in your home and places where you are otherwise losing or wasting energy and give you a list of recommendations.

It should outline obvious opportunities to lower energy waste, thereby reducing replacement equipment size. Smaller equipment will run longer, more efficiently, quieter, more comfortably, and use less energy. (at first this may not make sense, but after some thought lightbulbs should start firing).

It should offer recommendations and where they can't facilitate, provide help defining specifications to take to bid. Since your location is not listed in your profile, it's hard to tell from here who might do this near you...