Package Unit Verses Spilt System

[rcr29]

I work as a Maint, Mechanic for a very large hospital , I mostly work with 350 ton chillers and some very large gas fired boilers and starting to move into 3 to 10 ton units, But my quetions to the pros is?, I would like to here the differences, which cost more to install and which will cost more to opperate. I'm just trying to see why so in the end how I could save money I know this is not as simple as written but I think you see where im going with this.Any help will be greatly appreciated. I know we can not show $$ on here but which is more and why.And why more people do not use package units, put this scenario in the mid south., Thanks KK

I am CFC Universile Certified

[badbillr]

let me start out with a small typing correction, it's universal. not poking fun @ ya, as I too, mis-spell words, but not very often. each has it own unique qualities when it comes to installation. pkg units install faster and easier, but do not have the seer ratings (efficiency rating) as does a split-system. you can look at a pkg unit is an over-sized windows shaker with ducts attached.

a split system can offer more energy savings due to the higher seer ratings they can achieve. a split system air handler is typically centrally located in the structure so it may provide even air distribution via properly sized & installed ducting. split systems need to be sized and installed by a qualified hvac installer/technician. a good installation will make or break a system, as to how well it works and how many years of service you can get from it.

[Txvman]

let me start out with a small typing correction, it's universal. not poking fun @ ya, as I too, mis-spell words, but not very often. each has it own unique qualities when it comes to installation. pkg units install faster and easier, but do not have the seer ratings (efficiency rating) as does a split-system. you can look at a pkg unit is an over-sized windows shaker with ducts attached.

a split system can offer more energy savings due to the higher seer ratings they can achieve. a split system air handler is typically centrally located in the structure so it may provide even air distribution via properly sized & installed ducting. split systems need to be sized and installed by a qualified hvac installer/technician. a good installation will make or break a system, as to how well it works and how many years of service you can get from it.

All true. In splits the air handler being out of sight also tends to be out of mind when maintenance comes around. Filters are harder to change when they are up in the ceiling. Splits can be harder to work on due to location and separation of AH and condensing unit.

Package units (RTU) are easier to work on since all components are right there. When installing a RTU you must take into consideration roof load limits. Less chance of refrigerant leaks in a RTU since there are no line sets to braze and test.

Initial cost of an RTU is higher but I believe in the long run they are better when it comes to the repair and maintenance aspects.

[beenthere]

Pakage units are usually lower eff, then splits.
Easier to service.

Not really a noticable cost difference to install.

[rogerk]

Why do you get more efficiency from a split system over a package unit? TY

[t527ed]

Why do you get more efficiency from a split system over a package unit? TY

the size of the coils

[tpa-fl]

I prefer package units/RTUs when possible for the many reasons listed. Additionally, I've found them to be more reliable as the amount of field variables is reduced to ductwork issues. When it finally dies and isn't feasible to repair, just cut it loose and slap another one on. If everything lines up from both the old & new units, you can have one of these changed out in 1-2 hrs vs the 1-2 days with a split system. Another option is to do a trailer-style package unit on a platform outside. I've done these when noise requirements are rather stringent and the vibration and noise from RTUs and split systems would have been problematic.

[chillbilly]

I've only done a few packaged heat pumps but they seemed very easy aside from getting them where they need to be placed.
Just wire in L/V and H/V and connect ductwork.
I can't remember if there is anything else like a refrigerant charge release, but I don't think there is. Also can't remember if there is a way to isolate refrigerant to one "side" or the other through pumpdown.
But I agree that it does limit the chances for errors that would be there in a split system arrangement.