Package Unit vs Split System

[jax1]

OK, what are the advantages of each for residential use.

Split systems are what are most always used. It requires longer and more skilled installation. Plus the attic seems to be the worst place for the evaporator coil to operate and be serviced.

Reading here, a good installation is a must. So it seems a package unit would be simpler to install, easier to service, and in a more comfortable environment.

Since I've never seen a package unit for a home, there must be an obvious reason.

[air2spare]

split systems offer higher efficiency possibilities, Arizona has packaged units in homes

[the dangling wrangler]

I'd love to see more package units in residential applications. But I don't think H O A's would like to see the exposed duct. Yes they would be easier to repair, but I really don't think it will happen.

[iraqveteran]

we have a metric asston of package units around here.

It all goes by locations. Since we don't have basements, any crawlspace home is going to have a package unit 90% of the time.

The only exceptions are those that want a high efficiency system, units in attics, or ones that are 30 years old and still original with the homes.

[sammy37]

I have always been a fan of package units, probably because that is all we had where I grew up. Package units are very common in California, Arizona, Nevada & Utah. I feel sorry for anyone who has to climb into a hot attic in Vegas when it is over 110 outside, I much prefer being on the roof. We have alot of new construction homes in Vegas with split systems and quite a few people I know seem to have the same problem with their units losing charge every year or two or three and it always seems to boil down to careless construction practices, nails and screws through the line set etc. Another thing I notice is condensing units take alot of abuse from people, dogs and kids when they are sitting on the ground. Allready we are starting to see more efficient residential package units, it will be interesting to see how far they go with them, maybe by the time mine craps out they will have one that is comparable to the best splits.

[iraqveteran]

I have always been a fan of package units, probably because that is all we had where I grew up. Package units are very common in California, Arizona, Nevada & Utah. I feel sorry for anyone who has to climb into a hot attic in Vegas when it is over 110 outside, I much prefer being on the roof. We have alot of new construction homes in Vegas with split systems and quite a few people I know seem to have the same problem with their units losing charge every year or two or three and it always seems to boil down to careless construction practices, nails and screws through the line set etc. Another thing I notice is condensing units take alot of abuse from people, dogs and kids when they are sitting on the ground. Allready we are starting to see more efficient residential package units, it will be interesting to see how far they go with them, maybe by the time mine craps out they will have one that is comparable to the best splits.

I doubt we will see a 19+ SEER package unit anytime soon. If you notice, the higher the efficiency, the bigger the coils are allowing for better heat transfer....Now just imagine what size coil you would need in a package unit to acheive the same efficiency Really really big!!!

[sammy37]

I doubt we will see a 19+ SEER package unit anytime soon. If you notice, the higher the efficiency, the bigger the coils are allowing for better heat transfer....Now just imagine what size coil you would need in a package unit to acheive the same efficiency Really really big!!!

Yes, you are right. I heard that a couple companies were coming out with units that are close to 18 seer, cant recall the brands at the moment, have to go back and do some research.

[sammy37]

[QUOTE=the dangling wrangler;1917644]I'd love to see more package units in residential applications. But I don't think H O A's would like to see the exposed duct. Yes they would be easier to repair, but I really don't think it will happen.[/QUOTE


Call me nuts, but a brand new package unit with some shiney new ductwork sitting on a roof is a beautiful site!

[jax1]

must package units be on roofs? flat roofs are not popular in very rainy climates. common construction is slab on ground/ sloped roof. can these units sit on the ground or otherwise be compatible with our construction methods?

if you can get one in the efficiency you want, and the ductwork up the side of your house is not offensive, seems the best and most economical way to go.

simple, easy to install, maintain, less chance for mistakes, get that thing out of the hottest place imaginable. and they use less polluting/global warming/ozone depleting/epa licensed only/getting more expensive/freon.

so why are they not used more often in green grass areas?

[the dangling wrangler]

so why are they not used more often in green grass areas?

My guess is the architects. And, no they do not have to be on the roof.

[johnsp]

having attached garages, there would be more effort into hanging the split system
air handler and evap coil in the garage. With all the pre-fab truss roofs you'd think it would make for an easier install and service down the line.

[the dangling wrangler]

having attached garages, there would be more effort into hanging the split system
air handler and evap coil in the garage. With all the pre-fab truss roofs you'd think it would make for an easier install and service down the line.

That would call for a lot more ducting.