Some Different Packaged Air Conditioner Options

When people hear the term packaged air conditioner, they probably automatically think of a gas packaged unit, also known as a gas pack. A gas pack has a few advantages, as you will see in this article, but it isn’t the only option out there for a packaged air conditioner.

If you want to learn a little more about the different types of package units that you can find out there, start with this brief guide, and if you have any more questions, give our team a call at 855-473-6484.

Air Conditioner Package Unit

This is probably what most people think of when they hear the words package air conditioner, and they’re pretty common sights in a lot of areas. This type of package is not useful for heating your home, but it is one of the best choices out there for keeping things cool. As a result, they are common in some areas of the South, such as Florida.

Typically these systems come with the compressor, air handler, and evaporator all housed within one unit outside the home. They are relatively energy-efficient electric options for cooling your home, and although some of them are only able to provide cooling, others can be equipped with heat strips to help add some more heat to the air if you ever experience unseasonably cold temperatures.

Gas Electric Package Units

Whereas most packaged air conditioners that fall into the category mentioned above use only electricity to provide for cooling (and sometimes heat) gas-electric systems, as the name would suggest, use two forms of energy.

These systems consist of an electric air conditioner such as what would come as a part of the package mentioned above, along with a gas furnace. The air conditioner works as the electric units mentioned above would work, but the gas portion of the unit burns gas (typically natural gas or propane) to heat air that flows through the heat exchangers and then is circulated back into your indoor spaces.

These systems are good options for those that live in cooler climates where the extra power of a gas furnace is required to keep things comfortable in the winter. Therefore you will find systems like this are more common in the North than the previous units are.

Dual Fuel Units

Dual fuel units, which are also known as hybrid units, are practical for a number of different environments. However, they are more common in particularly colder areas, like the gas-electric packages mentioned above.

Unlike the previous two units, however, hybrid or dual-fuel packaged units do not have a designated cooling agent like an air conditioner. Instead, they consist of a gas furnace coupled with a heat pump.

Because gas furnaces are remarkably effective at heating a home (although they burn a lot of fuel), these systems are common in colder areas, as mentioned. A heat pump is capable of heating a home, but it is not as effective as a gas furnace, and it is also capable of cooling the home in the summer. Heat pumps are also much more efficient than gas furnaces although they are not as powerful, so you can use the heat pump throughout the year and leave the furnace fallow for the very cold days and nights.

Heat Pump Packages

Heat pumps may not be as powerful as furnaces or as powerful as air conditioning units, but they are significantly more energy-efficient than either option. Packaged heat pumps are a good option in milder locations where it does not get too hot or too cold.

Don’t let the high up-front cost fool you. If a packaged HVAC system in the form of a heat pump is a good match for your environment, energy savings are just down the road.

Although these are only four package units, they constitute the majority of the packages you will find in your shopping. Though the benefits that we list here are a good place to start, it is no substitute for consulting an HVAC specialist; alternatively, you can call us at the number listed above.

Additionally, when you do get around to buying the system that works for you, then you should check back in with us. Not only do we have a number of heating and cooling systems for a variety of different environments, but we can get you the best possible prices as well.

Through our price match guarantee, we ensure that you are covered by the best price available, but the deal gets even better, because we offer fast, free shipping as well. We also offer some of the best customer service in the industry and we aim to prove that to you.

Give us a call today to get shopping and let us know how we can help you. Whether it’s in determining how to cool or heat your home or just in getting you a great price, we’d be happy to make that a reality for you.