Today in this article, we will look together the two main types of central air conditioning unit, i.e. splits and packaged units. Then we will help you decide which one to choose.
Basic Difference:
Split Units: In Split-unit central air conditioners, there are two parts, i.e. Outdoor cabinet & Indoor cabinet. These two cabinet are connected by a refrigerant line.
Package Units: In packaged units, the whole evaporator, condenser and compressor are placed together in a single compact cabinet. Price wise, it cost a little bit than the former.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY:
Split Units: Great energy efficiency, where the SEERS ratings are always higher than that of packaged units.
Package Units: Limited SEER efficiency, ratings usually vary from 10-18.
SPACE EFFICIENCY:
Split Units: Owing to its two separate unit, Split units are installed both indoor and outdoor, preferably in the attic or a closet and outdoor at a concrete slab outside your home.
Package Units: As it comes with a single cabinet, packaged units are Installed outdoor, usually on the roof. It is ideal for a house with limited space.
INSTALLATION:
Split Units: With two separate cabinets for outdoor and indoor, and the need to connect them with a refrigeration unit, labor cost becomes very high.
Packaged Units: Coming as a single cabinet with pre-charged refrigerant, the installation/ labor cost becomes considerably low. Not just that, the very fact that it is to be placed outside alone makes it soft effective too as compared to a split unit.
IDEAL SPACE:
Split Unit: Obvious to its other features, split units are ideal for home with big spaces. In addition to it, if you already have a furnace in your home and you are planning to replace your old central air conditioners then Split units will be the right choice. In this case, the installation/ labor cost also becomes absolutely cost effective.
Packaged Unit: Packaged units are simple and easy to be installed as everything is pre-fixed from the factory. So if you have a mobile home, or have limited indoor space, packaged units are definitely the air conditioner units you need.
All in all, when you compare the units, both have their pros as well as their cons. Talk about their price, even though packaged units does cost more, split units also come down to the same price when you calculate the whole charge for installations and labor.
The only consideration you should focus on should be the space allocation of your home.
To get the right unit for your home, you can refer to your air conditioners suppliers too. The experts can visit your home or check with your details and suggest you the right one. If you are based in India, Zamil India would be happy to help you with queries. They have a full after-sales service with a toll free telephone service.