Nothing beats stepping out of the searing summer heat into a cool, air-conditioned building. But finding the right air conditioner to do the trick can get confusing. Terms like ‘split system,’ ‘package AC,’ and ‘central air conditioner’ get tossed around and it’s hard to find which one would work best in your space. Luckily, we can help you understand the difference between package vs split systems!
Central HVAC includes heating and air conditioning systems that supply conditioned air from a central location. They generally rely on ductwork to circulate air through a larger space, like a large home or office. Both package air conditioning units and central split systems can supply central air.
Central split system air conditioners use two separate units to supply cool air: an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit contains the evaporator coil while the outdoor unit houses the compressor and condenser coil.
A split system cools using a heat transfer process:
In heat pump systems, this process reverses to provide heat.
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Fun fact: MRCOOL offers the Do-It-Yourself series ductless mini split air conditioners that you can install without specialized training which makes for a simpler installation process than a traditional central split system.
In package units, like a package air conditioning unit or heat pump packaged system, all the components, including the evaporator, condenser, and compressor, are housed in the same unit. Since they’re housed in the same cabinet, a package system only relies on one unit, along with ductwork, to supply cool air and usually installs outside buildings or on rooftops.
You can find a wide variety of package units, including:
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Looking for a new air conditioning unit? HomElectrical carries a selection of central split systems and HVAC and air conditioner packaged units to help you find the one you need. Stay cool with HomElectrical!
You must consider several factors when choosing a ductless mini-split system. You also need to consider whether you need a single zone or a multi-zone system, and whether you need just a mini split condenser or if you need mini-split heat pump.
Ductless mini-split systems provide heating and cooling without using air ducts. Make sure to adhere to safety practices such as replacing both the outdoor and indoor unit simultaneously, and consulting certified HVAC professionals and licensed electricians to help install the system.
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