Are you in the market for a package HVAC unit? No doubt you have decided to opt for a package HVAC unit over a split system because you were impressed by its benefits and advantages. To begin with, a package unit comes as a single unit that contains an air conditioner and heater, plus other units in some instances. HVAC package units are typically installed outdoors and are usually popular in homes without a basement. In contrast, split systems comprise separate units. The biggest advantage of package HVAC units is that they are easier to install and maintain since you only have to deal with a single unit.
But before you rush to make your purchase, it’s essential to check out some HVAC package unit reviews so that you can make a confident and well-informed purchase. With that in mind, here are the top five must-read HVAC package unit reviews you need to know about.
Goodman HVAC Package Unit Reviews
Goodman is a popular brand that has been manufacturing HVAC systems for a few decades. The brand was established in 1954 and named after Harold Goodman, who founded the company in the state of Texas. Since then, the company has been involved in the manufacture of air ducts and HVAC equipment. You’ll be pleased to hear that while the company focuses on producing quality package units, they also focus on making things affordable for clients.
When buying Goodman package units, you have several options to choose from, including air conditioners with gas furnace package units and air conditioners with electric heat. The package units are suitable to meet all your residential air conditioning and heating needs and may even be suitable for light commercial use. The good news is, the brand mostly offers energy-efficient options that can help you save money in the long run. For instance, most package units come with a SEER rating of between 13 and 16. For best results, you should purchase a package unit with a SEER rating of at least 15.
When it comes to the top features of Goodman package units, you can expect a less noisy operation due to the insulation packed around the blower compartments. In addition, each Goodman package unit comes with louvered condenser coils, which are meant to protect the coils from protection, so you’re less likely to deal with AC repair issues. What’s more, select Goodman package units typically come with two-stage heating and cooling, and some are certified by AHRI. This means that The Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) has recognized these package units as having undergone rigorous tests to ensure maximum efficiency.
As for warranties, you can generally expect a 10-year warranty on limited parts on select package units. Overall, Goodman package units offer quality, affordability and have decent ratings when it comes to warranties, consumer opinions, and efficiency.
Carrier HVAC Package Unit Reviews
Carrier’s parent company is United Technologies, and it offers a wide range of package unit options, which can generally be split between The Performance Series and the Comfort Series. You can choose an AC package unit with a gas pack or an AC with electric heat that can be used for both residential and commercial applications. If you’re planning to use the package for commercial use, you can find systems from five tons up to twenty times this weight. The most prominent features of Carrier hybrid packages include high and low refrigerant pressure switches, Energy star labels, a two-stage scroll compressor, and more.
However, you should note that some of these features are only found on select Carrier package units, so it’s essential to do your due diligence when comparing different Carrier Package units. After reading the Carrier HVAC package unit reviews, you should also take the time to check out the different efficiency levels offered by Carrier. Depending on your budget, you can find package units with standard efficiency as well as those that are super-efficient. Usually, the more efficient units are those that make use of a heat pump with a gas furnace and which can further reduce your monthly bills.
If you’re wondering if Carrier has anything else to offer, then you should also consider that carrier package units can be pretty durable as they come in heavy-duty painted steel cabinets. In addition, if you prefer a quiet environment, Carrier package units are more up your alley because they are designed to operate with minimum noise. In a nutshell, Carrier package units offer decent performance, and the warranties are similar to what you get with most manufacturers. Keep in mind that any warranty you get on your HVAC system may be limited to select packages, so always read the fine print before purchasing.
Bryant HVAC Package Unit Reviews
Bryant is a well-established manufacturer of HVAC equipment that was founded by Charles Bryant in 1904. The company started off with gas-fired boilers and now belongs to United Technologies. Besides air conditioning only package units, Bryant also offers gas packs that have air conditioners and gas heating plus air conditioner package units with electric heat. As with most options included in these HVAC package unit reviews, offerings from Bryant are mainly suitable for lightweight use on commercial and residential properties, with sizes starting from two tons up to five tons. However, you can also find select package units for more heavy-duty commercial use.
Bryant also offers energy-efficient package units with SEER ratings ranging from 13 to 16, and select package units have the Energy Star label. The top-tier systems from Bryant have a high energy efficiency that can match the best offerings from other competitors. However, offerings from Bryant may not have electronically commutated motors (ECM), while other package units from competitors typically come with an ECM variable-speed blower. ECMs are brushless motors that increase blower motor efficiency and improve the overall function of the system, thus resulting in significant energy savings. That means that Bryant has a lot of room for improvement and can easily surpass the efficiency ratings of competitors by incorporating an ECM variable-speed blower motor.
Still, Bryant package units come with various features for top-quality options. For instance, they use an R410A refrigerant. Selected package units also have two-speed scroll compressors. Other features you can appreciate include quiet operation and high ratings overall on warranties, quality, and efficiency. It’s safe to say that Bryant fares well when compared with other brands, but you should always get additional information about the particular model you’re interested in before making a purchasing decision.
Daikin HVAC Package Unit Reviews
Daikin is another manufacturer with a long history. The company was founded in 1924 and began by manufacturing aircraft parts before moving on to refrigeration units and later on to conditioners. Eventually, the company began specializing in various cooling systems for industrial and residential use. Today, Daikin offers package units with capacities of up to five tons. The package unit models come with air conditioners, heat pumps, gas packs, and they are a preferred option whenever there’s no adequate indoor space for installation. When installing the package units outdoors, you can do so on the ground or the roof. The ductwork is then connected to the unit to facilitate heating and cooling functions.
When looking at the top features of some Daikin package units, you find that the offerings include Energy Star-rated options that can help you reduce your energy consumption. This feature is enhanced by blower compartments that are fully insulated for even more energy savings. In addition, select Daikin package units come with a variable-speed ECM indoor blower motor. Another feature that’s common to most manufacturers is the enclosed and lubricated condenser fan motor. If you’re looking to buy a heat pump package unit, you can also expect an electric heat kit of up to 20kW.
Other features include better unit protection due to the high and low-pressure refrigeration switches and the lifetime warranty for gas packs, plus other favorable warranties on parts and replacements. However, it’s important to note that the warranty is only applicable if registered within the prescribed period. If you’re investing in one of the premium models, it’s also recommended that you find an experienced contractor and purchase an extended warranty to cover parts and labor where possible.
Lennox HVAC Package Unit Reviews
Like other brands, Lennox offers a wide range of package units, including heat pump package units that come with duel fuel, air conditioners with gas furnaces, and air conditioner package units with electric heat. The package units can be installed on residential and commercial properties for light use, with a few large package units available for commercial use. Most Lennox package units only come with baseline efficiency, and some select products are Energy star rated. Generally, Lennox is only a viable option if you’re not too concerned about significant energy savings. You can also expect Lennox package units to have a bit more sophisticated engineering, which may be a good thing if it means improved function. On the other hand, it can make AC repair complicated.
A closer look at various package units reveals a long list of features that make Lennox package units a worthwhile investment. To begin with, select package units have variable speed blower motors, tow-stage operation, and tubular heat exchangers, plus more. Additional features include electronic ignition and easy access panels that make repairs and servicing a breeze. Lennox package units also come with generous warranties compared to other brands. Besides the optional extended warranty coverage available for select units, you can also get a limited warranty on covered parts, such as the compressor, as well as a limited warranty on heat exchangers. Overall, Lennox quality and efficiency have some impressive ratings when compared to other brands.
What to Consider When Shopping for HVAC Package Units
Besides the HVAC package unit reviews we have outlined, you should also include the following factors when comparing units.
Total Costs
The right HVAC system is one that can make your home as comfortable as possible. That’s why it’s important to start off with a reasonable budget because anything that’s too cheap can lead to costly problems down the line. For instance, you might find yourself needing regular furnace repair services or AC repair services. If your budget is too tight, you can consider financing options or use a portion of your home loan to cover the cost of a new HVAC system. The investment is well worth it because you’ll have the best home comfort and air quality.
Energy Efficiency
This is one of the most important things to watch out for if you want to reduce your energy consumption and save on bills in the long run. The most energy-efficient HVAC systems have a minimum SEER rating of 15 and an Energy Star Label. The main reason why it’s cost-effective to buy a new HVAC unit is that the ROI can surpass the initial investment with long-term energy savings.
Advanced Features
Modern HVAC systems now come with advanced features such as programmable thermostat compatibility. This gives you greater control over how you heat and cool your home. For instance, you can program the system to switch off when you’re not at home, which saves more money on your energy bills. Another great feature is a system that’s not noisy. Overall, this improves your comfort levels, especially if you have a low tolerance for noise. You can also get HVAC package systems with solar heating to improve the performance of your unit and increase energy efficiency.
In a nutshell, HVAC package units offer heating and cooling combined into a single unit. To ensure high indoor air quality, carefully consider our HVAC package unit reviews and other considerations to find the best option for your needs. Be sure to look for reputable and experienced HVAC contractors to ensure that your package unit is properly installed. Once you have your new unit installed, talk to your contractor about professional inspections and what you can do when it comes to maintaining your system. This helps to minimize heating repairs and AC repairs.
