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The gas pack ratings here on WebHVAC are designed to help you compare gas/electric packaged units you are considering for your home or small commercial building.  We rate each unit in 4 separate categories and then average them for an overall rating.  This gas pack guide will help you understand our approach to rating the models so that you can select the right one for your application.

Operating Costs

It is important to know how much a unit will cost to operate relative to other options.  No residential gas pack is extremely efficient.  Most of their furnaces are about 80% efficient, measured in AFUE, or annualized fuel utilization efficiency. Their SEER ratings, or seasonal energy efficiency ratings, for air conditioning range from 13 SEER to about 16 SEER.   We rate gas packs on the same scale as split system components and for that reason, most have lower ratings for efficiency. Gas packs are a good choice where construction or space limitations preclude a split system.

Features

There are 2 types of features which boost gas pack ratings in this category, performance features and quality features.  Performance features include staged heating and cooling and a variable-speed blower.  If the model is a heat pump and not just an air conditioner, providing dual fuel capability, that will boost the features rating.  Dual fuel models may also boost your overall efficiency because you can use electric heat in cool weather and then switch to gas heat in cold weather. Quality features include a stainless steel heat exchanger, improved coil protection, and internal pressure switches in the compressor.

Reliability

Our gas pack ratings for reliability are drawn from what is known about the specific model but also from the brand’s reputation for dependable, long-term service.  We also take into account the quality of the components when rating this category. Because all of their components are installed outside, gas packs don’t last as long as split systems under most circumstances.  With proper maintenance, 12-15 years is common.

Warranty

You’ll find a variety of warranties with gas packs.  Most have a 5-year or 10-year limited parts warranty or compressor warranty.  The heat exchanger is usually covered with a 10-15 year limited warranty.  Coils get 5 or 10-year warranties.  Our rating increase with the length of the warranty.  We believe that the strength of the warranty is an important feature when considering gas packs.

Overall Rating

We average the 4 categories above in our overall gas pack ratings. It gives you a quick idea of the general quality of the unit and should help you compare the gas package to others on your list.

Our goal is to help you be an informed consumer so we provide in-depth, unbiased gas pack ratings for you to consider.  Take some time to peruse our gas pack ratings to see which models will best suit the needs of your residence or commercial building.

Need System Advice or a Free Quote?
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