Whether you’re a homeowner or a landlord, you are always on the lookout for ways to save money when it comes to caring for your property. This is especially true when it comes to heating and cooling systems. The goal is to create a system that runs efficiently and is cost-effective. One solution that’s becoming more popular is a propane gas pack.
What is a Gas Pack?
A gas pack is an all-in-one HVAC system that provides heating and cooling by combining the functions of a furnace and an air conditioning unit. It’s a single, space-saving system that will keep your home comfortable all year round.
Gas packs are an increasingly popular choice for two reasons: energy efficiency and simplicity. A major plus is only having to worry about maintaining one HVAC system instead of two. Gas packs are also an ideal solution in homes and buildings where space is limited, especially since they don’t need any interior space.
How Gas Pack Systems Work
How does a gas pack get it all done? The heating component is a gas furnace that generates warm air and circulates it throughout your home using the existing vent system. The cooling aspect works similarly, using refrigerant to cool the air and distributing it in the same way as the heated air.
Gas Pack Fuel Options
A gas pack can run on natural gas, propane, and heating oil, no matter how you heat your home. Propane is the most common choice, especially in areas where fuel oil may be more expensive and natural gas isn’t an option. Propane also brings the added benefit of a lower environmental impact.
Benefits of Gas Pack Systems
Gas pack systems offer many advantages over separate heating and cooling systems.
- Space-Saving Design: The compact size of a gas pack system is a major advantage. The whole unit is installed outside of the home, freeing up space in basements that are usually occupied by separate heating and cooling systems.
- Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings: Gas packs are designed to run more efficiently than standalone heating and cooling systems. They use less energy, which is good for the environment and your monthly budget.
- Reduced Maintenance: Using a gas pack means you only have one system to maintain. Gas packs are also easier to service than traditional heating and cooling systems, leading to fewer if any service calls.
Weighing the Options—Is a Gas Pack System for You?
Here’s what to consider if you’re thinking of making the change to a gas pack HVAC system.
- Fuel Factors: Will you power your gas pack with healing oil, natural gas or propane? Consider the cost efficiency of each fuel and what’s available to you in your area. Depending on your location, natural gas may not be an option but propane and oil are usually readily available. At that point price becomes the deciding factor.
- Upfront Costs and Installation: Before you make your decision, get pricing on the cost of the gas pack unit itself and the system installation. The systems can be more expensive than traditional HVAC units, so you’ll need to look at that alongside your anticipated long-term savings. The cost to install will depend on the unit and where it will be placed.
- Climate Compatibility: While they can function in any environment, gas packs perform best in moderate to warm climates, ideally places with milder winters.
Gas Packs vs. Other Heating Solutions
How does using a gas pack compare to more traditional HVAC systems?
Heat Pump or Gas Pack?
- Gas packs and heat pumps are both energy-efficient choices for heating and cooling.
- Gas packs have the edge in colder climates because while gas packs can use propane or natural gas, heat pumps rely on electricity.
- Heat pumps are slightly more effective in moderate climates.
Traditional HVAC Systems or Gas Pack?
- Traditional HVAC systems present higher installation and maintenance costs because they are separate systems. Of course, that’s mostly true if you’re installing two brand new systems at once.
- Gas packs offer the advantage of installing and maintaining only one system.
- Gas pack systems take up less space and offer overall better cost-effectiveness.
Standalone Furnaces or AC Units in Tandem or Gas Pack?
- Depending on your home’s size and layout, using a combination of a standalone furnace and AC units may be a better choice but will still lead to higher energy costs.
- Gas packs offer one system performing two functions more cost-effectively and efficiently.
- Gas packs are only installed outside, freeing up space in your home.
Getting the Most Out of Your Gas Pack System
If you decide to go with the gas pack option, you can rest assured the system will last anywhere from 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance and care. General upkeep includes regular filter changes, clearing any debris away from the system, and scheduling annual inspections to make sure the system is working properly.
If all of the factors align in your favor—from weather considerations to affordability of installation— a gas pack system is a smart choice for homeowners and rental property owners seeking a convenient, energy-efficient all-in-one heating and cooling solution.