Packaged Air Conditioning Units

Most modern packaged units use efficient scroll compressors, often two or more per unit for capacity staging and backup.

The evaporator coil cools and dehumidifies the air. It is designed for high airflow and large capacity.

Air-cooled units use condenser coils and propeller fans to release heat. Water-cooled units use a shell-and-tube or plate heat exchanger.

A belt-driven or direct-drive centrifugal blower delivers high airflow against duct resistance. Blower size and motor power determine the available static pressure.

Pre-filters and optional fine filters remove dust and particles, protecting the coil and improving indoor air quality.

Thermostatic or electronic expansion valves control refrigerant flow into the evaporator for efficient cooling.

The control panel houses the starters, contactors, overloads, phase protection and microprocessor controller, with provision for remote monitoring.

A rooftop packaged unit, or RTU HVAC system, is installed on the roof with ducts dropping into the building below. Rooftop packaged air conditioners save indoor space and are widely used in malls, supermarkets, factories and single-storey commercial buildings. Common sizes include 5 ton, 10 ton and 15 ton rooftop AC units and above.

Floor mounted packaged units sit in a plant room or on the ground next to the building, connected to ductwork. They suit banquet halls, auditoriums and multi-storey buildings where rooftop space is not available.

Air-cooled units reject heat through condenser fans, with no cooling tower needed. They are simpler to install and maintain and are the most common choice in India.

Water-cooled units use a cooling tower to reject heat. They are more efficient in hot climates and suit indoor plant rooms, but need water treatment and tower maintenance.

A split package AC unit keeps the blower and evaporator indoors, connected to an outdoor condensing unit by refrigerant piping. It is useful where the air handling section must stay inside the building.

Inverter or variable speed rooftop units adjust compressor and fan speed to match the load, delivering significant energy savings in spaces with varying occupancy.

These units condition 100% outdoor air, making them suitable for kitchens, operation theatres, laboratories, cinemas and areas that need high ventilation.

• 5 ton AC package unit: Showrooms, restaurants and small halls.
• 8.5 – 11 ton: Office floors, supermarkets and banquet areas.
• 15 – 20 ton: Large halls, food courts and cinemas.
• 25 – 30 ton and above: Malls, auditoriums and factories, often with multiple units.

Smaller 1.5 to 4 ton AC package units exist in some markets but, in India, ducted split units usually serve these sizes more economically.

Figures are indicative for normal ceiling heights and occupancy. Banquets, cinemas and restaurants often need more capacity per sq ft.

• Occupancy: Cinemas, banquets and places of worship carry very high people loads.
• Fresh air: Higher ventilation requirements add significant cooling load.
• Ceiling height: Tall spaces increase air volume and duct throw requirements.
• Glass and roof exposure: Glass facades and exposed roofs add solar heat.
• Lighting and equipment: Stage lighting, kitchens and machinery add load.

Our engineers carry out a detailed heat load calculation before recommending packaged AC tonnage.

Supply and return ducts are sized for the unit's airflow (CFM) and the building layout, keeping velocities and pressure losses within limits for quiet, even cooling.

Packaged AC static pressure must match the duct resistance. We calculate external static pressure and select the blower, pulley and motor accordingly, avoiding weak airflow or excess noise.

Diffusers are selected for throw and spread, from square and linear diffusers in offices to jet nozzles and round diffusers in high-ceiling halls and cinemas.

Supply ducts, especially rooftop duct runs exposed to the sun, are insulated and weatherproofed to prevent heat gain and condensation.

Units with two or more compressors run only the compressors needed for the current load, saving energy at part load and providing backup if one compressor fails.

Variable speed compressors and EC fans match output precisely to demand, improving part-load efficiency and temperature control.

A packaged AC economizer (airside economizer) brings in more outdoor air when outside conditions are cool enough, reducing compressor running hours. Economizers deliver the most benefit in cooler regions and winter months.

EER measures efficiency at full load, while IEER reflects performance across part loads, which is closer to real operation. Comparing IEER helps you choose a high efficiency rooftop unit.

Most packaged units use R410A, while newer designs are moving to R32 and other lower-GWP refrigerants for better efficiency and environmental performance.

Independent refrigerant circuits improve part-load efficiency and keep partial cooling running if one circuit needs service.

High static blowers push air through long duct networks, making them essential for large halls, malls and multi-zone buildings.

A packaged AC with fresh air intake meets ventilation needs in cinemas, restaurants, offices and places of worship, improving indoor air quality.

Fine and HEPA-type filter options help maintain cleaner air in hospitals, food processing areas and premium commercial spaces.

In coastal cities like Mumbai, anti-corrosion coated coils protect against salt-laden air and extend unit life significantly.

Packaged AC BMS integration allows central monitoring, scheduling, alarms and energy tracking across multiple units and sites.

Acoustic compressor enclosures, low-speed condenser fans and vibration isolation reduce noise near the unit and inside the building.

Packaged units need supply and return ductwork, which adds to project cost and needs ceiling or shaft space.

Rooftop units are heavy. The roof must be checked for load, and vibration isolators are needed to prevent noise transmission.

One unit usually serves one large zone. Areas needing different temperatures require separate units, VAV boxes or a different system.

For very large buildings with hundreds of tons of load, a chiller plant is typically more efficient over the long term.

Compressors and condenser fans generate noise near the unit, so placement away from sensitive areas is important.

A Blue Star packaged air conditioner is among the most widely installed in India, with a broad range of air-cooled and water-cooled units for commercial and industrial projects.

Voltas offers robust packaged units and ductable systems for offices, halls and retail spaces.

A Daikin packaged air conditioner offers efficient scroll compressors and reliable performance for commercial buildings.

Carrier package units, including rooftop packaged units, are known for dependable performance in malls, cinemas and large commercial spaces.

Trane AC package units and rooftop systems are used in large commercial and industrial projects requiring high capacity and advanced controls.

York packaged units from Johnson Controls serve commercial buildings and industrial facilities with high-capacity rooftop and floor mounted options.

Hitachi packaged ACs offer strong compressors and reliable cooling in high ambient conditions.

We select the location based on structure, duct routes, noise sensitivity, service access and crane or lifting access for the unit.

Units are mounted on steel frames or concrete plinths designed for the load. Spring or rubber isolators prevent vibration and noise from reaching the building.

Adequate clearance around condenser coils ensures free airflow and prevents hot air recirculation. Service clearance is left for compressor and blower access.

Supply and return ducts connect to the unit through flexible canvas connectors that stop vibration from travelling into the ductwork.

The condensate drain is fitted with a proper trap and slope so water drains freely and air is not drawn back through the drain line.

Packaged units run on three-phase power. We provide correctly rated cables, starters, isolators, phase protection and earthing.

For water-cooled units, we install the cooling tower, condenser water pumps, piping, valves and water treatment arrangement.

We test refrigerant pressures, electrical parameters, airflow (CFM) and supply temperatures, then balance air at diffusers for even cooling before handover.

Filters are cleaned or replaced monthly, or more often in dusty or high-occupancy spaces.

Coils are cleaned at least 2–4 times a year. Clean condenser coils are especially important for preventing high head pressure in summer.

Belts are checked for tension and wear, bearings are lubricated and motors are tested to maintain full airflow.

Suction and discharge pressures are logged and joints inspected for leaks. Leaks are repaired before any gas charging.

Compressor current, voltage balance, contactors, overloads and control wiring are inspected to prevent breakdowns.

Water-cooled units, inverter models, high static blowers, economizers and coated coils add to the price.

The total packaged AC cost includes more than the unit. Typical elements are:

• Duct design, fabrication and insulation
• Supply diffusers, return grilles and dampers
• Structural frame or plinth and vibration isolators
• Crane or lifting for rooftop placement
• Three-phase cabling, starters and panels
• Cooling tower and condenser water piping (water-cooled units)
• Testing, commissioning and air balancing

We share an itemised quote so the complete package AC unit installation cost is clear from the start.

• Total tonnage and number of units
• Air-cooled or water-cooled configuration
• Brand, efficiency and warranty terms
• Duct length, insulation and diffuser type
• Fresh air, economizer and filtration options
• Structural work and lifting requirements
• Electrical infrastructure upgrades