A/C Split Systems

A split system has two main components: the outdoor condenser (the unit that sits outside your home and handles refrigerant compression and heat rejection) and the indoor air handler (the cabinet with the cooling coil and blower that circulates air through your ducts). They're connected by refrigerant lines and electrical. On this page, both components are pre-matched, rated together by AHRI, and shipped together — you get the complete cooling system in one order.

Three reasons. (1) Warranty protection — most manufacturers require an AHRI-certified match to honor their 10-year parts warranty. (2) Real-world efficiency — the SEER2 rating on the label is only guaranteed when the matched components are installed together. (3) Simpler ordering and shipping — one order, one delivery, matched tonnage and refrigerant. The bundled price is also typically lower than buying the components individually.

The quick rule of thumb is 1 ton of cooling per 600 sq ft of conditioned space — so a 1,500 sq ft home typically needs a 2.5-ton system. That's a starting point. Real sizing (called a Manual J load calculation) accounts for ceiling height, insulation, windows, sun exposure, climate zone, and occupancy. Call us at (352) 438-8992 for a free sizing check — it's worth getting right because oversized systems short-cycle and waste energy.

You get the outdoor condenser, indoor air handler (complete with evaporator coil and blower), and factory heat kit (electric strip heat, typically 5 kW). You do NOT get: the refrigerant lineset (sold separately, sized to your specific install), the thermostat, ductwork, or electrical components. Most installers will source these locally — we can point you to the right parts if needed.

Yes. Professional installation by a licensed HVAC contractor is required to maintain your manufacturer warranty and — for R-32 and R-454B equipment — to comply with EPA Section 608 regulations on refrigerant handling. A split system install typically takes one to two days and involves setting the condenser on a pad, installing the air handler indoors, running refrigerant lines, electrical, and the condensate drain, then evacuating and charging the system.

A properly installed and maintained split system typically lasts 15-20 years. The air handler usually outlives the condenser (indoor units aren't weather-exposed). Coastal installations tend to sit on the shorter end for the condenser (salt air corrodes coil fins). Annual maintenance — spring coil cleaning, filter changes, refrigerant charge check — adds meaningful life and keeps efficiency close to the original spec.

Yes. We ship complete split systems to all 48 contiguous states from our warehouse in Ocala, FL. Complete systems ship free — both components together on one freight pallet. Most orders leave within 1-3 business days via freight carrier with tracking and a scheduled delivery appointment. Local pickup is available in Ocala for additional savings.