When your HVAC system reaches the end of its life, a packaged unit offers a streamlined, cost-effective alternative to traditional split systems — heating and cooling components housed in a single cabinet. Spencer Heating and Air has installed hundreds of packaged units across the Lake Martin area over the past five decades, helping families in Jackson’s Gap and surrounding communities enjoy dependable whole-home comfort year-round.
A packaged unit simplifies installation and delivers reliable performance for homeowners across central Alabama. We’ve installed hundreds of packaged units across the Lake Martin area, helping families in Jackson's Gap and surrounding communities enjoy dependable whole-home comfort year-round.
256-373-3165Five reasons families across Jackson's Gap, Alexander City, and the Lake Martin region have made Spencer their first call for packaged unit installation. Click any card to read the detail.
Since 1967, Spencer has built its reputation on delivering reliable HVAC solutions perfectly matched to central Alabama's unique climate.
Our technicians intimately understand the challenges homeowners face throughout the Lake Martin region: hot, humid summers that demand near-constant air conditioning performance; unpredictable shoulder seasons that catch many systems between heating and cooling modes; and occasional cold snaps that test furnace durability. We don’t install generic, one-size-fits-all packaged equipment. Every system we recommend is carefully selected and sized based on your specific home’s location, construction, insulation, window orientation, and actual usage patterns.
Spencer is an American Standard Customer Care Dealer, giving you access to manufacturer technical support, priority warranty coverage, and exclusive rebates.
This dealer status gives you direct access to American Standard’s manufacturer technical support team, priority warranty coverage options, exclusive equipment rebates and promotions, and nationwide service network backing. When you choose a packaged unit from Spencer, you’re not just relying on our 55+ years of installation experience and local knowledge. You’re also backing that equipment with American Standard’s rigorous engineering standards and manufacturer warranty.
Spencer conducts a full Manual J load calculation before recommending any equipment. No guessing, no oversizing.
Too many HVAC contractors recommend oversized packaged systems to speed up installation time or pad their profit margins. The result is always the same: your system cycles on and off constantly, wasting energy; fails to dehumidify properly; and wears out faster. We measure your home’s square footage, assess insulation R-values, count windows by size and orientation, note roofing material and color, evaluate basement finish, analyze ductwork layout, and calculate design temperatures for your specific location. That detailed engineering data determines the exact capacity your home genuinely needs.
Complete visibility into what’s happening at every stage of your packaged system installation. No surprises, no hidden fees.
Before install day arrives, we schedule a detailed pre-installation walk-through to confirm exact equipment placement, discuss thermostat location and programming preferences, review all permits we’ve filed, and set clear expectations for timeline and any temporary disruptions. On install day, you’ll see exactly where the packaged unit is positioned, observe how it connects to your ductwork, understand the electrical work required, and watch the comprehensive system testing that verifies correct operation.
Spencer holds Alabama License #13038 and carries comprehensive liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage.
Every packaged system installation is backed by a detailed written warranty covering both the equipment (through American Standard’s manufacturer warranty) and our labor (Spencer’s installation guarantee). If anything goes wrong with our installation or workmanship within the warranty period, we repair it at no charge. We don’t install equipment and disappear—we’re here to stand behind every job we complete, maintain relationships with our customers, and earn your trust year after year.
Tap a benefit to see why packaged systems are an excellent choice for many Lake Martin area homes.
Unlike traditional split systems that separate the outdoor condenser from the indoor air handler, packaged units house the compressor, condenser, and air handler all in one cabinet. This unified design simplifies installation, reduces interconnecting refrigerant lines, and delivers reliable performance.
Perfect for: homes with limited indoor space, attic installations, or when you want to minimize the number of system components throughout your home.
Installation Benefit
Simplified Design
All components in one cabinet means fewer connection points and potential failure modes.
Packaged units often cost less upfront than comparable split systems because they require fewer components, less refrigerant line work, and simplified electrical connections. The streamlined installation process also reduces labor costs.
Financing available: We offer flexible payment plans and manufacturer rebates to make your upgrade even more affordable.
Cost Advantage
Budget Friendly
Lower equipment and installation costs compared to traditional split systems.
With all components in one cabinet, packaged units require fewer refrigerant connections, less electrical work, and simplified ductwork connections. Most installations are completed in a single day.
Installation timeline: typically 6-8 hours of active work, with minimal disruption to your daily routine.
Installation Speed
Same Day
Most packaged unit installations are completed in one business day.
Since the air handler is housed in the same cabinet as the outdoor components, packaged units require minimal indoor space. This is ideal for homes with small utility rooms, finished basements, or limited attic access.
Installation options: outdoor pad, attic space, or foundation mounting depending on your home’s layout and preferences.
Space Benefit
Compact Design
Frees up indoor space for storage or other uses in your home.
With all components in one location, routine maintenance is more efficient. Our technicians can service the entire system from one access point, making annual tune-ups faster and more thorough.
Maintenance advantage: easier filter changes, simplified coil cleaning, and consolidated system diagnostics.
Service Benefit
Easy Access
All components accessible from one location for efficient maintenance.
Today’s packaged units meet or exceed federal efficiency standards, with SEER2 ratings of 14-16+ for cooling and AFUE ratings of 80-90+ for heating. High-efficiency models can significantly reduce your monthly utility bills.
Efficiency options: we’ll calculate the payback period for different efficiency levels so you can make an informed decision.
Efficiency Rating
14-16+ SEER2
Modern efficiency standards reduce operating costs and environmental impact.
Professional installation, transparent process, no surprises. Every Spencer packaged unit installation follows the same five-step process — from the initial site assessment through final system testing and warranty registration.
Our experienced technicians schedule a comprehensive home visit to properly evaluate the exact conditions your new packaged system will operate within. We measure square footage using laser tools, assess insulation values, examine window placement and orientation, inspect existing ductwork for leaks or undersizing, and evaluate the installation location. We discuss your comfort goals, seasonal preferences, and any problem zones in your home.
Based on the detailed load calculation data, our technicians recommend packaged equipment that perfectly matches your home’s actual heating and cooling needs while staying within your budget. We present equipment options at different efficiency levels, explain the difference between standard and high-efficiency models, and help you understand the payback period for investing in premium equipment.
Spencer handles all permit paperwork, manages the application process, and schedules required inspections with Jackson’s Gap or county authorities. While permits are being processed, we schedule your specific installation date, prepare the site to ensure safe working conditions, and coordinate any necessary ductwork modifications or upgrades.
Our crew arrives early to safely disconnect your existing system using proper EPA-compliant refrigerant recovery procedures, carefully remove the old unit, and thoroughly inspect the foundation pad or mounting area. The new packaged unit is positioned at precisely the correct height and angle, leveled using professional-grade instruments, and secured to prevent vibration. All ductwork connections are sealed and electrical connections are installed by our licensed technician.
Before we consider the job complete, your new packaged system runs a full factory-level commissioning test to verify heating and cooling cycles operate smoothly, refrigerant charge is correct, airflow measurements are within specification, and thermostat responds accurately. You receive complete warranty documentation from both American Standard and Spencer, detailed maintenance schedules, and comprehensive instructions on operation and routine maintenance.
Our maintenance members enjoy priority scheduling, consistent system performance, and the confidence that comes from knowing a trained professional is keeping an eye on their equipment throughout the year.
What’s Included In Our Maintenance Plan?
We know that a new HVAC system or a major repair can be a significant investment. That is why Spencer Heating and Air works with trusted lending partners to make quality comfort accessible to every homeowner. We want you to make the best decision for your home — not the cheapest one because of budget pressure.
Why Consider Financing?
Hover over the section to see the full list. The first card shows our most important installation advantage — the rest fan out as you explore.
From precise load calculations to comprehensive system testing, our technicians install every packaged unit with attention to detail that ensures reliable performance for decades. We don’t just connect equipment — we engineer complete comfort solutions.
Manual J Engineering: We measure your home’s square footage, insulation values, window count and orientation, and calculate exact heating/cooling loads. Right-sized equipment runs efficiently and lasts longer.
Factory Training: Our technicians are American Standard Customer Care Dealer certified, with access to manufacturer technical support, priority warranty coverage, and exclusive equipment rebates.
No Paperwork Hassles: Spencer files all required installation permits with Jackson’s Gap or county authorities, schedules mandatory inspections, and ensures code compliance throughout the project.
Complete System Approach: We inspect existing ductwork for leaks, blockages, or undersizing issues. Proper duct sealing ensures your new packaged unit delivers conditioned air efficiently to every room.
Modern Controls: We can integrate your new packaged unit with existing smart thermostats or upgrade to programmable controls with Wi-Fi connectivity and energy-saving features.
Factory-Level Commissioning: Every installation ends with complete system testing — heating and cooling cycles, refrigerant charge, airflow measurements, and thermostat calibration before we consider the job complete.
A packaged system houses the compressor, condenser, and air handler all in one cabinet, usually installed outside on a pad or in an attic space. A traditional split system separates the outdoor condenser unit from the indoor air handler, requiring refrigerant lines and electrical connections between them. Packaged units often cost less upfront, require less indoor space, and simplify installation, but they can be noisier outdoors and less flexible for room-by-room zoning. We’ll help you weigh both options based on your specific home, budget, and comfort priorities.
A typical installation takes one full business day—usually 6 to 8 hours of active work. If your existing ductwork needs significant repair or sealing, or if we’re upgrading an aging system with new thermostat controls and smart technology, the project might extend to a second day. We’ll provide you with an exact timeline once we’ve completed the site assessment and load calculation.
Not necessarily. If your existing ducts are in good condition, properly sized for the new equipment, and well-sealed with minimal leakage, we can reuse them. However, if ducts show signs of deterioration, are undersized for your new equipment, or are leaking significantly, we’ll recommend repair or replacement as part of the installation. Leaky ducts lose 20–30% of your conditioned air, so sealing or replacing them often provides measurable energy savings and improved comfort.
Size depends on your home’s square footage, insulation R-values, window count and orientation, roofing material, basement finish, and your local design temperatures. We calculate the exact heating and cooling loads using industry-standard methods (Manual J calculations). Oversized units cycle on and off too frequently, wasting energy and failing to dehumidify properly. Undersized units run constantly and struggle to reach your target temperature. We get the sizing exactly right through proper engineering.
Packaged units are noisier than split systems because all the mechanical components operate in a single cabinet. A quality modern unit like American Standard models typically runs at 75–80 decibels at normal operating distance—roughly equivalent to a window air conditioner or busy traffic noise. We can strategically position the unit away from neighbors’ bedrooms, use vibration-isolation pads to minimize transmission to the pad or mounting surface, and install sound-dampening materials if noise is a particular concern in your situation.
We partner with Wells Fargo for flexible financing programs. Many customers with good credit qualify for no-money-down options with approved application. We also apply available manufacturer rebates, seasonal promotions, and local utility company energy-efficiency credits to reduce your total out-of-pocket cost. Ask about current financing options and specials when you call for your free quote.
American Standard equipment includes a manufacturer’s parts warranty (typically 1 year for all components, 5–10 years for compressor). Spencer’s installation labor is separately warranted for one year. If any part fails due to our installation or workmanship within that period, we repair or replace it at no charge. Extended service agreements are available and can cover annual maintenance, repairs, and parts replacement beyond the standard warranty period.
We recommend professional annual tune-ups—one before heating season (fall) and one before cooling season (spring). Routine maintenance includes checking and replacing filters, verifying refrigerant pressures, inspecting all electrical connections, cleaning condenser coils, and checking the thermostat calibration. Many homeowners join our maintenance plans to ensure consistent professional care, catch problems early, and maintain priority scheduling for service.
Modern units are rated by SEER2 (cooling efficiency) and AFUE (heating efficiency). A mid-range packaged unit typically delivers 14–16 SEER2 cooling and 80–85 AFUE heating; premium high-efficiency models reach 16+ SEER2 and 90+ AFUE. Higher efficiency equipment costs more initially but reduces utility bills over time through improved performance. We calculate the payback period during your quote so you can make an informed decision about efficiency level versus upfront cost.
Absolutely. Modern packaged units are fully compatible with advanced thermostats and multi-zone control systems. If you already own a smart thermostat, we’ll integrate it with your new unit. If you’d like to upgrade to programmable or smart temperature control, or add zone dampers for room-by-room comfort, we can install all of that during the initial setup.
Spencer Heating and Air operates from two convenient locations to serve communities across East Alabama. Whether you live in the heart of Auburn or along the shores of Lake Martin, our team is never far away.
Our Auburn flagship has served Lee County since 1967, with the deepest tooling and parts inventory in the region. When you need our broadest expertise — the Auburn team is a short drive away.
Call Auburn Location 334-887-9020Auburn customers and Lake Martin neighbors get the same Spencer commitment to honest work, accurate diagnosis, and repairs that last.
Book Service at Auburn Location
For over 55 years, Spencer Heating and Air has set the standard for honest, expert HVAC service in the Lake Martin area and Auburn. Our customers keep coming back because they know they can count on us — for fair pricing, skilled workmanship, and the kind of genuine care that only comes from a family-owned business with deep roots in the community.
Whether you need a brand-new American Standard system, a quick repair, or a comprehensive maintenance plan, we are here and ready to help. Do not settle for anything less than the best — your home and your family deserve it.
Ready to upgrade to reliable, efficient whole-home comfort with a new packaged unit? Spencer Heating and Air is here to guide you through every step: equipment selection, professional installation, and long-term maintenance planning. We believe every homeowner deserves honest, straightforward service without pressure or hidden fees.
