The bad news, if you live in Chicago, is that as stifling hot and humid as our summers get, our winters get just as bitterly cold. The good news, however, is that there is one HVAC system that can handle all of that: the ductless mini-split.
This HVAC system provides numerous benefits—particularly for homeowners who do not have any ductwork installed and/or do not have the space to install ductwork. Many times, homeowners choose to go with window units instead of central AC if they can do air ducts, but these types of AC systems are highly inefficient.
How Does a Ductless System Work?
Ductless HVAC systems use a split system, similar to a traditional centralized air conditioner. The different is that the ductless system is comprised of indoor air handlers that contain all of the components of an indoor evaporator unit. This allows for the elimination of air ducts.
Installation is a fairly simple process, only requiring your HVAC technician to drill a small hole in the wall to connect the indoor air handlers to your outside unit via a conduit, which contains the refrigerant and rain lines. One outdoor unit can typically accommodate up to four inside air handlers.
The Benefits of This Type of System
- Flexibility: Are you adding a room to your home? Or perhaps you have an older home without a lot of room? Either way, the absence of air ducts makes a ductless system rather compact. Additionally, indoor air handlers, while visible, are much less obtrusive and have more versatility as to where you can place them than a traditional indoor AC unit.
- Zoned Heating and Cooling: Many types of homeowners can benefit from a zoned HVAC system. Typically if your home has multiple occupants, then there are individuals with multiple cooling preferences. Your ductless system allows for each room or “zone” to have its own thermostat, therefore allowing for family members to choose to raise or lower their own temperature.
- Lower Energy Bills: The ductless systems on the market today are generally extremely energy efficient, plus they have a drastically higher SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating than most ducted systems. This lack of ductwork can also save you money, as air can be lost in the ducts of a traditional central AC system.
No matter what time of the year it is, Shavitz Heating and Air Conditioning is here to expertly install your ductless system in the Chicago, IL area.