Spring has officially arrived, and we are starting to get some calls about replacing and installing air conditioning systems in the area. We wanted to tell our customers about our 3 favorite options when it comes to replacing an air conditioning system.
I’ve been working in the Elgin, IL area for about 20 years, repairing and installing air conditioners. The experts here at Compass Heating and Air have seen it all, from old ACs that are never serviced, to state of the art systems that are well maintained and taken care of. We know not every system is a perfect fit for every home or business, which is why we make sure to assess your space, and offer you the best options that fit your needs.
If you want to speak to someone about a new air conditioning system for your home, give us a call at (630) 504-8688, or contact us online. One of our comfort specialists will inspect your home and help you choose the best cooling system for your needs!
If you know it’s about time to replace your AC, you are going to want to do some research about what different types of air conditioners have to offer you. It’s probably why you are reading this article right now! There are a few factors to consider, and different systems to take a look at!
Heat pumps have become the most popular option when it comes to home comfort. A heat pump can provide both cooling and heating, making it a year round solution. Instead of needing a furnace for the winter and an AC for the summer, a heat pump can handle both jobs.
These systems use electricity for both heating and cooling, making it a more environmentally friendly option. That’s why there are typically rebates and tax credits available for heat pump installations. In an effort to reduce our environmental impact, HVAC systems like heat pumps which are energy efficient and don’t burn gas or oil come with some incentives to install. That’s why the Inflation Reduction Act allowed homeowners and business owners who install energy efficient heat pumps to qualify for tax credits up to $2000.
In areas of the country like ours in Illinois, heat pumps used to be viewed as weak or lacking the ability to keep homes warm during a harsh winter. They’ve come a long way, and can operate in temperatures all the way down to -13 degrees fahrenheit. Now, even if it gets colder, they can still work, but it will be less energy efficient. For this reason, some homeowners opt to install a dual fuel system, where a heat pump and furnace are installed. In this case, whichever one is more energy efficient at the moment will operate. If it’s VERY cold, the furnace kicks on, but otherwise the heat pump operates.
One of our other incredible options to cool your space is a ductless mini split system. Ductless mini splits also operate in the same way as heat pumps. The difference is that they are spread throughout the different zones of your home, and as the name suggests, don’t use any ductwork. Instead, they have a condenser outside that hooks up to different “heads” or “cassettes” inside through a small bit of tubing.
This lack of ductwork being needed is great for a few reasons. For one, ductwork can leak and actually cause you to waste energy. A home can lose 20-30% of the air that comes from the HVAC system in the ducts. Secondly, adding ductwork to a home can be expensive and invasive. If your home doesn’t have ductwork, adding it isn’t always the easiest or most cost effective option.
Ductless mini splits are:
Ductless mini splits are also a perfect option for additions and to use as a supplement. We have installed plenty of mini splits in garages, sunrooms, and even sheds! These are spaces that don’t have ductwork, but you may want to use during the hotter or colder times of year. Instead of adding ductwork or replacing your current HVAC system, adding a mini split will keep the space comfortable without having to make huge renovations!
The most basic type of AC we install is a typical central air conditioning system. These are standard, trustworthy cooling systems that will keep your entire space comfortable. These systems can only cool, which isn’t as great as the heat pumps and mini splits, but they are also usually less expensive to install.
Central air conditioning is a perfect option for cooling, and you will want to make sure you have an energy efficient model. This is going to help keep your home comfortable, while also keeping the energy costs lower than an old, inefficient cooling system.
Now that you know a little more about some of our favorite AC systems to install, let us know if you have any questions! If you want to install a new air conditioner in Elgin, IL, give us a call or reach out to us online! One of our comfort specialists will be able to help you choose the RIGHT air conditioner that fits your home. We will assess your situation, and give you the options that will keep your space comfortable without running up your energy bills.