DAIKIN FIT REPLACES OLD CENTRAL AIR (AND MORE!) IN ELGIN, IL HOME

Daikin Fit Heat Pump Replaces Old Central Air (And More!) In Elgin, IL Home

Our homeowners in Elgin, IL first called us because they thought they needed a new air conditioner. They were right: The old condenser in this house was on the way out. But, after speaking with them, we realized they had more than just cooling on their minds.

It turned out that the air conditioner was never really able to keep them comfortable in the summer. It had just gotten much worse over the past few years.

On top of that, their electric bill was getting higher each year. Not only did they want to cut down that expense, but it also got them thinking about how much energy they wasted.

Was it possible to address all these concerns with one quick install?

With the Daikin Fit system, the answer was, “Yes!”

In this case study, we’ll cover:

  • Common Heating And Cooling Problems In Elgin, IL Homes
  • Why A Heat Pump Is Better Than Another Air Conditioner
  • More Benefits Of The Daikin Fit
  • Installing A Multi-Zone System With Two Heat Pumps

    And, if you’re looking for quiet, energy-efficient air conditioning that can keep your Fox River Valley home exceptionally comfortable in the winter along with the summer, call or email Compass Heating and Air for a free consultation.

Problem: The central air in this Elgin, IL home never quite cooled the house and was getting weaker as it got older. The house was too hot, and the electric bill kept going up. Solution: Installed two Daikin Fit heat pump systems. It connects to the existing ductwork and can address the load issues while using less power overall.

Common Heating And Cooling Problems In Elgin, IL Homes

Like most towns, Elgin has a variety of housing types. But, we see some common problems in homes like this. The first floor was mostly open, and the foyer had a very high ceiling. That makes for a challenge with forced-air. The system couldn’t always generate enough pressure for the warm or cool air to circulate. If the rooms were smaller, then each duct would be responsible for a smaller area. Instead, each one could only get the air to go so far. Then, the cathedral ceiling made things worse. In the winter, heated air would rise and collect up there. In the summer, heat would come in through the roof and collect. That would draw some of the cooled air from the air conditioning up and away from people. Meanwhile, upstairs didn’t get the treatment it needed, either. Since the thermostat was downstairs, the HVAC system never got a good read on how hot or cold the bedrooms got. Most of the time, it would turn off before the second floor got the right treatment. Meanwhile, our homeowners had their central air condenser for more than 15 years! And, their furnace was getting old, too. On top of those challenges, this equipment wasn’t up to the task anymore.

Why A Heat Pump Is Better Than Another Air Conditioner

Soon, our homeowners were also mentioning how cold the house would get in the winter. At least then they could bundle up. The summers were worse, so they were only concerned with the AC at the moment.

But, what if they could handle both at the same time?

A Daikin Fit heat pump would address all these concerns and more. These do a better job of circulating and maintaining a constant temperature. If we went dual-zone, the upstairs could finally get the treatment it needed.

And, on top of all that, our homeowners could finally reduce their electric bill in the summer — and they’d use less natural gas in the winter!

Variable Speed

The Daikin Fit is unusual among heat pumps because it’s a mid-range product that uses Inverter technology. Usually, you only see that in more expensive, high-end models. This technology allows the heat pump to run at different speeds. This way, it could do more than turn on only at full capacity. Instead, it can provide steady heating and cooling all the time. That would take care of those hot and cold spots downstairs. This system works at top capacity until the thermostat reaches its call. Then, it switches to low power so it can maintain the temperature. By consistently blowing a less powerful air stream, the Daikin Fit makes sure this large space has consistent treatment for a steady temperature.

Dual Zone

Next, we went with two heat pumps instead of one. This way, we can regulate the upstairs rooms with a second thermostat. Now, the heat or AC upstairs stays on longer than downstairs if it needs to. And, once again, the Inverter technology means the temperature will remain steady.

More Benefits Of The Daikin Fit

Our homeowners liked the idea of a single heat pump system handling heating and cooling. They were excited to finally have the year-round comfort they always wanted. And, the benefits didn’t stop there.

Efficiency And Cost-Savings

Even though the heat pumps would run longer, they wouldn’t use nearly as much power as their old AC and gas furnace. When these heat pumps run at a low speed, it uses almost no electricity at all.

And, once it’s maintaining the setting, it rarely has to get up to full speed. And, the improved technology means better performance overall.

Older heat pumps couldn’t handle the lows you get during a Northern Illinois winter. But, the Daikin Fit can keep heating and lower temperatures than older models. And, it hooks up to a gas furnace.

That way, our homeowners will automatically switch to gas heat when the temperature really drops. The system toggles on its own from heat pump to furnace.

So, our homeowners know they’re always warm and comfy — and they’re using the least amount of power possible. That means lower utility bills in the winter and summer.

Whisper-Quiet Heating And Cooling

Another benefit, especially in the summer, is much less noise outside! The heat pumps run whisper-quiet, even when they’re working their hardest. That means our homeowners get to enjoy their backyard now in the summer! There’s no continuous hum from a bulky old AC condenser on the side of the house.

Installing A Multi-Zone System With Two Heat Pumps

Once our homeowners decided to go Daikin, we got to work getting them up and running as soon as possible. Fortunately, it took almost no time at all. First, we calculated just how powerful a system they’d need. That’s based on square footage, layout, and more. Then, installation took only a day! We mounted the heat pumps outside. Then, we installed the furnace in the basement, hooked them all together, and connected the system to the existing ductwork. And that was it! Now, this home in Elgin, IL is always at the exact right temperature — and our homeowners are paying less than ever for their newfound comfort. And, if you’re ready to upgrade the comfort in your Fox River Valley Home home while downgrading your energy bills, call or email us at Compass Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. for your free consultation!