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:
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!