Installing A 3 Zone Mini Split System In La Grange, IL
Helping a homeowner upgrade the comfort of their space is one of the most rewarding parts of our job. For this project in La Grange, the homeowner was sick of using 3 different window AC units during the summer months, and wanted something better. They wanted some sort of a whole home air conditioning system, but weren’t sure what the best option was.
We sent our experts out to take a look at this Queen Anne Bungalow style home and see what the best fit for air conditioning would be. It was easy to see why they needed to use 3 different window AC units. They were cooling a living room, a kitchen, and an addition.
After taking a look at the home, we didn’t think a central air conditioning system was the best fit. Instead, a ductless mini split system seemed to be exactly what the homeowner was looking for, for a few different reasons.
Why Replace The Window AC Units?
It’s not surprising that any would want a better cooling system than window AC units, but we also understand why people use them. They are less expensive than whole home HVAC solutions, and can be used in a pinch. They also come along with some problems and inconveniences as well though.
First off, they are VERY loud. If you’ve ever been in a room with one running you know how loud it can be. This was a problem having 3 of them around the house all running, bringing the noise levels in the house up far too much.
Secondly, they can suck up energy. The homeowner had done the math and figured out that the window units were costing around $14 a day to run. This was driving their energy bills up to a frustrating level. Even though the window units weren’t expensive to install, the energy bills were offsetting that initial savings.
They also just didn’t provide even cooling. Certain spaces in the room would be freezing, and uncomfortable to sit in. It also took up a window in each room, taking away some natural light and ruining the aesthetics of the home.
Why Choose Ductless Mini Splits?
The homeowner decided to go with a 3-zone mini split system to provide air conditioning to these rooms. There are a few good reasons they went with a mini split system.
Energy Efficiency And Lower Energy Bills
One of the most important benefits that the homeowner is already raving about is the energy efficiency of these ductless mini split units. These HVAC units work as heat pumps, and are designed to use less energy than traditional HVAC systems.
In this case, the homeowner went from spending around $14 a day in energy bills with the window AC units, all the way down to $3-4 a day after the installation. This was a HUGE savings for the homeowner, and they couldn’t be happier.
Now a few factors could have played into that, like the weather, and the fact that their window units were old and really sucking up energy. To see the monthly energy bills go down was a huge relief, and really reinforced their decision to make this upgrade.
Improved Comfort
Ductless mini splits provide better comfort than window AC units. Those could make certain spaces in the room too cold, and were tough to adjust. The ductless mini splits far superior when it comes to comfort. They run at a low speed, and maintain the temperature you are looking for.
Window AC units usually make a room too cold, or not cold enough, and need to be constantly adjusted. These mini splits will get to the desired temperature and maintain it. This is one of the ways they save energy, but more importantly, provide you with the temperature you want!
Zoned HVAC
Ductless mini splits provide zoned HVAC, meaning not every zone has to be the same temperature. This is similar to window AC units, in that they operate independently of each other.
Because this home had an addition that they also wanted cooled, we thought a zoned mini split system would be perfect. Instead of a traditional air conditioning system that would require each space to be the same temperature, a mini split system will allow you to control the zones separately. So why is that a benefit?
For one thing, you don’t have to waste energy cooling a space you aren’t using. If no one is hanging out in the addition, there’s no reason to run the system.
Secondly, it allows different people to enjoy different temperatures. With a traditional HVAC system, every space is the same temperature, leading to fights over the thermostat. In this case, if someone is in the living room but someone else in in the addition, they can each have their own temperature set to what they want!
No Ductwork Needed
This is stated right in the name: A ductless mini split requires no ductwork. This means no ripping into walls and installing ducts to distribute the air. Instead, these mini splits use a small bit of tubing to deliver the air. It runs from a single condenser outside to each air handler.
This makes the installation process smoother, and is great for homes that don’t have any ductwork already. For this home it was perfect because we were able to use one condenser to accommodate all 3 inside units, treating the kitchen, living room, and addition!
Ductless Mini Split Installation In La Grange, IL
This project took us around 3 days to complete. Overall it was a smooth process, and the homeowners are very happy with the new HVAC equipment. They are able to lower the volume on their tv, since the noisy window units are gone, and the energy bill savings have already offset some of the cost of the installation.
If you think your home could benefit from ductless mini splits, give us a call or contact us online. Our HVAC experts will come take a look at your home, and help you design the perfect HVAC system to keep you cool and comfortable all year long!
