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Ductless heat pump installation adds efficient heating and cooling to spaces without existing ductwork. Perfect for Chicago room additions, old homes, and zone control.
A ductless heat pump—also called a mini-split—has a wall-mounted indoor unit connected to an outdoor compressor via refrigerant lines through a small 3-inch hole. It heats in winter and cools in summer, all without ductwork.
Wall-mounted unit delivers heated or cooled air. Includes filter, fan, and temperature controls. Sleek, modern design.
Compact outdoor unit (similar to AC condenser) houses the compressor and heat exchanger. Handles refrigerant cycle.
Variable-speed compressor adjusts output to match demand. Maintains efficiency down to -13°F in cold-climate models.
Ductless systems excel in situations where traditional central HVAC is impractical or expensive.
Added a bedroom or sunroom? Extending ductwork is expensive and messy. A ductless unit installs in one day without tearing up walls.
Converting garage to living space? No ducts means a ductless heat pump is your best option for heating and cooling.
Basements often lack adequate heating/cooling. Ductless provides independent climate control without major ductwork modifications.
Many older Chicago homes have radiators or baseboard heat—no existing ductwork. Adding central AC means demolition. Ductless avoids that entirely.
Want bedrooms cooler than living areas? Each ductless zone has independent controls. Set different temperatures for different rooms.
Ducts lose 20-30% of energy through leaks and poor insulation. Ductless systems eliminate this waste entirely.
$3,000-8,000 (1-2 zones)
Much lower upfront cost
1-day installation
Minimal disruption
No duct losses (20-30% savings)
Better efficiency
Quieter operation (19-30 dB)
Whisper-quiet indoors
Zone control included
Different temps per room
Wall units visible
Not hidden like central vents
$8,000-15,000
Higher upfront cost
3-5 day installation
More invasive work
20-30% energy loss in ducts
Leaks and poor insulation
Noisier (35-50 dB)
Duct noise, air rushing
Whole-home coverage
Single thermostat
Hidden vents
More traditional look
Bottom Line: Ductless costs less, installs faster, and runs more efficiently. But wall units are visible—not hidden like central vents. For room additions, old homes without ducts, or zone control, ductless is the smart choice.
One indoor unit, one outdoor unit. Perfect for single rooms or small additions.
2-4 indoor units, one outdoor unit. Each zone has independent temperature control.
Many Chicago homeowners install multi-zone systems with separate units for bedrooms. Set bedrooms at 65°F for sleeping while keeping living areas at 70°F. Saves energy and improves sleep quality.
Install mounting bracket on interior wall. Position unit 7-8 feet high for optimal air circulation. Connect drain line.
Core drill through exterior wall (brick, vinyl, or wood siding). Angle hole slightly downward for drainage. Seal with escutcheon.
Feed refrigerant lines, electrical, and condensate drain through hole. Connect to indoor unit. Run to outdoor location.
Install condensing unit on ground pad or wall bracket. Connect refrigerant lines and electrical. Level and secure.
Pull vacuum on refrigerant lines to remove moisture. Charge system with refrigerant. Check for leaks.
Test heating and cooling modes. Set thermostat parameters. Walk customer through controls and maintenance.
Timeline: 1 Day Per Zone
Single-zone installations typically complete in 4-6 hours. Multi-zone systems take 1-2 days depending on complexity and access.
Many Chicago homes have brick or stone exteriors. Drilling the 3" hole requires specialized masonry bits and takes longer than vinyl siding. We use core drills to create clean holes without damaging mortar.
Chicago's narrow lots, alleys, and small yards mean limited options for outdoor unit placement. We carefully evaluate locations to ensure proper airflow, noise reduction, and code compliance. Sometimes wall-mounted brackets are necessary.
We always verify cold-climate performance. Quality models like Mitsubishi Hyper-Heating maintain full capacity to -13°F and operate to -25°F. We test defrost cycles and low-temp operation during Chicago winters.
Let's be honest: wall units are visible. They're not hidden like central vents. Modern units are sleek and unobtrusive, but they're there. Some customers love the clean look; others prefer central HVAC aesthetics. We discuss placement to minimize visual impact.
Ductless systems have higher efficiency ratings than most central systems, but is it worth the cost?
Central AC averages SEER 14-18. Ductless systems achieve SEER 20-30 thanks to inverter technology and zero duct losses.
If you're currently using electric baseboard heat and window AC units, a ductless system will save money immediately. Heating costs drop 40-60%.
Compared to window units and space heaters, ductless systems pay for themselves in 5-8 years through energy savings. Even faster if electricity rates rise.
Winter heating: $180/month
Summer cooling: $120/month (3 window units)
Winter heating: $75/month
Summer cooling: $60/month
Monthly Savings: $165
System pays for itself in 3.3 years
Best for Chicago climate. Premium performance and reliability.
Excellent performance, better price. Great Chicago option.
Best value. Good performance at lower cost.
We're honest about brands: Mitsubishi is best for extreme Chicago winters if budget allows. Fujitsu offers 90% of Mitsubishi's performance at better value. Daikin is solid for milder climates or budget-conscious customers.
Modern cold-climate ductless heat pumps maintain full capacity down to -13°F and can operate to -25°F. Mitsubishi Hyper-Heating models are specifically designed for Chicago winters. They use inverter technology to remain efficient in extreme cold.
Single-zone systems (one indoor unit) cost $3,000-5,000 installed. Multi-zone systems (2-4 indoor units, one outdoor) cost $5,000-10,000. Premium brands like Mitsubishi cost $4,000-6,000 per zone. Budget-friendly Daikin is $3,000-4,500 per zone.
No. Ductless installation requires EPA refrigerant certification, vacuum pumps for proper evacuation, and precise refrigerant charging. DIY installations void manufacturer warranties and often cause efficiency problems. Professional installation ensures performance and warranty protection.
Indoor units are very quiet - typically 19-30 decibels, quieter than a whisper or library. Outdoor units are similar to standard AC condensers (around 50-60 dB). Premium brands like Mitsubishi and Fujitsu are exceptionally quiet.
Quality ductless systems last 15-20 years with proper maintenance. Annual cleaning of filters and coils is essential. Premium brands like Mitsubishi often exceed 20 years in Chicago's climate. Regular maintenance extends lifespan significantly.
Get a free consultation for ductless heat pump installation. We'll evaluate your space, explain your options, and provide honest recommendations based on your needs and budget.