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What Is Ductless AC? A Complete Guide to Ductless Air Conditioning

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Are you considering installing a ductless air conditioner in your home? As Palatine’s trusted HVAC experts for over 55 years, we’ll explain everything you need to know about these increasingly popular cooling systems.

What Is a Ductless AC System?

A ductless AC system (also called a ductless mini-split system) differs from traditional air conditioning because it operates without ductwork. Instead, it has two main parts:

  • An outdoor unit that contains the compressor
  • One or more indoor units mounted on your walls

These units connect through a small hole in your wall with refrigerant lines. Thus, installing ductless AC is much simpler than installing a traditional air conditioning system

How Do Ductless Air Conditioners Work?

Think of a ductless system like a standard window AC unit, but much more efficient and elegant. Here’s how it works:

  1. The indoor unit pulls warm air from your room
  2. Refrigerant lines carry the heat outside to the compressor unit
  3. The compressor releases the heat outdoors
  4. Cool air flows back into your room through the indoor unit

Most ductless systems can also heat your home by running this process in reverse, making them useful year-round. They’re essentially heat pumps in a compact, ductless package.

Benefits of Ductless AC

Energy Efficiency 

Unlike traditional systems that lose 20-30% of their energy through ductwork, ductless units deliver air directly to your rooms. Their variable-speed compressors also adjust to your exact cooling needs instead of just turning on and off.

Zone Control 

With multiple indoor units, everyone can set their preferred temperature in different rooms. No more family arguments about the thermostat!

Easy Installation 

Installation usually takes just a day or two and requires only a small hole in your wall. No major construction or remodeling is needed.

Improved Air Quality

You’ll breathe cleaner air without ducts collecting dust and debris. Modern units also include advanced filtration systems.

Quiet Operation 

Ductless systems run much quieter than traditional AC units, both inside and outside your home.

Where Ductless AC Works Best

Ductless systems are particularly good solutions for:

  • Homes without existing ductwork
  • Additions or bonus rooms
  • Garages or workshops
  • Historic homes
  • Room-by-room temperature control
  • Energy-conscious homeowners

Installation and Maintenance

Professional installation is crucial for ductless systems, as it guarantees:

  • Optimal performance
  • Maximum efficiency
  • Valid warranty coverage
  • Reliable operation

At Allied Air Conditioning & Heating, our NATE-certified technicians handle everything from pre-installation assessment to ongoing maintenance

Making Your Decision

Consider these questions when deciding if ductless AC is right for you:

  • Do you want room-by-room temperature control?
  • Are you looking to reduce energy bills?
  • Does your home lack existing ductwork?
  • Do you have rooms that are hard to keep comfortable?
  • Are you planning an addition or renovation?

Reach Out For Expert Advice

Interested in learning more about ductless air conditioning for your home? Allied Air Conditioning & Heating has been installing and servicing ductless systems in Palatine and surrounding areas for decades.

Call us at 847-648-9547 for:

  • Free consultation
  • Expert recommendations
  • Installation quotes
  • Maintenance information

We will help you design a ductless system for your home.

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Allied Air Conditioning & Heating

What Our Customers
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We moved into a new house recently and Allied was recommended to us by my best friend.

We had them install a new humidifier and zone the system. On moving day (Friday) at 3 pm when we showed up we found the AC wouldn't shut off. I texted my tech with hopes of getting on the schedule for the following week since it was late Friday. He said someone would be there in 30 min. They stayed for 2 hours and fixed a faulty wire and it was all covered under warranty. Can't argue with customer service like that. Highly recommend if you want dependable folks that are very responsive.

Molly Struve

Palatine, IL
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We were extremely pleased by the service that Allied provided us.

Our A/C went out over the 4th of July we knew we needed a new system installed asap (we knew it was on its last leg). We contacted them and two other companies for comparison quotes. Allied was out here first thing July 5th to assess and provide a quote. In the end we decided to go with them. They were professional, thorough and very detailed in options and quotes.

Donna Rosen

Palatine, IL
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Moved into the neighborhood and Allied HVAC had been recommended from my brother to replace both our furnace and ac unit.

Very professional from the start with a quote from Chris B. in sales which lead to an install date of my choice. On the day of the installation Jeff and Jackson arrived right on time as requested. The installation was prompt and done in a timely matter, and it they explained exactly what needed to be done from start to finish.

J. Almdale

Libertyville, IL
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