SpacePak vs. Traditional HVAC: Pros & Cons for North Shore Homes

When it’s time to get a new heating or cooling system, you have more options than you may realize. Many homeowners are finding out about an effective alternative to traditional heating and air conditioning: SpacePak. Here’s what you need to know about this option and how it compares to a traditional HVAC system.

What Is SpacePak?

The SpacePak AC system is the original small-duct, high-velocity system that provides central heat and cooling via aspiration. Rather than using large air ducts, SpacePak uses flexible tubing threaded through the home’s walls, with circular vents much smaller than traditional vents.

Pros & Cons of SpacePak

The major appeal of SpacePak air conditioners is that they do not require ductwork to install — making them the ideal HVAC solution for older homes as well as new construction. The tubing is just 2 inches in diameter, allowing installers to fit it into walls and floors as needed depending on the configuration of the home. Other benefits of the SpacePak system include:

• No major renovation required
• No unappealing bulkheads or wall units
• Vents that can be placed anywhere to achieve optimal comfort
• Virtually silent operation thanks to sound attenuators
• Over 30% more humidity removed
• Improved energy efficiency
• Air circulates more effectively to ensure even heating and cooling.

While the benefits are undeniable, it’s also important to consider these factors:

• SpacePak’s advantages means it costs more than traditional HVAC.
• Estimates may be complex for older homes, due to unique construction features that may pop up during installation.
• Installers may need more time to complete installation if they need to get around blockages, wiring, or pipes.

For those with older North Shore homes, SpacePak is often the only viable option due to structural constraints.

Pros & Cons of Conventional Air Conditioners

In competition with SpacePak, central air conditioners have fewer advantages. The major pros are that they cost less upfront, and they can cool your whole-home rather than having multiple mini-split units to deal with. The downsides include:

• Ductwork has potential to leak and waste energy.
• Units take up significantly more space.
• Operation is louder.
• Ductwork installation, if needed, is expensive and disruptive.
• May not be able to evenly cool.
• Limited options for placing vents.

Despite a lower system cost initially with traditional AC, you may pay more over time for the lack of efficiency. In fact, in the average home, 20% to 30% of air pushed through ductwork is lost due to poor connections, leaks, and holes.

Choose American Vintage Home

If you’re looking into a SpacePak system in the Chicago North Shore area, American Vintage Home is ready to walk you through the process and install your system as quickly and safely as possible. As a leading SpacePak provider and the top installer in the country, we’re able to accurately size your system and provide reliable quotes. As your older home experts, we’re well-versed in navigating the challenges that come with installing SpacePak in unique spaces. From system planning through installation and even system maintenance, we’re here for you and your home.

Call us today at (847) 999-4595 to schedule a SpacePak installation consultation.