Central air with existing ducts
An outdoor condenser and an indoor coil on top of the furnace, using the ducts you already have.
Central air & replacements
AC Installation in Chicago, IL
Green Leaf Heating & Cooling connects Chicago homeowners with local technicians for air conditioning installation: replacing a worn-out central air system, adding AC to a home that never had it, or cooling a radiator-heated house with no ducts. Call (312) 924-7223 and get a free estimate before any work starts.
The right size for the house.
About AC installation
Air Conditioning Installation for Every Kind of Chicago Home
How AC goes into a Chicago home depends on what the home already has. A house with a furnace and ducts can take a standard central air system. A bungalow or two-flat heated by radiators has no ducts, so the choice is between a high-velocity system and ductless mini splits.
Either way, sizing comes first. An oversized air conditioner cools the air quickly but shuts off before it removes humidity, leaving the house cold and clammy, which is a real problem in a humid Chicago July. A technician sizes the system from the house, not from the old unit’s label.
New central air systems are rated in SEER2. Higher ratings use less electricity, and since 2025 most new systems use newer refrigerants such as R-454B or R-32 in place of R-410A. The technician explains what each option means for your home and gives you a free estimate for each.
- ✓ Central air installation
- ✓ AC replacement
- ✓ High-velocity systems for radiator homes
- ✓ Free estimate before work starts
Your options
AC Installation Options in Chicago
The cooling systems that fit Chicago’s housing, and where each one makes sense.
AC replacement
A new condenser and matched indoor coil, with the refrigerant lines checked or replaced and the system charged to the maker’s specs.
High-velocity central air
Small flexible ducts snake through closets, walls and the attic, ending in small round vents. Built for homes heated by radiators.
Ductless mini splits
An outdoor unit feeds wall-mounted heads in individual rooms. No ducts at all. See mini splits.
Heat pump instead of AC
A heat pump cools exactly like an air conditioner and also heats. Worth comparing if you’re replacing an AC anyway.
Attic air handlers
For homes with a finished upstairs, an air handler in the attic can serve the second floor, which often runs hottest.
How it works
How an AC Installation Works
The technician measures the house, checks the electrical panel, the furnace or air handler, the ducts, and where the outdoor unit can go.
You get options sized for the house, with what each includes and a free estimate. Nothing is ordered until you decide.
The condenser is set on a pad or bracket, the coil, refrigerant lines, electrical disconnect and drain are installed, and the system is charged.
Pressures, temperatures and airflow are checked, and you’re shown the thermostat settings and filter.
STEP 01Home assessment
The technician measures the house, checks the electrical panel, the furnace or air handler, the ducts, and where the outdoor unit can go.
Planning a new AC
Choosing a New Air Conditioner in Chicago
When to replace your AC
- It’s around 15 years old or older.
- It uses R-22 refrigerant, which is no longer produced, and it has a leak.
- The compressor or outdoor coil has failed.
- Electric bills climb every summer, or the house never feels dry.
Adding central air to a home with radiators
This is one of the most common Chicago projects. With no ducts to use, a high-velocity system runs flexible two-inch tubing through closets, attics and wall cavities with very little demolition, while ductless mini splits skip ducts entirely. Our guide on adding central air to a Chicago bungalow with radiators compares the two, and mini splits vs central air for two-flats covers multi-unit buildings.
What affects the cost of AC installation
The free estimate after a visit depends on the system type, its size and efficiency, whether ducts need to be added or changed, the length of the refrigerant lines, electrical work, and how easy it is to reach the attic or install location. Utilities such as ComEd have offered rebates on qualifying high-efficiency cooling; check current programs.
AC installation FAQ
AC Installation Questions From Chicago Homeowners
Short answers to what Chicago homeowners ask most before they call.
(312) 924-7223Yes. A high-velocity system uses small flexible ducts that fit through closets and attics, and ductless mini splits need no ducts at all. A technician can tell you which suits the house.
It depends on the home’s heat gain: insulation, windows, sun exposure and layout, not square footage alone. An oversized unit leaves the house humid, so sizing should be calculated.
A straight replacement is usually done in a day. A new system with ductwork or a high-velocity install can take several days.
If the furnace is also near the end of its life, replacing both lets the blower and coil be matched for efficiency. If the furnace is newer, it can usually stay.
Installing new central air in Chicago generally requires a city permit. The installer normally pulls it; confirm when you get your estimate.
Related services
More Cooling Services in Chicago
01AC RepairNot sure it needs replacing? Get the current system diagnosed first.↗02Ductless Mini SplitsDuctless cooling and heating for rooms and whole homes.↗03Heat PumpsCooling plus efficient heating from one system.↗04Furnace InstallationReplace the furnace with the AC and match the pair.↗05Air Duct CleaningClean and seal the ducts before a new system goes in.↗06Indoor Air QualityDehumidifiers and smart thermostats for summer comfort.↗
AC installation across Chicago
AC installation in Your Neighborhood
Ready when you are
Ready for Air Conditioning in Chicago?
Call (312) 924-7223 for a home assessment and a free estimate on AC installation options.
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