Condo Renovation Gets a Net-Zero HVAC System

Condo in Somerville, MA, has a Net-Zero HVAC system installed for maximum efficiency.The owner of this condo in Somerville, MA, was under renovations to improve the home and decided that it was time to replace the existing HVAC system with something more energy efficient. After researching the options, the owner decided that a net-zero housing solution would be the best option for them in the long run.

Because a net-zero HVAC system would help the condo be more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient, the owner knew they needed the right company to handle the installation. N.E.T.R., Inc., stood out because of our many five-star reviews and our team’s years of experience with residential and commercial installations. Knowing that we would be a great match, the condo owner reached out to schedule a consultation.


The Problem: This condo in Somerville, MA, was under renovation, and the owner wanted to switch to a net-zero housing option, including the heating and air conditioning.

The Solution: N.E.T.R, Inc., installed a multi-zoned net-zero HVAC system with solar panels to power the home, ductless and ducted AC units, and Lifebreath heat recovery ventilators to help cycle the house’s treated air more efficiently.


The Design

Example of indoor Mitsubishi Electric air conditioner installed in Somerville condo. Because the condo was in renovation, designing the net-zero system for this house was easy. The team knew that solar panels would need to be installed on the roof to provide maximum exposure to the sun and give the home the best solar power supply.

Two Lifebreath heat recovery ventilators were installed in the basement; each unit will be connected to a three-way wall grill to be installed in the bedrooms and living room. This part of the system will help keep the air within the home fresh throughout the year by replacing the stale air with clean, filtered air.

Two outdoor Mitsubishi outdoor condenser units would need to be installed outside the home. These heat pumps have an incredibly efficient heating and cooling system that uses minimal energy to provide high-quality treated air to the house. All refrigerant lines needed replacing, and some of the areas of the home required ductwork to be installed. N.E.T.R., Inc., proposed installing new ductwork wherever needed and utilized round and oval style ductwork wherever possible to increase the efficiency of the system.

The bathrooms, kitchen, and laundry room required vents, so the team recommended installing Panasonic heat light vents in these places in the home.

Lastly, ductless units would need to be installed where necessary to help heat and cool the home efficiently all year long.

The Installation

A Mitsubishi Electric ductless AC was installed on the second floor of a condo in Somerville, MA.Before the indoor units were installed, the team poured a set of concrete pads outside the home to mount the outdoor condensers. The pads and mounting system help to keep the heat pump free from debris and snow throughout the year and make them easy to access for maintenance and repairs.

Each of the indoor air conditioners was mounted on the walls of the house, where they would be out of the way and able to provide the best airflow throughout the space. The first floor received two units, one in the kitchen and living room area and a second in the master bedroom. Another ductless unit was installed in the basement, and a fourth air handler was mounted in the second bedroom. Drains were set up for all of the units, and remote controls were mounted to make the units easy to control. New refrigerant lines were then run from the outdoor heat pumps up the walls of the home to connect to the ductwork or lines installed for the indoor units.

The second floor was fitted with the same Mitsubishi ductless mini splits in the kitchen and living room, master bedroom, and second bedroom. All new refrigerant lines and drains were installed for the second floor.

The Benefits

The goal of this renovation was to provide the condo owner with net-zero housing and an extremely energy-efficient HVAC system. N.E.T.R., Inc., uses highly efficient Mitsubishi ductless units and heat pumps in combination with the Lifebreath heat recovery ventilators to achieve this goal. The ductless unit provides high-quality heating and air conditioning through the heat pump system that transfers warm or cool air from outside the home to the air handlers while minimal energy.

These units also provide humidity control, so the families that move into these condos will be able to enjoy complete comfort throughout their home. Now, not only will the home be comfortable in temperature, but in every way.

All of the Mitsubishi units are known for being highly efficient and operating at a whisper-quiet level. The families in these condos will never have to worry about talking over a noisy air conditioner.

Additionally, the Lifebreath heat recovery ventilators are made to remove stale air from the home and replace it with fresh air. The patented crossflow design provides the most efficient flow of air through the heat recovery core to ensure that the maximum level of heat is retained. These units are also designed to help prevent mold and moisture build up throughout the home.

Is a Ductless System Right for You?

Are you renovating your home and looking for a way to go net-zero? N.E.T.R., Inc., is the #1 Elite Diamond Dealer for Mitsubishi Electric ductless HVAC systems in Boston and the surrounding areas, so we have plenty of experience designing energy-efficient systems.

Whether you’re looking to go net-zero or just improve the comfort in your home, give us a call today. We’ll work with you to design the ideal heating and air conditioning system for your home.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

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