Colonial homes are arguably the most popular style of home in the Boston area. To be a true Colonial, the home must have been built before the end of the Revolutionary War, but homes built over the next 200+ years often feature the classic Colonial style. These homes are known for their simple symmetrical design and their stunning attention to architectural detail inside the home.
However, due to their age, these homes generally don’t feature ductwork, and they can be challenging to heat or cool. One of the most effective ways to keep your Colonial warm in the winter and cool in the summer is to invest in a ductless air source heat pump. At N.E.T.R. Inc., we have worked with many clients who live in these types of homes.
Trying to decide if a ductless heat pump is right for your home? Then, check out these case studies.
Replacing Oil Heating in a Colonial in North Andover
The owners of this home wanted cooling during the summer, and for the winter, they wanted a more efficient heating option than their current oil heating. After the homeowners decided to install a heat pump, the N.E.T.R. team removed their oil furnace and completed very non-invasive prep work for the heat pump.
The family got two wall-mounted units on the main floor, and on the second floor, they installed ceiling-mounted units in each of the bedrooms.
Using Floor-Mounted Units in a Colonial in Arlington
These homeowners wanted to replace their oil furnaces and add cooling to their home. Due to the architectural features of the home’s interior, the installers recommended using floor-mounted ductless units on the main floor, instead of the more popular wall-mounted designs. To serve the upstairs bedrooms, they installed an air handler in the attic, and then, they connected it to the bedrooms with very short ducts.
Mix of Window, Floor and Wall Units in an Easton Colonial
This Colonial in Easton had electric baseboard heaters and no AC. The owners wanted more efficient solutions, but of course, they also wanted to preserve the unique style of their historic home. To optimize comfort and safeguard aesthetics, they ended up installing a mix of floor, wall, and ceiling-mounted units. This set-up allowed them to retain the natural beauty of their home, while also improving heating and cooling throughout the year.
Six Heating and Cooling Zones in a Colonial in Halifax
Like many other Colonial homeowners, these clients wanted to improve comfort and efficiency, but they didn’t want the cost, mess, and inconvenience of adding ductwork. They also didn’t want to continue relying on fossil fuel heat, and window ACs weren’t an option for their large home. They ended up installing a six-zone ductless heat pump system. Each zone has its own thermostat, creating customizable comfort.
Earning Rebates by Upgrading HVAC in a Colonial in Melrose
These homeowners wanted AC during the summer, and they wanted more efficiency during the winter. So they decided to replace their gas furnace with a four-zone ductless HVAC system. By taking this step, they improved their home’s efficiency, and they also earned a rebate from Mass Save. Due to the design of the home, the installers put in three wall-mounted indoor units and one low-wall or floor-mounted unit.
Adding a Mini Split to a Sunroom in a Melrose Colonial
After adding a sunroom to their Colonial, these homeowners wanted to make it more comfortable with heating and cooling. A mini split heat pump was the ideal solution. It didn’t need to be connected to the HVAC system in the rest of the home, and it featured its own thermostat for easy control.
Adding AC to the Upstairs of a Colonial
This Colonial in Swampscott, MA was unbearably hot on the upper floor during the summer. The homeowners wanted a solution, but they didn’t want to change the HVAC system throughout their whole home. To improve the summer temperatures of the upper rooms, N.E.T.R., Inc installed ductless ACs in the second-floor bedroom and office. These ACs are easy to install, and they are quieter, more efficient, and more comfortable than window-mounted ACs.
Adding a Heat Pump to a Colonial in Needham
This home had gas heat and window ACs. During the winter, heating was inconsistent, many rooms were drafty, and the bills were high. During the summer, the views were blocked by clunky window AC units that were noisy and inefficient. Ductless heat pumps solved all of these problems. The homeowners put in a four-zone system, creating quiet, consistent, energy-efficient heating and cooling all year long.
Adding a Heat Pump to the Basement of a Colonial
These homeowners in Townsend had built a new Colonial-style home, and although they were happy with the heating on the main level, the basement wasn’t keeping on. They didn’t want a cold uncomfortable basement, and they also didn’t want to rely on inefficient and potentially dangerous space heaters.
They decided that the best solution was a heat pump in the basement. This unit had a separate thermostat from the rest of the home, allowing them to customize the temps in the basement. Its energy-efficient design kept the bills down, and they got to enjoy both heating and cooling.
Adding Upstairs AC to a Colonial in Belmont
This home was sweltering hot during the summer. To keep the bedrooms cool, the homeowners were using window ACs and fans, and every summer, their energy bills went up substantially. To save money and improve their summertime comfort, they installed ductless mini split heat pumps to provide AC in the upstairs bedrooms.
Contact Us to Talk About Ductless Heat Pumps for Your Colonial
Want to talk more about adding a ductless heat pump or any other HVAC solution to your Colonial? Then, contact us at N.E.T.R., Inc.
Ductless systems offer countless advantages, but ductless isn’t the right solution for every home. For example, when we replaced a broken-down AC in a Colonial with a fully ducted HVAC system, we ended up installing a conventional AC with high-efficiency rates. When you contact us, we never sell you on something you don’t need. Instead, we work with you to find the best solution for your home, your preferences, and your budget.
To learn more about ductless HVAC systems in other types of homes or to narrow in on case studies in your area, check out the residential case studies page.
