This Cambridge condo was built with an old oil heating system, much like many of the homes in the area. The owner loved the home’s updated Victorian aesthetic. However, the age of the house also meant there was no central AC system.
Because the home was not equipped with ductwork, the owner knew that adding a central HVAC system would be out of the question. However, relying on window AC units and fans all summer long would leave them constantly uncomfortable.
Additionally, in the winter, the oil heating system kept some rooms warm while leaving others drafty. This was especially problematic when the oil heating system would kick on, driving up the temperature in some rooms, while others never warmed up. This meant the homeowners were always dealing with drastically fluctuating temperatures, and they had finally had enough.
It was time to look for a solution that would provide consistent year-round temperature control that the owner could rely on. Another requirement for this owner was that the new system would be cost-effective and energy-efficient to help keep energy bills low.
The Problem: The homeowner was tired of the inadequate oil heating system that left some rooms too hot, and others feeling icy. They also needed an AC system that would be energy-efficient and cost-effective.
The Solution: N.E.T.R., Inc. installed a three-zone ductless heating and cooling system that will provide pin-point control in the office, bedroom, and dining room.
The Installation
When they contacted N.E.T.R., Inc., the project manager assigned to this case knew he could design a simple system to give year-round comfort for this Cambridge home. After meeting with the owner and walking through the condo, Jimmy proposed that a three-zone ductless system. A single outdoor condenser would be the most cost-effective solution that would provide heating and cooling throughout the year.
Unlike traditional, central air conditioning systems, ductless does not require ductwork to move the treated air throughout the home. Instead, thin tubing is piped through the walls like electrical wire from the indoor AC unit to the outdoor condenser. The condenser then pumps the air from outside to the indoor units, using refrigerant to heat or cool the room accordingly.
The Benefits of Ductless
Additionally, because they are not part of a centralized system, the ductless units can be turned off if they are not in use. For example, if the study is only being used during the semester, then the unit in that room can be turned off for summer break when the room is not in use. This individualization will help to keep energy bills lower throughout the year.
Another benefit of the ductless system is that it monitors the humidity in the air as well as the temperature. The ability to control the humidity allows for even more precise control of the comfort of a space, so this owner will be able to feel perfectly comfortable all year long.
The new ductless heating system will work with the existing oil system to provide supplemental heat, which will reduce the owner’s cost to heat their home throughout the winter. Because of the energy-efficient design of the ductless system, the owner will see a significant drop in their heating expenses every month.
Another benefit of ductless technology is that they operate at a whisper-quiet level. In fact, these systems are so quiet that we’ve installed them in recording studios in the past. Now, the owner won’t have to worry about being woken up in the middle of the night by the noisy window AC. Instead, they’ll get a full night’s sleep all year long.
Is Ductless Right for You?
If you’re living in a home with an outdated heating and air conditioning system, then upgrading your home to ductless AC may save you on your monthly energy bills. These ductless systems are so energy efficient that they only take the same amount of energy to run as a standard lightbulb.
If you’re looking to save on monthly bills or just need a heating and cooling solution for your home, contact N.E.T.R., Inc. today.