Cold weather heat pump technology is now available with incentives and rebates through mass-save programs.
Many homeowners wonder, are heat pumps right for Massachusetts Homes?
Ray Landry is the President of Landry Mechanical Inc. A Massachusetts based heat pump, furnace, and electrical contractor with locations in Shrewsbury, Charlton, Framingham, and Millbury.
He shares his thoughts on heat pumps below:
“New England has always burned fossil fuels, because of our uncertain winters, and old drafty homes. Heat pump technology has improved to create better HVAC systems for homeowners in Worcester & Middlesex County, with increased efficiency”
“Heat pump technology has advanced, but doesn’t mean that heat pumps are the best option for everyone!” Ray comments.
These are the top 3 reasons your home may not be a good fit for heat pumps.
1. Homes with Major Drafts
“Homes with loose construction have more hourly air changes, and will require a warmer supply air temperature then heat pumps provide to “feel” warm. Plus, when the temperature falls, your system may not be able to provide adequate heat.”
If you have a drafty home, don’t panic! A Mass-Save energy audit can set you on the right path to seal your dusty home!
Our team fixed a Mitsubishi ductless heat pump in Shrewsbury, MA that a different contractor had installed.
The chief complaint was the customers “were always feeling cold” even with the systems running all the time.
They struggled to reach 67 degrees indoors when outdoor temperatures dropped below 20 degrees.
During a test using an infrared camera, we discovered that the home had insufficient insulation. We determined this through a ‘J load’ test. After one of our home energy partners sealed the home, they solved the problem.
The heat pumps are now the correct size for the home’s needs. Our clients will no longer need jackets in their living room.
2. Homes With Leaky, or Undersized Duct Work
“Even the best HVAC system tied to a faulty duct layout will consume massive amounts of energy. Massachusetts has high electricity rates. Landry says that “improper design of a heat pump can lead to an expensive bill”
Therefore, an assessment of current ducting in place is important to make sure it’s adequate for supporting a new system.
(By the way, just because the old system worked with a flawed duct system, doesn’t mean it was better before. New systems are less forgiving and lack the safety feature that shuts down when detecting improper duct work.)
3. The Electrical Service Is Not Large or Modern Enough to Support a Heat Pump Installation
“Heat pumps use a substantial amount of electricity. You must connect a primary heat pump system to an electrical service that is at least 200 amps. Homes over 2500 square feet typically fall into a 400 amp service requirement.
Consider your electrical system, its amp draws, and electrical permits during your heat pump design. We often see contractors who don’t understand the electrical code, and connect to under-sized circuits & panels.
Landry Mechanical provides expert electrical services, and we can include electrical upgrades, in our heat pump proposals when required”
How Do I Determine If a Heat Pump Is Right For My Home?
1. Hire a Reputable HVAC Contractor
Be sure to check reviews on sites like Google, Angie’s List, Homeadvisor, and the Better Business Bureau. Landry Mechanical Inc offers plumbing, HVAC & Electrical Services. Our team of Comfort Advisors specialize in HVAC design and quotes.
Our Comfort Advisors will evaluate your home, perform sizing calculations, and explain heating systems in great detail.
2. Determine ROI (Return on Investment) For Your Project
Don’t just buy a system because of a rebate!
Massachusetts has expensive electricity.
If you deactivate your current HVAC system, you won’t be able to use it in the future. Also, you won’t be able to take advantage of savings if fossil fuel costs decrease.
Landry Mechanical’s HVAC experts can determine your ROI, and the best options for your home.
3. Hire Your Contractor of Choice, and Book Your Installation!
Expect action around your home during the installation. Our teams drill holes for pipes and perform mechanical work both inside and outside your home. We test each system and complete a thorough start-up process.
Now the best part… What does all this cost?
My Best Answer? It Varies!
Older homes in Westborough, MA will cost more to install a heat pump than newer homes in Shrewsbury, MA. A general (and broad) price range for HVAC installation cost (specifically heat pump installation in Massachusetts) is as follows:
Upgrading a central AC system to a modern heat pump can cost between $13,000 and $25,000. This price range exists because of the varying complexity of your homes’ electrical, duct work, and general infrastructure. A new ducted heat pump system installation in Holliston, Millbury, or Framingham, Massachusetts ranges from $35,000 to $65,000. Price can vary based on location, and various other factors.
Ductless heat pump installation costs in Massachusetts
A basic single room heat pump installation can cost as little as $7,000 and as much as $18,000 for complex projects. Multi zone systems can cost between $6,000 to $11,000 per zone. The price varies based on necessary electrical circuit or panel upgrades or lineset runs are long or complicated.
Massachusetts has different town or city regulations, building codes, and permits. This can add substantial costs in permit fees, inspections, and engineering.
I cannot stress enough to shop wisely during this process. Prices differ wildly between contractors.
Price Variation is effected by the following:
-Varying Size of Internal Support
-Quality of Installation
-Staff Vs. Subcontractors
-Post-Install Warranty & Service
-Training Quality
-Tooling Used
-Overall Company Structure
Landry Mechanical is a top heat pump installer in Massachusetts. They offer free in-home consultations to homeowners in Worcester and Middlesex county.
As a Mass-Save licensed HPIN contractor, we can help navigate the Mass Save heat pump rebate and loan process. Landry focuses on heat pumps, oil and gas heating, plumbing, electrical work, water filtration, and drain cleaning services. One call truly does it all!
