When one of three central air conditioning compressors failed last summer, Bob and Kathy Curley took a hard look at the other components in their system. Could the other two AC compressors be far behind? An aging air handler in the attic was gasping and wheezing. Feeding the oil burner in the basement was beginning to feel like burning greenbacks for fuel – except that it generated more emissions.
They knew it was time to begin overhauling the system that had heated and cooled their house for many years but weren’t sure how to begin. Having already addressed their transportation emissions by opting for an EV and a hybrid car, they wanted to install a new HVAC system that would replace the failing air conditioning units and also provide energy-efficient heat, while simultaneously reducing their carbon footprint and fuel oil costs, all in a well-thought-out, affordable package. They decided they needed a plan. Of course, it helps to have a long-time friend with his own HVAC company, so they called Jack for help.
Jack completed a comprehensive review of their home. There were encouraging positives to leverage. For instance, the original owner had been a developer who custom-built the house and wisely designed it for energy efficiency, which included using 2X6 studs to maximize insulation in the walls. There were some formidable cost realities for the Curleys to deal with. Just to replace the failing air conditioning units and air handler would have cost them nineteen thousand dollars, and that would still not reduce the annual eight thousand dollar bill generated by their oil-burning furnace.
Experts recommend as a first step a home energy assessment, provided at no cost by Mass Save or, as in this case, by Energy New England, which provides the service to municipal lighting plant customers. After reviewing the results of the home energy assessment, Jack completed a careful cost/benefit analysis and recommended that they install two large electric heat pumps sized to handle the main house (with the exception of a master bedroom wing ) and pair them with a new air handler matched to the capacity of the heat pumps. This system would give them both air conditioning and heating in an affordable, energy-efficient package that would provide four-season comfort while minimizing carbon emissions.
Often, homeowners find that it is not feasible to revamp their systems in one fell swoop. The Curleys were self-financing their improvements and decided to defer total removal of the oil burner to a future phase. This unit was retained for the more manageable job of heating a master bedroom space, which still enabled them to dramatically reduce the amount of oil they were using.
The entire project, including removal of old equipment and installation of the new heat pumps and air handler, was accomplished in just one week. Jack helped the Curleys complete the required rebate form and the heat pump rebate they received was a welcome, material contribution toward the cost of the new system.
The Curleys have more to do and, with Jack’s coaching, will continue to map out their plan to eventually eliminate the oil burner completely. Meanwhile, they are happy that they were able to deal proactively with a failing system and were able to transition most of their house to energy-efficient heat pump technology without breaking the bank. And that eight-thousand-dollar oil burner bill has been drastically reduced.
You probably do not have a high school friend who owns an HVAC company, but you can conveniently obtain cost-free advice and information. A HeatSmart Alliance heat pump coach will help you assess goals, options, potential costs and available rebates and financing, enabling you to complete a plan. The coach will also assist you in evaluating HVAC company bids.
Act now, request a coach and start envisioning your emissions-free HVAC future. It helps to have a plan!
