Find out how adding ductwork and a central heat pump gave this Worcester, MA Colonial home year-round, efficient comfort without sacrificing style.
The owners of this 1930’s Colonial-style home in Worcester, Massachusetts were tired of struggling through hot New England summers with bulky, inefficient window air conditioners. Wanting the comfort of central cooling but lacking existing ductwork, they explored their options. After deciding ductless mini-split heat pumps didn’t fit their home’s style, they turned to Jay Moody HVAC for a tailored solution.
Our team designed and installed a new ductwork system paired with a high-efficiency Bryant Evolution central heat pump, delivering cooling in the summer and supplemental heating in the winter.
This project shows how Massachusetts homes without existing ductwork can still enjoy efficient, central comfort.
The homeowners turned to Jay Moody HVAC to resolve the hot, humid conditions that affected their home during warmer months. With a home office on the third floor, the upper levels became especially uncomfortable in the summer heat. While not ready to part with their oil boiler, the homeowners felt the existing system was not the most efficient heating source during Massachusetts’ “shoulder” seasons.
In addition to these comfort concerns, the project presented significant design challenges. The home had no existing ductwork, which made the installation of a centralized system more complex. The homeowners had invested considerable time and effort into the home’s interior and exterior aesthetics, so any cooling solution needed to integrate seamlessly without compromising the home’s traditional appearance. For this reason, ductless mini-split heat pumps were not an ideal option.
To address both comfort and design challenges, Jay Moody HVAC installed entirely new ductwork paired with a Bryant Evolution central heat pump in the Worcester, Massachusetts home. The Bryant Evolution system was selected for its high efficiency, quiet operation and ability to effectively manage humidity when operating in cooling mode.
The partial-home heat pump system provides efficient cooling and supplemental heating to the most used rooms in the home. However, the existing oil boiler is still considered to be the home’s primary heat source for now.
The new ducted system was designed as three-zone solution:
Third Floor: The third floor featured a finished dual office/closet space connected to an unfinished attic with a knee wall. In the attic, the Bryant Evolution air handler was installed, serving as the foundation of the new ducted system. Ductwork was run to the conditioned office/closet space, creating the first zone and offering improved comfort for the homeowners when working from home.
Second Floor: To condition the second floor, ductwork was extended from the attic into two of the three bedrooms, with a return placed at the top of the stairs leading to the first floor. This return was discreetly tucked into a nook above a window and behind an archway. This second zone served two of the upstairs rooms, with additional cooling for the hallway when doors remained open.
The third bedroom was rarely used, and the homeowners opted to leave it unconditioned on account of potential design constraints.
First Floor: Conditioning the first floor was the most complex aspect of the project, requiring a balance between comfort, efficiency and the homeowners’ aesthetic preferences. Ductwork was routed from the attic through the corners of two second-floor bedrooms to reach the first floor. The homeowners approved boxing in these corners, later to be painted to match each room. This approach was preferred over a more intrusive option that would have more obviously impacted the look of the first-floor.
All three zones connect to a single outdoor condenser, discreetly positioned on the left side of the home.
Jay Moody HVAC worked closely with the homeowners to deliver a seamless experience, from the initial in-home consultation to filing rebate and warranty paperwork.
For homes without ductwork, accurate system sizing is essential to ensure even, reliable heating and cooling. Our engineers completed Manual J and Manual D calculations on-site, designing a custom duct layout that would fit the home and support the performance of a Bryant Evolution central heat pump.
The system featured custom duct fittings, handcrafted in Jay Moody HVAC’s sheet metal shop for optimal airflow and durability. Linesets were routed with attention to detail, blending seamlessly with the home’s exterior to preserve its charm. All electrical work was performed by our licensed electricians, while carpentry needs were handled by a trusted partner.
Before completion, the lead HVAC install technician walked the homeowners through the finished system, providing guidance on operation, maintenance and how to maximize performance for long-term comfort.
The Bryant Evolution system is backed by Bryant’s 10-year Red Shield equipment warranty, and every Jay Moody HVAC installation includes a 2-year workmanship warranty. With these protections in place, the homeowners can enjoy their new system with confidence and peace of mind.
We are grateful to these homeowners for trusting Jay Moody HVAC with their heat pump project! The Worcester home now enjoys cool, reliable comfort throughout the summer, along with the flexibility to supplement their heating in the winter.
Many Massachusetts homeowners are surprised to learn that adding ductwork to an existing home is possible. Our team at Jay Moody HVAC is always here to design a solution that makes central heating and cooling a reality.
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