Project Overview

Jay Moody HVAC recently completed a new ductwork and central heat pump installation for a 1990 Contemporary home in Leominster, Massachusetts. Heated solely by oil with no means of air conditioning, the Leominster home struggled to maintain consistent temperatures throughout the five-bedroom home. After recently purchasing the house, the new homeowner reached out to explore air conditioning options before the summer heat arrived and to reduce reliance on fuel heating.

Jay Moody HVAC designed and installed a top-of-the-line Bryant Evolution central heat pump system paired with custom ductwork to meet the unique needs of the Leominster home. 

The Challenge

The Leominster home presented several challenges, most notably the absence of air conditioning and lack of an existing ductwork system. Aesthetics were a key consideration for the homeowners, who preferred to avoid visible equipment, eliminating the option of installing mini-splits. 

The installation of a new ducted system required significant modifications, particularly in areas such as the finished basement with drop ceilings and structural beams, which made traditional installation methods challenging. Additionally, the existing radiant floor heating on the first and second floors required careful planning to minimize disruption during the new system’s installation. The size and layout of the home also posed a challenge, complicating efforts to ensure even temperature distribution throughout the space. 

The Design

To address the home’s comfort needs and aesthetic preferences, Jay Moody HVAC designed a three-zone Bryant Evolution central heat pump system paired with customized ductwork. Bryant Evolution was chosen, as it is known for its quiet operation, advanced cold-climate technology, and energy excellent efficiency. With two separate condensers and air handlers, one serving the first floor and one for the second, the system delivers targeted heating and cooling comfort across the entire home.

Two central heat pump systems located on left side of Leominster home'sgarage.
Outside modern home in Leominster, Massachusetts

3-Zone Central Heat Pump System

To ensure optimal heating, cooling and even temperature distribution throughout the home, the ducted system was designed with three distinct zones.

First Zone: The primary bedroom suite, located on the first floor, was designated as its own zone, allowing the homeowners to independently control the temperature of their bedroom compared to the rest of the home.

Second Zone: The remainder of the first floor was placed on a second zone. Though this zone shares an air handler and condenser with the primary bedroom, the temperature control is completely separate. 

Third Zone: The home’s second floor was treated as an entirely separate zone, equipped with its own dedicated condenser and air handler to provide consistent comfort and energy efficiency for the upper level of the home.

Both condensers were strategically installed outside the garage, on the far side of the home, to minimize visibility and reduce noise impact, preserving the aesthetics and tranquility of the property.

The finished basement, which posed its own challenges due to its unique layout and existing radiant floor heating system, continues to rely on the existing oil baseboard heat for warmth. This setup preserves the home’s heating structure while integrating the new heat pump system into the rest of the home, balancing both energy efficiency and comfort.

Project Execution

Jay Moody HVAC worked closely with the Leominster homeowners to deliver a seamless experience, from the initial in-home consultation to filing rebate and warranty paperwork at the conclusion of the project.

  • In-Home Consultation: Jay Moody HVAC takes a tailored approach to every project, ensuring that each system is custom-designed to meet the unique needs of the homeowner. For this customer’s new home in Leominster, MA, the initial consultation was led by owner and lead engineer Leo Sharkey, who conducted a detailed site visit to assess the homeowner’s specific requirements. A follow-up visit involved Leo, engineer and Director of Operations Paul Sharkey, and the HVAC installation manager, who collaborated closely to evaluate the feasibility of the project and begin planning a customized ductwork layout. Throughout the process, Jay Moody HVAC engineers asked thorough questions to understand the homeowner’s comfort goals, aesthetic preferences, typical home usage, and long-term plans. This in-depth collaboration ensured that every detail of the design was tailored to the homeowner’s needs.

    In-House Load and Duct Design Calculations:
    At Jay Moody HVAC, precision and tailored solutions are key to every project. All calculations are performed in-house by the company’s degreed engineers, using science-backed methods to ensure the system’s optimal performance.

    • Manual J: An on-site Manual J calculation was conducted to determine the precise heating and cooling loads for each room, ensuring the system was perfectly matched to the home’s specific requirements.

       

    • Manual S: Manual S was used to verify that the selected equipment would meet the home’s load demands, optimizing both efficiency and comfort.

       

    • Manual D: Manual D guided the custom design of the duct system, allowing for balanced airflow and consistent temperature distribution throughout the home.

       

    This rigorous, tailored approach ensured that the final design was uniquely suited to the homeowner’s needs, providing long-term comfort, energy efficiency and peace of mind.

  • Installation:

    Due to the complexity of the project, multiple walkthroughs were conducted to confirm details and answer the homeowner’s questions. Jay Moody HVAC fabricated custom ductwork for the home, minimizing intrusion into living spaces and allowing for optimal airflow. Ductwork was installed with full code compliance, including wrapping plenums around structural corners where needed. Line sets were routed through the basement to allow discreet placement of the outdoor condensers behind the garage.

    Duct sealing was performed using the patented Aeroseal process, reducing leakage by up to 95% and maximizing system efficiency. All materials used, including UV- and water-resistant linesets, were selected for durability and performance, and Jay Moody HVAC’s licensed electricians completed all electrical work.

  • Mass Save HEAT Loan & Rebates: Jay Moody HVAC is committed to supporting homeowners throughout the entire HVAC process, ensuring they get the most out of their systems. As part of this commitment, Jay Moody HVAC handled all necessary paperwork for available rebates on behalf of the homeowners, including the Mass Save Partial Home Heat Pump Rebate the system qualified for. Additionally, Jay Moody HVAC registered the Bryant Red Shield Warranty, providing 10 years of coverage on key components, and offers a 2-year Jay Moody HVAC Workmanship Warranty for added peace of mind. Throughout the process, Jay Moody HVAC clients are fully informed by outlining all available energy incentives, allowing them to take advantage of potential savings. The Leominster home’s new heat pump system also qualified for separate Federal IRA Tax Credits for the heat pump system and duct sealing, which the homeowner can submit for tax benefits. 

Jay Moody HVAC delivered a high-performance, energy-efficient and aesthetically pleasing heating and cooling solution tailored to the needs of the new Leominster homeowners. With a fully customized ducted system, the home is equipped to handle summer heat and New England winters with ease. The system’s three-zone design provides optimal comfort throughout the home, while the well-engineered ductwork will support the home’s HVAC needs for many years to come. This tailored system not only provides reliable air conditioning to the home, but also provides energy-efficient heating, offering a year-round comfort solution.

Schedule an Appointment

Whether you’re looking for reliable HVAC, electrical or plumbing services,
we’re here to help!

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Please let us know what your preferred days/times are, what you’re interested in, and the best way to get in touch with you.