That first real autumn chill just hit Wellesley. More and more homeowners are now starting to think about ductless heating installation in Wellesley, MA, and you’ve probably noticed those sleek indoor units popping up in your neighborhood. They’re smart to do it – these systems let you control each room’s temperature without tearing up your walls for ductwork. Pretty neat, right?
We’re the folks at Kerivan-Lane. Been keeping Massachusetts homes comfortable since 1922. Needham, Wellesley, Newton, Natick – we know every quirk of every neighborhood. And we’ve learned a thing or two about what makes these systems tick. Or sometimes, what makes them struggle.
Let’s talk about mistakes we’ve seen and fixed over the years. Some might surprise you, others might save you from a heating headache this winter.
Incorrect Sizing of the Ductless Heating System
Size matters. A lot. Especially when you’re getting a ductless heating system in Wellesley, MA. Think of it like shoes – too big or too small, and you’re going to be uncomfortable no matter what. We’ve seen countless homes stuck with systems that just don’t fit their needs.
Here’s what goes wrong:
• Too big? Your system clicks on and off like a hyperactive light switch. Wears itself out fast. Wastes energy. The temperature swings up and down like a yo-yo, and your electric bill? Don’t even ask.
• Too small? Runs forever, never quite gets the job done. Like trying to heat your house with a hairdryer. You’ll find yourself reaching for extra sweaters on cold days, wondering why your “new” system isn’t doing its job.
Just last week, we helped a family over on Washington Street. Their oversized system was eating electricity like candy. After we put in the right size? Energy bills dropped 20%. Just like that. The kids stopped complaining about cold spots, and mom finally got her home office warm enough for those early morning Zoom calls.
What we look at when figuring out your size:
• Every corner of your space – high ceilings, bay windows, the works
• Those old Wellesley windows (we know which builders cut corners)
• Your insulation situation (and yes, we know about that one contractor from the 80s who skimped on attic insulation)
• How Massachusetts weather really behaves (not what the brochures say)
• The way your family actually lives in your home
• Heat loss through doors, windows, and those charming historic features
• Your comfort preferences (because “room temperature” means something different to everyone)
• Future plans – finishing a basement? Converting the attic? We plan for that
Poor Placement of Indoor and Outdoor Units
Location can make your system sing or struggle. We’ve seen both. Last month, we fixed a system in Newton where the indoor unit was stuck above a radiator (yes, really). The poor thing thought the room was tropical when everyone else was freezing. Moved it to the right spot, and suddenly the whole family was comfortable again.
Indoor units need:
• Breathing room – cramming them in corners is like trying to breathe through a pillow
• Clear paths for air to move around your furniture
• Shelter from that brutal afternoon sun
• Smart positioning that works with your room’s natural air patterns
• Height that makes sense (too high and you’re heating the ceiling, too low and you’re creating cold spots)
• Distance from electronics that generate heat
• Protection from steam and cooking vapors in kitchens
• Access for filter changes and maintenance
Outdoor units want:
• Space to breathe – at least two feet all around
• Protection from those lovely New England snow piles
• A spot that won’t wake the neighbors (or you) at night
• Solid ground that won’t shift during freeze-thaw cycles
• Shelter from falling ice and snow (remember 2015?)
• Good drainage to handle defrost cycles
• Easy access for maintenance
• Protection from lawn equipment and playing kids
Refrigerant Line Installation
Refrigerant lines are the highways of your heating system. Traffic jams? Not good. These lines need to run smooth and steady, just like your morning commute should (we can dream, right?).
Picture this: We recently visited a Newton home where the lines zigzagged like a roller coaster. The poor system was gasping for refrigerant. Straightened things out, tucked them away properly – system’s been running smooth as silk since. Even better? Their heating costs dropped by 25%.
What good lines need:
• Right size for your specific system (one size definitely doesn’t fit all)
• Proper insulation – Massachusetts winters don’t mess around
• Gentle curves, no sharp bends (refrigerant likes an easy journey)
• Solid mounting that won’t rattle loose
• Protection from ice, wind, and curious critters
• Weather-resistant covering for outdoor sections
• Proper brazing at connection points
• Room for thermal expansion and contraction
Common problems we fix:
• Lines pinched during installation
• Missing insulation at key points
• Poor weather protection
• Vibration damage from loose mounting
• Lines too long for optimal performance
• Inadequate support causing sags and bends
Drainage Issues
Water damage sneaks up on you. One day everything’s fine, next day – hello, ceiling stains. We’ve seen enough water damage to fill Boston Harbor, and most of it could have been prevented.
Remember that brutal winter storm last February? We got calls from six different homes with frozen drain lines. Their installers hadn’t considered winter condensate management. Big mistake in New England.
Our drainage checklist:
• Lines that slope just right (water’s lazy – it needs gravity’s help)
• Materials that laugh at freeze-thaw cycles
• Backup drainage where it counts
• Easy access for checks and cleaning
• Proper insulation for exposed sections
• Secondary overflow protection
• Condensate pumps where gravity isn’t enough
• Regular cleaning access points
Improper Electrical Connections
Electricity plays for keeps. This isn’t a DIY project.
Must-haves:
• Wires thick enough for the job
• Dedicated circuits – no sharing with power-hungry appliances
• Solid grounding that meets code
• Connections that weather can’t touch
• Proper surge protection (because New England storms)
Overlooking the Importance of a Level Installation
Crooked installation? You’ll pay for it later. Trust us on this one.
We make sure:
• Everything’s level from day one
• Mounts can handle whatever Mother Nature throws at them
• Nothing shifts or settles over time
Skipping or Rushing the System Commissioning Process
Starting up a new system isn’t just flipping a switch. Skip this step, and you’re asking for trouble.
We check:
• Every operating mode
• Refrigerant levels (twice)
• Air patterns throughout your space
• System performance under pressure
• That you know how to use everything properly
Ignoring the Importance of Regular Maintenance
These systems aren’t set-and-forget. Little bit of care goes a long way.
Keep an eye on:
• Filters (they fill up faster than you’d think)
• Coils (they like staying clean)
• Connections (they can wiggle loose)
• Overall performance (catch problems early)
Choosing an Inexperienced or Unqualified Installer
Not all installers are created equal. Sorry, but it’s true. When it comes to ductless heating installation in Wellesley, MA, experience matters more than you might think. Last winter told that story clearly – we fixed more systems installed by “bargain” contractors than in the previous three years combined.
Pick someone who:
• Knows these systems inside and out
• Has handled plenty of installations like yours
• Understands New England’s climate quirks
• Actually returns your calls
Conclusion: Trust Kerivan-Lane for Your Ductless Heating Needs
A century of experience teaches you things. Like how every home in Wellesley has its own personality. How Newton’s microclimates affect heating needs. What works in Needham might need tweaking in Natick.
Want to talk ductless heating? Give us a call. No pressure, no sales pitch – just straight talk about keeping your home comfortable through another New England winter.
