Project Overview
The transition from oil heating to electric heat pumps is one of the most impactful energy upgrades a Massachusetts homeowner can make. This Hudson project demonstrates how modern cold-climate heat pump technology has made it possible to completely replace fossil fuel heating — even in a climate where temperatures regularly drop below zero.
The Mitsubishi hyper-heat system was the ideal choice for this full conversion. Unlike standard heat pumps that lose capacity as temperatures drop, the hyper-heat series maintains 100% of its rated output at 5°F and still operates effectively at -13°F. This means the homeowner never needs a backup heating source, even during the coldest Massachusetts nights.
Beyond the heating benefits, the homeowner gained whole-home air conditioning for the first time — a significant quality-of-life improvement that also increases the home's resale value. The four-zone configuration provides room-by-room temperature control, ending the compromise of a single thermostat trying to keep an entire multi-level home comfortable.
The Challenge
The homeowner of a 2,400 square foot Hudson colonial wanted to completely eliminate their dependence on heating oil. Oil prices had surged to over $5.50/gallon, pushing winter heating costs above $4,000 per season. The aging oil furnace was only 78% efficient, and the 275-gallon underground oil tank was nearing the end of its safe service life — a potential environmental liability. The homeowner also wanted air conditioning, which the oil-based system could not provide, meaning they had been relying on portable AC units during summer.
Our Solution
We designed and installed a Mitsubishi MXZ-4C36NAHZ hyper-heat outdoor unit paired with four indoor wall-mounted air handlers, creating a complete whole-home heating and cooling system without any fossil fuel. Zone 1 covers the open-concept first floor living area (15,000 BTU), Zone 2 serves the kitchen and dining room (9,000 BTU), Zone 3 handles the master suite (9,000 BTU), and Zone 4 covers the two secondary bedrooms and hallway (12,000 BTU). The hyper-heat technology maintains rated heating output down to -13°F, making it suitable as the sole heating source in Massachusetts. We coordinated with a licensed tank removal contractor to safely decommission and remove the underground oil tank. The homeowner enrolled in a time-of-use electric rate plan to maximize savings by running the system primarily during off-peak hours.
Results & Outcomes
- Annual heating costs reduced by 60% ($4,000+ → ~$1,600)
- Whole-home AC added for the first time
- Oil tank safely removed, eliminating environmental liability
- Home carbon footprint reduced by approximately 4.5 tons CO₂/year
Project Details
Service
Heat Pumps
Location
Hudson, MA
Duration
3 Days
Equipment
Mitsubishi
Scope
Residential
Result
Completed Successfully
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