HVAC services in Massachusetts

Heating dominates the energy bill. Gas furnaces and boilers are the norm, with summer AC and growing use of cold-climate heat pumps.

Massachusetts requires a licensed gas fitter for gas work and a state refrigeration technician license for air conditioning and refrigeration work. Local building departments, like Boston's Inspectional Services Department, issue permits.

Older housing dominates: triple-deckers, Victorians and colonials heated with oil or gas boilers and radiators, many without ductwork. Ductless heat pumps are a common upgrade, and Mass Save has offered heat pump rebates. Check current program terms.

Western Massachusetts and the Berkshires have colder, snowier winters than Boston and the Cape. Across the state, older homes without ducts make ductless heat pumps the leading way to add cooling, often while keeping the existing boiler for the coldest days.