Many Cambridge apartments still use window AC or through-wall sleeves; owner-occupants near Fresh Pond are adding mini-splits where ductwork does not exist. Heat pump defrost issues are common on shaded rear walls facing alleyways.
Older Cambridgeport boilers serve multiple floors — uneven heat on the third floor often means air-bound radiators or zone valves, not a dead furnace. Upload boiler nameplate photos and which rooms are cold for faster quoting.
Landlords upgrading to mini-splits must place outdoor units where city noise rules and neighbor clearance allow. Licensed HVAC handles refrigerant, gas piping, and permit-required equipment swaps.