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DRB questions visibility of proposed ductless mini-split conduits at 179 Nelson Avenue; applicant asked to reduce exterior run and explore alternatives
Summary
The Saratoga Springs Design Review Board reviewed a proposed ductless mini-split installation at 179 Nelson Avenue and asked the installer to consolidate and conceal exterior lines and to explore alternative service layouts to avoid visible conduit runs on the historic façades.
A contractor for 179 Nelson Avenue presented a plan on May 28 to install multiple ductless mini-split systems at a three-story house; the Saratoga Springs Design Review Board did not approve the application as presented and requested design changes to minimize visible exterior conduit runs.
Robert Decker of American Heating and Cooling explained the plan: three outdoor condensing units would be located near a rear fence and would serve multiple indoor units; the installation requires small-diameter refrigerant and condensate lines routed from interior rooms to the outside. The contractor proposed slim, painted leader-like chases to carry the lines down the façade.
Board members agreed the condenser placement behind the fence was acceptable but expressed concern about several visible vertical conduit runs and about clusters of lines on the house'9s prominent side elevations. Members recommended several changes: tuck the pair of lines close to the chimney into a single chase where feasible; consider mounting condensers on the rear roof or on wall brackets to reduce ground-level visibility; re-route as much run as possible along less-visible elevations; and explore alternative HVAC approaches (for example, routed high-velocity systems or different indoor-unit layouts) if the exterior runs cannot be made minimally visible.
The contractor indicated some flexibility but noted the home has limited attic/knee-wall space for interior handlers; the board asked the applicant to return with a revised plan that reduces the number and visibility of exterior conduits and shows any paint or chase details proposed for the remaining exterior runs. No formal approval or motion was recorded at the meeting.
The board emphasized that paint matching and good routing can lessen visual impact but that the group expects minimal visible piping and prefers conduits concealed behind architectural elements where feasible.
