Comprehensive Historic Home HVAC Services
Historic Home Retrofits
- Ductless Mini-Split Systems (Ideal for Homes Without Ductwork)
- High-Velocity Duct Systems (Minimal Invasive Whole-Home AC)
- Boiler Replacement & Repair (Radiator System Expertise)
- Ductwork Design & Installation in Period Homes
- Preservation-Friendly Equipment Placement
Heating & Cooling
- High-Efficiency Furnace Installation
- Central AC Installation & Replacement
- 24/7 Emergency Service
- Compact Furnace Solutions for Small Mechanical Rooms
- Radiant Floor Heating (Preservation-Friendly Option)
Air Quality & Efficiency
- Energy Efficiency Upgrades (Maximizing efficiency in older homes with limited insulation)
- HEPA Filtration Systems & UV Light Air Purification
- Smart Thermostat Installation
- Air Sealing & Weatherization Support
Deep Dive: Architectural Preservation & AC Solutions
The Central Air Conditioning Challenge
Many Birmingham homes were built before residential air conditioning existed, creating a need for careful planning when adding cooling systems.
Solutions for Non-Ducted Homes (Radiator Heat):
For homes with boiler systems and no existing ductwork, we offer options that avoid damaging original plaster walls:
- Ductless Mini-Splits: The most popular solution. Requires no ductwork and minimal wall penetrations, preserving architectural details while providing quiet, efficient cooling (and heating).
- High-Velocity Duct Systems: Uses small 2-inch flexible ducts that can be routed through existing wall cavities, providing a whole-home ducted solution with minimal visible impact.
Preservation-Conscious Installation Approach:
- Plaster Wall Protection: We minimize penetrations, use existing chases, and coordinate with skilled plasterers for invisible repairs when necessary.
- Limited Mechanical Spaces: We utilize compact, high-efficiency furnaces designed to fit the small basements and low-clearance mechanical rooms typical of 1920s–1940s construction.
Historic Architectural Styles & HVAC Considerations
We tailor solutions based on your home’s specific style:
| Architectural Style | Typical Challenge | Key HVAC Solution |
| Tudor Revival | High ceilings create stratification; complex rooflines limit attic routing. | Multi-Zone Systems and High-Velocity or Ductless systems. |
| Colonial Revival | Formal, compartmentalized floor plans require even air distribution. | Traditional ducted systems with Two-Zone control (1st floor/2nd floor). |
| Craftsman Bungalow | Extensive built-in cabinetry and original woodwork must be protected. | Strategic duct routing to avoid built-ins; Ductless systems for zero impact. |