Community Character
Heritage Preservation Meets Modern Quality
Rochester’s character is defined by its unique position as a charming downtown community built around its historic core and the Clinton River.
Historic Architectural Heritage
The housing stock is defined by homes from the 1880s–1940s, including:
- Victorian Homes (1880s–1910s): Multi-story designs, complex layouts, and high ceilings (9–12 feet).
- Early 20th Century (1920s–1940s): Colonial, Tudor, and Craftsman styles.
These homes often feature boiler systems with radiator heat and no existing ductwork, posing specific challenges for adding central air.
Walkable Downtown Core
Rochester’s walkable downtown fosters community, attracting educated professional families who expect professional service and quality workmanship that respects the community’s high standards.
Comprehensive HVAC Services
Historic Preservation Specialists
- Victorian and Early 20th Century HVAC Solutions
- Boiler Replacement & Repair (Radiator Systems Expertise)
- Ductless Mini-Split Systems (Zero Ductwork Required)
- High-Velocity Duct Systems (Minimal Invasive Installation)
Modern Home Excellence
- High-Efficiency System Installation (96–98% AFUE, 18-20+ SEER)
- Smart Home HVAC Integration
- Multi-Zone Climate Control
- Geothermal Solutions
Core Services
- High-Efficiency Furnace Installation
- Central Air Conditioning & Dehumidification Systems
- 24/7 Emergency Service
- Air Quality Solutions (HEPA, UV Light)
Deep Dive: Historic HVAC Retrofits
Adding AC and Protecting Architectural Integrity
Rochester’s historic homes require specialized techniques to add modern comfort without compromising period architecture.
Victorian and Early 20th Century AC Solutions:
Many historic homes have radiator heat, meaning traditional central air installation is highly invasive and costly. We offer preservation-conscious options:
- Ductless Mini-Splits: Ideal solution. Wall-mounted units install in key rooms with zero impact on plaster walls or woodwork, providing quiet cooling and heating.
- High-Velocity Duct Systems: Uses small 2-inch flexible ducts that can often be routed through closets and existing cavities, minimizing architectural impact when whole-home ducted cooling is desired.
Boiler Systems:
We maintain expertise in boiler systems. If your boiler is reliable, we often recommend maintaining the comfortable radiator heat and simply adding ductless cooling to preserve historic character. We provide honest assessments if a full boiler replacement (typically $8,000–$15,000) is necessary.
Sizing for High Ceilings:
Historic Rochester homes often have 9–12 foot high ceilings. Our Manual J load calculations account for this increased cubic footage, ensuring the system is properly sized to perform efficiently in period construction.
