When a system stops working, the first question is almost always the same: can this be repaired, or does it need to come out? That answer depends on what failed, how old the equipment is, and whether the cost of putting it right makes sense against what the system has left in it. Alternative Home Heating Co works through that question on every call, and we give a straight answer before anything is scheduled.
Rochester Institute of Technology is a compact town in Monroe County, and the housing here reflects that. Homes that have been around a while, equipment that has been running for years without a proper look, and heating systems carrying the full weight of a regional winter are all part of what we see. Whether you are a homeowner dealing with a furnace that stopped overnight or a property manager trying to keep a rental unit habitable, we handle the diagnosis and the fix.
Call for a quote: (585) 564-9789
Boilers and hydronic systems heat a home differently from forced-air equipment, and they fail differently too. A boiler that is not reaching temperature, a zone that has gone cold, or a circulator pump that has stopped moving water all need a technician who understands how the whole system is connected. We diagnose and repair hydronic heating systems and address the controls and valves that keep each zone working as it should.
A sound that was not there last week is worth paying attention to. Banging, rattling, squealing, and grinding each point toward different problems: a loose blower wheel, a failing motor bearing, a heat exchanger under stress, or debris that has worked its way into the system. We run a full inspection when unusual noise is what brought us out, because the sound is usually the symptom and not the whole story.
A furnace that starts and then shuts off, or one that tries to light and never catches, is often dealing with a dirty or failing flame sensor, a faulty igniter, or a gas valve that is not opening correctly. These faults are common in equipment that has been running for years without a cleaning cycle, and they are usually repairable without replacing the whole unit. We test the ignition sequence, clean or replace the sensor, and confirm the system runs through a full cycle before we leave.
A system that kicks on, runs for a minute or two, and then shuts back down before the house reaches temperature is short cycling. The cause can be an oversized unit, a restricted heat exchanger, a dirty filter, or a control fault. Short cycling puts extra wear on the equipment and drives up energy use, so it is worth diagnosing rather than living with.
When the system runs all day and the thermostat never reaches the set point, the problem is usually one of a few things: refrigerant charge that is off, a duct leak pulling conditioned air into an unconditioned space, a heat exchanger that cannot keep up, or a system that was never sized correctly for the space. We work through each possibility and identify what is actually limiting the output.
An AC that clicks but does not run, or one that does nothing at all when the thermostat calls for cooling, usually has a diagnosable electrical or mechanical cause at the unit itself. A failed capacitor, a tripped float switch, a seized compressor, or a refrigerant leak that triggered a safety shutoff are all possibilities. We check the unit, the air handler, and the control wiring to find where the fault is before recommending a repair or a replacement.
When there is no heat in the house, we treat that as an urgent situation. Same-day service is often available for no-heat and no-cool calls, and we are available every day from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. When you call, describe what the system is doing and we will give you a rate on the phone and confirm when we can be out. We do not leave callers waiting for a callback that never comes. Prompt response, even for last-minute comfort calls, is how we operate.
Some properties cannot go offline. A rental unit with a tenant who has to stay put, a commercial space that cannot close for the day, a building where access has to be coordinated in advance: we work around all of it. Let us know the situation when you call and we will build the visit around what the property actually needs.
System tuned. Airflow balanced. Home comfortable.
Most calls start with something the customer noticed: a noise, a smell, a room that would not warm up, or a system that simply stopped. A diagnostic visit covers the full picture, not just the symptom that was described on the phone. Work performed by qualified HVAC technicians means the inspection is thorough, and the explanation of what was found is clear before any repair is approved.
A system that is running does not mean a system that is running well. Pre-season tune-ups are one of the most useful things a property owner in this region can schedule, because the problems that cause mid-winter failures are usually detectable weeks before they happen. A maintenance visit covers cleaning, testing, and a close look at the components that wear first. We'll service the system and clean up after.
Some systems reach a point where the repair cost, the age of the equipment, and the efficiency gap between the old unit and a new one all point the same direction. When replacement is the right answer, we say so and explain why. A full system replacement is scoped before anything is scheduled, and the price is confirmed before work begins. The service page carries the full breakdown of what a replacement involves.
When you call, you get a rate on the phone based on what you describe. The price is confirmed before the visit is scheduled, and you are told what it covers. What moves a quote is what the job actually turns out to involve: the nature of the fault, whether the equipment is accessible, and whether a repair is the right answer or whether a replacement conversation is where it ends up.
The most useful information is what the system is doing, roughly how old it is, and what type of equipment you have. For a repair call, describe the symptom as specifically as you can. For an installation or replacement, knowing the size of the space and whether ductwork is already in place helps us give you a more accurate estimate on the phone. We do not charge for explaining what a job involves. We're ready to get your heating and cooling running again.
Property managers and landlords working with rental units in Rochester Institute of Technology often need the repair handled quickly and the paperwork sorted just as cleanly. When you call about a managed property, tell us who has access, whether the tenant needs to be notified in advance, and who the invoice should go to. We coordinate with whoever is on site and confirm access arrangements before the visit, so the technician is not standing at a locked door.
Invoicing goes to whoever is responsible for the property, and the scope of the work is documented so there are no questions afterward about what was done. We stand behind every system we service, and that applies to managed properties the same as it does to owner-occupied homes.
the furnace and AC page is where the process is written out.
Older homes in this part of Monroe County often have equipment that has been running well past the point where parts are easy to find. A furnace that is still technically working but running on a cracked heat exchanger, ductwork that was sized for a floor plan that no longer exists, or an addition that was never properly connected to the central system: these are the situations where a straightforward repair call turns into a longer conversation.
We treat your home the way we'd want ours treated, and that means telling you when the honest answer is that the repair is not worth doing. If the equipment is at the end of its useful life, we explain what a replacement involves and what the options are. If the ductwork is the real problem, we say so rather than replacing a unit that would still underperform in a leaking system. Indoor air quality and overall system efficiency both depend on getting that assessment right.
Older systems also tend to have controls and thermostats that do not communicate well with modern equipment. A smart thermostat upgrade can improve how the system runs without touching the equipment itself, and it is often the right first step before a larger conversation about replacement.
We cover Rochester Institute of Technology and the surrounding communities throughout Monroe County. If you are in Henrietta, Chili, Gates, Brighton, or Scottsville, we handle HVAC work there too. The same response, the same diagnostic approach, and the same pricing process apply across the whole area we serve.
From aging systems to brand-new installs, the work is the same regardless of which community the property is in. Call for a quote and we will confirm availability for your address.
Property managers and landlords with multiple addresses can call to discuss how billing is handled across properties. We work with customers who manage several units and can discuss how service records and invoicing are organized across addresses. Call (585) 564-9789 to talk through what makes sense for your situation.
Ask what size system is recommended and why, what the installation involves, how long the job is expected to take, and what happens to the old equipment. Ask whether the existing ductwork is compatible with the new system or whether any duct work is part of the scope. Getting clear answers to those questions before you agree puts you in a better position to evaluate the proposal.
Coverage depends on the address, not whether the land is incorporated. Call us at (585) 564-9789 with the property address and we confirm whether it falls within the area we serve. Rural properties and parcels without a municipality attached are often within range, and we tell you on the call.
Replacing the air filter on a regular schedule is the most effective thing a homeowner can do between visits. A clogged filter restricts airflow and forces the system to work harder, which accelerates wear on components. Beyond filter changes, we recommend leaving the mechanical side of the system to qualified technicians.
Yes, and it matters more than most people expect. Equipment that is too large for the space short cycles and wears out faster. Equipment that is undersized runs constantly and never catches up. When we scope a replacement or a new installation, we account for the square footage, the insulation quality, the window area, and the existing ductwork before recommending a unit size. Getting that calculation right is part of what the installation involves.
Same-day service is often available for no-heat situations, including rental properties. Call us at (585) 564-9789, describe the system and the access situation, and we will give you a rate on the phone and confirm when we can get there. We work around tenant schedules and coordinate access in advance so the visit goes smoothly for everyone involved.
Yes. If your schedule changes, call us as soon as possible so we can adjust. The more notice we have, the easier it is to find an alternative date that works for both sides. Call (585) 564-9789 to make any changes to a scheduled installation.
Most residential HVAC replacements are completed in a single day. The timeline depends on the complexity of the installation, whether any duct modifications are needed, and the accessibility of the equipment locations. We confirm the expected duration when the job is scoped so you can plan your day accordingly.
Alternative Home Heating Co handles the full range of heating and cooling work for Rochester Institute of Technology and the surrounding area. Whether the furnace has stopped, the AC will not start, or the system is running but not doing its job, we will come out, diagnose it properly, and tell you exactly what it needs.
Quick to arrive. Careful with your home. Tidy when we leave.
Call (585) 564-9789 to get a quote. We are available every day from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
We also take work in: Henrietta, Chili, Gates, Brighton. See the whole of our area list.
We handle the full range of heating, cooling, and air quality work for Rochester Institute of Technology and Monroe County homes and businesses. Whether you need a quick repair, a seasonal tune-up, or a full system replacement, the table below covers what each service includes, who it fits best, and what is worth knowing before you call. Every job is handled by qualified HVAC technicians, and we confirm pricing before anything is scheduled.
| System Service | What It Covers | Best Suited For | Good to Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Furnace Repair & Replacement | full furnace diagnosiscomponent-level repairreplacement planning and installpost-installation system check | Monroe County homeowners with a furnace that has stopped working, is heating inconsistently, or is approaching the end of its useful life | Gas and propane forced-air furnaces are the dominant heating source in this area. When repair does not make sense, we give you an honest read on replacement before anything is decided. |
| Cold-Climate Heat Pump Installation | cold-climate unit selection and sizingoutdoor and indoor unit installationbackup system integrationperformance verification at low temperatures | Homeowners considering a switch from a traditional furnace-and-AC setup to a single system that handles both seasons | Modern cold-climate heat pumps operate effectively down to -15 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes them a practical option for upstate New York in a way older technology was not. |
| Thermostat & Smart-Control Installation | thermostat replacementsmart thermostat setup and schedulingzoning control installationsystem communication testing | Homeowners with an outdated thermostat, comfort complaints that trace to controls, or interest in remote scheduling | A thermostat that reads incorrectly or fails to communicate with the system can mimic equipment failure. We check the controls before assuming the unit is at fault. |
| Heating & Furnace Repair | no-heat diagnosisburner and ignition inspectionheat exchanger checkblower motor evaluation | Any household or building that has lost heat or is heating unevenly, especially during a Monroe County winter | A no-heat call in January is an urgent situation and we treat it that way. Same-day service is often available for heating emergencies. |
| Seasonal Maintenance & Tune-Ups | coil cleaningrefrigerant charge checkheat exchanger inspectioncontrols and safety testing | Any homeowner who wants to catch a failing component before it becomes an emergency call | Fall is the right time for a heating tune-up and spring is the right time for AC. Scheduling before the busy season means faster appointments and fewer surprises. |
| Heat Pump Repair & Service | refrigerant circuit inspectionreversing valve checkair handler evaluationcontrols and thermostat testing | Homes or businesses with a heat pump that is not heating, not cooling, or cycling incorrectly | Heat pumps handle both seasons from one system. A problem in winter often traces to the reversing valve or refrigerant charge, both of which we check on every visit. |
| Indoor Air Quality & Air Filtration | air filtration system installationair purifier installationwhole-home humidifier installationsystem integration and testing | Households concerned about allergens, airborne particulates, or dry indoor air during the heating season | Rochester Institute of Technology-area homes running forced-air heat for six or more months a year benefit significantly from a whole-home humidifier. We install equipment that works with your existing system. |
| Ductwork Repair & Sealing | duct inspection and leak locationdisconnected section repairsealing and insulationairflow balancing | Homes with uneven temperatures, high energy bills, or a system that runs longer than it should | Leaking ductwork wastes conditioned air before it reaches the rooms that need it. Fixing the ducts is almost always less expensive than replacing the equipment. |
| Emergency HVAC Service | same-day heating and cooling responseno-heat and no-cool diagnosisurgent repair or temporary stabilization | Any situation where the system is completely down and waiting until a regular appointment is not a reasonable option | We are available every day from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Same-day appointments are often available for urgent calls during those hours. |
| Full System Installation & ReplacementMost Popular | equipment sizing and selectionremoval of existing unitnew system installationpost-install performance testing | Homeowners whose current system is aging, inefficient, or facing a repair that does not make financial sense | We walk through the options and confirm the price before anything is scheduled. Most residential replacements are completed in a single day. |
| Whole-Home Humidifier Installation | humidifier selection and sizingair handler integrationhumidity control setupinstallation typically completed in one visit | Rochester Institute of Technology-area homeowners dealing with dry skin, static electricity, or wood damage caused by low indoor humidity during the heating season | A whole-home humidifier treats the entire house automatically without refilling a tank. It connects directly to the forced-air system and maintains a consistent humidity level all winter. |
| AC Repair & Service | refrigerant and leak diagnosiscondenser and compressor inspectionevaporator coil cleaningsystem performance testing | Homeowners or businesses dealing with warm air, weak airflow, or a unit that shuts down unexpectedly | Most AC problems have a single clear cause. We diagnose before any repair begins so you know exactly what failed and what it costs to fix. |
Call us at (585) 564-9789 to talk through your heating or cooling situation and get a clear price before anything is scheduled.
(585) 564-9789