Some calls are about equipment that has stopped entirely. The furnace will not fire. The air conditioner will not turn on. Those are urgent, and we treat them that way. Other calls are about equipment that is running but not doing what it should: a system that runs constantly without reaching the set temperature, rooms that are never quite right, or a unit that sounds different than it used to. Alternative Home Heating Co takes both kinds of calls for Perinton and handles them with the same diagnostic process, the same qualified HVAC technicians, and the same clear explanation of what we found before anything is touched.
Perinton is a city with a mix of well-established single-family homes, newer construction, and properties that have been through multiple heating and cooling systems over the years. That variety means the calls we get here range from a straightforward repair on a recently installed unit to a full system replacement on equipment that has been running since the house was built. Homeowners, property managers, and commercial building operators across the area call us when the heating or cooling situation needs attention. We handle the full scope of that work.
Call for a quote: (585) 564-9789
Property managers and landlords in Perinton deal with a layer of coordination that a homeowner does not. When a tenant reports a heating or cooling problem, the manager is the one who gets the call, arranges the visit, and handles the invoice. Tenants may or may not be home during the appointment, access to the mechanical space may require advance notice, and the repair decision often has to happen quickly because a rental unit without heat or cooling is not a livable space.
We work around that. When a property manager calls, we confirm what access is needed, what the tenant has been told, and what the timeline looks like. The invoice goes to whoever is handling the account. If a property has multiple units or multiple addresses, we can discuss how to handle recurring service across all of them. Work performed by qualified HVAC technicians is what every tenant gets, regardless of who called it in.
An air conditioner that runs without cooling is often a refrigerant, coil, or airflow problem. Low refrigerant charge, a dirty evaporator coil, or a blocked condenser can all produce the same result: the system runs, the fan moves air, but the temperature in the house does not drop. We check the refrigerant circuit, inspect and clean the coil, and evaluate the condenser and compressor before drawing a conclusion. Airflow restrictions from clogged filters or duct leakage can cause the same symptom, so we look at the whole picture rather than replacing parts until something works.
A furnace that will not light, or that lights and then shuts off quickly, usually has a problem at the ignition system or the flame sensor. A dirty or failing flame sensor is one of the most common reasons a furnace runs through its startup sequence and then shuts down before producing heat. We clean or replace the component, verify the ignition sequence, and confirm the system is running through a full cycle before leaving.
A system that runs without reaching the set temperature is wasting energy and telling you something is wrong. The cause might be refrigerant loss, a failing compressor, a duct leak sending conditioned air somewhere it is not needed, or a thermostat that is reading the space incorrectly. Zoning problems and comfort-control issues can also produce this symptom in a home where one area of the house is pulling the system harder than it was designed to handle. We diagnose the cause rather than assuming the system needs to be replaced.
Banging, rattling, squealing, and grinding each point to different components. A squealing blower motor is not the same problem as a banging heat exchanger, and neither is the same as a rattling panel cover. We identify the source of the noise, explain what it indicates, and advise on whether it is a safety concern, a wear issue, or something that can be addressed at the next scheduled visit. We'll service the system and clean up after.
A system that has been running through a long heating season benefits from a maintenance visit before the next one begins. We check refrigerant charge, clean the evaporator coil and air handler, inspect the heat exchanger, test controls, and confirm the blower is moving air correctly. Catching a worn component during a tune-up is a different situation than catching it during a no-heat call in January. Same-day scheduling for maintenance visits is often available when the calendar allows.
Standing water near an air handler or furnace is usually a condensate drainage issue. The condensate line can become clogged or disconnected, and when it does, water backs up and pools around the unit. Left unaddressed, it can cause damage to the equipment and the surrounding area. We clear the line, check the drain pan, and confirm the system is draining correctly before the visit ends. If the air handler itself is the source of the problem rather than the drain, we diagnose that separately.
Getting your comfort back is easier than you think, and part of that is knowing what the visit will cost before anyone shows up. When you call, we ask about the equipment: what type of system you have, roughly how old it is, and what it is doing or not doing. Based on that conversation, we give you a rate on the phone. The price is confirmed before the visit is scheduled, and you are told what it covers.
What changes a quote is what the job actually turns out to involve. The fault that is described on the phone and the fault that is found on the equipment are sometimes the same and sometimes different. If the scope changes during the visit, we explain the additional work and the cost before proceeding. A repair that makes financial sense on a newer system may not make the same sense on older equipment, and when that is the case, we say so plainly. You get the information you need to make the call, not a recommendation shaped by what is easier for us.
We do not offer a free inspection or a free estimate. Ask what the quote covers and you get a straight answer. We're ready to get your heating and cooling running again.
Perinton's housing stock runs across a wide range of ages and configurations. A well-maintained home with a system installed in the last several years calls for different work than a home where the furnace and air conditioner have been in place for decades and the ductwork has never been inspected. The call type matters, and so does what the property actually needs.
A repair call starts with a diagnosis. We do not replace components until we know what failed and why. An air conditioner that has stopped cooling could have a failed capacitor, a refrigerant leak, a dirty coil, or a compressor that has reached the end of its life. Each of those is a different repair with a different cost and a different conversation. We find the cause, explain it, and give you a clear picture of what fixing it involves before anything is scheduled.
A system that is running well is the best time to schedule a maintenance visit, not the worst. Pre-season tune-ups for both heating and cooling equipment catch wear before it becomes failure. For a heating system in this region, a fall inspection before the cold sets in is the most practical investment a homeowner or property manager can make. We check the components that carry the most load and confirm the system is ready for the months ahead.
When a system is old enough that repair costs are approaching replacement costs, the honest answer is to say so. We assess the equipment, explain the reasoning, and walk through the replacement options. Full HVAC system replacement, heat pump installation, and central air installation are all within scope. The service page carries the full breakdown of what each type of installation involves. System tuned. Airflow balanced. Home comfortable.
Same-day service is often available for urgent situations, including no-heat and no-cool calls. We are available every day from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. When a property has no heating at all, that call moves to the front of the schedule. We ask what the system is doing, confirm access, and work to get someone out the same day.
For properties where a tenant or a business has to stay open during the visit, we confirm the access plan before arriving. The technician works around the space rather than shutting it down. Prompt response, even for last-minute comfort calls, is how we approach every urgent situation. We treat your home the way we'd want ours treated, and that applies to commercial and rental properties as much as it does to a primary residence.
Call for same-day or emergency service: (585) 564-9789
our page on system repairs explains the range of work covered.
We serve Perinton and the surrounding communities throughout Monroe County. If you are in Fairport, East Rochester, Pittsford, or the areas near St. John Fisher College or Nazareth College, we cover your address. Coverage extends across the county, so a call from any of those communities gets the same response as a call from Perinton itself.
We'll get the job done and the system running, wherever in the area the call comes from.
Yes. A property manager, managing agent, or authorized representative can call to schedule service, request a quote, or arrange access for a technician. We work with the contact the owner designates, and we confirm who is authorizing the work when the appointment is set.
It does. Newer equipment runs more efficiently and lasts longer when it is inspected and cleaned on a regular schedule. Catching a developing issue early, before a component fails, is easier and less expensive than a repair call in the middle of a heating or cooling season. A tune-up on a newer system is an investment in keeping it newer longer.
The most common misconception is that a system running constantly is working correctly. Continuous operation often means the system is struggling to reach the set temperature, which points to a refrigerant issue, a dirty coil, duct leakage, or equipment that is undersized for the space. If the system runs without stopping and the house still is not comfortable, that is worth a call.
Yes. A tenant, a property manager, a family member, or another authorized person can be present in place of the owner. We confirm who will be on-site when the appointment is set so the technician knows who to work with on the day of the visit. The person present should be able to provide access to the equipment and answer basic questions about how the system has been behaving.
They help but are not required to get a quote started. A model number lets us confirm parts availability and gives us a clearer picture of the equipment before the visit. Photos of the installation area are useful for larger jobs like system replacement. If you have them available when you call, share them. If not, we work with what you can describe and confirm the details on-site.
A maintenance visit covers cleaning the key components, inspecting the heat exchanger or coil, checking refrigerant charge, testing the ignition system and controls, and confirming that airflow is within the right range. We also check for wear on components that are likely to fail under seasonal load. The visit ends with a clear report of what we found and any follow-up that is recommended.
Call us and describe the properties and what each one needs. We coordinate across multiple addresses and work around tenant schedules and access requirements. Invoices go to the account holder rather than to the tenant. Property managers with ongoing needs across several units can discuss how to handle recurring service when they 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.
There is no single threshold, but the comparison that matters most is the cost of the repair against the remaining useful life of the equipment and what a replacement would cost over the same period. When a system is old enough that a significant repair only buys another season or two, replacement is often the more practical answer. We assess the equipment on the visit, explain the reasoning clearly, and let you make the call with full information rather than a recommendation that benefits us either way.
Yes. Forced-air heating systems pull moisture out of indoor air, and in a region with a heating season as long as this one, that dryness accumulates over months. A whole-home humidifier installs directly on the air handler and adds moisture automatically as the furnace runs, maintaining a consistent humidity level without portable units to refill or monitor. It is one of the most practical comfort upgrades for a home that runs on forced-air heat, and installation is typically completed in a single visit.
Yes. When we install a new system, the old equipment is removed from the property. You do not need to arrange separate disposal. We confirm the removal plan when the installation is scoped so there are no loose ends after the job is done.
Yes. A whole-home humidifier installs directly on the air handler and adds moisture to the air as the furnace runs, maintaining a consistent indoor humidity level throughout the heating season. This is a common upgrade in forced-air homes where dry winter air becomes a comfort issue. We install and service whole-home humidifiers as part of our standard HVAC work.
Alternative Home Heating Co is available every day from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM for heating and cooling calls in Perinton and Monroe County. When you call, we will ask what the system is doing, what type of equipment you have, and whether the situation is urgent. From there, we give you a rate on the phone and confirm the appointment before you hang up. There is no follow-up form, no callback queue, and no waiting to find out if someone is available. Call (585) 564-9789 and we will get it scheduled.
We also take work in: Pittsford, Penfield, Brighton, Henrietta. See the whole of our area list.
We handle the full range of heating, cooling, and air quality work for Perinton 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 | Perinton-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 | Perinton-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