When a heating or cooling system stops working, the first question is usually the same: is this something that can be fixed today, or is it something bigger? That uncertainty is uncomfortable on its own, and it gets worse when the temperature outside is not cooperating. Alternative Home Heating Co handles the full range of HVAC work for Pittsford homes and businesses, from a furnace that will not ignite on a cold morning to a heat pump installation that changes how a property handles the whole heating season. Work is performed by qualified HVAC technicians, and every visit starts with a clear picture of what is wrong before anything is scheduled or spent.
Pittsford has a mix of established single-family homes, older construction with systems that have been running for years, and properties where the ductwork or equipment has never quite caught up with how the space is used. That mix shapes the calls we get. A homeowner whose furnace is short-cycling has a different problem than a property manager whose rental unit has no heat at all, and we approach each one from where the customer actually is, not from a standard script. We're ready to get your heating and cooling running again.
Scheduling is straightforward. Call (585) 564-9789, describe what the system is doing, and we confirm a rate on the phone before anything is booked. Same-day appointments are often available, especially for urgent situations. We are available every day from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, including weekends, so a problem that shows up on a Saturday morning does not have to wait until Monday.
For no-heat calls, we treat the situation as urgent and work to get a technician out as soon as the schedule allows. Prompt response, even for last-minute comfort calls, is how we operate. If a furnace fails overnight and you call when we open, we aim to have someone out the same day. We will service the system and clean up after.
When a rental unit is involved, or a business that has to stay open during the visit, we work around the people who are there. That means confirming who needs to be contacted, how access is arranged, and what the space needs to keep functioning while the work is underway. We treat your home the way we'd want ours treated, and that applies to tenants and commercial spaces just the same.
One call is rarely like another. Older homes often have equipment that has been running well past its expected service life, ductwork that was never quite right for the layout, or a thermostat that is not communicating clearly with the system. Newer construction can have its own issues: systems that were sized or configured for a different load, or controls that need to be set up correctly to do what the homeowner expects. Here is how the work tends to divide.
When something stops working or starts behaving differently, the first step is understanding why. A furnace that short-cycles, an AC that blows warm air, a heat pump that runs constantly without reaching the set temperature: each of those has a diagnosable cause. We check the components, identify what failed, and explain what the repair involves before we proceed. The service page carries the full breakdown of what a diagnostic visit covers.
A system that is working now can stop working at the worst possible time if it is not looked at regularly. A fall heating tune-up and a spring cooling inspection catch failing components, dirty coils, and refrigerant issues before they become emergency calls. For Pittsford properties with forced-air heating, that pre-season check is especially worth doing: a long regional heating season puts real wear on equipment, and a problem found in October is a much easier situation than the same problem found in January.
When the cost of a repair approaches the value of the equipment, or when a system has become genuinely inefficient, replacement is often the better answer. We scope the job, explain the options, and confirm pricing before anything is scheduled. A full system replacement covers the equipment, the installation, and any adjustments to the ductwork or controls needed to make the new system perform correctly. We stand behind every system we service.
Property managers and landlords handling Pittsford rentals deal with a version of this work that has an extra layer: the person who lives in the space is not the one paying the invoice, and both of them need to know what is happening. We handle that coordination without making it complicated. When you call, tell us the situation, and we will confirm who needs to be reached for access, what the tenant should expect, and how the visit will be documented.
For managers handling multiple properties across Monroe County, we can work through a service schedule that fits the portfolio. Invoicing goes to whoever is responsible for the property, and we keep the communication clear on both sides. Your time matters, so we keep the HVAC job moving and do not leave anyone waiting for an update.
A few things are worth checking before the call, because they turn out to be the whole problem often enough to be worth mentioning. Start with the thermostat: confirm it is set to the right mode, that the temperature setting is actually calling for heat or cool, and that the batteries are not dead. A thermostat that has lost power or been bumped to the wrong mode looks like a system failure from every other part of the house.
Next, check the air filter. A filter that is completely blocked can cause a system to shut down on a safety limit, and replacing it sometimes brings the system back without any other intervention. Look for the power switch near the air handler or furnace, which is often a standard light switch mounted on the wall nearby. Confirm it has not been switched off accidentally. If the system has a circuit that has tripped, reset it once. If it trips again, stop and call: a breaker that keeps tripping is telling you something.
If none of those resolve it, call (585) 564-9789 and describe what you are seeing. We will advise on anything else worth checking before we schedule the visit.
The rate is confirmed on the phone based on what you describe. Before anything is scheduled, the scope is explained and the price is agreed. What moves a quote is what the fault actually turns out to be, what has to be accessed or replaced to fix it, and whether a repair or a full replacement is the right answer once a technician has had a look.
A straightforward repair call, a full system replacement, and a heat pump installation are three different conversations, and the price for each reflects what the job actually involves. We do not leave customers with a number that changes after the visit starts. Ask what the estimate covers and you will get a straight answer. If the scope changes during the visit because something unexpected is found, we explain it before proceeding.
From aging systems to brand-new installs, the pricing process is the same: call, describe the situation, get a clear figure, and decide from there.
There is more on the page on cooling and heating.
A burning smell at startup is sometimes dust burning off a heat exchanger that has not run in months. That is usually harmless and clears quickly. A smell that persists, or one that is sharper and more chemical, points to something that needs a diagnosis before the system runs further. A musty smell often means moisture in the ductwork or on the evaporator coil, which can affect indoor air quality across the whole home. Either situation is worth calling about rather than waiting out.
Older Pittsford homes sometimes heat with hot-water boilers and baseboard radiators rather than forced air. We service and repair hydronic heating systems, including diagnosing circulation problems, pressure issues, and zones that are not heating correctly. A boiler that heats the living space is HVAC work, and we handle it the same way we handle any other heating system: diagnosis first, clear explanation, then repair or replacement depending on what the system needs.
A tune-up is not just a cleaning. It is a systematic check of the components most likely to cause a problem: the heat exchanger, the burners or refrigerant circuit, the blower or air handler, the controls, and the filter system. For properties that run forced-air heat through a long regional winter, getting that check done before the season starts is the most reliable way to avoid an emergency call when temperatures drop. We schedule maintenance visits for both residential and commercial customers across Pittsford and the surrounding area.
Standard HVAC filters catch large particles but miss the finer contaminants that circulate through a duct system. Whole-home air filtration systems and UV air purifiers integrate directly with the existing equipment and treat the air on every pass. For homes running forced-air heat through a long heating season, indoor air quality becomes a real comfort factor, especially when windows stay closed for months. We install and service air quality equipment alongside the rest of the HVAC system.
The evaporator coil sits inside the air handler and is responsible for pulling heat out of the air during a cooling cycle. When it gets dirty or iced over, the system loses efficiency and can stop cooling entirely. A frozen coil is often a symptom of another problem, such as low refrigerant or restricted airflow, and cleaning alone does not fix the underlying cause. We diagnose what led to the coil problem and address it, not just the coil itself.
We handle heating and cooling work throughout Pittsford and the communities nearby. That includes East Rochester, Fairport, Brighton, and the areas around Nazareth College and St. John Fisher College. Monroe County customers across the region get the same service: a clear assessment, a confirmed price, and work performed by qualified technicians who know the equipment.
System tuned. Airflow balanced. Home comfortable.
Call (585) 564-9789 to schedule service or request a quote for any property in or around Pittsford.
In most cases, yes. Duct sealing is typically done from inside the duct system or at accessible joints and connections in the attic, basement, or mechanical room. We assess the ductwork and explain what can be addressed without demolition before any work is scheduled.
It can, depending on the scope of the work and the layout of the property. A single-day installation in a unit with good access is generally manageable around a tenant's schedule. We discuss the logistics with the property manager or owner when the job is scoped, so access, timing, and any disruption to the tenant are factored in before the installation date is set.
Yes. A complete service visit looks at both the indoor air handler or furnace and the outdoor condenser or heat pump unit. The two sides of the system work together, and a problem in one often shows up as a symptom in the other. We inspect both as part of a standard diagnostic or maintenance visit.
In most cases, yes. Whole-home air filtration systems and air purifiers are designed to integrate with existing forced-air equipment. The feasibility depends on the configuration of the air handler and the ductwork, which we assess before recommending a specific approach. Call us to describe your current setup and we can advise on what fits.
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.
Have the tenant check the thermostat setting and confirm it is calling for heat, then check the filter and the power switch near the furnace or air handler. If those are clear and the system still will not run, call us at (585) 564-9789 and we will work to schedule a same-day visit. We are available every day from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and we can coordinate access and communication with whoever is on site.
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.
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.
Older homes in this area often have ductwork that was sized for original equipment and may not match what is running today, along with thermostats and controls that predate current systems. That combination can cause comfort problems that look like equipment failures but are actually configuration or airflow issues. A diagnostic visit identifies which part of the system is actually causing the problem, so the repair or upgrade targets the right thing.
A system that is not used for an extended period can develop issues when it is brought back online, particularly if it sat through a full heating or cooling season without running. A startup inspection before the season the property is occupied again is a practical step. We can also advise on what settings or precautions make sense for the off-season period when you call.
The most useful thing a technician can tell you is whether a repair makes sense or whether the money is better spent on a replacement. That answer is not available until someone has actually looked at the system. Alternative Home Heating Co takes calls every day from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM for Pittsford and the surrounding Monroe County area. Call (585) 564-9789 and we will confirm pricing before anything is scheduled.
We also take work in: Brighton, Perinton, Penfield. See the whole of our area list.
We handle the full range of heating, cooling, and air quality work for Pittsford 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 | Pittsford-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 | Pittsford-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