Alternative Home Heating Co is the HVAC contractor Greece and Monroe County residents and businesses call when they need heating, cooling, or air quality work done right. We handle everything from a furnace that stops working on a January night to a full central air installation before summer arrives. Residential homeowners, commercial property managers, landlords, and business owners all get the same straightforward service: a real assessment, a clear price, and work performed by qualified HVAC technicians.
Our scope covers heating and furnace repair, AC service and installation, heat pump systems, ductwork, thermostats and smart controls, indoor air quality, seasonal maintenance, and emergency response. System tuned. Airflow balanced. Home comfortable.
Call for a quote: (585) 564-9789
From aging systems to brand-new installs, we cover the full range of residential and commercial HVAC work in Greece and the surrounding Monroe County area. Whether you manage a single-family home, a rental property, a multi-unit building, or a commercial space, the heating and cooling needs are real and the stakes are the same: a comfortable interior, a system that runs reliably, and a contractor who shows up and handles it.
The everyday service list covers AC repair and service, heating and furnace repair, heat pump service, full system installation and replacement, thermostat and smart-control work, ductwork repair and sealing, indoor air quality and filtration, seasonal maintenance, and emergency response when the system goes down at the worst possible time. We'll get the job done and the system running.
Getting your comfort back is easier than you think. When the air conditioner stops cooling, blows warm air, or shuts down entirely, the fix usually starts with a thorough diagnosis. We check refrigerant levels and look for leak points, inspect the condenser and compressor, clean the evaporator coil, and work through the system until we find what failed. Most problems have a clear cause, and we explain what it is before any work begins.
Beyond repair, we handle AC tune-ups, seasonal maintenance inspections, and full air conditioning replacement when a system has reached the end of its useful life. If you are adding cooling to a space that has no existing ductwork, a ductless mini-split is often the most practical path. We install and service mini-split systems alongside central air, so the right solution depends on the space, not on what we happen to carry.
The cooling season in the Greece area is shorter than the heating season, but a breakdown in July is still a breakdown. We're ready to get your heating and cooling running again.
Your time matters, so we keep the HVAC job moving, especially when there is no heat in the house and the temperature outside is well below freezing. A no-heat call in Monroe County is an urgent situation, and we treat it that way. When a furnace stops working or stops heating properly, we diagnose the problem, explain the options, and get to work.
A furnace service call covers the heat exchanger, burners, ignition system, blower motor, and controls. If the repair is straightforward, we handle it the same visit. If the system is older and the repair cost approaches the value of the equipment, we give you an honest read on whether replacement makes more sense. A new furnace installation is a significant investment, and we make sure you understand what you are getting before anything is scheduled.
Pre-season furnace inspections and heating tune-ups are available for customers who want to avoid the mid-winter emergency call. Catching a failing component in October is a much better situation than catching it in February. We'll service the system and clean up after.
Heat pumps handle both heating and cooling from a single system, which makes them a practical choice for homeowners who want to simplify their setup or reduce dependence on fuel. When a heat pump stops heating, stops cooling, or cycles incorrectly, the diagnosis follows the same careful process we apply to any system: check the refrigerant circuit, inspect the reversing valve, evaluate the air handler, and confirm the controls are reading correctly.
We service and repair central heat pump systems as well as ductless mini-split heat pumps. If a system has reached the end of its life or a customer is considering switching from a traditional furnace-and-AC setup to a heat pump, we can walk through the options and explain what the installation involves. Mini-split heat pump installation is also available for additions, converted spaces, or any area of the home that the central system does not reach well.
Leaking or poorly connected ductwork wastes conditioned air before it reaches the rooms that need it. The result is uneven temperatures, higher energy use, and a system that runs longer than it should. We inspect ductwork, locate leaks and disconnected sections, and seal or repair what we find. Airflow problems that seem like equipment failures are often a duct issue, and fixing the duct is almost always less expensive than replacing the unit.
A thermostat that is not reading correctly, not communicating with the system, or simply outdated can throw off comfort in ways that are hard to diagnose without looking at the controls first. We install and replace thermostats, including smart thermostat models that allow scheduling and remote adjustment. For homes or buildings with more complex comfort needs, zoning controls can direct heating and cooling to specific areas rather than treating the whole structure as a single zone.
You shouldn't have to chase a contractor for answers, and you should not have to wonder what is circulating through your home's air. We install air filtration systems and air purifiers that work with the existing HVAC equipment to reduce particulates, allergens, and airborne contaminants. For Greece-area homes that run forced-air heat through a long winter, humidifier installation is one of the most effective comfort upgrades available. We stand behind every system we service, and that includes the air quality equipment we put in. We'll service the system and clean up after.
From aging systems to brand-new installs, every piece of HVAC equipment benefits from a scheduled tune-up before the season it works hardest. A fall heating tune-up covers the furnace or heat pump before the cold sets in. A spring AC inspection gets the cooling system ready before the first hot stretch of the year. We check refrigerant charge, clean coils, test controls, inspect the heat exchanger, and confirm that everything is operating within the right parameters.
Preventive maintenance reduces the likelihood of an emergency call and extends the useful life of the equipment. Work performed by qualified HVAC technicians on a regular schedule is the most reliable way to keep a system running efficiently year after year. If something is wearing out, we identify it during the tune-up rather than after it fails.
When the system goes down, call us. We handle emergency heating repair, emergency AC repair, and same-day HVAC service for urgent situations in Greece and the surrounding area. No-heat calls in the middle of a Monroe County winter and no-cool calls during a summer heat stretch both qualify as situations that need attention today, not next week.
We are available every day from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. If you call during those hours, we work to get someone out as soon as possible. Same-day appointments are often available for emergency calls. Prompt response, even for last-minute comfort calls, is how we operate. Arrives fast. Repairs it right. Priced fair.
Call for a quote on emergency service: (585) 564-9789
Greece sits on the southern shore of Lake Ontario, and the winters here are serious. Sub-freezing temperatures, lake-effect snow, and a heating season that stretches from October into April define the climate. Summers are warm but short. That climate shapes which HVAC services matter most in this area, and the three services below come up more often here than almost anywhere else.
Gas and propane forced-air furnaces are the dominant heating source in Monroe County homes, and when one fails in January, there is no comfortable way to wait it out. We handle furnace repair for systems of all ages and configurations. When a repair is the right call, we make it. When the equipment is old, inefficient, or facing a repair that does not pencil out, we explain what a replacement involves and help the customer make the call that fits their situation. A reliable furnace is not optional here.
Modern cold-climate heat pumps are rated to operate effectively at temperatures as low as -15 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes them a viable heating source in upstate New York in a way that older heat pump technology was not. Customers considering a switch from a traditional system often have questions about how a heat pump performs in deep cold, how it pairs with an existing backup system, and what incentive programs are currently available in New York State. We install cold-climate heat pump systems and walk customers through the specifics before anything is scheduled. This is one of the fastest-growing upgrade categories in the region, and for good reason.
Forced-air heating pulls moisture out of the indoor air. In a Greece-area home running the furnace from October through April, that dryness becomes a real comfort and health issue: dry skin, irritated sinuses, static electricity, and wood that shrinks and cracks. A portable humidifier handles one room. A whole-home humidifier installed on the air handler treats the entire house automatically, maintaining a consistent humidity level without the need to refill a tank or monitor a separate device. Installation connects to the existing forced-air system and is typically completed in a single visit. We treat your home the way we'd want ours treated. We're ready to get your heating and cooling running again.
You shouldn't have to chase a contractor for answers about what a job is going to cost. When you call, we give you a rate on the phone based on what you describe. The price is confirmed before anything is scheduled, and we explain what it covers. There are no figures we can promise in advance for every situation, because every system and every job is different, but we do not leave customers guessing.
Whether you are asking about a furnace repair, a full system replacement, a heat pump installation, or a seasonal tune-up, the process is the same: call, describe the situation, get a clear estimate, and decide from there. We'll get the job done and the system running.
Greece is our primary service area, and we work across Monroe County for both residential and commercial customers. Nearby communities we serve regularly include Spencerport, Brockport, Hilton, Ogden, Gates, and Chili. If you are searching for an HVAC contractor near you in this part of western New York, we cover the area.
Homeowners, rental property owners, property managers, and commercial customers across the region all get the same service: a real assessment, a fair price, and qualified technicians handling the work.
If the heat is out, close off unused rooms to retain warmth in the main living areas and avoid using portable heating sources that are not designed for indoor use. If the AC has failed during a heat advisory, keep shades drawn on sun-facing windows and stay hydrated. Do not attempt to reset a tripped system repeatedly if it keeps shutting off, as that can indicate a safety issue. Call us at (585) 564-9789 and we will advise on anything specific to your situation while you wait.
Clear a path to the furnace and the air handler so the technician can work without moving furniture or navigating obstacles. If the furnace is in a utility room or closet, make sure the area around it is accessible. For a full replacement, the technician will need clear access to both the indoor unit and the outdoor equipment. Letting us know about any access considerations when you call helps us plan the visit.
Yes. Keeping children and pets out of the work area is the safest approach for everyone. Technicians work with tools, refrigerant lines, and electrical components at the unit, and an unexpected distraction can slow the job or create a hazard. The technician will let you know when the work area is clear and it is safe to return to the space.
A technician evaluates both the equipment and the airflow through the system before concluding where the problem originates. If the unit is producing conditioned air but it is not reaching certain rooms, ductwork leakage or disconnection is often the cause. If the unit itself is not producing the right output, the diagnosis focuses on the mechanical and refrigerant components. Both issues can exist at the same time, and we check for each independently.
Uneven temperatures usually point to a duct issue, an airflow imbalance, or a zone problem rather than a failure of the main unit. Leaking or undersized ducts, blocked registers, or a system that was never balanced correctly for the home's layout are common causes. In some cases, a ductless mini-split for that specific area is a more practical solution than trying to force the central system to compensate. A technician can assess the situation and explain what the fix actually involves.
A frozen coil usually shows up as weak or no airflow from the vents, warm air coming from a system that is running, or ice visible on the refrigerant line near the air handler. Common causes include a dirty air filter restricting airflow, low refrigerant charge, or a blower motor that is not moving enough air across the coil. Running the system with a frozen coil can damage the compressor, so it is worth turning the system off and calling for a diagnosis rather than waiting it out.
A system that is losing efficiency runs longer to reach the set temperature, which drives up energy use even if the comfort level in the home does not change noticeably. Refrigerant leaks, dirty coils, a failing blower motor, and duct leakage all reduce how effectively the system moves conditioned air. A tune-up or a diagnostic visit often identifies the specific cause, and correcting it can bring energy use back in line without replacing the whole system.
Older homes in Monroe County frequently have undersized or deteriorating ductwork, dated thermostats that do not communicate well with modern equipment, and furnaces or AC units that have been running well past their efficient service life. Drafts, uneven temperatures from room to room, and systems that run constantly without reaching the set temperature are all common complaints. In many cases, a duct inspection and a thermostat upgrade address a significant portion of the comfort problem before any equipment replacement is needed.
After a repair or installation, the technician runs the system through a full cycle to confirm it is operating correctly. For a furnace repair, that means verifying ignition, heat output, and blower function. For an AC or heat pump, it means confirming refrigerant pressure, airflow, and the thermostat response. If anything is not reading correctly after the work is done, it is addressed before the visit ends.
Yes. At the end of the visit, you receive documentation of what was found and what was done. This gives you a record of the repair or service for your own files and is useful if the system needs follow-up work later. If you have questions about what the invoice covers, ask the technician before they leave.
Outdoor unit work, including condenser installation and heat pump placement, is affected by conditions that make safe operation of equipment difficult. Technicians confirm site conditions before beginning outdoor work. For heat pump installations, the outdoor unit location is selected with winter performance in mind, including clearance for snow accumulation and airflow around the unit. We confirm the installation plan with you before the scheduled date.
Alternative Home Heating Co handles the full range of heating, cooling, ductwork, and air quality work for Greece and Monroe County customers. From a furnace repair on a cold morning to a new heat pump installation or a whole-home humidifier, we are available every day from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM to take your call.
Same-day service is often available for urgent situations. Call for a quote and we will confirm pricing before anything is scheduled.
Call now: (585) 564-9789
Quick to arrive. Careful with your home. Tidy when we leave.
We handle the full range of heating, cooling, and air quality work for Greece 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 | Greece-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 | Greece-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. |
How often should I schedule a maintenance tune-up for my HVAC system?
Most systems benefit from two tune-ups per year: one in the fall before the heating season and one in the spring before the cooling season. A heating tune-up covers the furnace or heat pump, the heat exchanger, burners, and controls. A spring AC inspection checks refrigerant charge, coil condition, and airflow. Staying on that schedule means we catch a worn component during a planned visit rather than during a no-heat call in February.
What are the signs that my furnace or AC is nearing the end of its useful life?
Common signs include a system that runs constantly without reaching the set temperature, energy bills that keep climbing without a change in usage, uneven heating or cooling across rooms, and repair calls that are happening more frequently. Age matters too. When repair costs start approaching a significant portion of replacement cost, we give you a straightforward read on whether the math favors fixing or replacing. That conversation happens before any work is scheduled.
What does a refrigerant or airflow problem actually look like from inside the house?
Low refrigerant often shows up as warm air coming from vents even though the system is running, ice forming on the refrigerant line near the air handler, or the system running much longer than usual without cooling the space. An airflow problem usually appears as weak output from certain vents, rooms that never reach the right temperature, or a system that short-cycles. Both issues can exist at the same time, and we evaluate both during a diagnostic visit.
Diagnosis Explained Before Any Repair
We tell you what we found and what it costs to fix before any work begins. You get a clear explanation of the problem and a confirmed price, then you decide.
How do duct leaks affect energy bills and comfort?
When ducts leak, conditioned air escapes into unconditioned spaces like attics, crawl spaces, or wall cavities before it reaches the rooms you are trying to heat or cool. The system compensates by running longer, which drives up energy use. The result is higher bills and rooms that never quite reach the set temperature. Sealing the leaks corrects both problems and is usually less expensive than replacing the equipment that is working harder to compensate.
Do I need to be home when the technician comes out?
For most work, yes. The technician needs access to the equipment, and for a repair or installation, someone should be available to review the findings and confirm the work before it begins. If access to the outdoor unit is straightforward and the indoor equipment is in a common area of the building, some situations allow for flexibility. When you call, let us know your access situation and we can confirm what the visit requires.
What does a thermostat or smart-control upgrade actually involve?
A thermostat replacement is usually a straightforward visit. We remove the old unit, confirm the wiring is compatible, install the new thermostat, and test that it communicates correctly with the heating and cooling equipment. For a smart thermostat, we also walk through the scheduling and remote-access features so you know how to use what was installed. If the existing wiring does not support a particular model, we identify that before the install and let you know what the options are.
Work Performed by Qualified HVAC Technicians
Every heating, cooling, and air quality job is handled by qualified HVAC technicians who know this equipment and this climate. We stand behind every system we service.
How does a cold-climate heat pump perform during a Monroe County winter?
Modern cold-climate heat pump models are rated to operate at temperatures as low as -15 degrees Fahrenheit, which covers the range Greece and the surrounding area typically sees even in a hard winter. Older heat pump technology lost efficiency well before that point, which is why heat pumps had a poor reputation in upstate New York for a long time. Current equipment has changed that picture significantly. We walk through how a specific system performs at low temperatures before any installation is planned.
What causes a system to short-cycle, and is it a problem?
Short-cycling means the system turns on, runs briefly, shuts off, and then starts again quickly rather than completing a full heating or cooling cycle. Common causes include an oversized system that cools or heats too fast for the space, a refrigerant problem, a dirty filter restricting airflow, or a controls issue. Short-cycling puts extra wear on the compressor and blower motor and should be diagnosed rather than ignored. A technician can identify the cause and explain what correcting it involves.
Clean and Respectful Workmanship
We treat your home the way we would want ours treated. That means protecting the work area, keeping the job moving, and leaving the space clean when we are done.
How does indoor humidity affect comfort during the heating season in Greece?
Forced-air heating pulls moisture out of the indoor air, and in a home running the furnace from October through April, that dryness adds up. Low humidity causes dry skin, irritated sinuses, static electricity, and wood that shrinks and cracks over time. A whole-home humidifier installed on the air handler addresses all of that automatically by maintaining a consistent humidity level throughout the house. It is one of the most practical comfort upgrades for this area, and installation typically takes a single visit.
Is it worth repairing an older HVAC system, or should I replace it?
The answer depends on the age of the equipment, the cost of the repair, and how the system has been performing overall. A relatively minor repair on a system that is otherwise running well is usually worth doing. When the repair cost is high relative to the value of the equipment, or when the system has been needing attention repeatedly over a short period, replacement often makes more financial sense over time. We give you both numbers and let you make the call. There is no pressure either way.
What strange noises from an HVAC unit are worth calling about?
Banging or clanking usually points to a loose or broken component inside the unit, such as a blower wheel or motor mount. Squealing often indicates a belt or bearing issue. Rattling can be as simple as a loose panel or as significant as debris in the system. A persistent clicking that does not stop after startup may indicate a failing relay or control board. Any noise that is new, loud, or getting worse is worth a call. Running a system that is signaling a mechanical problem can turn a repair into a replacement.
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