Preserve Your Eichler Home with Ductless HVAC: Embracing Modern Comfort in Mid-Century Marvels

Eichler homes, with their distinctive mid-century modern architecture, are treasures of design, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living spaces. With their distinctive mid-century modern design, these architectural gems have become icons in neighborhoods like Palo Alto and San Mateo. Known for their floor-to-ceiling windows, open floor plans, and post-and-beam construction, Eichler homes offer a unique living experience emphasizing simplicity and functionality.

However, preserving the architectural integrity of an Eichler home while ensuring it meets modern comfort standards can be a challenge, especially when it comes to heating and cooling. This is where ductless HVAC systems come into play, offering an innovative solution that aligns perfectly with the Eichler way of living.

The Challenge of Heating and Cooling Eichler Homes

One of the primary challenges of maintaining an Eichler home is installing an efficient heating and cooling system without compromising its architectural integrity. Traditional ducted HVAC systems can be invasive, requiring extensive modifications that can disrupt the clean lines and open spaces characteristic of these homes. Moreover, the original radiant heating systems, while innovative at the time, often fall short of modern efficiency and comfort standards.

The Ductless HVAC Solution

Ductless HVAC systems or mini-split systems, present an ideal solution for Eichler homes. These systems consist of an outdoor compressor unit and one or more indoor air handling units, connected by a small conduit. Here’s why ductless HVAC is a perfect fit for Eichler homes:

Minimal Invasiveness: Ductless systems require only a small hole for the conduit, preserving your Eichler’s home’s architectural integrity and aesthetic.
Energy Efficiency: Ductless systems are highly efficient, reducing energy consumption and lowering heating and cooling costs. They allow for zoned heating and cooling, meaning you can control the temperature in individual rooms, further enhancing energy efficiency.
Enhanced Comfort: With the ability to provide both heating and cooling, ductless systems ensure year-round comfort. The technology used in these systems also allows for consistent temperatures and improved air quality.
Modern Technology: Many ductless systems come with advanced features such as remote-control operation, programmable settings, and even smart home integration, making them a convenient and modern solution.

Start Lowering Your Heating and Cooling Costs Today

Preserving the charm and integrity of your Eichler home while ensuring it meets modern comfort standards is possible with ductless HVAC systems. With the expertise of Alternative HVAC Solutions, you can enjoy the perfect balance of efficiency, comfort, and architectural preservation. Embrace the future of heating and cooling with a ductless system and start lowering your energy costs today.

Why Choose Alternative HVAC Solutions?

When it comes to installing a ductless HVAC system in your Eichler home, choosing the right contractor is crucial. As a member of the Eichler Network Preferred Service Companies, Alternative HVAC Solutions has been a leader in innovative heating and cooling solutions since 1985. Our team of experts is ready to help you achieve the perfect blend of modern comfort and mid-century elegance.

Here’s why they are the best choice for your Eichler home:

Expertise and Certification: As a factory-trained Mitsubishi Diamond Contractor, Alternative HVAC Solutions has the expertise to install and service ductless systems to the highest standards. Their certification ensures that you receive top-quality installation and maintenance.
Customer Satisfaction: With a commitment to 100% customer satisfaction, Alternative HVAC Solutions guarantees that you will be pleased with their service and the performance of your ductless HVAC system.
Innovative Solutions: They specialize in providing innovative and customized heating and cooling solutions that meet the unique needs of Eichler homes, ensuring your home remains comfortable without compromising its iconic design.

Eichler homes are a unique and cherished part of California’s architectural history, but they require equally unique solutions for modern living. Alternative HVAC Solutions offers the expertise and innovative technology needed to enhance your home’s comfort while maintaining its iconic design. As a ductless HVAC specialist, we provide a service that aligns with the specific needs of Eichler homeowners in the Palo Alto, and San Mateo neighborhoods, ensuring satisfaction and efficiency in every project.

For more information on how ductless HVAC can transform your Eichler home, contact Alternative HVAC Solutions.

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Alice Wu

September 3, 2024

We've had a great experience working with the Alternative HVAC Solutions team to first install a heat pump water heater and then a heat pump HVAC system a few months later. Their team stands out from the competition because of their in-depth knowledge, years of experience, and high quality of work. The heat pump water heater installation was straightforward. For the heat pump HVAC system, we chose to have 2 separate systems set up: one for downstairs and one for upstairs. We appreciated how well Rick communicated with us (and how the onsite team communicated amongst themselves) as they figured out how to install the air intake system in the attic because there is no "one size fits all" solution since it's highly dependent on the layout of the house and duct work. Julio came up with a creative solution for how to install the drainage pipe for the upstairs heat pump that addressed our concerns with the initial solution. I feel like Rick and Julio consistently went above and beyond. Lastly, we love the fan that they installed in our attic which automatically turns on at pre-set temperatures: low speed at 80 degrees; med speed at 100 and high at 120 (the temps can be adjusted). In just the past few weeks, we've noticed that our upstairs area is noticeably cooler just from the fan cooling down the attic which will reduce our need to use the A/C.

Dale Weideman

April 2, 2024

One year ago, Mike, Jeff, Ramon and their team installed a new heat pump and a heat pump water heater to replace my gas furnace and water heater. I am quite happy with the high quality units they installed and their quality installation and post sales service. Also, they were great about handling the BayREN rebate process - we just kept getting check after check and they handled all the paperwork. I appreciate that they carry what seems to be "high end" equipment, which is more energy efficient and capable. Their installation work was efficient and tidy and I appreciate the workmanship. We recently experienced a component fault in the heat pump water heater and they serviced the unit quickly and effectively. I've recommended them to a friend and will continue to do so.

Cecilia Willer

March 20, 2024

Alternative HVAC did an excellent job. The crew was outstanding. They were professional, very neat and knowledgeable. We highly recommend them. They removed our old gas HVAC, put new ceiling vents in, installed the new electric heater and outdoor pump, did all the electrical work, and even removed old duct work from our crawl space. They helped us get a no interest loan for 18 months, a rebate and all the necessary permit work. They are top notch!

Ole Hoefelmann

January 29, 2024

Big thank you to Annel, Jeff and the team. Everyone was very professional, responsive and thorough. Great proof of the team caring about their customers was that the final invoice was 50% less than the original estimate. The team that came to do the work noticed that it was not as bad as initially thought, let me know, and completed the work. And the result is that our heating is a lot more efficient than before. Thank you!

Kirk G

May 26, 2023

An excellent business. Have always been impressed by the depth of knowledge and expertise. A series of recommendations for anyone looking to install a similar system: - Mitsubishi is the gold standard. - 14-20 SEER is the energy efficiency band you want to shoot for as that is the most reliable. Anything in the high 20s or 30s I have read is more experimental and prone to failure. - They are hard to come by now but spend the extra money for mini split "head" Wi-Fi adapters. Being able to control everything on your phone is excellent. - It is very cheap to spend a little extra and have a mini split both heat and cool. At the time we installed the main compressor, it was $2,000 more to get the unit that could do both. - If you are retrofitting an existing house, or are considering an ADU (or 2), consider first the maximum number of heads and BTUs you would need 5 years from now. We installed the 60,000 BTU compressor with a branch box, pictured in photo 3 of the review, with only two mini split heads attached at the time. Let me tell you, it was very convenient just tacking on to the branch box rather than wiring in yet another unit.

Otto Celis

June 7, 2021

Was a very good experience

Susan E.

September 9, 2024

Alternative HVAC Solutions installed 2 Mitsubishi heat pump/air handlers systems for us (one for each floor). From Mike the owner who came out to create a plan and quote, to the team of Jeremy and Adrian (and sometimes Josh and Brandon), to the behind the scenes people in the office, all were professional, respectful and a pleasure to work with. They handled the unexpected problems with ease. I felt confident in all of their work. They were willing to patiently explain what they were doing and answered all of my questions. Even before committing to their company, Mike was willing to spend a long time and answer many questions to give me confidence that the sizes he chose were the correct ones. They cleaned up at the end of each day. The systems are working great (and so very quiet!). I highly recommend this company.

Lisa B.

June 27, 2024

We had our furnace and air conditioner replaced with a heat pump system, along with adding some ducting and an attic fan. The extra ductwork was put in because the original ducting and single return register was not adequate for the house. They were able to schedule us sooner than I had imagined. The workers cleaned up after themselves; the job turned out to be trickier than expected and took 2-3 days extra, but there was no extra charge. They set up the city inspection for me and everything is now signed off on. It's working well (so far we've only used the air conditioner, since it's summer). The extra ductwork and air return have helped to get the cool air to a couple of rooms at the very end of the line that never used to get cooled adequately.

Ce W.

March 20, 2024

I H.

March 13, 2024

Mike and his team did a terrific job on our HVAC unit. The team is very professional, attentive to details and responsive. The job was done on time and exactly as planned. Overall, very satisfied that we selected Alternative HVAC Solution.

Dan K.

January 19, 2024

We have used Alternative HVAC twice now, once about 2-years ago and again this winter. Both times we inquired about adding heat pumps to our all electric house, and both times they were great to work with. We knew we wanted efficiency as our house is rather large and not super well insulated, and our research suggested that Mitsubishi was the best on the market. Alternative HVAC was the recommended Mitsubishi installer in our region and they responded quickly to our initial inquiries. Mike is an expert on heat pumps and knows them inside and out. He came out each time and explained what sizes he would use, and where he would recommend installing the five different interior mini-split systems, where he would place the exterior units, the upsides and downsides of heat pumps and different mini-splits etc. When I called they always answered the phones or called me back, and met all of their deadlines, which I'm sure can be tough during covid and with high demand in winter (I was expecting slower service and would have been OK with slightly slower response time, so I was pleasantly surprised). Within 2-weeks of our first call, our freezing cold house was blasting heat and using very little energy to do so. Alternative had a GREAT team: they sent paper invoices and estimates via mail to our house (and email of course), they 100% handled all of the Peninsula Clean Energy rebates which had no issues, they appropriately sized all the equipment, they assisted with the San Mateo county permitting process, and stuck to both their pricing and service agreements with zero issues. They also did an extremely tidy job on the installation. I am a picky person. I wanted the ducting to look super straight, clean, and with no mistakes. They were flexible with my strange requests (hiding stuff up in the closets for example), and made everything work better than I could've expected. They also had a follow-up appointment within a year due to some tiny issue which they fixed the next day, without blinking, even though our house is about 40-minutes from their office. I probably won't need any more HVAC additions to my house, but I would certainly recommend this company to anyone who demands a professional experience and wants the best.

Carol C.

September 15, 2023

I very much enjoyed working with Mike Rebholtz and his technicians at Alternative HVAC Solutions (referred to me by my next-door neighbor). I needed eight Mitsubishi mini split air movers and two outdoor heat pumps installed in my Eichler home. In my quest to go COMPLETELY ELECTRIC, I had to replace my much-loved radiant heat system for heat pump generated heat and A/C. I am so glad I did this, and it is so good to finally have A/C. I wish I had done this years ago!

Srchinn ..

August 5, 2023

Alternative HVAC solutions installed a heat pump hot water heater and a HVAC system for my residence. All of the workers were courteous and considerate when performing their work. Ramon was exceptional in addressing the fine details of the installation and explaining each step of the project. My neighbors commented that they could tell they were a very professional crew by the manner in which they performed the work, cleaned up and interacted with the community. The project manager and office staff were great in organizing the project and in managing the Peninsula Clean Energy rebates and Zero interest Clean Energy loan.

Aline L.

June 15, 2023

Outstanding job from start to finish. Alternative HVAC Solutions installed a ducted heat pump system. The complete process was thoroughly explained to us, and we were able to select the best option for our home. Getting the permits and available rebates was painless. The crew was efficient and carefully cleaned the job site (indoor and outdoor) at the end. They also took their time and patiently answered all the questions we had. I highly recommend Alternative HVAC Solutions and Mike Rebholtz.

Preserve Your Eichler Home with Ductless HVAC: Embracing Modern Comfort in Mid-Century Marvels

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Expert Advice. Your go-to source for HVAC information you can trust.

Preserve Your Eichler Home with Ductless HVAC: Embracing Modern Comfort in Mid-Century Marvels

Proper Maintenance of Your Heat-Pump or Furnace and Air Conditioner

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