4th Gen Mechanical

Cooling

Cooling in Rochester, NY

Central air and ductless cooling -- sized for your home.

Rochester summers are shorter but humid -- a 70F day with 90% relative humidity is more uncomfortable than a dry 85F day. Properly-sized cooling systems control both temperature and humidity. Oversized systems short-cycle, fail to dehumidify, and wear out faster. We size every system from load calculations, not rule-of-thumb.

Recent cooling work

GeoStar forced-air heat pump with full sheet-metal ductwork distribution — 4th Gen install.
Whole-home cooling via geothermal forced-air distribution.

What we offer

What's included.

  • Central air conditioning installation and replacement
  • Ductless mini-split cooling for rooms without ductwork
  • Multi-zone ductless systems for whole-home cooling without ducts
  • Heat pump replacement of central AC (cool in summer, heat in winter)
  • ERV and HRV ventilation for tight, well-insulated homes
  • Annual cooling system maintenance and refrigerant checks

Credentials

Certified for this work.

NATE CertifiedEPA 608 Certified

Our process

How it works.

1

Load Calculation

Manual J cooling load calculation accounts for Rochester's latitude, window orientation, insulation levels, and local humidity. We won't install a system too large for your home.

2

Equipment Selection

We specify SEER2 rating, refrigerant type, and single vs multi-stage based on your home and budget. High-efficiency 18+ SEER2 systems qualify for RG&E cooling rebates.

3

Installation

Central AC installations typically take 1 day. Multi-zone ductless systems may take 1-2 days. We handle all electrical coordination and refrigerant certification.

4

Commissioning

We verify refrigerant charge, airflow to every register, and system controls. We test dehumidification performance and set up your smart thermostat for summer schedules.

Recent install

Multi-zone ductless install — Penfield

Real install photos and project writeups coming as we expand the site. In the meantime, you can read what Monroe County homeowners say about our work.

FAQ

Common questions.

What SEER rating do I need for a Rochester home?
New York state requires minimum 13.4 SEER2 for central AC as of 2023. We recommend 16-18+ SEER2 for Monroe County homes -- the higher efficiency pays for itself over Rochester's 90-day cooling season, and high-efficiency units often qualify for RG&E rebates.
How do I add cooling to an old Rochester home without ductwork?
Ductless mini-split systems are the most common solution for Rochester homes without central ductwork. A single-zone system cools one room or open floor plan; multi-zone systems cover the whole home. High-velocity mini-duct systems are another option that fits in walls and ceilings without major renovation.
Why is my AC blowing warm air?
Common causes: low refrigerant charge (leak or undercharge at installation), dirty evaporator coil, failed compressor, or thermostat issues. Any refrigerant-related diagnosis requires an EPA 608-certified technician -- we carry this certification in-house.
Should I replace my AC when I replace my furnace?
If your AC is 12+ years old, replacing it at the same time as your furnace often saves money on installation labor. The two systems share the air handler -- a matched system typically performs more efficiently than mismatched equipment.
What is the difference between a heat pump and central AC?
A heat pump and a central AC system look identical from the outside -- both have an outdoor condenser and indoor air handler. The difference is that a heat pump runs in reverse to provide heat in winter, while a central AC can only cool. If you're adding cooling, a heat pump is often worth the small additional cost.

Related services

You might also need.

Cut your heating bill -- let's get you a quote.

Whether it’s a tune-up, a new install, or a full geothermal upgrade — free estimates, honest advice.