Cooling Fairmeadow Eichlers without losing the look
Fairmeadow’s Eichlers line the concentric streets locals call “the Circles.” Many still run on original radiant heat, and most were never designed for air conditioning. We fix both.
Call 650-460-3483438 Cambridge Ave, 94306
Fairmeadow is a 1950s Eichler neighborhood in south Palo Alto known for its concentric circle street layout. Many homes still have original radiant floor heat and no air conditioning. ComfortFlow services radiant systems, installs ductless heat pumps for cooling and heating, and plans every install around Eichler post-and-beam design.
Fairmeadow’s curving streets set it apart from the grid around it, and its Eichlers are some of the most recognizable mid-century homes in Palo Alto. Like most Eichlers, they were built with radiant heating in the slab and large glass walls. Many Fairmeadow homes still have their original radiant systems, which makes repair and replacement planning a common conversation here.
What Fairmeadow homeowners ask us most
“Can we add air conditioning?”
Yes, and ductless is usually the answer. Post-and-beam ceilings and flat roofs leave no room for ducts. A multi-zone ductless heat pump can cool the main living space and bedrooms, and also take over heating if the radiant system is failing.
“Is our radiant heat worth keeping?”
If the slab loops hold pressure and the boiler is healthy, radiant is wonderfully comfortable and worth keeping. If you’re adding water often or the boiler is near the end of its life, we’ll compare repairing it, converting the heat source to an air-to-water heat pump, or switching to ductless heat.
“Where will the outdoor unit go?”
On curved lots, the side and rear yards vary a lot from house to house. We find a spot that meets the City’s calculated setback, stays out of view from the street and keeps line sets short and neat.
A Fairmeadow
homeowner checklist
Five things that make the first conversation faster and the recommendation more accurate.
- Check whether your radiant boiler holds steady pressure
- Note the hottest rooms on summer afternoons
- Look at side and rear yards for an outdoor unit spot
- Think about whether you want cooling only or heating too
- Ask about the CPAU rebate if you are replacing gas heat
Fairmeadow
HVAC questions.
Answers specific to Fairmeadow homes.
How many indoor units does a Fairmeadow Eichler need?
It depends on the floor plan. Many homes use one head for the main living area and one for each bedroom wing. A load calculation decides it.
Will ductless heads look out of place?
We choose head styles and locations that work with the beams and sightlines, and route lines discreetly. Slim ducted units are an option in some layouts.
Can ductless replace my radiant heat completely?
Yes. In Palo Alto’s mild climate, a ductless heat pump system can provide all the heating and cooling an Eichler needs.
Do you repair radiant boilers?
Yes. We service boilers, circulator pumps, zone valves and controls, and diagnose slab loop leaks.
What does “the Circles” mean?
It’s the local nickname for Fairmeadow’s concentric circle street layout, one of the most distinctive street plans in Palo Alto.
Do you work in Greenmeadow too?
Yes. Greenmeadow is right nearby and has a similar Eichler setup.
What Fairmeadow homes ask us for most
Also serving near Fairmeadow
ComfortFlow is headquartered in Palo Alto. Read our main HVAC Palo Alto page for an overview of everything we do.
Comfort for your
Fairmeadow home.
Tell us what’s happening with your heating or cooling, and we’ll start with the right questions.