Air-Tro Receives Historic Buildings Certification

Here in Monrovia, history is part of everything we do. As the fourth oldest general law city in Los Angeles County, our heritage is visible in our gorgeous neighborhoods, mature trees and scenic downtown. Having first been incorporated as a town in 1887, Monrovia may have grown significantly, but our historic landmarks, whether they be homes, or statues, or even commercial buildings, are an important part of city life.

Because Even Old Homes Need Indoor Comfort

That’s why we’re so proud to have been given a historic buildings certification. As part of the Historic Building Energy Efficiency Program (HBEEP), this designation was awarded to recognize our participation and completion of the training program. Administered by the Southern California Gas Company, this temporary program was created to address the unique challenges in helping to make historic landmarks energy efficient, while still preserving their architectural and historic integrity.

Original Fixtures, Need-Based Equipment

Unlike typical residential homes or commercial buildings, landmarks and historic properties in many cases must only undergo specialized maintenance and repair, rather than significant architectural modifications to improve indoor comfort. Our work during the Historic Buildings Certification Project started with issues like air sealing and the installation of appropriate insulation materials. We worked to make existing windows and doors airtight, using weather stripping or even caulking where appropriate.

By repairing drafty windows and doors rather than replacing them, we were able to both preserve the integrity of a historic building, but also lessen drafts and promote appropriate airflow. After all, while the folks building the Gamble House may not have considered the necessity of proper ventilation and energy conservation, here in the modern 2018 offices of Air-Tro, these are our new mandates as leaders within the HVAC industry.

Upgrading the HVAC of a Historic Home

Later, we assessed, repaired and replaced existing heating and cooling system equipment, as well as ductwork, taking steps to insure original fixtures were preserved wherever possible. Consulting with a group of Los Angeles architectural historians and energy efficiency experts, Air-Tro contractors applied principles of restoration construction to our work implementing real-time energy saving practices within these historic buildings.

Whether a Craftsman bungalow, Transitional Arts and Crafts, Spanish Colonial Revival, English Revival, Mediterranean or Monterey style home, our team of qualified HVAC professionals are proud to know and utilize the basic tenets of historic preservation for every older home or commercial building we service.

If you own a historically significant home or commercial property, don’t risk losing what makes it so special with less-than-the-best HVAC maintenance or installation. At the same time, there may be significant ways to improve the indoor comfort of your home or building. We celebrate the historic elements of our beloved San Gabriel Valley. And with this new certification, it shows!

Need a consultation on the quality of your indoor comfort at home or in your commercial building? Call Air-Tro today to speak to the experts. Call us at (626) 357-3535.

photo credit: Martin Green