HVAC Services in Excelsior, MN

Air Conditioning Installation and Replacement

(952) 529-5409 Text Us

4.9

4.6

5.0

Licensed mechanical contractor serving Excelsior, MN since 2016.

HVAC Services in Excelsior, MN: Trusted Heating and Cooling for Historic Lake Area Homes

Minnesota requires all HVAC contractors to hold a Mechanical Contractor license issued by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry before performing any heating or cooling work in Excelsior. Encore Heating and Air has been serving homeowners on and around Lake Minnetonka since 2016 with straight-talk diagnostics, accurate load calculations, and technicians who understand how older and historically significant homes require a more careful approach to equipment selection and installation.

Schedule online to arrange a visit.

Particle counters to measure dust and fine particulates (PM2.5 and PM10)

VOC sensors to detect harmful airborne chemicals

Humidity and dew point meters to identify moisture imbalance

Thermal imaging to locate hidden moisture behind walls

Air sampling pumps for mold air testing in Cologne, MN, homes need

CO2 monitoring to evaluate ventilation performance

Why Excelsior Homeowners Choose Encore Heating and Air

Excelsior is one of the oldest communities on Lake Minnetonka, with a housing stock that ranges from turn-of-the-century Victorian homes in the historic district to mid-century cottages that were originally built as seasonal retreats and are now used year-round.

Many of these homes were not designed for modern HVAC demands. Some lack central ductwork entirely, having been built before forced-air systems became standard. Others have older boiler systems with cast-iron radiators that, properly maintained, are highly efficient but require specialized knowledge to service correctly.

Minnesota’s seasonal extremes are no different here than elsewhere in Carver County: design temperatures fall below minus 16 degrees Fahrenheit in winter, and lake-area humidity adds to the challenge of summer cooling.

Homes near the water can retain more moisture, which places additional demands on dehumidification and AC system sizing.

Our team handles ductless mini-split installation for older homes without duct systems, full furnace service, AC installation and repair, boiler maintenance and repair, and year-round maintenance plans.

Tim C. has used Encore for multiple projects in an older Excelsior home, including boiler and radiator repairs and a creative AC solution for a historic structure without standard ductwork. He wrote: “We have an old boiler/radiator heating system, and they have helped diagnose and repair several issues, including a new pressure gauge, pressure relief valve, and expansion tank. They also helped us figure out a creative way to get a new central AC system installed in our historic home at an affordable price. They are great to work with, know their stuff, do an amazing job, and charge reasonable prices.”

What Our HVAC Service Process Includes

STEP 1: COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEM DIAGNOSTIC

We begin with a complete diagnostic on every visit before making any recommendations. For furnace and boiler calls, a combustion analyzer measures heat exchanger efficiency and carbon monoxide output, which is the only reliable way to detect a cracked heat exchanger that would otherwise go unnoticed until it creates a CO hazard.

STEP 2: AIRFLOW & COOLING PERFORMANCE TESTING

Static pressure testing across the air handler identifies duct restrictions that force the blower to work harder and reduce effective heating or cooling throughout the home. On cooling systems, digital manifold gauges verify refrigerant charge is within the manufacturer’s specification.

STEP 3: PROPER SYSTEM SIZING

New installations begin with a Manual J load calculation to confirm proper equipment sizing for your specific Excelsior home. The age of the structure, insulation levels, window configuration, and ceiling heights all factor into the calculation.

STEP 4: EQUIPMENT SELECTION & EFFICIENCY

Minnesota’s Northern climate region requires replacement central air conditioning systems to meet a minimum 14.3 SEER2 efficiency rating, enforced through the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry as part of the licensed contractor requirements. We walk you through options at and above this threshold before any equipment is ordered.

STEP 5: INSTALLATION PROCESS & VERIFICATION

An Excelsior-area homeowner’s furnace reached the end of its service life in December 2025. Encore assessed the system, presented options, and installed a new two-stage system in under 48 hours while providing space heaters to keep the home warm.

STEP 6: REAL CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

Lil L. wrote: “We are incredibly happy with the speed in which Encore Heating and Air not only came to assess the old furnace, talk us through our options and install the new 2 stage system, all in less than a 48-hour span! The space heaters provided to keep the house warm were an added bonus to the already top notch service.”

Performance Verification

PERFORMANCE VERIFICATION

At the close of every job, we verify and document performance before leaving.

FURNACE TESTING

Furnace work is followed by supply and return air temperature measurement to confirm the temperature rise falls within the design specification, usually 35 to 70 degrees.

BOILER VERIFICATION

After boiler work, we confirm operating pressure and water temperature against the system’s design parameters.

COOLING AND SAFETY TESTING

AC and heat pump service is followed by subcooling and superheat measurements. Carbon-producing appliances are tested for CO at the flue and at room level.

DOCUMENTED RESULTS

Written results are left with the homeowner before departure.

Why Professional HVAC Service Matters

OLDER HOME HVAC CHALLENGES

In Excelsior, where many homes are older and systems run outside original design parameters, the risk of delayed service is higher than in newer construction.

WINTER SAFETY RISKS

An aging boiler with a failing relief valve or a furnace with heat exchanger fatigue represents a real safety issue through a Minnesota winter.

LICENSE AND LIABILITY

Unlicensed HVAC work voids warranties, fails inspections, and exposes homeowners to liability.

PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends annual maintenance as the most reliable way to catch these issues before they become emergencies, and this is particularly true for older heating systems in historic home stock.

FINANCING

A New System You Can Afford

A new air conditioner is an investment, and Encore Heating and Air makes it manageable with financing options and seasonal promotions. We help you balance upfront cost against long term efficiency so you choose a system that fits your budget and your home. Ask about current offers when you schedule.

A DECADE OF TRUST

Celebrating 10 Years of Keeping Homes Comfortable

20+ Years of Service

Since 2016, Encore Heating & Air has proudly served local families with honest HVAC service, expert repairs, and dependable comfort solutions. Thank you for trusting us for the last decade.

Open 24/7
Free Estimates
Licensed & Insured
Financing Available

(952) 529-5409 Text Us

20+ Years of Service

Reviews

What Our Customers Say

Don’t just take our word for it — hear from the families and homeowners we’ve proudly served.

We have been using Encore Heating & Air for many years, and they have helped us out with several projects. We have an old boiler/radiator heating system, and they have helped diagnose and repair several issues including a new pressure gauge, pressure relief valve, and expansion tank.

They also helped us figure out a creative way to get a new central AC system installed in our historic home at an affordable price. They are great to work with, know their stuff, do an amazing job, and charge reasonable prices. We highly recommend Encore Heating & Air for all your HVAC needs!

Time Clifford

Encore Heating & Air has serviced the heating and ventilation systems across several of my properties, and they’ve been outstanding every time. Their staff is respectful, engaging, and highly professional, and they clearly have deep expertise across multiple system types.

They consistently arrived on time, walked me through the important details in plain language, and were generous with their time in answering questions. I especially appreciated their transparency around costs and realistic lead times—no surprises, just honest communication and solid work. They also went the…

Sarah Amundsen

Have been using Encore for 6 years now. They have great customer service and respond quickly to calls. Jon and his crew installed our furnace and AC and they did great work.

Sarah did my most recent furnace tune up and she was great too!
She offered to pick up a coffee for me on her way. I thought that was awesome!

EandE Falkman

Steve Adam

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FAQs

Can Encore service older homes and boiler systems in Excelsior?

Yes. We have experience servicing older heating systems, including cast-iron boiler systems with radiators, which are common in Excelsior’s historic home stock. Our technicians understand the specific requirements of these systems, including proper pressure settings, zone valve operation, and aquastat calibration.

What are the options for adding air conditioning to an older Excelsior home without ductwork?

Ductless mini-split systems are the most practical option for older Excelsior homes without existing ductwork. We size and install these systems based on a room-level heat load calculation and test them for proper output before the job is closed. Multi-zone systems can serve multiple rooms from a single outdoor unit.

Is Encore licensed for HVAC work in Excelsior?

Yes. Minnesota Statute 326B requires a Mechanical Contractor license from the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for all HVAC work. Encore holds license MB711844, verifiable at dli.mn.gov.

What SEER2 rating do I need for a new AC system in Excelsior?

Minnesota is in the Department of Energy’s Northern climate region. Replacement central air conditioning systems are required to meet a minimum 14.3 SEER2 efficiency rating. We present options at and above this minimum and explain the long-term energy savings difference between tiers.