HVAC Company Serving University City, MO

Martin-Jetco Heating and Air Conditioning provides:

• AC Repair
• Furnace Repair
• Boiler Repair
• Radiator Heat Service
• Ductless Mini-Splits
• Heat Pump Services
• Emergency HVAC Service
• Commercial HVAC
• Financing
• Same-Day Service

Martin-Jetco Heating and Air Conditioning installs all leading brands including York, Goodman, Daikin, Carrier, and Trane.

Serving University City since 1964. Call (636) 205-1631.

University City HVAC Quick Answers

• Do you repair boilers? Yes
• Do you work on radiator systems? Yes
• Can you add AC to a radiator home? Yes
• Do you install mini-splits? Yes
• Emergency HVAC? 24/7
• Do you finance? Yes
• Do you work in 63130? Yes

Need HVAC Help Today?

• Same-Day Service
• 24/7 Emergency
• Financing Available
• Licensed, NATE-Certified Technicians
• 1,000+ Five-Star Reviews
• Family-Owned Since 1964

What Does HVAC Replacement Cost in University City?

Replacement costs in University City generally land in one of two ranges, though property type and condition can push projects significantly in either direction:

• AC Replacement with evaporator coil: approximately $5,500 to $9,200
• Complete HVAC system (furnace and AC): approximately $8,450 to $22,990 or more

What affects where your project lands:

• Square footage and system tonnage required
• Ductwork condition, or whether the home has ductwork at all
• Standard versus variable-speed high-efficiency equipment
• Zoning needs for multi-level or multi-unit properties
• Electrical or code updates needed before installation
• Indoor air quality components added to the project
• Access challenges in historic construction or multi-family buildings

For University City homeowners, an AC replacement with evaporator coil typically runs approximately $5,500 to $9,200, while a complete HVAC system replacement generally ranges from $8,450 to $22,990 or more. In a city where no two properties are quite alike, the in-home evaluation is where the actual figure gets established.

Request an estimate online or call (636) 205-1631 to schedule an in-home evaluation.

How Much Do Common HVAC Repairs Cost?

Repair costs can vary by part, system age, equipment condition, and how easy the unit is to access. We handle these calls every day, so we can share working ranges to help you understand when another repair still makes sense and when replacement may be worth comparing:

• Capacitor: $150 to $450 
• Thermostat: $100 to $600 
• Ignitor replacement: $180 to $350 
• Flame sensor: $180 to $340 
• Furnace capacitor: $150 to $350 
• Blower motor: $500 to $1,400+ 
• Evaporator coil: $600 to $2,000 
• Control board: $700 to $1,650 
• Heat exchanger: $2,000 to $4,000 
• Compressor-related failures: well over $1,000

Our NATE-certified technician can confirm the exact cost after diagnosing the failure, then help you compare that repair against AC replacement or furnace replacement. If you already have a quote and want a second opinion, call (636) 205-1631.

Boiler Experts in University City

Many University City homes built before 1955 still use hot-water boiler systems, and Martin-Jetco Heating and Air Conditioning has been servicing them since 1964. This is one of the most specific areas of expertise we bring to this city.

Martin-Jetco Heating and Air Conditioning services:

• Cast iron boilers
• Steam boilers
• Hot water boilers
• Radiator systems
• Boiler replacement
• Boiler maintenance
• Boiler conversions to forced air or heat pump systems

Should I Replace My Boiler?

Boilers typically last 20 to 30 years when maintained properly, longer than most forced-air systems. Whether repair or replacement makes sense depends on the boiler's age, efficiency, and repair history. A boiler that is losing efficiency, needs repeated repairs, or is approaching 25 to 30 years old is worth evaluating for replacement. Conversion to a forced-air system or heat pump is also worth comparing if you are planning to add central air to the home at the same time.

Can I Keep My Radiators?

In most cases, yes. If the boiler is replaced with a new high-efficiency hot-water unit, the existing cast-iron radiators can remain in service. They are durable and, when the system is properly balanced, effective. Our technicians evaluate the full system before recommending whether to preserve or replace.

Can You Add Cooling to a Radiator Home?

Yes. Martin-Jetco Heating and Air Conditioning does this regularly in University City. Two approaches work depending on the home:

• Ductless mini-splits are the most common solution for homes with original plaster and woodwork that cannot be disturbed. Each unit mounts in the room it serves and connects to an outdoor condenser through a small wall penetration. No ductwork required, no ceilings opened, no historic finishes disturbed.
• Central air with new ductwork works where the home's layout allows ducts to be routed through attic spaces, closets, or other areas without affecting historic finishes. This provides whole-home coverage through a conventional system and is worth exploring when the construction allows it.

Our in-home evaluation determines which approach is practical for the specific property. Call (636) 205-1631 or schedule a visit.

Why Is HVAC Different in University City?

University City has some of the oldest housing stock in St. Louis County. The challenges our technicians encounter here regularly do not come up the same way in newer suburbs:

• No ductwork. Many homes south of Delmar in Parkview, Kingsbury Place, and Ames Place were built around boilers and radiators with no ductwork at all. Adding cooling means either routing new ducts through finished historic construction or installing ductless mini-splits that serve rooms independently.
• Boiler and radiator systems still heating homes. Tudor Revivals and Colonial brick homes throughout University Heights and along Kingsbury Boulevard still run on hot-water boilers. These systems require specific expertise to service properly.
• Uneven temperatures. Homes with a mix of original construction and later additions frequently have airflow imbalances, rooms that never reach temperature, and ductwork that was added informally without proper sizing.
• Second-floor overheating. In homes where cooling was retrofitted after original construction, upper levels often receive inadequate supply air. Heat accumulates upstairs while the main floor stays comfortable.
• Humidity. Older construction with less airtight building envelopes brings more outdoor humidity indoors during summer. A system that short-cycles never runs long enough to remove it.
• Historic construction challenges. Plaster walls, original woodwork, narrow chases, and limited mechanical access affect every aspect of how HVAC work is approached in University City's historic homes.
• Radiator maintenance. Hot-water radiator systems require annual bleeding, balancing, and inspection to perform efficiently. Many homeowners are not aware of this until a radiator stops heating properly.

Why Do Older University City Homes Need Special HVAC Care?

Homes in Parkview, Kingsbury, Ames Place, University Heights, Rosedale, Ackert Walk, and University Hills were built across several decades in the early-to-mid 20th century. Many faculty members and homeowners near Washington University own properties that have original plaster, original woodwork, radiator heat, older or absent ductwork, limited mechanical chases, and unfinished basements that house aging equipment.

These properties require different installation techniques, different equipment choices, and technicians who understand the constraints of historic construction. A standard approach that works in a newer suburban home frequently does not apply here.

Enjoy Incentives That Reduce What You Pay

The in-home evaluation always includes a review of what is available to lower the project cost:

• Financing for qualifying projects, spread into monthly payments
• Spire utility rebates filed on your behalf when eligible equipment is installed
• Federal energy-efficiency tax credits for qualifying heat pumps and high-efficiency systems
• Current seasonal offers when available at the time of the estimate

Equipment cost, payment options, and applicable savings will be explained by our friendly HVAC technicians before you decide.

Need Emergency HVAC Service in University City?

Some HVAC problems can’t wait, especially when your safety is on the line. Martin-Jetco Heating and Air Conditioning offers emergency HVAC service at any hour, seven days a week, with licensed, NATE-certified technicians dispatched as quickly as conditions allow.

What to expect when you call:

• Calls made in the morning often result in same-day service, sometimes within a few hours
• The technician arrives on site, diagnoses the problem directly, and explains the repair before any work begins
• You receive a firm cost before authorizing anything
• Most repairs are completed the same day or fully scheduled within 24 to 48 hours

System down? Call (636) 205-1631 now.

Where We Work in University City

Martin-Jetco Heating and Air Conditioning serves homeowners, renters, landlords, and businesses throughout University City, including all of the 63130 zip code.

Residential neighborhoods served:

University Heights, Parkview, Ames Place, Maryland Terrace, Kingsbury Place, New Delmar Heights, Rosedale, Ackert Walk, University Hills, and homes throughout the city's established residential streets north and south of Delmar Boulevard, including along Kingsbury Boulevard, Balson Avenue, Waterman Avenue, and Olive Boulevard.

Landmarks and institutions near where we work:

Heman Park and the University City Recreation Center, Ruth Park Golf Course, Flynn Park, the Delmar Loop entertainment district, Washington University in St. Louis, the Tivoli Theatre, and the University City Public Library.

Schools in the area:

Flynn Park Elementary, Jackson Park Elementary, Pershing Elementary, Brittany Woods Middle School, University City Senior High School, Christ the King Catholic School, and nearby private institutions.

A Maintenance Plan That Works Year-Round

The Martin-Jetco Heating and Air Conditioning Home Comfort Agreement gives your system a scheduled inspection before each peak season rather than waiting for a problem to surface at the worst time.

What membership includes:

• Pre-season visits before both cooling and heating season
• Complete equipment safety and performance inspection at each visit
• 20% off parts and labor for repairs between scheduled visits
• No overtime charges, any hour, any day
• Priority scheduling for members when an unplanned issue comes up
• Reduced diagnostic fee on calls during regular business hours
• Service documentation satisfying most manufacturer warranty requirements

For University City's older properties, where equipment condition and ductwork quality can vary considerably from one address to the next, consistent pre-season inspection tends to surface developing problems while they are still manageable.

Help your system stay ready before the next heat wave or cold snap. Ask about the Home Comfort Agreement when you call (636) 205-1631.

What Sets Martin-Jetco Heating and Air Conditioning Apart

• In business since 1964, still family-owned. The company was already serving homes in this part of St. Louis County before much of University City's postwar housing stock was finished.
• Every technician is NATE-certified. NATE is the industry's leading independent credential, which means every visit is handled by someone tested on real-world HVAC competency.
• No single-brand pressure. Martin-Jetco Heating and Air Conditioning installs York, Goodman, Daikin, Carrier, and Trane, so the equipment recommendation is driven by the home, not a manufacturer relationship.
• A record that is publicly verifiable. An A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, six Angie's List Super Service Awards, and recognition as a York Dealer of the Year multiple times.

If you'd like a sense of what working with the team is actually like, our Google reviews are a good place to start, written by homeowners across the region who have had Martin-Jetco Heating and Air Conditioning out to their own homes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What zip code does Martin-Jetco Heating and Air Conditioning serve in University City?

Martin-Jetco Heating and Air Conditioning serves all of University City and the 63130 zip code, along with neighboring communities.

Can you add air conditioning to a home that only has radiator heat?

Yes, and this comes up regularly in University City. Two approaches are practical:

• Ductless mini-splits: These work without any existing ductwork, delivering cooling directly to individual rooms without touching plaster walls or original woodwork. A strong fit for historic properties.
• Central air with new ductwork: Where there is space to run ducts discreetly, this provides whole-home coverage through a traditional system.

The right choice depends on the home's layout, historic significance, and how the owner wants to use the space. Our in-home evaluation covers both; call (636) 205-1631 to schedule today.

Do you service boilers and radiator systems?

Yes. Boiler work is part of Martin-Jetco Heating and Air Conditioning's regular work in University City, where many older homes still heat with hot-water systems. The team handles diagnostics, repairs, seasonal maintenance, and full boiler replacements, and can evaluate whether maintaining the current system or converting to a different setup makes more sense for a given property.

How long do boilers last?

A well-maintained boiler typically lasts 20 to 30 years, considerably longer than most forced-air furnaces. Cast-iron boilers in particular can last even longer when serviced regularly. Age alone is not the deciding factor — efficiency, repair history, and whether the system is heating the home evenly all matter more than the installation date.

Should I replace my boiler with a furnace?

Not necessarily, and not automatically. A functioning boiler that heats the home effectively is worth keeping, especially if the radiators are in good condition. Conversion to a forced-air furnace makes more sense when you are also adding central air conditioning, when the boiler is at end of life, or when the home's layout makes a forced-air system the more practical long-term choice. Our technicians walk through both options during the evaluation.

Can mini-splits heat in winter?

Yes. Modern ductless mini-splits provide both heating and cooling, and current models handle Missouri winters considerably better than older heat pump designs. They are an effective heating solution for rooms that lack ductwork, and for historic University City homes where adding ductwork is not practical, a mini-split can serve as the primary source of both heating and cooling for individual rooms.

Can old ductwork be reused?

Sometimes. Our technicians assess existing ductwork for leakage, sizing, and condition before recommending whether to reuse, seal, resize, or replace it. In many University City homes where ductwork was added after original construction, modifications are needed before a new system can deliver its rated efficiency.

How much does ductwork cost?

Ductwork costs vary significantly depending on whether the existing system needs sealing, partial modification, or full replacement, and how accessible the duct runs are in the home. In historic University City properties with plaster construction and limited mechanical chases, access can be the largest cost factor. Our evaluation assesses the ductwork alongside the equipment so the estimate reflects the full scope of the project.

Should I insulate my ducts?

In most cases, yes, particularly for ducts running through unconditioned spaces like attics, crawl spaces, or unfinished basements. Uninsulated ducts in these areas lose significant heating and cooling before the air reaches living spaces, which reduces system efficiency and increases energy costs. Our technicians flag duct insulation issues during evaluations and maintenance visits.

How much does HVAC replacement cost in University City?

Two ranges apply to most projects:

• AC and evaporator coil replacement: approximately $5,500 to $9,200
• Complete system replacement: approximately $8,450 to $22,990 or more

University City's older construction and diverse property types mean the actual figure depends heavily on what the technician finds at the property, particularly regarding ductwork and access. Call (636) 205-1631 or request an estimate online.

How much does AC repair typically cost in University City?

Repair costs depend on the specific component involved:

• Minor components (capacitors, thermostats): $150 to $600
• Mid-range repairs (blower motors, evaporator coils): $500 to $2,000
• Major failures (compressor-related, control board, heat exchanger): $700 to well over $1,000

Martin-Jetco Heating and Air Conditioning provides the exact cost after diagnosis and explains whether repair or replacement makes more financial sense before any work begins.

How much does furnace repair typically cost in University City?

Common repair costs to plan around:

• Ignitor replacement: $180 to $350
• Flame sensor: $180 to $340
• Furnace capacitor: $150 to $350
• Blower motor: $500 to $1,400+
• Control board: $700 to $1,650
• Heat exchanger: $2,000 to $4,000

At the higher end of that range, replacement is worth comparing directly before committing to a repair. Call (636) 205-1631 for a furnace diagnostic visit.

My AC runs but the house is not cooling properly. What should I check?

Several things can cause this, and the right answer depends on the property type:

• In homes with original ductwork, gaps and unsealed joints are a frequent culprit, losing conditioned air before it reaches living spaces
• In homes with no ductwork where a central system was added later, improper sizing or routing is common
• Across all property types: low refrigerant, a dirty filter, a fouled condenser coil, or a failing capacitor can each prevent the system from cooling effectively

A technician checks refrigerant levels, measures airflow at the registers, and inspects ductwork and equipment before recommending an AC repair or something more involved.

My furnace is running but blowing cold air. What does that indicate?

The blower fan can operate independently from the burners, which is why cold air comes out even when the system appears to be running. Common causes include:

• Tripped limit switch, often triggered by restricted airflow from a clogged filter
• Ignition failure or flame sensor fault preventing the burners from lighting
• Control board fault interrupting communication between the thermostat and the burners
• Gas supply interruption

Because this involves gas and combustion components, call (636) 205-1631 for a proper diagnosis rather than cycling the system off and on repeatedly.

Are heat pumps practical for University City homes?

For many properties, yes. Martin-Jetco Heating and Air Conditioning offers heat pump services that consolidate heating and cooling into a single system. 

How often should HVAC systems in University City homes be serviced?

Twice a year is the standard, but University City's housing stock makes consistent maintenance especially important:

• Pre-1950 homes with original or modified ductwork benefit from annual inspection to catch deterioration early
• Boiler systems have their own seasonal maintenance needs distinct from forced-air equipment
• Any property where multiple system types coexist needs each system evaluated on its own schedule

Is financing available?

Yes. Qualifying projects can be financed at 0% interest. The evaluation also covers Spire rebates, applicable federal energy-efficiency tax credits, and current seasonal offers so the full cost picture is clear before you decide. Learn more about financing options here.

Get the Right HVAC Answer for Your University City Property

Whether the property is a historic Tudor south of Delmar, a postwar ranch near Heman Park, or a multi-family building near the Loop, Martin-Jetco Heating and Air Conditioning can help you figure out what the system actually needs and what it will cost to address it. Call (636) 205-1631 or schedule your evaluation online.