From 1955 to 1958, in the Rancho San Miguel neighborhood of Walnut Creek, California, 375 Eichler homes and another 160 ranch style homes were built. In contrast to regular ranch style homes, Eichler homes are mid-century modernist homes which have a unique, expansive design that is a testament to their timeless architecture.
When the Eichler homes in this neighborhood were built, Walnut Creek was still rural, this was one of the original neighborhoods that was developed. Santa Clara and San Jose were in the process of being developed, and Joseph Eichler was looking to build homes in a new suburb and make an impact. Many of the original homeowners that bought Eichlers in Rancho San Miguel were open to new ideas – artists, thinkers, activists, innovators. The neighborhood is still vibrant, full of residents who appreciate historical design and contemporary practicality.
The Challenge of HVAC in Eichler Homes
Many Eichlers in the East Bay were designed with radiant heat systems, but the piping in these can deteriorate over time. Central air conditioning is not an option for Eichler homes, as these rely on ductwork inserted in the walls and ceiling. Mid-century Eichler homes often have open beam rafters, and no attics, with no place for the ductwork. Adding ductwork ruins the design and beauty of Eichler homes.
The solution is ductless HVAC, aka zoned heating and cooling. Ductless HVAC systems function as heat pumps, which move thermal energy from one environment to another. Ductless HVAC systems use a system that is more streamlined and more discreet than central air conditioning systems. Installation of ductless air systems preserves the historical architecture, beauty, and design of the original home while providing heating and cooling for Eichler homeowners in Walnut Creek.
With ductless HVAC, a three to four-inch hole in the wall is used to for the conduit connecting the indoor evaporator units and outdoor condenser units. Different rooms have air handling units mounted inconspicuously on the wall to provide heated or cooled air to different rooms, or “zones”.
Refrigerant is cycled through the lines within the conduit from the outdoor condensing unit to the indoor unit, where the air is quietly distributed to the interior space.