Heating and cooling company joins national brand

PEORIA — Locally owned and operated AAA Northgate Heating and Air Conditioning, which has been serving the Peoria area for nearly 70 years, has joined forces with One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, a national heating and air conditioning brand with independently owned and operated locations throughout North America.

The company is now operating as part of the Direct Energy family of brands. One Hour was recently ranked No. 1 in the HVAC services category in Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500 list.

“We are pleased to welcome Chris and his entire team to the One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning family,” said Mark Baker, president of Franchise, Direct Energy. “Their commitment to exceptional customer service is evident with their nearly 70 years of service, and they have grown to be a leader in industry knowledge and the whole-home approach to energy efficiency.”

With this move, the local company will be able to continue training staff with the best resources, offer 24/7 telephone support, provide stronger warranties and guarantees, and lower product costs – just in time for the harsh Midwest winter.

“We always strive to stay on the cutting edge of the latest trends in home comfort and efficiency by continuously investing in the best resource we have: our knowledgeable staff and crews,” said owner Chris Baumann. “Now, by being a part of One Hour and the Direct Energy family, we have even more resources available to us that our customers will benefit from.”

Baumann, a lifelong Morton, Ill., resident, became president of AAA Northgate in 2012. He graduated from Illinois State University with a degree in construction management and has a real estate broker’s license.

Visit www.aaanorthgate.com or call (309) 686-1799.