State-of-the-Art Service. Old-Fashioned Care.
For more than 70 years, families have trusted Ernst Heating & Cooling to keep their homes comfortable. Al Ernst – farm kid, fixer, and all-around problem-solver – opened a small hardware and appliance shop in Hamel, Illinois in 1951.
He built the company the same way he built everything else: with his hands, his grit, and a promise to treat every customer like a neighbor.
Today, that spirit is still alive in everything we do. Ernst remains family-owned, locally grounded, and committed to honest work—just like Al intended. But we’ve also embraced the latest and best technology to make your experience faster, smarter, and more precise.
Contact us online or call 618.217.1836 for AC repair, furnace services, heat pump services, and more!

Make
the Switch
Geothermal energy works like no other HVAC system you’ve ever seen. Energy savings can range from 20-30%!
The Right-Sized System with LiDAR Technology
You can save thousands of dollars by having the right-sized heating and air conditioning system. It also makes your home far more comfortable and increases system life by years (saving you even MORE money).
Most companies over-estimate the size of system you need. We use LiDAR to scan your home, calculate load requirements, and design systems with engineering-level accuracy. No guesses. No shortcuts. Your system fits your home perfectly—because we measured it perfectly.
Flat-Rate Pricing. Zero Surprises.
We believe in telling you the price before the work begins. No vague “hourly estimates.”
No mystery fees. Just clear, honest numbers you can trust.
Real Consultations. Not Sales Pitches.
At Ernst, we slow down and ask questions.
We listen.
We want to understand your home, your comfort habits, and your concerns.
Whether we’re repairing a furnace or designing a system from scratch, we take the time to get it right—because that’s how our family has always done it.
We Treat Your Home Like Our Grandma’s
No mess. No rush.
Just thoughtful service from people who care.
Our Services
Heating
Furnace repair, maintenance, and installation—built on decades of experience and state-of-the-art diagnostics.
Cooling
AC and heat pump expertise, from seasonal tune-ups to high-efficiency system replacements.
Geothermal & High-Efficiency Systems
Ernst was one of the area’s earliest adopters of air-to-air heat pumps and geothermal systems. Today, our technicians remain among the most experienced in Illinois.
Air Quality
Cleaner air, fewer allergies, and healthier homes through purification, humidity control, and filtration solutions.
A Legacy Built by Three Generations
Al Ernst built the company through the 50s and 60s—installing furnaces, digging crawl spaces, fabricating ductwork, and learning every trade skill the hard way.
Roger Ernst returned to Hamel in 1977 to expand the company, adopting new technologies like heat pumps, partnering with Lennox, and growing Ernst into a regional HVAC leader.
Today, Dusty Ernst leads the company with the same values his grandfather started with—paired with modern tools, top-tier training, and a commitment to protect the legacy that built this community staple.
Three generations. One mission:
Do the right thing for the customer. Every time.
The Ernst Comfortizer Plan
We created the ultimate plan to keep you and your family comfortable year round and save you BIG money.
- Two Youngerizers per year (heating + cooling)
- Priority service
- 15% off repairs and maintenance items
- 5% off system replacements
- Extended repair warranty
- Automatic scheduling—we call YOU.
All for just $16 per system per month.
Service in Just Hours!
With Ernst Heating & Cooling, you’ll get prompt, reliable service,
flat-rate pricing, and honest consultations. Every time.
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