Lakes Region Heating & Air Conditioning expands to Loudon

LOUDON — After more than 30 years, Lakes Region Heating & Air Conditioning celebrated a new chapter with the grand opening and ribbon cutting of its new location on May 29.

The company, owned by Eric Grennell, of Gilford, recently relocated from Northfield, to a new commercial property at the corner of routes 106 and 129.

Grennell said the move marks not only a milestone for the business, but also a celebration for the employees, customers and community members who helped the company grow from a one-man operation, into a regional HVAC company with approximately 25 employees.

“It’s a celebration for all the guys that helped get us where we are today,” Grennell said. “It’s a thank you to the public and to our crews.”

Grennell founded the company in 1992, after deciding to strike out on his own following previous jobs in the HVAC industry. He said his interest in heating and air conditioning began while attending Shawsheen Valley Technical High School in Billerica, Massachusetts, where students rotated through vocational exploratory programs before selecting a trade.

The company incorporated in 1994, and operated out of Belmont, before eventually relocating to Northfield, where it remained for roughly 20 years. In its early years, Grennell said the company accepted work throughout New England, including projects for Hannaford supermarkets across multiple states.

Over time, however, the business established itself more firmly in the Lakes Region community, and shifted its focus closer to home.

“It took us a long time to break in and not be the new guys anymore,” Grennell said. “Now, we’re the old guys.”

Grennell said one of the company’s biggest strengths is a decision to remain focused on heating and air conditioning, rather than branching into unrelated trades.

While the company primarily focuses on residential work today, it has also completed large-scale commercial and luxury residential projects over the years.

Grennell also emphasized the importance of skilled trades and workforce development, saying the industry offers strong career opportunities for people who may not want to pursue a traditional college path.

“Not every kid needs to go to college,” he said. “You’ve got guys in the trades buying houses at 25 years old without the college debt hanging over their heads.”

Grennell has been involved nationally through the Air Conditioning Contractors of America, a Washington, D.C.-based organization that helps develop industry standards. He said workforce shortages and technical education have become major discussion points nationwide.

Learn more at lrhvac.com.