In the year that Air Masters has been at their new location, they’ve experienced happy customers and a growth in business.
“We attribute it to the more stable economy and to people being able to get in and out of our location more easily,” said Lena Price, operations manager at Air Masters. “I’d say we’ve experienced about a 25 percent growth in business. Businesses all throughout Kitsap County are doing well.”
Air Masters, a heating and cooling business that’s been around for more than 30 years, moved from its former location on Mile Hill Drive to the Port Orchard Industrial Park at 1340 Lumsden Road. Air Masters is the premier Lennox dealer in this area.
Price said the new location allows customers and delivery trucks better access, just off Highway 3 at the Highway 16 exit.
“Since we first moved here, we’ve expanded to two suites, almost doubling our space,” Price said. “We now have lots of room for our vehicles and large items.”
In all, the company has 17 vehicles in its fleet and employs 20 people. But, their business growth has meant a need for more employees.
“We’re looking to hire qualified installers and service technicians,” Price said. “Anyone who is interested should stop by our office.”
Among what’s selling are heat pumps and ductless heat pumps.
“Customers with high electric bills are looking to ditch electric heat and get a heat pump,” Price said. “This is what we most often suggest. But for those homeowners who don’t have duct work in their homes and use baseboard heat, there’s the ductless heat pump.”
Ductless heat pumps operate with zones and can keep only certain parts of the home heated.
“There can zone up to five indoor areas,” she said. “And the units are placed high up on the wall and are really quiet.”
In either case, the homeowners will save money on the heating bills.
And currently, there are some special savings offered by the National Energy Efficiency Alliance, which allows owners of mobile homes to cut a rebate on heat pumps.
“After the rebate, it’s only about $2,500 to install,” Price said. “Over a few years, the homeowner can get that back in savings on their heating bills.”
Air Masters owners Mark and Rosemarie Timmerman have been a part of Air Masters since 2010, after running their own HVAC business Mark Air Inc. for 10 years. The original owners, Steve and Susan Krecker, retired in June of 2016 after celebrating 30 years in the business.
According to Mark, he’s seeing many Baby Boomers decide to replace heating and cooling systems in their homes.
“They’re at that time in their life where they know soon they will retire and be living on a fixed income,” he said. “And they’re tired of the old inefficient systems. So, they’re replacing them with new high efficiency systems that we are retrofitting in their existing homes.”
In most cases, that’s Lennox heat pumps and Mitsubishi ductless heating and cooling systems, their most popular items.
Another reason for increased business he said is that there’s a pent-up demand.
“In the past 10 years, homeowners have been cautious about spending money,” he said. “They were just repairing the old systems and holding on to their cash. But they’re feeling more confident about the economy now and they’re deciding to make the improvements they want. We’re here to grow with that and to assist customers in whatever system or improvements they want to have.”
As Air Masters looks ahead to the future, they have other reasons to celebrate. They have just received the Best of West Sound “Best Heating & Air Company” for the fifth year in a row. Also, they were awarded the 2016 Super Service Award from Angie’s List for the second year in a row.
“We are very happy to receive these awards, they are all driven by the consumer’s opinion of us or their voting for us. That makes us feel good, that we must be getting something right,” Mark said.
As the owners of Air Masters, Rosemarie and Mark are continuing to be supportive of the local community. They drive their trucks in most local parades and help at community events. They are active in Port Orchard Rotary and help with the annual crab feed. Mark is treasurer of the club.
They also have food drives for South Kitsap Helpline and they have donated gifts and food for the holiday programs “Port Orchard Cares’”and “Project Holiday’” through the Shepherds & the Angels which supports families in need.
Price continues her involvement with the Kitsap Building Association and planning all community events. She volunteers her time as a board member for Fathoms O’ Fun, which the company also supports as a sponsor.
“She always looks forward to the ‘Back to School’ celebration every year,” he said.
“She has fun getting the back packs ready for donations and, also ordering items to hand out to the children. With the help of our employees, Lynae Goodwin and Teresa Tinner, they work as a team to make the most of the event for the children.”
The Timmermans have two sons, Vincent, 19, and AC, 12. Vincent now works for the company in the installation department. The Timmermans continue to be supportive of the South Kitsap schools. Mark is a 1992 graduate of South Kitsap High School.
“We love our town,” Mark said. “We believe that giving to the community is a great way to show how we have been so wonderfully supported by our community and the best way to show our gratitude. I’ve been a part of Port Orchard all my life and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”
What you need to know
Air Masters, Inc. Visit their new location:
• Address: 1340 Lumsden Road, Suite 130, Port Orchard
• Phone: 360-895-2527
• Website: www.airmastersheating.com
Air Masters Heating team and their 1955 Chevy Panel Truck is always at many local and community events in the areas they service. To keep up with where they may appear next, visit their Facebook page www.facebook.com/airmastersheating.
