About the Neighborly HVAC Company in Ames, IA
Since 1986, Neighbors Heating and Cooling has proudly served our community as a locally owned and trusted name in home comfort. Built on a foundation of integrity, hard work, and meticulous attention to detail, we have dedicated over three decades to delivering reliable HVAC solutions that keep our customers comfortable year-round.
Whether you need expert installations or comprehensive maintenance, our team is here to ensure top-quality service for your home. Experience the difference of a company that values excellence and puts our community first.
Our History
Neighbors Heating and Cooling started in 1986 at a small shop off Kellogg Ave., right here in Ames, IA. In 1993, it was purchased by the Miller family, who were working as service technicians in the company at the time.
The Miller family expanded the company, moving it to 2700 Graham St. (what was then a sparse business park by Coca-Cola). This is where you can still find us today!
We have always been a company based on the principles of servicing and selling high-quality HVAC equipment in our own neighborhood with integrity and exceptional craftsmanship.
Today, we are still owned and operated by the Miller family. It has now grown to over 30 employees and the addition of a direction drilling division we call Trenchless Solutions Iowa.
Owner and company backbone Valerie Miller and her team of Neighbors You Can Count On continue to provide the renowned HVAC service expected of the company to our greater Ames, IA community.
Our Team
Valerie Miller— Owner Valerie started at Neighbors in 1994 as the service dispatcher, answering the phones and supporting our service team to take care of the customers. Since then, she's worked most jobs in the company at least once and continues to grow and support the team in our mission of "Through teamwork, providing high quality HVAC services to our community while maintaining a company culture that encourages growth, reliability, and exceptional workmanship at all levels of the company".
Brett Miller— Install Manager started in 2002. Rejoined team in 2021 to expand and teach the install department. Particular attention to detail. Won craft championship back in school for sheet metal skills.
Darren Toot— Home Comfort Advisor started as an installer in 2000. Attention to detail and excellent craftsmanship. His experience lends him to being able to find the best system for customers.
Ed Briggs— Operations Manager started in 2003 as a service technician. He quickly became one of the companies' top technicians due to his extensive knowledge and willingness to get his hands dirty. When he was promoted to Service Manager, he began sharing his expertise with each of our technicians and coaching all of them by being through and complete on every call. Ed's attitude to do the right thing for everyone made him an invaluable part of growing our business to where it is today. Ed and Val work closely together daily to train all employees in the "Neighbors way".
Cassandra Pirtle (né Miller)— Office Manager/New Construction Project Coordinator Project Coordinator. As Val's daughter started in 2008 helping to answer phones and stuff envelopes at the age of 15. Rejoined the company full time in 2015. Has worked all front office positions and now helps lead the office team and supports all other managers. Attention to detail and dedication to learning the trade and doing the right thing for customers.
Brett Hudson— Home Comfort Advisor started with us in 2024 and has picked up the Neighbors way quickly. He was originally in counter sales for a supplier. Wanted to grow his career and has an excellent attention to detail and drive to do what's right for customers.