It seems as though 2018 is the year of the never-ending winter with yet another winter weather advisory issued this past weekend. It may be April, but it feels more like February outside on most days.
During the blustery months, Arctic Heating & Cooling is busy tuning up furnaces and making sure the heat stays on in local businesses and homes. However, in a few months, it won’t be heat that most Lowell residents will want. Instead, they will need air conditioners installed, repaired or upgraded. Arctic will do that work too.
While the seasons, and customer needs, change over the course of a year, Arctic’s commitment to providing exemplary service stays the same. As the company enters its 35th year, its owners reflect on how glad they are to be in based in Lowell.
Traveling Across the World to Start a Business in Lowell
Evert and Catharina Bek, the owners of Arctic Heating & Cooling, haven’t always been from Lowell. In fact, they traveled a long way to get here.
“Evert and I moved from The Netherlands to Michigan in 1977 when he was hired by a company in Grand Rapids,” Catharina explains. At that time, Evert was mainly doing commercial and residential heating, cooling and refrigeration work. The Beks came to Michigan for the job and to be with their family. Once here, they decided this is where they would stay.
By 1983, the couple moved into a house in Lowell and decided to start their own business. Arctic Heating & Cooling was born.
Focus on Light Commercial and Residential Work
Today, the company provides a variety of services to residents in the area. In addition to maintaining existing furnaces, Arctic specializes in installing high efficiency equipment such as geothermal systems, radiant in-floor heating and wall hung boilers.
Whole house generators are also a popular option for many homeowners. The business works with local contractors to provide new home installations of heating and cooling systems, and it also does some light commercial work.
Catharina notes the company offers 24/7 service so someone is always available to respond to emergency situations. “All jobs are specialized to the need of the customer,” she says. Plus, they work to provide clients access to the latest technology. “We make sure we stay up to date with what is new…by going to classes and trade shows.”
When asked what makes her most proud of her business, Catharina points to positive word-of-mouth feedback from customers. “Most of our work comes from recommendations,” she says. “We still have customers that we first serviced when we started our business in 1983.”
Proud to be Part of the Lowell Community
While the Beks are proud of their business, they are also proud to call Lowell home. The couple has been part of efforts to cultivate an atmosphere in which all businesses can thrive. “Arctic supports the Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce as much as possible,” Catharina says.
For example, the heating business donates hot dogs for the annual Night of Christmas Cheer. They also support Pink Arrow, participate in the annual Chili Cook-Off and join in the yearly FROM Food Fight to name a few of their community contributions.
After 35 years, Arctic Heating & Cooling has established a reputation as a local, dependable and knowledgeable business. The Beks say customers can expect more of that same great service in the years to come.
To learn more about Arctic Heating & Cooling, visit their website or follow them on Facebook.
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