Alternative Air keeps it cool for 10 years

By Michelle Chance

Avnel Hogan and his team of air conditioning technicians have been keeping Maricopans cool in the desert heat for 10 years.

Hogan, owner of Alternative Air Heating and Cooling, takes an old-fashioned approach to business. He said he believes good customer service goes beyond ensuring every customer is satisfied with their service.

“I believe in old-type service where you go in a house and you’re polite, and you’re cordial, and you have a uniform on, and you have a truck that is clearly marked for the business,” Hogan said.

Hogan said 75 percent of his work is based in Maricopa. He also serves the East Valley and Casa Grande, and he has traveled as far as Tucson and Ajo for some of his regular customers.

However, Hogan said he hopes all of his business will be centered primarily in Maricopa one day. Hogan is an advocate for shopping local to strengthen the city’s economy.

“I wish consumers would hire local people more,” he said.

Hogan practices what he preaches as a consumer – and a business owner.

“Everyone I’ve ever hired has always lived here in Maricopa,” Hogan said. “I have never hired outside of Maricopa.”

Technicians with the company do more than just installing, Hogan said. They also do duct work and cleaning, and a myriad of other related services.

Since the business opened a decade ago, Hogan has refused to incentivize his staff with commissions.

While working for other businesses before founding his own, Hogan witnessed commissioned-based air conditioning companies focusing more on sales than on service.

“If they are commissioned-based, they are going to be selling you things you don’t need,” he said.

Hogan encourages customers to call around and research HVAC companies before hiring a technician to work on their cooling and heating units.

He suggests asking if installers work on commission, as well as confirming the business is licensed, bonded and insured.

Outside of his business, Hogan is a thrill-seeker.

“I love motorcycles and high speed,” he said. In fact, he used to race motocross when he was younger.

Hogan also has an affinity for flight.

“If I could be anything it would be a helicopter pilot,” he said. “I (fly) in one every chance I get.”

But in his off-time, Hogan said he can usually be found underneath the hood of a car. Vintage Ford Mustangs are his favorite.

However, his business is always the priority. Hogan said looking forward, he hopes to keep his business local, and to also keep it in the family by passing it on to his son, Gage.

The company is looking to hire two more positions in the spring.

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This story appears in the April issue of InMaricopa.