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Chicago, Illinois

Pete's Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning, Inc.

Stop Guessing What's Wrong. Start Here.

Specializing in the precise calibration and repair of variable refrigerant flow (vrf) systems — a technically demanding HVAC solution often overlooked by general contractors. Pete’s team focuses on the nuanced diagnostics required for these complex systems, which are increasingly common in modern commercial buildings but notoriously difficult to service without deep technical understanding.

Frequently asked

I specialize in servicing and maintaining laboratory fume-hood ventilation systems, including the installation, repair, and calibration of exhaust-fan service rigs, variable-air-volume box calibration tools, and HEPA-filtered exhaust-stack access platforms. I also work with face-velocity meters to ensure proper airflow for lab safety compliance.

A fume hood should typically be calibrated every 6–12 months depending on usage, but more frequent checks are recommended in high-use labs. Proper calibration ensures consistent face velocity — the speed at which air moves across the hood opening — which is critical for protecting lab personnel from chemical exposure.

Yes, I provide 24/7 emergency service for urgent no-heat/no-cool situations related to laboratory ventilation. My team responds to fume-hood failures, exhaust system malfunctions, and other critical issues that could compromise lab safety or operations.

Absolutely. I can assess existing systems including variable-air-volume boxes and HEPA-filtered stacks, and recommend upgrades to meet current safety standards or improve efficiency. Whether it’s replacing outdated exhaust-fan service rigs or recalibrating face-velocity meters, I ensure your lab remains compliant and functional.

Our story

Founded in 1992 by Pete Kowalski, a former mechanical engineer who left a large HVAC distributor to start his own shop, Pete's Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Inc. developed its niche in solving VRF system malfunctions that others simply couldn’t troubleshoot — often saving clients thousands in unnecessary equipment replacements.

01
Expertise in diagnosing and repairing variable refrigerant flow (vrf) systems used in modern commercial buildings
02
Specialized training in the complex controls and refrigerant handling of high-efficiency VRF units
03
Solutions for VRF system failures that most contractors avoid due to their technical complexity

Why Pete's Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning, Inc.

Specialized in Laboratory Fume-Hood Ventilation Systems

Pete Kowalski personally obsesses over the intricate technical details of laboratory ventilation systems—especially fume-hood performance. With 34 years of direct experience, Pete has mastered the precise balancing of airflow rates, static pressure requirements, and chemical exhaust handling that most competitors overlook or mismanage. Unlike generic HVAC contractors, he doesn't just install units; he tunes them to meet exacting lab standards.

Expertise in Solving Rare Fume-Hood Backdrafting Issues

One of the rarest and trickiest problems Pete has solved involves fume-hood backdrafting caused by building pressurization changes due to new HVAC zoning systems. Most technicians would assume it's a fan issue, but Pete identifies subtle ductwork or exhaust stack configuration problems that require deep system understanding—and he fixes them reliably every time.

24/7 Emergency Response for Critical Lab Airflow Failures

Beyond regular business hours, Pete runs a dedicated emergency line for urgent lab ventilation failures. Whether it's an uncontrolled fume release or a sudden loss of airflow in critical labs, his team responds within 90 minutes. This service ensures no research or process is disrupted—something most HVAC companies simply don't offer.