Publications & Sites 
Norridge business keeps the air flowing
Al Lechowski of Norridge, owner of Al Air in Norridge, started his heating and air conditioning business in 1980. | Ryan Pagelow~Sun-Times Media
Article Extras
Updated: March 29, 2012 4:04PM
Al Lechowski of Norridge started his heating and cooling business, Al Air, in Norridge in 1980 on advice from his dad.
“He said that no matter what happens to the economy you need heating and cooling,” Lechowski said.
In the beginning it was just him and a truck, with help from his mom answering phone calls to schedule repairs and installations.
“Up until the time she passed away about five years ago she was answering the phones at night,” Lechowski said. “That’s what helped me build my business.”
More than 30 years later, Al Air has grown to a staff which includes an office manager and a crew of 10 technicians and installers.
The office moved to 7703 W. Lawrence Ave. in Norridge four years ago.
“Living in the same neighborhood as my business allows me to get to my customers after business hours quickly,” Lechowski said.
During the big snowstorm in February 2011 when many people were snowed in, Lechowski managed to make service calls in a truck with help from a technician who walked from his home to the office.
“Everyone always jokes around with me saying that they always see me working late and on weekends,” Lechowski said. “The truth is, I enjoy what I do and would never leave a customer without heat or air conditioning if I could do something about it.”
— Ryan Pagelow
