Washburn Heating & Cooling has deep roots in the Northern Indiana and Southwest Michigan heating and cooling industry. The company’s foundation began with Eugene Washburn, who started servicing and installing furnaces, air conditioners, boilers, and water heaters around 1992.

For nearly a decade, Washburn Heating and Air Conditioning operated as part of the Air Serve franchise. Eugene and his wife Darcy ran the business from their home while building a reputation for dependable service, honest work, and long-term customer relationships throughout the region.

After several years of searching for someone who shared his values and commitment to customer care, Eugene retired in December of 2014. At that time, Stephen P. VanderWerf acquired the customer base and continued the Washburn Heating & Cooling legacy, carrying forward the company’s focus on integrity, technical expertise, and reliable service.

Who owns Washburn Heating & Cooling and what is its history?

Today Washburn Heating & Cooling operates from its location at 509 South Main Street in Middlebury, Indiana, across from Harding’s Market. From this location the company provides professional HVAC repair, furnace service, air conditioning installation, and geothermal solutions for homes and businesses across Northern Indiana and Southwest Michigan.

Customers can reach the team 24 hours a day at (574) 825-7697. Business hours at the Middlebury location are currently by appointment so technicians can focus on providing responsive service throughout the surrounding communities.

What is Stephen VanderWerf’s experience in the HVAC industry?

Stephen VanderWerf entered the heating and cooling industry in 1983. Alongside his father, Ralph VanderWerf, he helped establish VanderWerf Energy, Inc. in Niles, Michigan.

Ralph developed extensive electrical contracting knowledge with a focus on energy management technologies, while Stephen developed specialized expertise in geothermal heating and cooling systems. This combination allowed the company to stand out within the competitive HVAC and electrical contracting markets.

During the late 1980s, several major HVAC manufacturers—including Trane, Carrier, Bryant, and Lennox—approached VanderWerf Energy, Inc. with dealership opportunities. Lennox ultimately provided the strongest development package for the company at that time.

Licensing, Training, and Industry Knowledge

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Stephen obtained a Master Mechanical License in the State of Michigan along with licensing in several Indiana localities. He has also participated in extensive manufacturer training programs and certifications while installing a wide variety of residential and light commercial heating and cooling systems.

In 1996, Stephen’s father and brothers purchased his portion of VanderWerf Energy, Inc., and the company continues to operate today under family leadership.

Why choose Washburn for geothermal heating and cooling?

Stephen later served as a marketing manager for an electric utility for five years before founding Geothermal Specialist, Inc. in 2003.

The company developed a strong reputation for geothermal expertise and continues to serve a large geographic region including communities from the Illinois border east to Sturgis, Michigan, north to Paw Paw, Michigan, and south into Northern Indiana.

This deep experience with advanced heating and cooling technology allows Washburn Heating & Cooling to provide specialized knowledge in both traditional HVAC systems and geothermal installations.

Serving Northern Indiana & Southwest Michigan

Washburn Heating & Cooling proudly serves homeowners and businesses throughout Northern Indiana and Southwest Michigan as your trusted local HVAC contractors. The company focuses on reliable heating and cooling service, accurate diagnostics, and high-efficiency system installations designed for long-term comfort.

If you need HVAC repair, furnace service, air conditioning installation, or geothermal support, the experienced technicians at Washburn Heating & Cooling are ready to help.

Based in Middlebury, Indiana, the company provides professional HVAC repair, furnace service, air conditioning installation, and geothermal system expertise for homes and businesses throughout the region.

Technicians understand the heating and cooling challenges unique to Northern Indiana and Southwest Michigan and remain committed to delivering dependable comfort solutions backed by decades of industry experience.

Call anytime: (574) 825-7697
or request service online.