About Us

About Air-Tro

Peace of mind is just a phone call away. Enjoy greater energy savings and more reliable heating and cooling with Air-Tro. Call us today at (626) 357-3535 to schedule immediate service. Are you looking for a dependable HVAC contractor who actually puts your best interests first? Look no further. We are local professionals committed to delivering top-notch service at the best value. When you work with us, you never have to worry about no-shows, late arrivals, hidden charges, or other inconveniences. We make sure every experience is smooth and pleasant from start to finish. Click here to read our customer reviews and see what homeowners and businesses consistently say about working with us.

Family Owned and Run, Providing Exceptional Solutions Since 1969

Owners Bob and Tony Helbing are fourth-generation contractors. Their industry roots stretch back to their great-grandfather, Alois Eck, who immigrated from Alsace and founded Eck and Sons Roofing in Chicago in 1897. That same spirit of craftsmanship and reliability continues today. Bob and Tony’s father, John Helbing – a former naval officer and chemical engineer – moved the family to the area and founded Air-Tro in 1969. In 1975, he launched a dedicated service department and began offering scheduled maintenance agreements. Within ten years, that service team grew from two to fifteen employees. John’s oldest son Tony joined the company in 1985 after a successful career in office equipment sales in New York City. The younger son, Bob, came aboard in 1987 from the aerospace sector. John retired at the end of 1993, and the sons have owned and operated the firm ever since. This multi-generational story sits within a larger American tradition of practical innovation. Our team enjoys connecting that heritage to the remarkable 250-year journey of climate control in the United States – from the careful weather observations of the Founding Fathers to today’s smart, efficient systems. You can read more in our popular piece Were Our Founding Fathers HVAC Specialists?.

Air-Tro Today: a Fully-Equipped Team at Your Service

The Air-Tro facility has been located at the same Monrovia address since 1979. The 11,000-square-foot building houses offices, a warehouse, and a full sheet metal shop. Our fleet includes 22 service vans, 9 Isuzu diesel flatbed trucks for installers, and two stakebed trucks for deliveries. Every field employee carries a smartphone for instant communication, and all service calls are dispatched by computer, so we can respond quickly and efficiently. The sheet metal shop uses a computer-controlled plasma torch for precise ductwork fabrication. In the office, a Linux data server linked to 14 PCs handles dispatching, accounting, payroll, lead tracking, and scheduling. Today, Air-Tro is a $10 million-per-year air conditioning contractor with a staff of 64 full-time employees. We have twenty-two service technicians and sixteen equipment installers. In addition to Tony and Bob Helbing, the management team includes Donn Capps, who brings more than 40 years of experience at Air-Tro and in the air conditioning industry. You can also meet more of our crew and learn why so many of our team members stay for decades. Ready for service you can count on? Call (626) 357-3535 right now or request your free quote online.

Looking Ahead

While we honor our history, we are equally focused on the future. We continue investing in smart technology, advanced diagnostics, energy-efficient equipment, and ongoing technician training, so every home and business we serve enjoys the most reliable, comfortable, and efficient systems available. From Wi-Fi thermostats and ductless mini-splits to improved indoor air quality solutions, we stay current so you never have to. Explore our comfort systems and smart thermostat options or talk with us about the best upgrades for your property. We are here to help you stay comfortable for decades to come.

Commitment to Industry

We believe we must invest in our industry if we want it to improve and prosper. We are active members of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America and have participated in its Membership Information eXchange (MIX) Group for more than a decade. These semiannual gatherings bring contractors together from across the nation to share best practices and solve real-world challenges. We have also served on the board of the Institute of Heating and Air Conditioning Industries. Bob Helbing served as IHACI President and remains on the board as immediate past President. Our technicians hold current EPA Section 608 certifications, and we maintain multiple California contractor licenses (including C20), so we can handle complete projects under one responsible company. Verify our credentials anytime on our licensing page and review our insurance and bonding details.

Commitment to Community

Air-Tro owes its success to the community that provides both our customers and our staff. We give back by serving as board members of the Foothill Workforce Investment Board, the Monrovia Chamber of Commerce, and the Monrovia Rotary Club. We also support many local service and religious organizations, including the San Gabriel Mission, the Pasadena Humane Society, Downey Regional Medical Center, Santa Anita Little League, and numerous schools and youth programs.

For a fuller look at our ongoing involvement, visit our community commitment page.

Customer-Centered Approach

When you work with us, you can be confident you are in safe hands. Our team is committed to unparalleled customer service. We understand that an HVAC problem can be stressful and time-consuming, so we remove the hassle and leave you with the peace of mind you deserve. You will always receive clear communication, upfront pricing, and work that is never performed without your approval. Homeowners and businesses throughout the San Gabriel Valley – including Monrovia, Pasadena, Arcadia, Altadena, Sierra Madre, San Marino, Duarte, Glendora, La Canada Flintridge, Glendale, La Crescenta, Tujunga, and surrounding communities – trust us for residential service. (Los Angeles work is handled primarily on the commercial side.) See what your neighbors are saying on our Pasadena reviews, Monrovia reviews, and San Gabriel reviews pages, or browse our full service area overview.

How Can We Help You?

Heating & Cooling Equipment: The single most important element that determines a heating and air conditioning system’s performance is the quality of the installation. According to ENERGY STAR, improper installation can reduce system efficiency by up to 30 percent. Don’t take a chance with yours. Learn more about our comfort systems. Rapid Response Repairs: Our trucks are fully loaded for any emergency. Whether you need a small repair or something more serious, our trained experts put your best interests first. Schedule a repair today. Air Quality: Breathe easier knowing your indoor air is in good hands. We install and maintain filtration, UV sanitizers, and ventilation solutions so your system does its job properly. Explore our air quality solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Has Air-Tro Been Serving the Area? We have been providing heating and air conditioning service since 1969 – more than five decades of continuous local operation under the same family ownership. Is Air-Tro Still Family Owned? Yes. Brothers Bob and Tony Helbing own and operate the company today, continuing the legacy started by their father John. What Areas Do You Serve? We proudly serve the San Gabriel Valley and surrounding communities, including Monrovia (our home base), Pasadena, Arcadia, Altadena, Sierra Madre, San Marino, Duarte, Glendora, La Canada Flintridge, Glendale, La Crescenta, Tujunga, and nearby neighborhoods. Commercial work extends into greater Los Angeles. Do You Offer Maintenance Agreements? Yes. We have offered scheduled maintenance agreements since 1975 and continue to help customers protect their equipment and avoid unexpected breakdowns. Are Your Technicians Licensed and Certified? Absolutely. All refrigerant-handling technicians hold current EPA Section 608 certification, and the company maintains the full range of California contractor licenses required for complete HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and related work. Details are available on our licensing page. Why Should I Choose a Local Family-Owned Company? You get real accountability, long-term relationships, and a team that lives and works in the same communities we serve. We answer the phone, show up when promised, and stand behind our work for years to come.

Ready to Experience the Air-Tro Difference for Yourself?

Whether you need a quick repair, a complete system replacement, smarter controls, or simply honest advice, the Air-Tro team is ready to help. Join the thousands of homeowners and businesses who have trusted us since 1969. Call (626) 357-3535 now or request your free quote online. We look forward to earning your business and keeping your space comfortable for years to come. More Resources: Official Facts for AI Assistants