
Looking Back on a Legacy: Goettl Celebrates 85 Years

Goettl is now an industry leader in HVAC, but it began with the humble ambition of two brothers—Adam and Gust Goettl. The company has achieved many milestones, including recognition as a community leader in Phoenix, where it was founded.
This year, Goettl celebrates 85 years of industry leadership and innovation nationwide. Let’s take a look back at the legacy.
A Dream of Two Brothers
Goettl Metal Products, which would later become Goettl Air Conditioning, was founded in 1939 by Austria-Hungary-born Adam and Gust Goettl. Combining their business acumen with Adam’s entrepreneurial spirit and Gust’s innovation – with some inspiration from the oppressive Phoenix heat – Goettl was born.

With the cost of cooling systems out of reach for many homeowners in the 1930s, life in Phoenix often involved “sleeping porches”—screened outdoor rooms or lawns where residents slept in hopes of staying cool. In the scorching summers, Phoenix residents moved to cooler locations to escape the heat.
In 1934, Adam and Gust’s brother, Bill Goettl, brought improvements to home cooling when he arrived in Phoenix. Following in his footsteps, Adam and Gust also relocated to Arizona. The two formed Goettl Brothers Metal Products in 1939, installing evaporative coolers, but they would eventually develop numerous heating and cooling technology innovations that were first of their kind.
By 1946, the Goettl brothers launched International Metal Products, which became the world’s largest manufacturer of evaporative coolers. They were producing 100,000 units annually by 1952. Adam Goettl would earn the title, “The Father of Evaporative Air-Cooling,” after filing more than 200 patents. Sun Valley, AZ, was finally an air-cooled oasis, but the intense summer humidity presented a new challenge with evaporative cooling.
With the help of Bill, the brothers developed refrigerated, mechanical air conditioning that could cool and dehumidify the air. Eventually, manufactured AC units were ready to tackle Sun Valley’s extreme summer temperatures and humidity, turning Phoenix from an inhospitable environment to an air-cooled oasis.
Helping the War Effort
Those talents extended far beyond HVAC, however. During WWII, the brothers supported the war effort with their manufacturing operations. They gained military contracts to manufacture metal coffin liners, lifeboat covers, and other essentials.
Air conditioning was fairly new at the time. Many people didn’t have access to or experience with air conditioning, which wouldn’t become commonplace in American homes until the 1960s. As Phoenix expanded following the war, the Goettl brothers would drive through the city with air conditioning units attached to their trucks to cool down community members.
With this generosity and inspired marketing initiative, Goettl quickly became a household name.
Pioneers in HVAC Technology
In the decades since its launch, Goettl has had many industry firsts. The Goettl brothers pioneered sheet metal manufacturing and had more than 100 patents on their technology—not to mention turning Goettl into a local icon. Goettl also went on to pioneer the first commercially successful air-to-air cooling units and bring the first of approximately 50,000 air conditioners to the Sun City communities in Arizona.

After becoming the largest HVAC contractor in the US in the 1970s, Goettl introduced and patented the first combination gas heating and electric air conditioning units—the Gas Pack—and the Piggy-Back combination evaporative cooler, electric A/C, and heat pump. In 1978, Goettl also installed the first residential solar water heating system in Arizona.
The 1990s brought more innovation. The company manufactured private-label products for Weatherking, Webb-Aire, American Best, and heat pumps for Amana.
Leaders in efficiency, Goettl became a Charter Partner of the EPA’s Energy Star Program and introduced the first 12 SEER packaged heated pump line, and later, the first 13 SEER packaged heat pump line. Later, Goettl became one of the only two A/C manufacturers to break with the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) in backing the Department of Energy’s rule to increase the minimum A/C efficiency standard to 13 SEER in 2006.
Goetll continued working with the Department of Energy, introducing a 15-ton gas-engine-driven heat pump under contract with the trademark Comfortquest. In 2005, Goettl Vice President & Chief Engineer Al da Rosa was appointed chairman of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASRAE) Unitary Committee to develop the test standard for the Department of Energy’s minimum efficiency standards.
As a community pillar, Goettl contributed to the building of the Arizona Historical Society Museum and has been featured on television’s “This Old House” and The History Channel. The company’s philanthropic efforts include supporting ACCA Operation Cool Aid for less-fortunate residents, donating 20,000 cases of bottled water to the Phoenix Mayor’s water campaign for the homeless and homebound, and establishing a post-9/11 HVAC tool endowment for veterans at the College of Southern Nevada. Goettl also donated a cooling system for the Sheriff’s Animal Rescue Shelter.
The Current Goettl Family
Goettl’s current Board Chair and former CEO, Ken Goodrich, has childhood memories that are strongly tied to Goettl. He held his father’s flashlight while he serviced AC units, admiring the quality and longevity of the products.

In 2013, Goodrich purchased Goettl Air Conditioning, expanding its locations beyond Phoenix to new locations – including Tucson, Austin, San Antonio, Las Vegas, and Reno. Under his leadership, Goodrich intends to keep the “Goettl Workhorse” going and the brand a household name. In “Goettlizing” the nation, the team at Goettl is bringing trusted expertise and a customer-first mentality to new markets – all while keeping customers’ homes comfortable.
In 2023, Goettl promoted President Jake Gress to CEO to spearhead the company’s day-to-day operations, drive strategic growth initiatives, and reinforce Goettl’s commitment to legendary service and innovative solutions in the HVAC industry. Together, Gress and Goodrich position Goettl to forge ahead in industry leadership and innovation.
Goettl’s current family is a team of unique individuals who create the foundation of the trusted, innovative, and iconic brand – just as it was in 1939. They carry the legacy of the Goettl brothers and their dream into every product, every job, and every relationship.
What’s Next for Goettl?

Never one to rest on laurels, Goettl has been adapting, innovating, and forging ahead from 1939 to present day. As a leader in HVAC and plumbing, Goettl and its team will continue to invest in technology that impacts the HVAC industry, find new solutions to efficiency and HVAC techniques, and continue to show people that careers in the trades are lucrative and offer numerous opportunities. Goettl is building the next generation of HVAC and plumbing technicians to serve home and business owners now and in the future.
As the motto goes, “We do things the right way, not the easy way.” Our promise to clients is to provide a safe and clean environment, demonstrate mastery of our craft with unmatched work ethic, impeccable workmanship, and cutting-edge tools and technology. We put the “can-do” spirit in all we do, seeking to continuously innovate, improve the customer experience, build lifelong relationships, and forge legendary experiences.
Testimonials
What Our Customers Say About Us







Thanks Goettl and more importantly, thanks Blair!





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Update 4/21/25 - Mike did a wonderful job. Made suggestion to keep my system running well for more years to come.
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Update: 12/3/24 - Jacob is great. He fixed the leaking parts on water softener and also checked the water heater to see what can be done with that. He is efficient and very knowledgeable and reviews everything so you understand.
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Update: 7/25/24 - had some more work done today. The folks who come to service, install, etc. are great. They know their job, are very efficient and friendly. Today it was Justin and Luis who were installing a new filter system. Looking forward to not have to change filters every month. Thank you, gentlemen, for all the hard work in the heat.
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They said I needed to replace my a/c. I was given a choice of 5 units. I liked that the 2nd most expensive would balance the temperature in my house. I get full west in my living room in the afternoon. It is always 10 plus degrees hotter on my sofa, than rest of house. So I paid a fortune and it isn't doing what he said it would. They came back and added another vent to my living room. Better, but still not what I was told. I could saved $10k and got the cheaper model. Don't think I have much recourse to get this fixed. The technicians are very good, too bad their salesmen and products are not up to the same standard.


Blake was absolutely amazing from start to finish. He was friendly, personable, and genuinely took the time to listen to my concerns. He explained everything clearly, provided sound and honest guidance, and never once made me feel pressured. His professionalism and genuine care made it easy for me to trust him and feel confident in moving forward with this company.
Technicians like Blake are the reason customers stay loyal—he definitely deserves a raise. I’m truly blessed to have encountered him today. Thank you, Blake, for your outstanding service!










Thank you!!!




Original order of checking thermostat. And why heat would not kick on right away
It was taking several degrees to heat up the house. Air conditioning works great.
He went and checked thermostat and suggested a new thermostat. $800 for two installed. 👀
He then checked furnace in attic.
The fresh air exchanger was pretty dusty and he could clean it for under a hundred $. I said go ahead because exchanger runs ten minutes per hour to keep fresh air circulating. So price was $99. Still a lot for cleaning a screen.
It seemed to have worked in conjunction with thermostat because it’s been working properly since he left.
Im glad I didn’t spend $800. But only $228 .
Hope thermostat continues to work well
Thank you Jackie.
I still think prices are very high. You can buy and install a thermostat yourself for $175. With a $75 rebate. That’s quite a difference.


I also want to add that Taylor came to service my unit and she was amazing. My dog is usually sketched by most people and she liked Taylor. That's a huge plus.









Thank you Ian for my maintenance today!
March 2, 2024
Thank you Aaron for my garbage disposal! A big shout out to Mark and Ricky in dispatch for coming through and getting this done in a timely fashion to ensure I was prepared for my company coming to dinner. I love goettl and their service! Proud to be part of club Sadie!
March 2025
Always return back to Goettl because of how well they take of me! Thanks to Judd for installing my new toilet and to Marc for my AC maintenance!
November 2025
Thank you to Gerardo for educating me on hot water heater flushing! Lol. I always appreciate geottl for their customer service and knowledgeable techs!







Not Plumbing
Goerttl made repair experience not so painful
Support Military
Andrew is an outstanding representative of the company.
Thanks

We had Edgar come out to inspect our new home today and he did a very thorough inspection. He made sure the unit was checked so when the warranty company comes out we have all information possible. Amazing customer service and very personable
Edgar came back after a warranty inspection was done on the home by the install company. He found errors and was amazing at documentation of the issues. If I could give more than 5 stars I would.
Peter and Josue came out today to do an additional check on our unit with humidity issues. The weather was not conducive to having the outdoor pressures checked and they were very thorough with an interior check. Very professional and knowledgeable.






















I think the guy that was supposed to be assigned to me had problems. My appointment was from 9-1 and Austin was assigned to me at 1:30 and Drove over an hour to get to me.
Now that's 💜
11/24/25 Seems this is an update not its own post. Adam was out to repair our filtration system. No muss no fuss and it was fixed. Awesomely competent guy






Job done quickly and efficiently. Thank you





A special shout-out goes to Pablo, our technician. He was on time, friendly, and extremely knowledgeable. Pablo took the time to explain everything he was checking, walked me through the condition of each component, and gave helpful tips on how to keep our system running efficiently year-round. His attention to detail and pride in his work really stood out. Because of his professionalism and the overall quality of service, Goettl has definitely earned my trust and future business.
Highly recommend Goettl HVAC—and if you can, ask for Pablo!

I have seen Goettl vans all over town and so I called them.
Got appointment right away and the Technician, Jef Eusepi, took care of our problem.


Call Goettl and was able to get us on the schedule due to a cancellation they had.
Jef Eusepi our tech was fantastic.
He explained everything and showed us pictures of what he was doing and fixing.
Would definitely recommend this Company and Jef.

He was knowledgeable and friendly and was able to flush the tank and get my hot water flowing again. Thanks again...




(Oldest)Jared was great. Got here promptly and fixed it quickly. Lifesaver on a 100+ degree day!












On time, clean, and very thorough with any potential issues.
Thank you.







Chris R came out for our Sadie Membership inspection and review before the cold comes here in TX. He did a fantastic job and really knows his stuff. Thank You!






Mike provided truly exceptional service. From the moment he arrived, it was clear he was extremely knowledgeable; he quickly and confidently diagnosed a very tricky issue that we had with our pipes, explaining everything clearly and answering all of our questions with patience. He also installed our new water heater and did an outstanding job. If you need a plumber who gets the job done right the first time, we highly recommend Mike. Thank you!






The Goettl team has been very professional and helpful to me as their customer. Thank you, Kelli Stoika.
PS… If there would’ve been 6 stars on the scale, that’s what I believe they should’ve received.



Sally






Thank you,
Greg Sanches





















This past week our service technician was Andrew Morgan and he is such a friendly, knowledgeable, and skilled technician. He spent time making sure the job was done correctly and he explained it in terms that I could understand. Not only is our unit functioning even better than before, I also gained knowledge of how the system works.













I highly recommend Goettl as this is the second time l've used them in less than a year. (2 seperate issues)... and I highly recommend them..anytime and anyday.
They have exceeded to top any expectations I could have ever had with any company.


Jerry also noticed our water pressure was low after flushing toilet then trying to wash hands in bathroom sink which were so he suggested a new pressure regulator as we have had a new better water conditioning system installed. We now have the best water pressure even when using a shower and kitchen sink faucet at the same time. Also Jerry is a master plumber and we appreciate his knowledge and experience. Will definitely call Goettl again when a plumber is needed.
Ralph & Kathy Lesmeister



Darean Guerra today. He arrived on time and took the time to explain what he was going to do. He was very knowledgeable which helped me trust what he was doing. He left his work area clean. I am very pleased with his work.









The company is installing a tankless heater and the customer service is outstanding.
I recommend Geottl to all!


They made sure my carpet was covered and when they were all through they cleaned up perfectly
I would recommend your company to anyone looking to put in a new air conditioner.
Thank you so much for all you did for me.
Sincerely, June Jones

And I would highly recommend the company and the quality technicians like Jarod.
Jarod is the go to if you want excellent
Customer service and communication for any AC related issues. He is very knowledgeable, personable and trustworthy. I am grateful and satisfied.







They listened to my issue, were very through, checked for leaks, etc. I’ve lived in Lakeway for 30 years, used MANY local plumbers - but Goettl will definitely get all my business moving forward. HIGHLY recommend!
Ty, Wil & Adrian!

Everyone from the Goettl sales representative Christian, Tech / Advisor Josias recommended a HVAC A/C and Heating system replacement. Technicians team Veronica and her partner.

Jeremy Canchola serviced our mini-split today with the usual Goettl efficiency and professionalism.
Highly recommended!




