A home that heats and cools right is a comfortable home, and for more than two decades, Ketchum Heating and Cooling has been the company Walker residents and businesses call when that comfort is on the line. Founded in 2003, we are a locally owned HVAC contractor serving homeowners, property managers, and commercial clients across Walker and throughout Kent County. We built this business here, and our name is on every job.
Experienced HVAC technicians. Code-compliant work. Professional service.
Whether you need a furnace repaired before the first hard freeze or a full central air system installed before summer, we are the team that shows up, gets the job done, and leaves your home or building running right. Trusted by local homeowners and property managers for their heating and cooling, we have built our reputation one job at a time, right here in the community we call home. We're one phone call from getting your comfort right.
We've handled everything from a quick tune-up to a full system swap, and those 23 years of experience show in the way we approach every job. When we started in 2003, Walker was growing, and the homes and commercial properties here reflected that mix of older builds, newer construction, and everything in between. We learned this area's housing stock the hard way, working through older duct systems, diagnosing refrigerant leaks in aging equipment, and chasing down airflow problems that had left rooms cold or stuffy for years.
That diagnostic depth is what separates a thorough HVAC service call from a quick fix that comes back to haunt you. Our qualified HVAC technicians don't guess. They trace the problem, explain what they find, and give you a clear picture of what the repair or replacement involves before any work begins. No-pressure estimates, priced up front, so you know what you're agreeing to.
We work across Walker neighborhoods and throughout the surrounding Kent County communities, handling residential calls and commercial accounts alike. Two decades in this area means we know the climate, the equipment, and the expectations of the people who live and work here.
Getting your comfort back is easier than you think. We cover the full range of residential HVAC work, from emergency no-heat calls in January to cooling system installations before the Michigan summer gets going. When your system goes down, same-day service options are available, and we treat urgent calls with the urgency they deserve.
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees on any HVAC job means you won't open your door to a technician who surprises you with costs that weren't discussed. We quote the work, you approve it, and we get it done.
Affordable rates. Flexible timing. Reliable comfort.
When your air conditioner stops cooling or starts blowing warm air, the problem could be anything from a refrigerant leak to a failing compressor to a dirty evaporator coil. Our technicians diagnose the issue accurately and explain what needs to happen before they touch a thing. We handle condenser and compressor service, evaporator coil cleaning, and all the repair work that comes with a central air system that has seen a few Michigan summers.
For homeowners whose systems are past their useful life, we install replacement central air units and new systems in homes that are adding cooling for the first time. Ductless mini-split installation is also an option for additions, sunrooms, or any space that doesn't have existing ductwork. We'll walk you through the options and price the job up front so you can make the call that fits your budget.
Walker winters are not forgiving. A furnace that quits in February is not an inconvenience; it is an emergency. We offer emergency furnace repair and same-day availability for no-heat situations, because getting your heat back on is exactly the kind of problem that can't wait until next week.
For furnaces that are running but not running right, whether they're blowing cold air, cycling too often, or struggling to hold temperature, our technicians track down the cause and give you an honest assessment. If a repair makes sense, we'll repair it. If the furnace is at the end of its life, we'll tell you that too, along with what a replacement would cost, with no pressure to decide on the spot.
Furnace tune-ups before the heating season are one of the best ways to avoid a mid-winter breakdown. We check the heat exchanger, test the igniter, inspect the flue, and make sure the system is ready for the load ahead.
Heat pumps are becoming a more common choice in Michigan, and for good reason. A properly sized heat pump handles both heating and cooling from a single system, and the cold-climate models available today perform well even in the temperature ranges Walker sees. We repair heat pumps that aren't heating or cooling correctly, perform routine maintenance to keep efficiency up, and install new systems for homeowners making the switch or adding a heat pump for the first time.
Heat pump replacement is also a natural upgrade path when an older system reaches the end of its service life. We price the job up front and handle the installation from start to finish. Let us handle the install and the permits.
Leaking or poorly sealed ductwork wastes energy and creates uneven temperatures throughout the house. We inspect duct systems, seal leaks, and repair damaged sections so that the air your heating and cooling system produces actually reaches the rooms it's supposed to reach.
Smart thermostat installation is a straightforward upgrade that gives you better control over your system and can reduce energy use over time. If your thermostat is outdated or not working correctly, we can replace it with a programmable or smart model and walk you through how it works.
For indoor air quality, we install air filtration systems and air purifiers that reduce dust, allergens, and airborne particles throughout the home. Whole-home humidifier installation is worth considering in Michigan, where winter air gets very dry and can affect both comfort and the condition of wood floors and furniture.
For residential and commercial HVAC work alike, the standard is the same: show up on time, diagnose it right, and get the system running. We work with small business owners, property managers, and commercial accounts across Walker and the broader Kent County area, handling everything from office building AC repair to retail space heating and commercial HVAC system replacement.
Commercial systems run harder and on tighter schedules than residential equipment, and the cost of a system failure during business hours is real. Our qualified HVAC technicians understand commercial equipment and the expectations that come with keeping a business comfortable for employees and customers. Seasonal maintenance and preventive service contracts help commercial clients avoid unplanned downtime and keep systems running efficiently through the year. We'll get the job done and the system running.
Michigan's four seasons give every HVAC system a full workout, and the best time to find a problem is before it becomes an emergency. A spring AC tune-up before the cooling season starts means your system is ready when July arrives. A fall furnace tune-up before the heating season means you're not calling for emergency service on the coldest night of the year.
Annual HVAC service covers the full system inspection, cleaning, and adjustment that keeps equipment running at rated efficiency. Regular maintenance also gives our technicians a chance to catch small issues, worn components, or early signs of failure before they turn into bigger repairs. Energy-efficiency upgrades and comfort-control improvements are often a natural outcome of a thorough seasonal inspection.
We pull the permit. We install it to code. We stand behind it.
We know that cost is one of the first things on a homeowner's mind when the AC stops working or the furnace quits. We also know that unclear pricing is one of the most common complaints people have about home service contractors. Our approach is straightforward: call for a quote, and we'll price the job before any work begins.
Whether you're asking about AC repair, furnace replacement, heat pump installation, or a full HVAC system upgrade, we give you a clear number and a clear explanation of what it covers. No-pressure estimates mean you have time to think it over without someone standing in your living room waiting for an answer. Affordable HVAC service starts with knowing what you're paying for, and we make sure you do.
We are based in Walker and serve customers throughout Kent County and the surrounding communities. If you're nearby, we can likely get to you. Our regular service area includes:
Whether you're in Walker itself or in one of the surrounding towns, we bring the same qualified technicians and the same commitment to every job. For homeowners and businesses across this part of Michigan, we're the local HVAC contractor you can count on.
We started in Walker in 2003 with a straightforward goal: do the work right, price it honestly, and stand behind it. More than two decades later, that has not changed. Every job we take carries our name, and we treat that seriously.
We have been working in Walker and throughout Kent County since 2003, so yes. We know the local housing stock, the mix of older builds and newer construction, and the roads that connect the communities we serve. That familiarity means we show up on time and already understand the context of the work.
We serve customers throughout Kent County and the greater Grand Rapids metro, including Comstock Park, Grandville, Rockford, Sparta, Wyoming, Kentwood, and other nearby communities. If you are outside Walker and want to confirm we cover your area, call (616) 929-7829 and we will let you know.
We walk you through what the technician finds before any work begins, and we explain any changes to the scope before we act on them. You are not left wondering what is happening or why. Clear communication is part of how we operate on every call.
We stand behind the work we perform. If something we installed or repaired is not working correctly, call us and we will come back to address it. We are a locally owned business and our reputation here matters to us.
West Michigan winters are long and cold, and the homes in this area reflect decades of varied construction. We have worked through older duct systems, diagnosed refrigerant leaks in aging equipment, and tracked down airflow problems that left rooms cold for years. That hands-on experience in this specific climate shapes how we approach every diagnostic.
We operate every day from 6:00 AM to 8:30 PM, which covers most urgent situations. For heating emergencies during those hours, same-day service is available. Call (616) 929-7829 and we will get a technician out as quickly as possible.
Our technicians run a full diagnostic before recommending anything. We explain what we found, what it means, and what the options are. No-pressure estimates mean you have time to consider the recommendation without anyone pushing you toward a decision. If a repair is the right call, we say so. If a replacement makes more sense, we say that too.
Ketchum Heating and Cooling is ready to take your call, whether you need same-day service for a system that's down, a seasonal tune-up before the weather changes, or a quote on a full HVAC installation. We serve residential and commercial customers across Walker and Kent County, and we're available around the clock for heating and cooling emergencies.
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees on any HVAC job. Same-day options when you need them. Qualified technicians who know this area and stand behind their work.
Call (616) 929-7829 to schedule service or request a quote. We're ready when you are.
We handle the full range of residential and commercial heating and cooling work in Walker and across Kent County, from a quick repair to a complete system replacement. Every visit starts with a thorough diagnostic, and every job is priced up front so you know what to expect before any work begins. Whether you are scheduling routine maintenance, dealing with a system that stopped working, or planning a new installation, the table below covers what we do and who each service fits best.
| System Service | What It Covers | Common Needs | Things to Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seasonal Maintenance & Tune-Ups |
| homeowners who want to keep their system running reliably before peak heating or cooling season | Annual maintenance catches small issues before they become breakdowns and helps the system run at full efficiency. |
| Heating & Furnace Repair |
| any home or building that has lost heat or is heating unevenly | We treat no-heat calls as urgent and offer same-day availability for heating failures in cold weather. |
| Ductwork Repair & Sealing |
| homes with uneven temperatures, high energy bills, or rooms that never reach the right temperature | Leaky ductwork can account for a significant share of heating and cooling loss; sealing it often improves comfort noticeably. |
| Furnace Repair & Replacement |
| Kent County homeowners dealing with a furnace that has failed or is approaching end of life | We give you an honest assessment of whether repair or replacement is the smarter call, with pricing for both options up front. |
| Whole-Home Humidifier Installation |
| homes running forced-air heating through a Michigan winter where indoor dryness is a recurring problem | A whole-home humidifier works automatically once installed and can improve comfort at lower thermostat settings. |
| AC Repair & Service |
| homeowners or businesses with an AC that is underperforming or not cooling | Catching a small refrigerant or airflow issue early usually avoids a more expensive repair later in the season. |
| Full System Installation & Replacement |
| homes or buildings with aging equipment that has reached the end of its useful life | A properly sized replacement system improves comfort and efficiency; we walk you through equipment options before any work begins. |
| Thermostat & Smart-Control Installation |
| homeowners who want better temperature control or remote access to their system | A thermostat upgrade is one of the simpler improvements that can meaningfully change how the system performs day to day. |
| Indoor Air Quality & Air Filtration |
| households concerned about allergens, dust, or air quality year-round | Improved filtration works alongside the existing HVAC system and does not require a separate standalone unit. |
| Cold-Climate Heat Pump Installation |
| homes that want efficient year-round heating and cooling without separate systems | Many current cold-climate models are rated to operate efficiently at temperatures around -15 degrees Fahrenheit, which suits West Michigan winters well. |
| Emergency HVAC Service |
| any situation where a system has failed and waiting is not a realistic option | We prioritize emergency calls and move quickly on no-heat situations during Michigan winters. |
| Heat Pump Repair & Installation |
| homes looking for a single system that handles both heating and cooling | Modern cold-climate heat pumps operate efficiently well below freezing, making them a practical choice in West Michigan. |
How do I know if my furnace or AC needs to be replaced rather than repaired?
Age, repair history, and the cost of the repair relative to the value of the equipment are the main factors. A system that is 15 to 20 years old and has needed repeated repairs is usually a better candidate for replacement than another round of fixes. We run a full diagnostic, give you an honest read on the equipment's condition, and price both options so you can decide without pressure.
What are the signs that my system has a refrigerant or airflow problem?
Warm air coming from the vents when the AC is running, ice forming on the coil or refrigerant lines, longer run times without reaching the set temperature, and unusual humidity indoors are all common signs. Weak airflow from registers can point to a duct issue, a dirty coil, or a failing blower. A technician can diagnose which is causing the problem on the same visit.
Why is one room in my house always hotter or colder than the rest?
Uneven temperatures usually come from duct leaks, blocked or undersized registers, a thermostat in the wrong location, or an HVAC system that was not sized correctly for the home's layout. We check the ductwork, airflow at each register, and the overall system performance to find the cause and explain what it would take to correct it.
Same-Day and Emergency Availability
When a furnace stops working in a Michigan winter or an AC quits on a hot day, we prioritize those calls and move fast. We offer same-day and emergency service for both residential and commercial customers throughout Walker and Kent County.
How often should I schedule maintenance and tune-ups?
Once a year is the standard for most systems. Heating equipment is best serviced in the fall before the season starts, and cooling equipment in the spring. If you run a heat pump year-round, annual service covers both modes. Regular maintenance keeps the system running efficiently and catches small issues before they turn into breakdowns.
Is HVAC installation and replacement work permitted and inspected?
Yes. We pull the permit, complete the installation to code, and the work goes through the required inspection process. Permitted work protects you as a homeowner and ensures the installation meets the safety and performance standards required in Michigan.
What does a seasonal tune-up actually include?
A tune-up covers cleaning the coils, burners, and key components, checking refrigerant levels, inspecting electrical connections and safety controls, testing ignition and heat output on heating equipment, and checking airflow and filter condition. The goal is to confirm the system is operating correctly and catch anything that could cause a failure during the season.
Upfront Quotes With No Surprise Fees
Every job is priced before any work begins, and the final invoice reflects what we quoted. We explain what the work involves, what it costs, and answer your questions before a technician picks up a tool.
How does a whole-home humidifier help during a Michigan winter?
Forced-air heating systems dry out indoor air over the course of a long heating season. That shows up as dry skin, static electricity, cracked woodwork, and respiratory irritation. A whole-home humidifier integrates with the air handler and adds controlled moisture to the air as it circulates. It operates automatically and can make the home feel comfortable at a lower thermostat setting.
What is the difference between a furnace and a cold-climate heat pump, and how do I choose?
A furnace burns fuel to generate heat and is a proven, high-output option for cold climates. A cold-climate heat pump moves heat rather than generating it and handles both heating and cooling from a single system. Modern heat pumps are rated to operate efficiently at temperatures well below freezing, which makes them a realistic option in West Michigan. The right choice depends on your home's setup, existing ductwork, and how you heat and cool the space. We size and explain both options before any work begins.
Code-Compliant Work on Every Job
We pull the permit, complete the installation to code, and stand behind the work. Every job, from a minor repair to a full system replacement, meets the standards required for safe, inspected HVAC work in Michigan.
What causes a system to short-cycle, and should I be concerned?
Short-cycling is when a system turns on and off more frequently than it should, running in short bursts rather than completing a full heating or cooling cycle. It can come from an oversized system, a refrigerant issue, a dirty filter restricting airflow, a failing thermostat, or a problem with the heat exchanger or compressor. It puts extra wear on the equipment and should be diagnosed before it leads to a larger failure.
Do I need to be home when the technician comes out?
For work inside the home, such as furnace service, air handler work, or ductwork repair, someone needs to be available to provide access. For exterior equipment like a condenser or heat pump unit, a technician can often perform the work without anyone present. If you have a specific situation, call us ahead of the appointment and we will work out the access details.
How does your pricing work, and will the estimate change once the technician arrives?
We provide no-pressure estimates priced up front before any work begins. If the scope of work changes based on what the technician finds during the diagnostic, we explain that and get your approval before adding anything to the job. There are no surprise line items on the final invoice. Transparent pricing with no hidden fees on any HVAC job is how we operate on every call.
Call (616) 929-7829 to schedule service, request an estimate, or talk through what your heating or cooling system needs. We are one phone call from getting your comfort right.