A husband-and-wife team built on integrity, trust, and personalized service.
At DNA Heating & Cooling, you're not dealing with a large company and rotating technicians you've never met. You're working with us — Derek and Laura Aarstad, Richmond natives who built this business on doing things the right way.
As a husband-and-wife team, we take pride in offering a boutique experience where every client gets personal attention, clear communication, and a level of care you won't find with larger operations. We're small by design. That's not a limitation — it's how we deliver quality.
That's the DNA difference.
Master HVAC Contractor
Derek is the hands-on expert behind every DNA project. As a Master HVAC Contractor with a Class A license and over 15 years of experience, he brings precision, consistency, and care to every job.
Derek holds RBEA (Residential Building Energy Analyst) and NCI certifications, and he's committed to staying ahead of the industry through continuing education and advanced training. He believes in doing things the right way — no shortcuts, no cut corners. Every visit is about building trust and treating your home as if it were his own.
His expertise goes beyond traditional heating and cooling. Derek is leading DNA's focus on electrification — helping Richmond homeowners move away from gas furnaces and water heaters to safer, cleaner, and more efficient heat pump technology.
Operations & Customer Experience
Laura is the reason DNA runs smoothly. With over 15 years of experience in administration, customer service, and management, she handles scheduling, communication, and everything behind the scenes — making sure every client receives clear information and outstanding support from start to finish.
When you call DNA, you're not navigating a phone tree or talking to a call center. You're talking to Laura. She makes sure your questions get answered, your appointments are scheduled, and your experience is seamless from first call to completed project.
We started DNA Heating & Cooling with a clear mission: to offer reliable, high-quality HVAC services to our Richmond community.
We understand the importance of a comfortable and efficient home. We also know that too many HVAC companies cut corners, rush through jobs, and treat customers like numbers. We wanted to build something different — a company where quality comes first, where clients become long-term relationships, and where every job is done right.
Our goal is to build lasting relationships based on trust, integrity, and exceptional service. Whether we're installing a new heat pump, diagnosing a problem, or performing annual maintenance, we approach every project the same way: like it's our own home.
Derek is personally involved in every project. You're not handed off to strangers — you're working with a team that takes ownership of your experience from start to finish.
We're not trying to be the biggest HVAC company in Richmond. We're focused on being the best — delivering personal attention and quality you won't get from larger operations.
We live here. We raise our family here. When we service your home, we're serving our neighbors. Our reputation in this community matters to us.
We're at the forefront of the electrification movement — helping homeowners transition from gas furnaces and water heaters to safer, more efficient heat pump technology. It's better for your family and better for the future.
Whether you need a repair, a new system, or just want to talk through your options, we're here to help. No pressure, no sales tactics — just honest answers and quality work.
