Meet the Licensed HVAC Company Behind Your Year-Round Comfort

Murray HVAC has proudly served Chicago’s North Shore since 1948. The company began as Murray Oil Co., an oil delivery business founded by Dick Murray. As the company grew, Dick recognized that many customers needed not only fuel delivery, but also reliable heating service and repair.

To better serve those customers, Dick partnered with Harold Brainerd, the service manager of Braun Brothers Oil, one of the largest oil delivery companies on the North Shore. Together they formed Murray Heating Service, combining fuel delivery expertise with exceptional heating system service and installation.

Over the years, Murray Heating became known for installing and servicing heating systems and some of the first residential air conditioning systems on the North Shore. As homes and commercial buildings became more complex, Murray earned a reputation for solving difficult comfort and mechanical problems that others couldn’t.

Following Dick Murray’s passing, Harold Brainerd became sole owner and continued to grow the business through his commitment to quality workmanship, technical expertise, and customer service. Many of the company’s long-standing customer relationships were built during this time.

In 1967, Dennis Brainerd joined the company and worked in every aspect of the business, learning directly from his father. Like Harold, Dennis developed a reputation for diagnosing and solving challenging heating and cooling issues that other contractors could not resolve. Harold retired in 1991 and remained a source of inspiration until his passing in 2020 at the age of 98.

Today, Dennis continues to lead Murray HVAC, remaining actively involved in service calls and supporting technicians on complex projects. The company remains family-owned and operated, with daughter Shannon Brainerd managing the office and customer service operations.

More than 75 years after its founding, Murray HVAC continues to provide honest, dependable service to generations of North Shore families. For generations, homeowners have trusted Murray HVAC to solve the comfort problems others couldn’t. From older homes to complex heating and cooling systems, that tradition of expertise, problem-solving, and personal service continues today. We are grateful for the trust of our long-time customers and look forward to serving new ones for years to come.

A Local HVAC Company That Keeps Comfort Simple

Choosing a licensed HVAC company is personal because you’re trusting someone with the comfort, safety, and energy use of your home or business. Murray HVAC, Inc. serves Skokie, Wilmette, Winnetka, Northbrook, and surrounding North Shore communities with heating, cooling, boiler, air quality, and specialty comfort service built around straightforward communication. Instead of confusing you with technical language, the team focuses on what matters most: what’s wrong, what can be fixed, what should be replaced, and which option gives you the most reliable comfort for the money.

Straight Answers Before Any Recommendation

HVAC problems are stressful enough without confusing explanations. You deserve to know what failed, what can be repaired, and what replacement would actually improve.

Clear guidance: You will understand the problem before deciding what to do next.
Repair-minded service: When a repair makes sense, the team can explain that path.
Replacement planning: When equipment is aging out, you can compare options clearly.
Comfort-focused advice: Recommendations are tied to how your space feels, not just model numbers.

For a full list of service options, visit the Services page.

Experience With Different Heating and Cooling Setups

North Shore properties can include forced-air systems, boilers, steam heat, small-duct cooling, and specialty comfort needs. As a licensed HVAC company, Murray HVAC, Inc. also provides solutions that improve comfort, indoor air quality, and system performance across a wide range of properties.

Furnace systems: Support for maintenance, repair, installation, and replacement.
Hot water boilers: Service for steady radiant-style comfort.
Steam systems: Care for older heating setups that need careful adjustment.
Specialty cooling: SpacePak and Unico options for homes with limited duct space.
Hot water heaters: Repair and replacement services help ensure dependable hot water for everyday use.
Space heaters: Safe, supplemental heating solutions can add warmth to specific rooms when needed.
Zone systems: Customize temperatures in different areas of your home or building for improved comfort and efficiency.
Humidifiers: Whole-home humidity control helps reduce dry indoor air during the heating season.
Air filters: Quality filtration improves airflow while helping capture dust, allergens, and other airborne particles.
Ultraviolet systems: UV technology helps reduce microbial growth inside HVAC equipment to support cleaner indoor air.

If your home uses boiler heat, the Hot Water Boilers page is a helpful next step.

Respectful Service From the First Call

Good service starts before the technician arrives. Murray HVAC, Inc. keeps the process straightforward so you know who to contact and what information to share.

Local phone numbers: Reach the company through Wilmette, Winnetka, Northbrook, or Skokie lines.
Email access: Send service questions or appointment requests directly.
Skokie location: The listed address supports customers across the North Shore.
Emergency needs: Contact the company when urgent HVAC problems cannot wait.

For urgent scheduling details, use the Contact Us page.

Built Around Clear HVAC Guidance

Homeowners choose Murray HVAC, Inc. because the service approach is simple: listen first, explain the issue clearly, and recommend the option that makes sense for the system and the property. That matters when you’re dealing with heat that won’t keep up, AC that runs nonstop, or an older boiler that needs careful attention.

Talk With a Local HVAC Team

You can also reach out to us by filling out our online form when you want a heating and cooling company that explains the work in plain language and helps you make a confident decision.

Phone: Wilmette: (847) 256-9050 | Winnetka: 847-446-7860 | Northbrook: 847-272-1133 | Skokie: 847-673-7506
Email: info@murray-hvac.com
Address: 5115 Church St.,
Skokie, IL 60077