For Service Call: (410) 381-7991

Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer

About Us

truck with technician ready to leave for a job

Honesty and Integrity From the Beginning

In 1972, Mike Hendricks, Sr. started to create his own business. Trained as an aeronautical engineer, Mike had specialized in designing equipment that involved air flow, pressures, vacuums, and electronic controls. That experience with complex air flow systems transferred easily to the HVAC industry.

Mike wanted to create a straightforward, honest business that would succeed on the basis of his own integrity. Most of his early customers were friends and collegues. In 1975, as his customer list grew, he left the corporate world to devote his full attention to the endeavor.

Shortly after that, Richard Dean joined him as a partner. Richard had graduated from college with a degree in information systems and business processes. Together, the two launched Environmental Systems Associates, operating out of the trunk of Mike's car.

Commitment to Quality

Their commitment to quality and integrity grew their fledgling business quickly. In 1983, Mike's son, Michael Hendricks joined the team as Service Manager. Michael's technical skills and MBA were a perfect complement to the team.

Since that time, we have grown to a company with 25 employees. Other family members, including Mike's wife, Luann, Daughter-in-Law, Angela, and Richard's daughter, Caitlin, have also joined our business. In addition, we have many long-term employees of 15 or 20 years who have found a home with us and helped us grow.

Our business philosophy remains the same as it was in 1972. We continue to pride ourselves on our customer service, product knowledge, and application of new technologies to whole-house air comfort solutions.

Highest Ratings

Our commitment to customer satisfaction for over 35 years has earned us community recognition including,


Sierra Club Green Check

This year we were honored to receive the "Sierra Club Green Check" award. The Sierra Club Green Check indicates that a business makes a legitimate and meaningful effort to offer a product or service that is more sustainable than what is commonly sold.

Our Home Efficiency Audits help consumers find the most cost effective ways to manage home comfort while improving energy efficiency. In addition, we partner with insulation and duct cleaning contractors to help the consumer achieve the highest possible indoor air comfort.

We're also striving to become "greener" in our own business practices by transitioning to a "paperless" office; recycling cardboard, plastic, and scrap metal; installing ceiling fans in our shop; using a programmable thermostat; and monitoring our fleet vehicles for efficient fuel usage.

ACCA Leadership

A C C A logo

Leadership Role with Air Conditioning Contractors of America

As an active member of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) trade association, we are constantly aware of innovations in the HVAC business.

Richard Dean has served on the local Board of Directors and as Chairman of the Board of the National Association of Air Conditioning Contractors.


Community Involvement

We are grateful for the support the community has shown ESA over the years. In turn, we are committed to working toward making Howard County a better place for us all.

We work through ACCA and The Arc of Howard County to manage an "adopt a group home" project that provides group homes with low cost, quality heating and air conditioning service and equipment.

We also help sponsor other community causes such as the Kappa Phi Lambda annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Breakfast, community concerts, and sports activities.

Honesty and Integrity Never Go Out of Style

We continue to strive to exceed your expectations in providing whole-house solutions to your indoor air comfort problems. Our policy is to offer honest products with added value—consumer information and education to help you, our customer, make the best decisions regarding your heating and cooling needs and solutions.

Our commitment to quality and integrity has enabled us to succeed in this business for over 35 years. And, with your continued support, we hope to continue as your HVAC comfort provider for many more!

  • Environmental Systems Associates, Inc.
  • 9375-J Gerwig Lane, Columbia MD 21046
  • Lic. HVACR MD 01-2939