WHITEHOUSE, Texas — What started in a remodeled chicken house back in 1970 has grown into one of East Texas’s most trusted names in HVAC.
Kelly A/C & Heating, Inc. was founded by Ralph Kelly and his son Gary as a small operation focused on repairing heating and air conditioning systems for folks in Whitehouse and nearby towns. Over time, their reputation for honest work and dependable service helped the business expand to include new residential construction—and a whole lot more.
Now in its third generation of ownership, Kelly A/C is still proudly family-owned and deeply rooted in the community. In 2009, the business moved into its current location on Highway 110 in Whitehouse, giving the growing team more room to serve both residential and commercial customers. Gary’s children, Todd Kelly and Stacey Hampton, now run the company, with Stacey’s daughter-in-law, Shawna Driggers, serving as operations manager.
“We’ve been doing this for nearly 55 years, and we’re still a mom-and-pop business at heart,” said Driggers. “Our goal has always been to treat our customers with respect and give them the kind of service we’d want for our own families.”
The Kelly A/C team includes long-time technicians, installers, and maintenance pros who handle everything from basic repairs to full system replacements. And they don’t just show up for work—they show up for the community, too.
Todd Kelly has served as president of the Whitehouse Chamber of Commerce and currently sits on the Troup ISD school board. Ralph Kelly was named Legacy of the Year in 2018. And Shawna herself spent nearly a decade volunteering with the Whitehouse Chamber and helped kick off the “Paint the Town Red” campaign in honor of local legend and NFL star Patrick Mahomes.
As Texas heats up this spring, Driggers says now’s the time to stay ahead of HVAC issues. Common problems like dirty filters, clogged drain lines, worn-out fan motors, or low refrigerant can sneak up on you—especially after a long winter of not running your A/C.
“A lot of the issues we see could be avoided with regular maintenance,” she said. “Change your filters often, pour bleach in your drain lines, keep weeds away from your outside unit, and hose off your outdoor condenser coils if there’s dirt or pet hair building up.”
Kelly A/C also offers flexible financing for bigger repairs or new installations—including a 0% interest home improvement loan—so customers can stay cool without the stress of a major upfront expense.
The team stays on top of the latest HVAC technology, too. From smart thermostats that can be controlled through your phone to new, more energy-efficient refrigerants like R454B, they’re committed to helping customers make informed decisions about their systems.
“We’re not just here to fix things—we’re here to guide people through the process,” said Driggers. “Whether you’re trying to figure out what system to buy or you’re just wondering if your filter’s the right size, we’re always happy to help.”
Kelly A/C & Heating may have grown since the early days, but the mission remains the same: provide great service, treat people right, and support the community they call home.
To learn more or schedule a service, visit www.kellyac.com or call 903-839-4472.
