Airtemp air conditioners are owned by R.E. Michel Company, a leading wholesale HVAC distributor headquartered in Glen Burnie, Maryland, which operates as a division of Nortek Global HVAC.
Airtemp is a brand with a remarkable American origin story, born from the air conditioning system designed for the iconic Chrysler Building in New York City.
Nortek Global HVAC is the parent organization behind Airtemp’s manufacturing and product development today.
Knowing who stands behind Airtemp helps you judge how a historic HVAC brand fits into the modern heating and cooling market.
This article covers who makes Airtemp air conditioners, where they are produced, who owns the brand, its history, how it compares to a rival, and whether the systems are any good.
So let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Who Makes Airtemp Air Conditioners?
Airtemp air conditioners are made under the Airtemp brand, which is owned by R.E. Michel Company and produced through Nortek Global HVAC’s manufacturing network.
R.E. Michel does not manufacture the units itself; it serves as the exclusive marketer and distributor of Airtemp systems, which are built by third party manufacturers coordinated through Nortek.
All Airtemp products are built with reliable components and proven technology, and go through quality testing before shipment.
Airtemp’s product line covers residential split system air conditioners, heat pumps, package units, ductless mini-splits, and furnaces.
R.E. Michel was founded in 1935 and has grown into one of the largest HVAC wholesale distributors in the United States, giving Airtemp a wide and established distribution network, as confirmed by appliance research sources.
Where Are Airtemp Air Conditioners Made?
Airtemp HVAC products are manufactured in North America, with at least one confirmed production facility in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
R.E. Michel and Nortek do not publicly disclose the exact origin of each Airtemp unit, so manufacturing locations can vary by model and product category.
All Airtemp systems sold in the United States must meet applicable DOE efficiency standards and domestic safety certifications.
The unit label on each system confirms the country of manufacture for that specific model.
Who Owns Airtemp Air Conditioners?
The Airtemp brand is owned by R.E. Michel Company, which operates as a division of Nortek Global HVAC.
Nortek Global HVAC is a large manufacturer and distributor of heating and cooling equipment, overseeing multiple brands across residential and commercial HVAC markets.
R.E. Michel itself is a wholesale HVAC distributor with dozens of branch locations across the eastern United States, giving Airtemp broad regional reach.
The brand’s deep history and current corporate structure are outlined on the Nortek company profile.
What Is the History of Airtemp?
Airtemp traces its origins directly to the Chrysler Building project, which was completed in 1930 as the world’s tallest skyscraper at the time.
The need to air condition that iconic New York City landmark led to the incorporation of Airtemp Corporation in 1934.
The brand made important early innovations, including capacity regulators in 1937 and self-contained units with sealed radial compressors in 1938.
Airtemp was later acquired by Fedders Corporation in 1976 and has since passed through several ownerships before arriving at its current structure under R.E. Michel and Nortek Global HVAC.
Airtemp Air Conditioners vs Rheem Air Conditioners: How Do They Compare?
Airtemp and Rheem both compete in the residential HVAC market, but with very different market positions.
Rheem is a nationally recognized brand manufactured by Rheem Manufacturing and backed by Paloma Industries of Japan, with plants primarily in Arkansas and wide dealer coverage across North America.
Airtemp is a regional value option with limited public brand recognition, distributed primarily through R.E. Michel’s wholesale network in the eastern United States.
For buyers in R.E. Michel’s distribution area who want a budget-friendly system, Airtemp can be a sensible pick, while Rheem offers stronger national brand support and a broader dealer network.
Are Airtemp Air Conditioners Any Good?
Airtemp air conditioners offer a reasonable value for budget-conscious homeowners, particularly through R.E. Michel’s distribution network.
The brand covers its systems with a 10-year all parts limited warranty and a 1-year replacement pledge, which is solid coverage for a value tier brand.
Because Nortek Global HVAC oversees production, Airtemp benefits from established manufacturing standards and proven technology.
Parts availability and nationwide service support can be more limited than major brands, which is worth factoring into a long term purchase decision.
For buyers in the eastern United States looking for an affordable, warrantied HVAC system with a historic American brand behind it, Airtemp is worth considering.
For more on related HVAC brands, see Where Are Rheem Water Heaters Made and Who Makes American Standard Air Conditioners.
Frequently Asked Questions About Airtemp Air Conditioners
Who makes Airtemp air conditioners?
Airtemp air conditioners are owned by R.E. Michel Company, a division of Nortek Global HVAC. R.E. Michel markets and distributes Airtemp while Nortek coordinates manufacturing through third party producers.
Are Airtemp air conditioners made in the USA?
Airtemp HVAC products are manufactured in North America, with a known facility in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Exact origins vary by model and are confirmed on the unit label.
What warranty do Airtemp air conditioners carry?
Airtemp covers its systems with a 10-year all parts limited warranty and a 1-year replacement pledge. Registration is typically required to activate the full warranty term.
Is Airtemp a good air conditioner brand?
Airtemp is a reasonable value choice for budget-conscious buyers in R.E. Michel’s distribution area. It offers basic functionality and a solid warranty, though national parts availability and service support are more limited than major brands.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.