Dr. Fahrenheit HVAC

By Patti Richter

 

Whether it’s winter cold, summer heat, or swinging temperatures in spring and fall, we rely upon home heating and air conditioning systems. This means we’ll eventually need a dependable local service.

Dr. Fahrenheit HVAC, serving Woodstock and surrounding areas, is veteran-owned and family-operated by Randall (Randy) and Laura Lahr. Together, they’ve been keeping customers comfortable and satisfied for more than 20 years.

The couple’s shared dream of owning their own HVAC business became a reality in 2001. Randy had learned the values of service and commitment while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, then worked in heating and air systems. Laura had years of administrative experience in both construction and sales.

An unwanted challenge came a few years ago when Randy nearly lost his life in a motorcycle accident. The difficult season that followed included a temporary shutdown of the business. But Randy’s recovery has become part of their story, which became a comeback story.

 

Dr. Fahrenheit and Nurse Celsius

When the couple named their business, Randy assumed the “physician” role, providing wellness checks, maintenance, repair, replacement, and installation of heating and air conditioning systems. His wife (playfully referred to as Nurse Celsius on their company Facebook page), became “head of operations — behind-the-desk and in the field,” Laura says.

These nicknames reveal the couple’s healthy sense of humor, which proved helpful after Randy’s accident, when extensive physical rehabilitation necessitated their real-life health care roles.

Laura says she will never forget the call she received “at 10 ‘til seven” one night in June 2018.

“I was told my husband had rolled 200 feet down Bells Ferry Road. They were fighting to stop his bleeding,” she recalls. “In a state of shock, I had to call my mother-in-law to let her know what was happening. I begged God not to take Randy from me and the kids.”

Laura describes her husband as a strong, disciplined man, hardworking and dedicated. “When I first met him, I was immediately starstruck,” she says. “There was something about him.”

Randy’s Marine Corps background is no doubt part of that something. He says they built the HVAC business on Marine core values of honor, courage, and commitment. “Ooh-rah,” a common greeting for Marines, became his personal mantra during physical rehabilitation. The term is a battle cry used to build morale, and Randy says it also relates to the Marine slogan, “Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome,” which encourages Marines to deal with any hardship.

 

Back to Life and Business

Laura says her husband remained physically strong even during his recovery, “but this doesn’t mean it was easy,” she says. “He was on life-support and had a temporary stomach feeding bag while his jaw healed. He had a face plate inserted — and later replaced.”

Yet Laura says the accident served to renew their marriage.

“It brought us to a different level of commitment. Randy had to put up with me every day, though he told me I kept him in stitches. He kept us entertained as well,” says Laura.

Randy’s mother also played a big role in his recovery. But he credits his wife for giving him the desire to work hard.

“My goal was to be the best man I could be for her,” says Randy.

Getting back to life, which includes five children and seven grandchildren, meant getting back to their “mom-and-pop shop,” Laura says. It also consists of their church, First Baptist Woodstock, and community involvement. Laura is a member of the Woodstock Business Club and says, “It’s a unique network of amazing people who all support each other.”

Randy supports the Wounded Warrior project. He’s also a member of the Marine Corps League of Woodstock and would like to recruit more members. “All Devil Dogs are welcome!” he says.

 

Customer-Service Focus

Randy now has more than 35 years of HVAC experience. The Lahrs work together on inspections and maintenance jobs, and their team of workers perform installations and repairs.

The company website features a newer service, installing REME-HALO in-duct air purifiers, which reduce bacteria, viruses, and mold spores in the home.

Dr. Fahrenheit provides 24/7 emergency services, and, for veterans and seniors, free service calls and quotes on new equipment. The business uses leading brands including Trane, Rheem, and American Standard. The Lahrs say that replacing an old furnace or heating system with a more efficient unit will offset energy costs over time.

The couple has raised their children since establishing their business.

“We’ve lived a blessed life,” Laura says. “We focus on customer service, with clear, honest communication, working to make sure the job is done right — that all their needs are met.”

 

Dr. Fahrenheit HVAC

Woodstock, GA
770-926-6773
DrFahrenheitHVAC.com