Built on honesty, craftsmanship, and family.
About Next Step
Chicago's North Shore specialist since 2001. Ivan and Boris Buchancow oversee every project personally.
Our commitment is that you have a consistent point of contact from start to finish.
OUR STORY
Ivan founded Ivan's Heating and Cooling in 2001 as a one-truck operation—hands-on installation and service work driven by a simple principle: treat every customer's home like it's your own. What began with hard work and word-of-mouth trust grew into one of the North Shore's most trusted HVAC teams.
In 2007, Boris joined the company and learned the trade from the ground up alongside his older brother. Together they deepened expertise in geothermal and heat pump systems—areas that would prove critical as homeowners increasingly pursued cleaner and more efficient systems. In 2012, Ivan and Boris officially partnered to create the Next Step we know today: a company focused on craftsmanship, smart system design, and honest service.
Throughout this journey, we've remained intentionally small to provide our customers with the best possible service. Ivan and Boris oversee every project directly. Our lead installers and technicians handle the work themselves. You always know who's in your home, and we maintain accountability for every detail.
Today, as the HVAC industry evolves toward cold-climate heat pumps, geothermal, and higher-efficiency small-duct systems, Next Step is positioned at the forefront of electrification on the North Shore. We've been preparing for this transition for years.
We don't believe in high-pressure sales or costly service tiers. We believe in providing the right solution for your specific home, and we have the certifications and reviews to prove we mean it.
MEET THE TEAM
Two brothers. One company. Every job.
Ivan Buchancow
Boris Buchancow
Co-Owner · Project Management & Operations
Over 25 years of HVAC expertise spanning installation, maintenance, design, and daily operations. Ivan ensures every project is planned correctly and executed with attention to detail — from load calculations to final commissioning.
Co-Owner · Heat Pump & Geothermal Specialist
Nearly 20 years of specialized expertise in heat pump systems, geothermal installations, and high-velocity small-duct retrofits. Boris designs and oversees some of the most technically complex electrification projects on the North Shore.
BBB A+ Rating
ComEd Energy Efficiency Service Provider
Credentials that mean something.
BuildZoom Rating: 106
(Top 7% of Illinois Contractors)
Licensed & Insured in Illinois
Why trust Next Step
Geothermal Alliance of Illinois Member
25+ Years Serving the North Shore
★★★★★
"I have been using NextStep for all of my heating and cooling repair/maintenance and installation for many years. They are reliable, responsive, honest, friendly, knowledgeable and really great at their job. The price was very competitive and their work was great. I would recommend them every time."
Julie W.
5.0 rating on Google.
Every review earned.
★★★★★
"I've been a customer of Next Step for over 20 years, and their service has consistently been outstanding. They respond quickly to repair requests and always resolve issues promptly. The team is extremely knowledgeable, professional, and responsible. I highly recommend them."
Ale O.
What our customers say
★★★★★
"We've used Next Step for over 4 years from basic HVAC system checks to highly involved projects. I've always found Boris to be honest and reliable. He'll let you know what absolutely needs to be done, what would be good to address, and what's low priority. I highly recommend."
Todd K.
★★★★★
"Next Step HVAC is an exceptional business. They have always gone above and beyond to ensure I'm satisfied. Honest, upfront, courteous, on time. I very highly recommend this business."
Brian G.