<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF SERVICE EXPERTS, INC. FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                              JAN-1-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1997
<CASH>                                          14,537
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   27,721
<ALLOWANCES>                                     1,169
<INVENTORY>                                      9,463
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                59,230
<PP&E>                                          28,534
<DEPRECIATION>                                   7,571
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 166,490
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           29,901
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                           149
<OTHER-SE>                                     124,698
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   166,490
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               167,647
<CGS>                                          107,400
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  150,367
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                 160
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 18,110
<INCOME-TAX>                                     6,595
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             11,515
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    11,515
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .81
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .81