<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF SERVICE EXPERTS, INC. FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
1998 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR  
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1998
<CASH>                                           8,408
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   59,505
<ALLOWANCES>                                     2,050
<INVENTORY>                                     29,715
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               115,045
<PP&E>                                          55,903
<DEPRECIATION>                                  17,283
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 356,555
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           32,008
<BONDS>                                        104,479
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                           175
<OTHER-SE>                                     206,207
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   356,555
<SALES>                                        407,835
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               407,835
<CGS>                                          261,670
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  261,670
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               3,708
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 38,685
<INCOME-TAX>                                    15,260
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             23,425
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    23,425
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.39
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.37