Harker Heating & Cooling
About us
Harker Heating & Cooling set out in 1949 to provide our customers with the very best quality heating and cooling services available in Madison, WI. Together with our staff, vendors, friends and family, we’ve been able to sustain a company that has always been focused on our customer’s needs. For this to happen we hold firm in the importance of supporting and taking good care of our staff. We believe in a quote from Simon Sinek, who wrote, “Customers will never love a company until the employees love it first.” It all starts at the core. From there, after more than 60 years serving Dane County, gratefully, we’re able to continue the journey.
Business highlights
Emergency services offered
76 years of experience
Services we offer
Air Conditioning, Comfort Controls, Dehumidifiers & Boilers., Delivery System, Filtration, Gas Furnace, Geothermal, Heat Recovery Ventilators, Hepa Filtration, Humidifiers, Radiant Heat, Ultraviolet Light, Zoning System
Amenities
Emergency Services
Yes
Free Estimates
Yes
Accepted Payment Methods
- CreditCard
Reviews
4.7205 Reviews
| Number of Stars | Image of Distribution | Number of Ratings |
|---|---|---|
| 82% | ||
| 9% | ||
| 5% | ||
| 2% | ||
| 1% |
Showing 151-175 of 205 reviews
Steven W.
Feb 2012
They were very prompt and did excellent work. They have great pricing.
Jeff K.
Jan 2012
Great. The installers were on time (early in fact) and conducted the install efficiently and professionally. We discussed a few details about the logistics and I/O locations for the ERV and then they proceeded with the installation. The time to complete the job was estimated at 7-8 hours and ended up taking only 4-5. Overall it was a very positive experience!
Response from Harker Heating & Cooling
"Thank you for the great report! Glad to see the install went smooth and you are happy with your new equipment. If there is anything else you need please let us know! Luke Heiar VP/Co-owner Harker Heating & Cooling, Inc."
Kerry M.
Jan 2012
This was a Groupon deal. The guy who did the work was knowledgeable and professional, and we have confidence in the work. I was concerned that with such an old furnace, there was going to be a lot that needed to be done. It is refreshing to be told that everything looks fine. Given the age of our furnace, a less scrupulous company really could have sold us a lot of "needed" service. I'm glad to have found an honest company - it's a great way to build a good relationship with current and potential customers.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
Response from Harker Heating & Cooling
"Thank you for the great report! We are not in the business of turning a quick buck by making unnecessary repairs (nor have we ever been). I am glad that your "experienced" equipment is running well. Continual service will get more years out of it and put more money in your pocket. Thank you for choosing Harker! Luke Heiar VP/Owner Harker Heating & Cooling, Inc."
C L.
Dec 2011
I was very happy with them. It was a significant amount of money but I had talked to a few companies and it seemed that they were the way to go.
David S.
Dec 2011
We had our furnace and humidifier serviced including replacement of the humidifier water panel. About six weeks later, soon after the humiidifier was turned on we discovered water under the carpet in our family room. After finally tracing the problem back to the furnace area, we had Harker return to fix the problem. They identified the water as coming from a clogged humidifier drainage hose. As we have never had this problem previously, we figured it had stemmed from either poor flushing of the hose, its being reattached improperly, or something else related to the humidifier servicing. Harker has refused to take responsibility for the carpet damage or help contribute to its replacement.
We would certainly discourage anyone from using Harker as they do not appear to stand by their service.
It is unfortunate that the provider responded without ever visiting the site and getting his facts correct. Mike did note that there was a leak from the solenoid, but neglected to report that he said it was a minor issue that did not have to be dealt with now. In addition, the serviceman who did correct the problem was able to trace the leak that caused the problem back to the drainage hose, and we saw the water trail. The response also failed to mention that the current area of carpet damage is not physically near where the solenoid had leaked (which was dry when this issue was noted). The provider's response still appears to be avoiding taking responsibility for a job not well done.
We would certainly discourage anyone from using Harker as they do not appear to stand by their service.
It is unfortunate that the provider responded without ever visiting the site and getting his facts correct. Mike did note that there was a leak from the solenoid, but neglected to report that he said it was a minor issue that did not have to be dealt with now. In addition, the serviceman who did correct the problem was able to trace the leak that caused the problem back to the drainage hose, and we saw the water trail. The response also failed to mention that the current area of carpet damage is not physically near where the solenoid had leaked (which was dry when this issue was noted). The provider's response still appears to be avoiding taking responsibility for a job not well done.
Response from Harker Heating & Cooling
"I am very sorry you had a bad experience with your humidifier. Our service technician Mike (30 + years of experience) diagnosed the problem as a leaking solenoid valve. It is my understanding that Mike had the part in his hand, ready to change, but you chose to wait until the spring to replace it (All of this is noted on the invoice). Mike also noticed existing water damage along the floor, wall and carpet. I believe he pointed this out to you as well. A leaking solenoid valve will release more water than any typical humidifier can take, leading to an overflow regardless of hose condition. You did the right thing by having your equipment checked. Having annual service on your equipment is meant to catch problems like this, as it did, and I hope other Angie’s list members read this and learn the benefits of it. All we can do as a company is recommend the repairs. It is always up to the homeowner to decide “yes or no”. If you are simply looking for a check to cover the cost of replacing the carpet, we just cannot do that. We ALWAYS stand behind our work and will completely cover any damages that might occur (as rare as it is). Unfortunately, we made a recommendation which was not followed. If we opened ourselves to covering frivolous incidences, we set precedence for future situation like this. I hope Angie’s List members take a good look at our “A” rating, the number of reports we have, and also the decent streak of Super Service Awards we have earned. Angie’s List has been a great way to show Dane County how we treat our customers. It is unfortunate when it becomes a vehicle to vent aggression. If any Angie’s List members have any questions about this incident, please give me a call or send an e-mail. Luke Heiar [email protected] 255-6902"
Clifford T.
Dec 2011
They charged us about $6000 for their services. They had been recommended by a friend of ours. We would definitely use their services in the future too.
Response from Harker Heating & Cooling
"Thank you for the GREAT report! Glad to see you are happy with your furnace. If there is anything else we can do for you please let us know. Luke Heiar V.P./Co-Owner Harker Heating & Cooling, Inc."
Tim O.
Dec 2011
The last service was a little over $200. We had them out earlier in the summer to fix our zone system for heating. I went to Angie’s List and looked over some of the things. They seemed to have a good rating. I had a furnace installed a couple of years ago and I wasn’t particularly happy with the service that I had from another company. So, I wanted to try a new one. I need to have Harker Heating & Cooling come back out since the Aprilaire system doesn’t seem to be working well. I don’t know if it’s their fault. The filter that they replaced seems to be spilling water on the basement floor. They were punctual and came on the day they said they would come. I would probably use them again.
Response from Harker Heating & Cooling
"Thank you for the report and choosing to use our services. If there are any issues with the work we did please let our service dept. know and we will tend to it asap. Thank you again!"
Thomas N.
Dec 2011
I used a Groupon to have Harker check my heater. I was worried that they were going to use the Groupon service call as an opportunity to tell me I needed additional work at additional cost. But they came in, checked the system, fixed a small issue, educated me a bit, and were on their way. Very professional. I will use them again.
Response from Harker Heating & Cooling
"Thank you for the good report! Happy to see the Groupon special worked out for you. It has never been Harker's policy to sell anything the home doesn't need. We have stayed in business for over 60 years by having a large and loyal customer base that trusts us, not by playing con games. If there is anything else you need please let us know. Thank you again for choosing Harker, Luke Heiar VP/Owner"
Paul Q.
Nov 2011
We have used them quite a bit and they have been a very good company for us. They are a very good company and we found them to be very reliable, efficient and useful. We have had no problems with the systems. We had them come when we had a problem and the emergency service was fantastic. It was immediate and they did a very good job. They are there when you need them. There is a service fee for them to come out and it depends on how much equipment you have and what kind of equipment and stuff like that. They are a very professional company and they do a very good job. We had done a comparison of prices when we installed the system and they were quite good but I have never done any comparison shopping on the maintenance cost. They don't usually offer you very enticing deals and I don't think they feel that they have to. They have a very solid customer base and they provide a very good service and people go back to them because they have done a good job and they know that it is going to be done right. Their punctuality is always very good. The technicians that come out have always been very competent.
Response from Harker Heating & Cooling
"Thank you for the GREAT report!! I am glad to see that we are keeping our loyal customers happy. Thank you for sharing this with everyone!"
Sarah B.
Nov 2011
It was after hours when our furnace went out and I felt like they were prompt in coming out but I did not feel like there was wonderful communication as to what was exactly wrong with the furnace. However, the furnace works fine since they worked on it. I possibly may use them again in the future.
Response from Harker Heating & Cooling
"Thank you for the report! If is feedback like this that helps us improve. I will be sure to let our service techs know to do a better job of communicating to the homeowner. If you have any questions, please let us know and we will be happy to answer them for you."
WAYNE E.
Nov 2011
We called two local HVAC companies (Bethke & Harker) and received estimates for the replacement of 20+ year old central air conditioning and forced-air natural gas furnace from each. After doing some research online, we chose Harker because of their very competitive price, choice of equipment (Carrier), and good reputation. We also chose a new programmable thermostat and an Aprilaire filter system. Installation was scheduled within 5 business days of accepting the estimate. Two technicians arrived 5 minutes before the scheduled installation time of 8am. After showing them the location of the existing equipment, they quickly went to work removing the existing central air compressor outside and the furnace in the basement. Installation progressed through the rest of the morning and into the early afternoon, their only break being for lunch. When the installation was complete, they thoroughly cleaned the area surrounding the furnace and removed all cartons and other packaging. A technician explained the operation of the new thermostat and filter system before they left. Follow-up customer service was excellent, with a phone call the following Monday after installation and all the proper forms and copies of receipts for rebate submissions. My overall experience with Harker was excellent. The new furnace and air conditioner work great and save me money every year. I would definitely recommend Harker and will rely on their service for my future needs.
Response from Harker Heating & Cooling
"Thank you for the great report. Our business is based on making customers like you happy. If there is anything you need from us please let me know. Luke Heiar V.P/Co-Owner Harker Heating & Cooling, Inc."
David H.
Aug 2011
HARKER HEATING & COOLING
Harker Heating & Cooling, did some repairs first, then ended up and had to replaced if a week later.
It was a defective unit.
A heat wave was coming and I was very disappointed that I paid to repair it then had to replace it.
He did accommodate us and came back at 7am the next day after we found out it was defective, to replace it before the heat wave hit us.
The worker did the work all by himself.
He was very polite, very pleasant, did the work quietly, and cleaned up afterwards.
You would have never known he was there.
Harker Heating & Cooling, did some repairs first, then ended up and had to replaced if a week later.
It was a defective unit.
A heat wave was coming and I was very disappointed that I paid to repair it then had to replace it.
He did accommodate us and came back at 7am the next day after we found out it was defective, to replace it before the heat wave hit us.
The worker did the work all by himself.
He was very polite, very pleasant, did the work quietly, and cleaned up afterwards.
You would have never known he was there.
Phyllis W.
Aug 2011
I am very happy with them and they are high in energy. I liked their recommendations and they did beat other quotations I had. I liked their services and will use the same in future.
Response from Harker Heating & Cooling
"Glad to see you are happy with your furnace and our services. It is good to see a great report come in 3 years after the unit was installed. Thank you, Luke Heiar Co-Owner/VP Harker Heating & Cooling, Inc."
Pamela D.
Aug 2011
Our air conditioning system (Luxaire ) broke down on a very hot day with company expected the next day. We called at 1:00 in the afternoon and they told us someone would come that day. The repair person arrived at about 3:00 and worked for a while and determined he didn't have the right part with him. He said he'd go back to the shop and then stop by on his way home to finish the repair. He did and we had air conditioning by dinner time. The repair was $430, which is expensive, but most of it was the cost of the part. Great find! Thanks, Angie's List.
Response from Harker Heating & Cooling
"Thank you for the good report! Glad to see we were able to help in this crazy heat. Hope your company enjoyed their visit. Let us know if you need anything else. Luke Heiar V.P./Co-owner Harker Heating & Cooling, Inc."
Julianne F.
Jul 2011
The experience from getting the proposal to the actual install was impressive. They made sure they answered all my questions and concerns prior to committing to the deal. They even provided documentation on the venting required for the furnace since I was very worried about that because of the prior experience with the old furnace. We got three bids and Harker was in the middle from a price point of view but they were more complete and professional with their sales process.
The installation was finished on-time and was very neat. They completely revamped the sheet metal connecting the new furnace to our airconditioning which was not replaced and our existing ducting. They also checked out the humidifier operation which they did not replace and updated the air filter. We have been extremely pleased with the furnace operation over the winter, particularly the variable speed of the Carrier Performance 96 furnace. I delayed writing this review until we had a full year of satisfactory operation. We are completely satisfied.
The installation was finished on-time and was very neat. They completely revamped the sheet metal connecting the new furnace to our airconditioning which was not replaced and our existing ducting. They also checked out the humidifier operation which they did not replace and updated the air filter. We have been extremely pleased with the furnace operation over the winter, particularly the variable speed of the Carrier Performance 96 furnace. I delayed writing this review until we had a full year of satisfactory operation. We are completely satisfied.
Response from Harker Heating & Cooling
"THANK YOU FOR THE GREAT REPORT!!! It is always nice to hear good things about our service. If there is anything else we can help you with or if you have any questions please let us know. Thank you again, Luke Heiar Co-owner/V.P. Harker Heating & Cooling"
Victoria K.
Jul 2011
Their sales guy turned down my business.
Response from Harker Heating & Cooling
"Member, I am sorry for the miscommunications. The reason he directed you to a smaller company is because they would likely be less busy and able to come out at the date and time you requested. He was working in your best interests. He was unable to give you a call back as he did not have your phone number. As far as “turning down business” when it is 97 and humid outside for 4-5 days straight every heating & cooling company worth their salt is absolutely booked for that time period. We spend all of our available resources (service techs, phones, sales, parts, etc.) to take care of broken cooling situations, especially in homes with elderly people and young children. We always do our best to put every customer 1st however I hope you can understand the circumstances and our responsibility to the community in the record-breaking heat. To conclude, we really do want to come out and give you an estimate on this project and would be willing and able to do it this week now that the weather is a little more manageable. If we had your phone number we would have called you back a while ago but did not have the proper information to get a hold of you. I hope that you give us a second chance and see what our company is all about. Call and ask for Grant and he can apologize in person for the way the situation was handled and also cut you a special deal for the mistakes on our end. Luke Heiar V.P./Co-Owner Harker Heating & Cooling, Inc."
Art W.
Jul 2011
Total job time was less than 20 minutes.
John W.
Jul 2011
Air Conditioner quit working overnight. I called Harker right away in the morning and within 2 hours they had a repairman at my door. Within 30 minutes they had the air conditioner repaired. I was very impressed from my intial call to the repair with the prompt and professional service I received. I would definately use Harker again for A/C or Heating needs. Thanks Harker for helping me on one of the hottest days of the year!
Response from Harker Heating & Cooling
"Thanks for the GREAT report!! Glad to see we got everything up and running before all of this crazy heat. If there is anything else you need please do not hesitate to ask. Luke Heiar Co-Owner/VP"
Jane R.
Jul 2011
see above.
Response from Harker Heating & Cooling
"Thank you for the good report member! Glad to see you were happy with out service and plan to use us again. If there is anything else you need from us please let me know. Luke Heiar Owner/V.P."
Amy K.
Jun 2011
They had to do some major work on it. They were good and did a real good job. They were real professional. They cleaned up after themselves. Their price was competitive and it was good.
Ryan R.
Jun 2011
Harker seemed professional and gave me a reasonable quote. Their work seemed to be done pretty well. I was rally happy with the work they performed. I would recommend Harker Heating & Cooling to other people.
Response from Harker Heating & Cooling
"Glad to see you are still happy with the unit years after the install. Thank you for the great report. If there is anything else we can help you with let me know. Luke Heiar Co-Owner/V.P."
Pat L.
Jun 2011
They are fabulous. I went to them because I saw what kind of rating they had on Angie's List. From the first appointment with the salesman to the installation of the work; they did extra work, I was thoroughly impressed. They installed a high quality air conditioner and did everything they said they were going to do. Then they made a follow up phone call to make sure we were happy with the work that was done. They also far outbid three other companies that we had contacted.
Response from Harker Heating & Cooling
"Thank you for the great marks, member! We are glad that you are happy with your new A/C. If there is anything else we can do for you please let me know. Luke Heiar Co-Owner/VP"
Stephen B.
Apr 2011
Prior to contracting, Harker's Project Manager, Jason Phillips, was very instructive as to how zoned heating systems worked in general and what we could expect from a zoned system in our particular home, and was very helpful in discussing with us the pros and cons of the two systems we were considering. He worked with us to provide a mutually acceptable work schedule, and coordinated that schedule with our general contractor, Larson Builders (with whom Harker has worked on several projects). The work went off like clockwork, finishing even earlier than they had estimated. The work was done competently and professionally, with a minimum of muss and fuss in the area (all of which was satisfactorily cleaned up when the job was complete). When we thought, just as the new soffit was about to be installed, covering up the new ducts, that there might be a small problem with the newly installed system, they immediately sent a technician over who checked out the system and determined that everything was operating exactly as expected. The new system has now been operating very satisfactorily (much improved over the prior single-zone system) for a little over a week and we have every expectation that this will be a valuable improvement to our home for years to come.
Response from Harker Heating & Cooling
"Thank you very much for the great review. I am glad to see that your new zoning system has met your expectations. If there is anything else you need from us, please do not hesitate to give us a call! Thank you, Luke Heiar Co-Owner/V.P."
James H.
Jan 2011
Mark arrived a bit late. We were given an arrival time of 10:45AM and Noon, and he arrived about 12:30PM. Mark was very efficient, and told us the condition of our heat pump and exchanger. Price was $125 for the visit, less a $15 coupon - seemed high for just a checkup.
Kevin B.
Jan 2011
Awesome experience. He did a great job explaining how the furnace works, how to maintain, what we can do ourselves and what they can do. Great service. Price was less then another company I've worked with in the past and this company was much more responsive and honest.
Response from Harker Heating & Cooling
"Thank you for helping us start out 2011 with a great report! We are happy to hear that you were impressed with out service and we will do our best to maintain this level for you. If there is anything else we can help you with or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call. Thank you again! Luke Heiar V.P./Owner"
Licensing
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FAQ
Harker Heating & Cooling is currently rated 4.7 overall out of 5.
Harker Heating & Cooling accepts the following forms of payment: CreditCard
Yes, Harker Heating & Cooling offers free project estimates.
No, Harker Heating & Cooling does not offer eco-friendly accreditations.
No, Harker Heating & Cooling does not offer a senior discount.
Yes, Harker Heating & Cooling offers emergency services.
No, Harker Heating & Cooling does not offer warranties.