I had not heat in my building since early in the morning. Having not been happy with business practices of the boiler company I used previously, I called Williams Stoker for the first time after having been given a recommendation from friends in the neighborhood. At first, when I called them in the morning, they did not have anyone available until the next day. I decided to keep searching. In the early afternoon, they called me to see if I still needed someone today because a technician became available. The technician, Mike, arrived on time. He was upfront with his experience for our particular make and model of boiler but was undeterred in his pursuit to restore heat for my family. After checking connections and cleaning the flame sensor and ignition, he was able to get the boiler started again. The price was very fair and I did not feel I was being sold more than I needed. Thank you Mike and Williams Stoker! read more

Poor Customer Service and Overpriced. I agree with the previous negative comments about customer service. As the customer service person did not hang up the phone after our call was completed, I heard them say nasty things about me. Instead of gossiping about customers, I suggest customer service get training on basic customer service skills and approaching calls and service with a positive attitude. I had planned to refer William Stoker/use you again until I heard the customer service person rip on me. I will also let the property management firm (that referred me to William Stoker) know about customer service and recommend they not use William Stoker again. The fees charges are very high/over priced. On a positive note, the repair person seem to do a good job and the customer service people did accommodate my change in schedule/got a service person out to my place quickly. read more

You should take the negative reviews here with a grain of salt, or a ton. The company installed my steam boiler in 1997, and their subsequent service has been consistent and problem free. Their rates are set, and when I ask what they are I get a concise answer. When the technician writes up the invoice after a given job, it has always been accurate, and I've never seen an unexplained or unwarranted charge. One user, John Y., complains that their phone number is in the 'burbs and wonders if it's the same company. Of course it is. Drive over to 1800 W Belmont and you can see for yourself. Kim S. has a chip on her shoulder, and her complaint is about the social interaction she had with the service person, which was unrelated to the call. Note that she did get a service call for her radiant floors, but doesn't say what the outcome was, then accuses the company of holding a grudge about an argument that the dispatcher could not possibly have known about. It's an old school company for sure- so they won't bleat endlessly about how they "value" you as a customer, and they won't apologize with pretend obsequiousness like corporations who truly don't give a sh!t about you, and they won't use your fist name every ten seconds because they did not go to the corporate retreat where they would have learned that people love to hear their first name over and over. But if you need your steam heat serviced they will do that. read more

I had Williams Stoker & Heating Company for the installation of two hot water boilers, and every season for maintenance. When I have needed a repair to either system, it is always done right. I have been a customer for at least 30 years! Excellent!!! Don Diliberto read more

We have always used Williams Stoker because their name and number was on the furnace when we moved in. They are what we call Old School, and I mean it in the best possible way. The guy who just left was so knowledgeable and helpful. We recommend Williams Stoker and have used them for nearly 20 years. read more

We manage a 7 unit building with a boiler and steam radiators. We've tried other companies in the past and have had mixed results. Stoker is the only one we call these days. Their service mechanics are top notch. They show up on time, they know what they're doing, they explain your options, and they get it done, all at a reasonable price. No need to look further, they're the best for your buck. read more

Williams Stoker just replaced our air conditioning and furnace. They were professional, prompt and we felt like we were in good hands with their decisions. I would highly recommend them to anyone. read more

I live my life according to Tom Skilling's weather report. When I came home after a 13-hour work shift in the expected snowy weather and my furnace was buzzing without releasing heat, Tom popped into my head warning me of the Arctic cold front moving across Chicago the following day. The previous condo owner's had a sticker for Williams Stoker & Heating Company on the furnace. I dialed the number and they promised to be out the next day at 8:30 am. While cuddling under a heat blanket in a sweater, pajama bottoms and wool socks, the doorbell rang at 8:29 am. It was the friendly, Eastern European mechanic. He tweaked around with the furnace for literally two minutes and concluded that the inducer died out and needed to be replaced. He explained to me in dummy terms (just like I required) what the inducer does and why the furnace won't heat without it working. He mentioned that without a working inducer, he is unsure if something else was wrong. While he was unsure of the cost for a new inducer (since there are many different furnace brands with varying costs), he said he would stop at his shop on Belmont and see where in the city they have the part in stock. All within an hour and a half later, he was back, replaced the part which they had in stock at their shop and my condo was toasty once again (not to mention, MUCH quieter without a noisy grating inducer). I appreciated his honesty when he said, "Your furnace is still young being only 12 years old. Most last 20-25 years. Some mechanics will say you need a new furnace because they make commission off sales, but I don't and would rather fix the one part necessary." Thanks WSHC! read more

Called to ask for a commercial quote for HVAC services and received the rudest responsive from the woman on the phone who screamed, "No thank you!" before hanging up on me. If you want an actual professional, avoid this company at all costs. read more

My husband called Stoker a few weeks ago. The rep asked him if he had used them before when he replied "No" the rep said we aren't taking any new customers. Wow must be nice if you have that many customers you feel you don't need to take on any new ones. Well with an attitude like that they may be looking for new customers sooner than they think. Wouldn't recommend this company to anyone. Wish I could rate "0" stars. read more

Find REAL professionals. Their customer service is absolutely horrible. When I made a request to reschedule a fix for my furnace on the third attempt (I wasn't able to make it home in time when they gave a 3 hour window), the woman on the phone got short tempered and nasty, she screamed and argued with me, talking loudly over me and eventually hung up on me angrily, i called back and she hung up on me numerous times when I asked to speak to anyone else there she laughed and said no. Looking at the reviews here this is obviously a problem and something they won't fix. Hopefully, they won't be in business much longer with this sub-par customer service. My note to them is to let this person go, she is rude and unprofessional. Oh and my furnace still isn't fixed. read more

Williams Stoker is honest and trustworthy. I have used Williams Stoker for 23 years at my condo building and I have referred Williams Stoker to many of my clients. Lots of buildings in my neighborhood use them as well. I have never heard a bad comment about Williams Stoker and I certainly don't have any. We need more companies like this. read more

These guys are fantastic. I've had them over in years past just to service the furnace, but hadn't gotten around to that this past year. So of course i wake up this morning to no heat. Brr. I call them, and they send someone out this afternoon - Robert, who was super nice, friendly, fixed what was wrong, and even cleaned the, umm....filter thingamabobs, or whatever they were that was really dirty. AND it was really inexpensive - I was actually rather amazed! I would recommend these guys to anyone. read more

I scheduled a routine boiler repair 10 days prior to the date of service. I was informed that I would receive a call the morning of the scheduled visit to let me know when the technician would arrive. When there was no word by mid-morning, I called only to be informed that I would be notified shortly after noon. Nothing. I placed a second call around 4:15 and was told the technician would be reaching out shortly. A call ultimately came in around 5:50 pm to advise of a 6:00 pm arrival - - the time I was set to leave for a scout meeting. So, I wasted a day off work for these jerks. I didn't think I'd ever meet a company that could make Comcast look good. read more

Update In this field - where so many horror stories are told - again Short and sweet You can trust them read more

"We don't do new calls this time of year?" It's Tuesday, mid December. 6 flat - simple radiator pipe repair. Wow. Phone-in is to a call center in NY. Won't bother you again. read more

They are still responsive and the ladies working the phones are friendly. But the techs that they sent to our building in the past year (for routine inspections and various repairs) are just ok, not as good as the techs we've had in the past. read more

I wish I could tell you how professional their work is but I can't seem to get them to return my calls for a 75 gallon hot water heater replacement project. I guess they don't need the business because after two calls in to the company and a promise of a call back by a salesman, I have yet to get a reply. So all I can say it, I am looking elsewhere. read more

Don't expect them to be especially friendly. Their administrative components remind me more of a vehicle impound lot. They do, however, know their business, especially large steam boiler systems so common in the city. They installed the boiler at our courtyard building and the systems at our neighboring courtyard building. With a recent part failure of one of our newer systems, I called out American Vintage who has been doing more recent routine seasonal inspections. Flash forward through multiple visits... One visit with Stoker was vastly superior. Their diagnostic equipment and obvious experience made it clear this is the right choice for work on these systems. While waiting on a replacement part they were able to piece together used parts to make one functioning loaner unit, which kept our building warm for 4 days, which we're so grateful for. And hey, impound lots don't have a basket of lollipops at the counter- so I'll give 'em that as well ;) read more

Williams Stoker & Heating - These guys know really know their stuff. Super impressed. - Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Our water heater which we bought from William Stoker has been great and lasted almost 10 years. It started having problems and we called out a technician from William Stoker. Mariusz was very professional and put on booties to make sure not to track any dirt into our house. He quickly figured out the problem and realized that I needed a new part. Additionally he re-educated me on how to troubleshoot problems. Water heater is now good as new. Highly recommend William Stoker for both new water heaters and for repairing old ones read more

I was referred to them after finding that my heat was not working yesterday. It was a Saturday evening, so I was pushed to the emergency service when I called. The first person I spoke with said I would get a call back from a technician. I went out for the evening and called again when I returned at 12:30 a.m. The person I spoke with told me I would receive a call from a technician at 7 a.m. I woke up at 11 a.m., today, Sunday. They never called. When I called Williams Stoker a 3rd time, I finally was put through to a technician who told me they couldn't take a new customer during "emergency" hours because they have too many calls from their existing customers to deal with. Wow, if they had told me that the first time I called I might not be still freezing. Unf****** believable. I hope they freeze in hell because that is what is happening to me. read more

I've worked with them for years in a larger building with a very old and complicated system, in smaller (6 unit) building, and in my individual condo. They know their stuff. I completely trust them and the work they do. In the large building they worked very hard to diagnose problems, come up with a range of options, and were able to predict pretty accurately problems we would have in the future. In my individual unit they came up with a creative solution when a radiator was installed improperly and I didn't want to open the floor and wall to re-install it the right way. My only complaint is that if your service call is not an emergency it can be a while before you see anyone. On one occasion I had to call back. read more

We used to use Williams Stoker for many years, around 15 or so, but I can't bring myself to ever go back. When I called to request service for our radiant heat flooring, the receptionist told me we didn't have radiant heat flooring--because she had no record of it. (Sorry, I didn't realize I needed to send you a bulletin ten years ago when we had it installed.) She was really quite angry about it. And while we were always impressed with the guys who came out to service our HVAC in the past--whether it was preventive maintenance or actually fixing a system or its components, the technician she sent to fix the radiant heat floor was a pompous jerk who got into a d*** measuring contest with me about my career and the one he had in the Navy. (He won--I'm a chick.) Still, we gave them another chance. However, the next time I called to schedule an appointment, I was told by the same angry receptionist it would be some ridiculously long amount of time before they could come out. Really? Holding a grudge about the floor heating are we? I suppose if they don't need the business, good for them. But I refuse to give money to a company that cares so little for long time customers. read more

I've tried twice to use these guys and have had no success with getting them to engage. First time they simply never returned my call, so I went elsewhere. Tried them again recently as I needed someone to diagnose a potential leak in the A/C line, and they apparently do not service A/C calls when it is not hot out. That's fine, although I'm still a bit confused on why their guys aren't capable of that level of versatility, but it was the rudeness of the woman on the phone and her being more than happy to have the business go elsewhere that irked me and prompted the 1 star rating. Just seems like they really don't care. read more

A repairman could come the day we needed them, for almost double the rate. So we scheduled for the next day. A four hour window was quoted, and they did show up in that time frame, so that was good. However, they never got back to us with a quote to fix the problem, even after follow up calls. Guess what, you aren't getting our business! read more

Williams Stoker radiator person diagnosed my radiator problem very quickly and repaired it very quickly. He was also very informative, a great attribute. read more

These guys are bad. Non responsive. Overcharge. Watch your invoices. They will charge you for work not done.

I am so disappointed at Williams Stoker! Usually Williams Stoker gives us a call to remind us about our yearly service to our boiler. However, last year I did not get a call, so I decided to call them to set up an appointment. When I called, I told the woman that answered the phone that we did not receive a call last year so I wanted to setup an appointment. With a big attitude the woman from William Stoker responded: "no, you call us!" Even if I'm mistaken, what about Customer Service? I'm already calling to setup an appointment and you give me an attitude? No, I don't support companies with such a bad Customer Service. So, I told her "thank you, I think I will use someone else". To what she responded "that's OK"! read more

I have had them service my 6 flats on the North side for years now. I have always been satisfied with the service and the techs are knowledgable. I always recommend them to others for their boiler or heating needs. read more

Called last week to schedule a radiator inspection mandated by my condo association. They were able to give me an appointment within a few days. Their technician Mike M. was prompt, professional, efficient and a really good guy. Charge was much lower than I anticipated and Mike declined my tip. So, I'm expressing my appreciation here. read more

I really like this business. I have been a customer for about ten years. I have purchased water heaters and a steam boiler from them, and have had them service steam radiators and do other maintenance work They respond promptly to requests for service. The technicians are polite, competent and clean up after themselves. The labor charges are reasonable. I highly recommend Williams Stoker. read more

Don't waste your time. I called William Stoker in 2009 to get them to work of the furnace at my condo. It was December, the heat was out, and I was told they were too busy. I tried again in 2012 when I bought a building. This time I called in September and was told that even though they had worked on the building before I bought it, there was no way they would come out to install a new boiler. That's an expensive job they passed up. I tried again in 2013, this time I called them in early June. I wanted some routine maintenance on the new boiler, and a digital thermostat installed to replace the manual one. I was told they would return my call. It's now August, I've called them back five times, each time I've been told they'll call me back to schedule something. Today when I called I was told that there is a long waiting list, and I'm on it, but she couldn't tell me when I might expect an actual appointment. And I was told to... Wait for a call back. I just yelped some other HVAC people, and picked a 5 star company near me. They're sending someone out today to give me a quote. I just can't wait to see if I will be left hanging again by William Stoker. I have no idea why my neighbors recommended them. The two women who answer the phones are surly, and the technicians are apparently too busy to accept new (or old) clients. And, I know from my neighbors that they're expensive. I can tell you is time is money, they truly are. read more

I use William Stoker every years for my fall start up. They inspect, clean and replace any parts that are bad. Last winter the boiler pipe sprung a leak when it was below zero. They showed up at 7:30 pm and replace the pipe. They did not over charge me and it was great that they fit me in that day. tenants where happy, I'm happy. read more

Called with an emergency and was told by the answering service that a technician would return my call momentarily. No return call so a couple hours later I tried again and a different woman at the answering service informed me that they don't return calls unless you're a "regular"! So apparently Williams Stoker is not interested in working with new customers. It's been a few years since I had work done by Williams Stoker but looking back I now remember how rude AND ridiculously expensive they were. Buyer beware! Look elsewhere. read more

We have an entire heating system for a condo building installed by Williams Stoker, but when there is an issue that requires repair, they are EXTREMELY rude, unaccommodating, inflexible, and unprofessional. They came out and did not fix a thing (but still charged), then were unavailable for any more calls or questions about what they even looked at during their visit. Having to call other heating companies to get the issue fixed. read more

I just made a very disappointing call to Williams Stoker & Heating this morning. We have been using this company as long as I can remember (upwards of 50 years which is not to say we are a new customer) although typically my husband has been doing most of the servicing on both a steam boiler in our 13 unit building and a hot water boiler in our house. So last night, Wednesday, I find myself and our house guests without heat. Williams Stoker & Heating Company told me rudely and with no compassion that they could not come out until the following Tuesday. They were even unwilling to refer me to another company for our emergency! Sadly, we can no longer rely on them. read more

I have used them twice - once for AC services and the other for Heating services. They are a reliable and professional company. Talking to the technician that handled our request; I learned he has been employed with the co. over 10 years and enjoys working there. Having good employees says alot about the company! read more

I've had some godawful radiator/boiler problems in my 100+ year old Lakeview house, and Williams Stoker has come to the rescue every time. I see the one star reviews and complaints, but that's not my experience at all. When I call they are always super-responsive, the people they send out are absolutely top-notch, and I unhesitatingly recommend this company above all others I have used (and, over the years, I have used others for a variety of reasons). I am most impressed by how goddam hard their employees work, and how committed they are to figuring out what's wrong and fixing it. I'm so used to getting the shaft in Chicago: What, a shingle's out of place, you need a new roof! What, you have a crack in your wall, we need to tear out and rebuild your walls! I get none of that crap from these guys. They're just great people doing great work, usually when I'm at my most vulnerable, as it was when my boiler died on one of our coldest days this winter, sending my inside house temperatures to near-freezing in a matter of hours. Everyone was demanding their services, but they came out to my house, they stayed real late, they worked tirelessly, and wouldn't leave until they'd figured out what went wrong and fixed everything. Honestly, I swear by these guys, and I'm a tough critic (who, probably quite annoyingly, tends to hover near them while they do their work). read more

No callback after three attempts to get a visit scheduled. The first time I called, they said there would be a 4 week turnaround due to backlog and they would call me in approx 4 weeks. After 6 weeks I decided to follow up with another call. They apologized and said they would have someone call me ASAP. After one more week I called them and left a voicemail, still no call back. Dont bother, plenty of other companies out there. read more

This company is awesome. From their friendly customer service reps to the technicians, they could not be more professional. They schedule service quickly, call with a timeframe and actually arrive when they say they will. Furthermore, they are very experienced with older buildings and older furnaces and A/C units. Just had a tech out for cleaning of condensors on A/C unit and check-up of systems. The tech we had is named Miguel and he was great! Cleaned and tested everything, gave instructions on how to operate everything properly and gave helpful hints on how to maximize efficiency!!!! I would highly recommend them! read more