Cooling
How to Identify Hard and Soft Water
Hard water causing dry skin, cloudy dishes, or pipe damage? Learn the difference between hard and soft water and how a water softener can help.
June 12, 2026
If your furnace won’t start, your AC isn’t cooling, or you need a reliable contractor for a major job, Harker Heating & Cooling is ready to help. We’ve served Dane County since 1949 with same-day service calls, certified technicians, and a commitment to getting it right the first time.
Harker Heating & Cooling Inc. has provided high-quality heating and cooling services to residents of Dane County since 1949. Our dedicated staff of HVAC specialists is available to handle any emergency, installation or repair 24/7, 365 days a year. Count on Harker to get the job done right.
We believe everybody should feel comfortable in their home. In Wisconsin where the weather can swing from one extreme to another, you want to be able to rely on your HVAC systems to function at optimal levels. When it comes to repairing or replacing your furnace, air conditioner, fireplace, or water heater, you can rest assured that Harker’s team of HVAC contractors will provide an honest assessment of the problem, and provide you with the most affordable solution.
That’s why we make it fast and easy to request an in-home estimate. Once you request a service, our team will arrive ready to perform repairs or replacements on-time and on-schedule. Don’t waste your time with dodgy HVAC contractors. Trust our reliable, efficient HVAC experts to get the job done.
Hard water causing dry skin, cloudy dishes, or pipe damage? Learn the difference between hard and soft water and how a water softener can help.
Not sure if you need a humidifier, dehumidifier, or air purifier? Learn how each one works and which is right for your home’s air quality needs.
While Wisconsin is known for the cold, our summers can get hot! Without proper home preparation, summer fun can quickly turn sour. Windows are an
When you call, we listen carefully to what’s happening with your system. For repairs, we dispatch a technician who diagnoses the problem thoroughly, explains your options in clear language, and gives you a price before starting work. For installations or replacements, we discuss sizing, equipment choices, efficiency levels, and timeline so you understand exactly what’s involved and what to expect. We don’t surprise you with hidden costs.
Every job gets the same level of care: proper installation technique, full testing to confirm everything works, and a detailed walkthrough so you know how to operate your system or understand what was repaired. We leave the job site clean, provide documentation of what was done, and include details about warranties and any future maintenance. If a workmanship issue comes up, we address it immediately.
We serve all of Dane County, Wisconsin. For emergency repairs during business hours, most calls receive same-day attention. Call 608-255-6902 with your location and system problem, and we’ll assess the urgency and get you on the schedule. We’re committed to being the contractor you can count on when you need us.
Summer heat hits hard, and a broken AC system can turn dangerous quickly. We handle emergency AC repair calls with same-day response in most cases. If your system is beyond repair or too inefficient, we guide you through replacement options and handle professional installation with testing and a full walkthrough so you know exactly how to use your new system.
Wisconsin winters demand a furnace you can trust. We respond to furnace emergencies quickly and diagnose problems on the spot. If repair isn't cost-effective, we explain replacement options—from standard efficiency models to high-efficiency systems that cut heating costs. Every installation is tested and documented.
Regular maintenance is the best insurance against seasonal breakdowns. Our fall maintenance plan prepares your furnace for winter; spring maintenance readies your AC for cooling season. These visits catch small problems before they become expensive failures, improve system efficiency, and extend equipment life. Customers on maintenance plans typically experience fewer emergency calls.
Heat pumps offer efficient heating and cooling from one system, and they're increasingly popular in Wisconsin. Our team understands heat pump installation, repair, and optimization for both heating and cooling seasons.
Homes with hydronic heating rely on boilers to deliver consistent warmth. We repair all boiler types—steam, hot water, commercial and residential. If replacement is necessary, we handle the installation, system balancing, and testing so your heating works efficiently through every Wisconsin winter.
Water heater problems don't wait. Whether you need emergency repair, a new tank system, or a tankless installation, we handle every type. We assess your hot water needs, recommend the right solution, and install it properly so you have reliable hot water without surprises.
Call Harker Heating & Cooling today for a free estimate or emergency service.
Yes, we service all of Dane County, Wisconsin. Call us at 608-255-6902 with your location and we’ll confirm availability. Most of our residential and light commercial customers are in Madison and surrounding towns.
For furnace or AC emergencies during business hours, most calls receive same-day service. Call us at 608-255-6902 and describe what’s happening. We’ll assess urgency and get you on the schedule as quickly as possible.
Repair costs depend on the specific problem. A simple part replacement might run $150–$400. Larger or more complex repairs can cost more. We always provide a full estimate before starting any work so you know the cost upfront. No surprises.
A typical furnace or AC installation takes 4–8 hours depending on system type and your home’s setup. We’ll give you a time frame when we schedule the job. Ductwork modifications or complex installations may take longer, and we’ll discuss that upfront.
The most complex installations may take several days. Contact a Harker professional to receive an estimate based on your air conditioning unit and home layout.
We accept standard payment methods. For large installations or replacements, financing options may be available. Call 608-255-6902 to discuss what payment arrangements work best for your situation.
Need a precise estimate? Contact us today to determine installation costs based on your home’s needs.
