GARY JACOBSON, LEFT, has operated Jacobson Heating & Air Conditioning in Kingsford for 35 years. His brother, Steve, right, runs the service department in the business. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)
KINGSFORD — For 35 years, Jacobson Heating & Air Conditioning of Kingsford has built a solid reputation in the community.
Owner Gary Jacobson and his team pride themselves in having premier customer service.
The 13-time People’s Choice Award winner offers 24-hour service, 365 days a year, on all equipment they sell.
“That’s what we have been successful for — we take care of our people,” Jacobson said.
Jacobson’s specializes in furnaces, boilers, air conditioners, ductless air conditioners, water heaters, and fireplaces.
“We also do whole-house generators for back-up power,” Jacobson said. “That’s been very popular this year.”
They are not “brand specific,” Jacobson said, as they look for the best units available. “We want to avoid service calls,” he said.
The Daikin system they offer comes with a 12-year warranty, while others are only 10 years.
Heating and cooling systems have evolved over time, becoming more “high tech,” Jacobson said.
All units used to be “generic,” working in similar ways, but that’s not the case anymore, he explained. Technicians need to be company-trained on each product, so they can’t just step in with every system.
“We used to service all equipment, but I think those days are over for everybody,” he said.
Jacobson’s does mostly residential work, moving away from large commercial projects. “Companies are set up either way now — you’re either commercial or residential,” Jacobson said.
“We can also control our quality better that way.”
They also offer other services, including maintenance inspections and radon testing.
He stressed it’s important to do research before making any purchases. “People need to look at the company a lot harder than looking at the cost,” he said.
Jacobson Heating and Air Conditioning operates in about a 50-mile radius. They also will provide free estimates, completed within a day or two.
The pandemic had little effect on their business, as they “didn’t miss a beat.” “During the shutdown time we bought ahead,” he said. “Steve (Jacobson) does a good job keeping good selection all winter.”
Jacobson got involved in the heating and cooling business after he learned the trade at the vocational building as a senior in high school. “It’s a great trade,” he said. “I wish they still offered it.”
After school, Frank Sikora offered him a job. Eventually after working for a few years at different places and moving back to the area, he opened his own business in 1986.
“Back when I started it was easier to get employees,” he said. “Friends started helping and ended up being full-time employees.”
When his brother, Steve, returned to the area after his military service and attending Michigan Technological University, Jacobson convinced him to work with him. He now runs the service department.
Jacobson’s currently has 10 full-time employees, with four service technicians. Jacobson is always looking for great candidates.
Office hours are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. They are at 120 Parkway St. in Kingsford. For estimates or any other questions, call 906-774-5128.
