UPDATE - 1:00pm, 12/15/2017 Within a couple hours of my submitting my report, I got a call from a customer service manager who had arranged to send a plumber out to look at the mixing valve. The plumber just finished work -- he determined that the valve was problematic, but he was able to get it to open sufficiently to produce hot water in my kitchen sink and bathrooms. Based on this quick response after I raised the issue, I'm increasing the rating to four stars. ------------------------------------- 7:45am, 12/15/2017 Below is a copy of the report I submitted to ckSmithSuperior following an annual service call on December 8, 2017. --------- The technician appeared to perform an adequate annual service. However, when I explained that the temperature of hot water in my house was unacceptably low -- which clearly implicated the mixing valve -- that's when I found the service unacceptable. My boiler has a Taco Model 5000-2 mixing valve. Prior to the technician's visit, I had made a feeble attempt to adjust the valve by twisting a green, plastic cap on it. This had no effect, and as I told the technician, when I twisted the cap it didn't feel like I was adjusting a valve. The technician's first response was along the lines of "those valves are bad". He later tried to adjust the valve just as I had done -- that is, by twisting its green plastic cap. He said that Jason with your firm would be following up with me, most likely to get the mixing valve replaced with a different make and model. After the technician left, I decided to do some research on the valve. Within a few minutes I found this instruction sheet that described how to use the valve -- https://www.taco-hvac.com/archives/102-080.pdf. It clearly showed that the way to adjust the valve was to remove the plastic cap, flip it over, and fit the triangular notch in the cap into the corresponding triangular head of the valve's adjustment nut. It took me just a few minutes to do this and to turn the knob. In other words, I was able to make the recommended adjustment after a simple web search. The technician didn't attempt to do any research as far as I could tell. I consider that unsatisfactory. My adjustment to the Taco mixing valve resulted in a slight temperature increase to my hot water, but it's still unacceptably low. As of yesterday morning -- six days later -- I still had not been contacted by Jason. I called your office and left a voice message for Jason, but as of now (7:45am on Friday, December 15th), I still haven't heard from him. I've gone a week since the service without water hot enough for showering, washing dishes or running laundry. This is completely unacceptable when I'm paying for a service contract. read more

It was Sunday and we woke to no heat. This isn't unusual as we use a pellet stove to warm the house in the mornings. That and a hot cup of coffee. At any rate, the wife and I decided we should try the heat as we will have someone house sitting over Thanksgiving. We turned on the heat and nothing happened. It seemed like the system had no electricity. We checked the circuit breaker and the boiler switch but nothing helped. We knew we needed a service technician adept in the arts of old furnaces. We called the hotline and provided our information. Within minutes Jason, the technician, called us back. He stepped us through a few things to try but to no avail. I expected at this point to hear a despondent on-call technician voice but that was not what I heard. What I heard was a voice that made me feel like I should put on tea water and bake scones for this fine gentleman. I have no idea how to bake scones and I think Jason would have thanked me for not trying. In about an hour Jason arrived. We were thrilled! I walked him through the labyrinth of low ceilings only a house built in the early 1800's can have. We arrived at the boiler with nary a head wound and Jason began his triage. In seconds Jason found the issue. A wire had become disconnected. I denied ever touching the wire [which was true] and blamed the mishap squarely on brownies. Not the chocolatey kind but the mischievous ones. They may also be chocolatey but I digress. In all the ordeal lasted less than 2 hours. I have seen humanity fall apart in less time. Thank you to Jason for providing us with warmth that touched our souls and perhaps the saving of all humanity. read more

The entire process with CKSmithSuperior blew me away. From the speed of response on my initial inquiry, to Matt coming out and actually specc-ing our home for the exact boiler we'd need (other companies just sent a quote over email with no site visit). He also went out of his way to accommodate a scheduling conflict we had that necessitated an earlier install (that now means my kids and wife will have heat while I travel for work next week). Alex was prompt in all her correspondence and incredibly helpful answering my questions about payments and signing up for automated delivery (as well as getting me a great rate!). On top of this, the technicians were absolutely top notch. I've previously worked in the construction industry for a decade, and have seen my share of subcontractors come through the jobsites. Chet and Joe are first class. The install was beautiful. They took the time to explain to me the operation of the boiler. The basement was actually cleaner after they left than when they arrived (and I cleaned it before hand!). On top of all of this, they went the extra mile and took the time to fix a leaky purge valve on one of our radiators, as well as addressed a code issue with water heater (adjacent to the boiler). I tend to be a DIY-type person, but i'd pay for this service time and again, the value offered by CKSmithSuperior is second to none. read more

The last few days, we noticed our furnace was making a vibrating noise. With closer inspection, it sounded like the exhaust fan was rubbing against the exhaust pipe. With each day, it got louder and louder. It got to the point where I made a phone call late-late night on Sunday (2-3am) and called your emergency line. The operator was so nice to us and put in a service call for the morning. Well, my wife and I woke up this Monday morning to a very cold home. I called the emergency line again just to let them know what happened. The operator said they would let the tech know and try to push us up the priority list. Well, from my phone call to the receipt in hand, only a few hours went by. Ed the repair guy was AMAZING. The operators I spoke to were AMAZING. CK Smith Superior's customer service is just AMAZING. Maybe CK Smith should rename the company to "CK Smith AMAZING" because that's what they are. And for the record, I did call CK Smith back and speak to a supervisor "Dave" to thank them. I just had to let them know how much we appreciated such a fast and flawless service. You people saved my family from an imminent frigid home and possibly some burst water pipes. Thank you very much for such an outstanding service! read more

This is the third year ck SmithSuperior has been our heating oil provider and also maintained our heating system. Everyone in the organization has been great to deal with and provided top notch customer service at a fair price. We just had our furnace cleaned/tuned up by a younger tech, Nick Bleau. The younger generation sometimes gets a bad rap for not being as hard working as the generations that came before them but Nick definitely proved those people wrong. He was on time, professional, and extremely thorough. Nick took the time to go over my system with me and really give me a better understanding of how it works and the proper steps to make sure it is maintained correctly. With the age of the system he also gave me a few warning signs to be on the look out for which I really appreciate. I think Nick has a bright future ahead of him with ck SmithSuperior and I would welcome him back to work on my system any time. Actually, I would prefer that he is the Tech sent back out to work on my system. read more

Once again..... CK has WOWed this customer...... After talking to Doug (new to the company) I welcomed him to the family of CK and as a 15+yr DEDICATED customer . Doug's literally went out of his way on additional findings and preventable maintenance (outside the normal annual tune-up) Replacing other parts (under warranty) and to save a headache on my part come the future. THIS IS WHY I LOVE YOU GUYS! Not to mention his professionalism and explaining (in english) what to do and how-tos discussion. The BEST out of the discussion, I asked about my concern on the hot water coil...... again 15+ (original part) He has mentally prepared me as I brought this question/concern up and he explained tricks of the trade on troubleshooting when the time comes.... and to begin saving my pennies....... (and I agree / get it!) 5+ stars to your new recruit.... Well done Doug and it was a pleasure to have you in my home servicing and shop talking! read more

CK Smith has been my oil provider for over 5 years. I have their top tier maintenance plan as well because my boiler is 43 years old. They inspected it and offered me the service plan without any issues. I will say this about CK Smith - they are outstanding to deal with, always provide prompt service, they will do whatever it takes to get the job done right. Service techs are knowledgeable and courteous. There are not many companies that provide this level of service to their customers. Complete peace of mind considering the age of my boiler!!! I have recommended them to family and friends. You can't go wrong with them. Michael read more

Jim, the technician who tuned up my boiler, was great. After learning that we just moved into the house and that we were new to oil heat, Jim took his time explaining the boiler, it's parts, and tips for troubleshooting problems. He was patient with me, the inspection was thorough, and Jim was very clear in all of his explanations. Before he left, Jim made sure I was comfortable with the boiler and that all my questions had been answered. I have been very impressed with CkSmithSuperior thus far and Jim took it to the next level. I feel good about my choice to use your company and would recommend you to my friends. read more

Paul and Anna are incredible technicians and just very kind and professional people. They answered all of my questions and knew I was particularly weary when it came to gas installation and repairs and made me feel at ease! They were very meticulous in their work and went above and beyond! They did not leave until they had tested every aspect of our new appliance and its gas installation! Starting with their front office and continuing with their technicians, CK Smith Superior is truly SUPERIOR to all other companies! I would HIGHLY recommend them to anyone!! Thank you Paul and Anna for the great job you did!! read more

We just completed our 11th year as customers. We requested an "after hour" service call when our furnance ceased functioning. The answering service was courteous and helpful and we received a very timely callback from Matt the technician. He gave us an estimate for an arrival time as he was answering another call in a neighboring town. Matt called back shortly thereafter and appeared at our door with a smile on his face despite the late hour. He worked very quickly and had us up and running in short order. Very professional service! Thank-you Matt!! read more

Jim called an hour before he was going to come to make sure that I was going to be home. He beat me by a couple of minutes and waited without comment. He did a great job - kept me appraised of what was needed - and had a brief quick chat at the end to make the work feel a little more personal. Every technician and office person from CKSmith that I have dealt with in the couple of months since buying my home has been outstanding and I would (and do!) recommend your company to anyone I know. read more

Tim arrived promptly and was very professional. He did a great job and exceeded my expectations. He fixed a pipe from the furnace to the wall and cleaned out the debris in the bottom of the chimney in the wall. That pipe has not been attached for 2 or 3 years. He is the first Tech to fix it. He took the time to explain the repairs he made and mentioned to have my chimney checked by a professional. He left the furnace area clean and neat. Thank you CK SmithSuperior Linda J read more

Our technician, Patrick, replaced the combustion chamber and burner coupling on our boiler. He showed me the replacement part and how it heated to adhere to the chamber. He also needed to take the old part out in pieces first. I was very happy with our service today. Thanks Patrick! Because we have a service contract with CKSmithSuperior, we saved more than half the cost on the Weil McLain chamber kit (part) and service labor. So glad we have a contract with CKSmithSuperior! read more

Phil was wonderful! I had eye surgery the day prior, and was concerned about missing our first oil maintenance appointment in our new home. My husband is not a handy man, but Phil was able to answer his questions wonderfully - so much so that he now understands our home heating system completely. Every interaction we've had with ckSmith since moving to Worcester last year has been exemplary! They are friendly, they are knowledgeable, and they are efficient. Thank you, Phil! read more

I have had service with ckSmithSuperior (formerly Superior Oil) for over 15 years with no regrets or thoughts of changing to another provider. My annual furnace tune-up service was delivered perfectly. Starting with a phone call reminder the day before, to the technician being right on time, to the technician explaining all the things he did, to asking me if I had any questions about the service or my heating system in general. Outstanding !!! Keep up the good work !!! read more

Tim Sheperd did an excellent job. He came to do my annual checkup and while there found the beginnings of a leak in my oil tank. (I never would have found it myself.) He stayed late to put a patch on the tank. While I am not very happy to have to replace the oil tank, it could have been so much worse! I have had several technicians from ck Smith Superior over the years and I can say that all of them have been thorough, professional, and knowledgeable. Marcia Hastbacka read more

Douglas is a very friendly and makes you feel at ease. I feel comfortable letting him do his work, checking my heater. He is very skilled at his job, knowledgeable and able to answer and explain any questions you have. He is a pleasure to talk to. CK Smith Superior is a wonderful friendly company. They have always worked with me, even when I have fallen behind on my payment. I am glad to have a great company with great employees to help me with my heating system. read more

ckSmithSuperior is truly the best. Whether I had heating or plumbing problems, the staff was accommodating to my needs. Winter in New England is rough so it is more than reassuring that I can receive service for oil or frozen pipes within 24 hours. The customer service representatives are outstanding as well, always helpful and providing me resources in energy conservation and fuel efficiency programs. Without a doubt I would recommend ckSmithSuperior!! read more

We had to place an after-hours call when our oil burner began going off on reset. The phone rep was able to get hold of the on-call tech quickly, and Brandon was quick to come over. He made a few adjustments that he said should remedy the issue, and showed us how to monitor the burner going forward. He was pleasant, helpful, and effective! Definitely someone we could count on! And this was on a Saturday night at 8:30pm to boot! Would definitely recommend! read more