On an island where ferry schedules shape the rhythm of daily life and woodsmoke season starts before Halloween, a dependable HVAC provider isn’t just convenient; it’s essential. For nearly three decades, Vashon Heating & Cooling has offered that reliability, combining technical expertise with a level of neighborly care that’s hard to come by. They don’t just fix your furnace. They remember your dog’s name and ask how your garden’s holding up through the rain.
Founded by Dan and Jane Schmaus, the business began serving the island exclusively in 1996. Dan brought years of hands-on experience from his time working on refrigeration systems in Seattle, but what makes Vashon Heating stand out isn’t just skill; it’s how that skill is applied with genuine care and heart. As Dan puts it, “doing a great job will save my customers a lot of money in utility costs,” and that philosophy is woven into every project, whether it’s a mini-split install or a boiler repair.
Their service offerings cover the full range of heating and cooling needs, including heat pumps, furnaces, ductless systems, water heaters, air quality improvements, and more. They’re a one-stop shop for maintenance, installation, and troubleshooting. They also work with trusted brands like Bosch, Mitsubishi, and Trane, which means when they recommend a system, it’s not just a sales pitch, it’s backed by decades of real-world experience and technical knowledge.
Customer reviews consistently highlight the same themes: professionalism, prompt communication, and genuine kindness. One customer praised their speedy service and thorough diagnosis when a furnace went out mid-winter, while another complimented the team’s ability to install a tankless water heater quickly and efficiently—without the usual runaround or upselling. Even on Yelp, where complaints typically reign, Vashon Heating is called “outstanding” by multiple users, and “just really good people” by more than one.
Personally, I’ve experienced that same level of care. When a ductless unit in my home went on the fritz during a heatwave, I called expecting to be put on a waitlist. Instead, I got a call back the same day and a technician on-site within 48 hours. They diagnosed it quickly, explained the issue in plain terms, and even made a few suggestions to improve airflow in the space without trying to sell me anything extra. That kind of service isn’t just appreciated—it’s rare.
With a longstanding reputation and a deep commitment to the island, Vashon Heating & Cooling has become a cornerstone of comfort on Vashon. They’ve earned that trust the old-fashioned way: showing up, doing excellent work, and treating every customer like a neighbor… because here, they are. Whether you’re installing a new energy-efficient heat pump, replacing an aging water heater, or just want someone who will return your call when your furnace starts making that sound again, Vashon Heating & Cooling delivers. Consistently. Quietly. And with the kind of integrity that reminds you why you chose to live on an island in the first place.
This feature is part of our ongoing series from the Vashon-Maury.com team, highlighting the unique businesses that make our island so special. If you own a local business and would like to be featured in the Observer, we invite you to submit an article for consideration at vashon-maury.com/submit-writing. Please include as much detail as possible about your business (what you offer, what sets you apart) and share a short story about how you came to Vashon or what inspired you to start your venture here. We’re proud to support the Vashon-Maury community and would love to help tell your story.
Author: Vashon Island
Vashon is an Island located between Tacoma and West Seattle. This account manages the vashon-maury.com website full on useful information for residents and visitors of the Island.
