In the heart of Phoenix, where summer heat can test the limits of endurance, small acts of kindness ripple into life-changing moments. This is the story of Liang Ong—a longtime customer, one of our neighbors, a gracious soul, and a reminder of what it means to treat others as we’d want to be treated. It’s not about us. It’s about him, his uninsulated brick home that he called a “pizza-oven,” and the team effort that restored safety, comfort, and a bit of hope during the holidays.
Since Paul Hobaica founded our family-operated business in 1952, we’ve held to a simple philosophy: customer satisfaction above all, with uncompromising quality every time. Our core values; likable, ethical, trustworthy, reliable, knowledgeable, comfort-focused, safe, and memorable aren’t just words on a page. They guide us through routine AC repairs, emergency plumbing calls, and rare moments like this one, when doing the right thing means going beyond a service call.
“I definitely do not know enough words in any language to describe how grateful I am. What you all at Hobaica see as a HVAC unit is much much more important than that for me. Without over exaggeration, you all possibly saved my life as I’m not sure if I can survive another scorching summer heat in my ‘pizza-oven’ of a uninsulated brick home.”
Liang Ong, in his heartfelt letter to our team
A Longtime Relationship Tested by Time and Heat
Liang has trusted Hobaica Services for decades. Our records show service starting in 2004, when we installed the original HVAC system in his home. But chatting with him, he recalls it going back even further to 1998. By late 2025, Liang’s system was failing him. Here’s the timeline of how we tried to keep it running, always at no charge:
– 2023: Outdoor fan motor replaced to maintain basic function.
– April 2025: Thermostat failed—we swapped it under our lifetime thermostat warranty.
– May 2025: Indoor control board gave out. Our technicians installed a relay to bypass it, restoring cooling just in time for Phoenix’s brutal heat.
– November 2025: Ignition control board failed, knocking out gas heat entirely.
Through it all, Liang faced tough choices. Mechanical woes aside, financial constraints meant he rarely ran the AC after May, only when he absolutely had to. In an uninsulated brick home, that’s no small risk. Phoenix summers routinely top 110°F, turning homes into ovens without relief.
Adding to the strain: Liang is diabetic. His doctor recommends quarterly blood draws, but costs force him to stretch it to semi-annually. Groceries? Mostly ramen—inexpensive, but not doctor-approved. Red meat? He hadn’t had any in over three years.
The Turning Point: A Decision Rooted in Empathy
We’ve been helping Phoenix homeowners since 1952, growing from a one-man refrigeration shop into a team of nearly 50 experts. But numbers don’t move us—people do. After reviewing Liang’s history and hearing his story firsthand, Brandon, Chase, Jesse, Adam, and the team agreed: it was time to step up.
We donated and installed a complete new HVAC system, including a modern thermostat wired perfectly despite tricky pre-existing issues. And we got to partner with Empire Metal who donated the elbow and stand for the equipment. No fanfare. No expectation of payment. Just reliable comfort before another summer arrived.
Adam led the install, overcoming wiring challenges with his trademark patience. He double-checked every detail, walked Liang through the thermostat controls, reviewed paperwork step-by-step, and ensured he felt confident and cared for. “That’s how you (Brandon), Adam and everyone else I talked with on the phone treated me; with extreme care, kindness and empathy,” Liang wrote.
As a small surprise, our team decided to come together and gift Liang a visa gift card for groceries. His plans? “A small piece of steak (or chicken thighs—depending on what’s on sale), grilled with mashed potatoes and carrots.” Simple joys, long overdue.
And in a moment that humbled us all, Liang, despite having so little gifted our crew a dozen Christmas ornaments. His heart, he said, extended far larger gifts than he could afford.
“Your kindness, compassion, caring, and generosity is unmatched and without question. I will never fully comprehend what I have ever done to deserve this Christmas Miracle!”
Real Impact, Beyond the Equipment
Today, Liang has safe, efficient cooling and heating. No more rationing AC in deadly heat. He can rest assured that his system is safe, efficient and will not give out on him.
But the true win? Dignity and peace of mind. As a licensed, bonded, and insured team offering everything from AC repair and installation to plumbing, electrical panel upgrades, water heaters, insulation, and water conditioning, we know equipment matters. Yet Liang’s letter reminds us: service is about people.
Why Stories Like Liang’s Matter to Us
At Hobaica, our Total Care Club keeps systems running with HVAC maintenance, plumbing inspections, and electrical checks plus priority service and discounts. Our free second opinions and drain unclogs show we’re here for the long haul. But when a neighbor like Liang needs more, we listen.
This isn’t bragging. It’s a reflection. Family-operated since 1952, we see familiar faces across Phoenix metro. Liang’s story echoes our mission: professional, efficient service with the greatest value every time.
“Have to commend [Adam] on his incredibly hard work, attention to details, checking and rechecking everything… overall just making sure I was comfortable and happy.”
We’re grateful Liang shared his words and let us share his story (with his full permission). His ornaments still brighten our shop, a token of mutual respect.
Know a neighbor in need? Reach out. We evaluate everything and serve the community that’s trusted us for over 70 years. Schedule service for your AC, heat, plumbing, electrical, or more 24/7 at 602-633-9555. You’ll Lika… Hobaica.
