# Cox's Old Colony HVAC & Plumbing

**Trade:** HVAC / Heating & Cooling · **Address:** 196 King St, Hanover, MA 02339, USA · **Phone:** (781) 536-8197 · **Website:** https://www.oldcolonyhvac.com/ · **Languages:** English

**Rating: 4.0/5** (medium confidence) — from 49 reviews across 5 sources. A 0–5 star rating built from what customers and the public say (every review and mention weighted by where it was posted, how old, how detailed and how credible it is, shrunk toward a 3.5★ baseline when evidence is thin) plus what the record shows (Reddit recommendations or warnings, a registry-verified licence, how recently they were reviewed, customer work photos, BBB grade, negative news, a revoked licence). Positive record counts only as far as the reviews have earned it; penalties count in full. Confidence describes how much weighted evidence stands behind the number, never the number itself: low when fewer than about five normal reviews' worth of weight (or mentions only) support it, medium up to about twenty, high beyond that across at least two sources. An operator flag for a suspicious review pattern caps a rating at 3.5★ and marks it low.
94% of sentiment-scored reviews read net-positive. Last 6 months: 1 reviews, 0 negative.

## The honest read

Cox's Old Colony HVAC & Plumbing is a Hanover shop built around one name that shows up in nearly every review: Bill (Bill Flannery), the owner, who answers his own phone and often shows up personally for emergency heat and AC calls. The pattern holds across years of jobs — furnace and boiler replacements, central AC repairs and installs, and plumbing work like water heaters, toilets and faucets — for both homeowners and small businesses.

The through-line is speed on emergencies. When a furnace quit on a Sunday, Bill was the only company that picked up that night and had a crew out at 7am Monday with heat restored the same day. A boiler failure in the dead of winter got a next-day visit and a full replacement within two days. When a customer's AC failed at her mother's house, Bill ordered parts, had them delivered that afternoon, and had the house cool again by 11am the next day. Several long-term customers — one for over 10 years, another running a restaurant for 8 — describe the same responsiveness on repeat, reasonably-priced jobs.

Pricing gets called out as competitive and flexible more than once: one customer got the best of three bids, another was worked into a strict budget, and a third said Bill's quote was far more reasonable than a competitor's.

Three older reviews complicate that picture. In 2021, a customer says two technicians spent ten minutes looking at a malfunctioning boiler before quoting an $8,000 replacement — a second company fixed it, in about the same visit length, a few hours later. In 2023, a reviewer describes a $180 diagnostic visit that recommended a $4,500 furnace replacement when a $300 blower motor turned out to be the actual fix, plus a technician who arrived four hours late with no call. A 2022 review separately describes rude, cursing phone conduct. All three predate the long run of positive 2024–2026 reviews, but they're worth knowing about before agreeing to a big-ticket replacement.

The Better Business Bureau grades the company A+, and it holds a 4.3★ Google rating from 98 reviews. For routine heating, cooling or plumbing calls, the record backs up the responsiveness; for a large replacement recommendation, it's reasonable to ask what specific part failed before signing off.

**Strengths:**
- Emergency response — Bill personally answers calls nights and weekends for no-heat jobs
- Long-term customers — several report 8 to 10+ years of repeat, reliable work
- Competitive pricing — beat other bids and worked within tight customer budgets

**Concerns:**
- 2021 upsell dispute — $8,000 boiler quote, second opinion fixed it same visit length
- 2023 upsell dispute — $4,500 furnace pitch when a $300 blower was the fix
- 2022 conduct complaint — reviewer describes rude, cursing phone behavior

## Claims & citations

Every claim below is backed by real evidence rows — uncited claims are dropped in code before publication.

- Bill personally responds to emergency heating and cooling failures fast, including night and weekend calls, with same- or next-day fixes. _(confidence: high)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2s0emRESjVTelZsUzB0dFdHSXdaR2hHU1RZdFJIYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x2d285b3b12a939e0!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOk4zdDJ5SzVlS0ttWGIwZGhGSTYtRHc%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ I called Bill on thurday night at 7:30pm. He came out Friday morning and replaced a 20 year old unit in one day. Now my tenants are warm!…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT205RllURjRVakEyTmxKeGFucDZXRGd0VlZKS09XYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x2d285b3b12a939e0!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOm9FYTF4UjA2NlJxanp6WDgtVVJKOWc%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Communication is VERY important to Bill. He always answers his phone immediately.. When he heard we were without heat he came himself (on…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURmNDlxM1VnEAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x2d285b3b12a939e0!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIDf49q3Ug%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Had our boiler go out in the dead of winter.
We called with an issue that night and had Bill come the next day and a new boiler installed…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURmdmZfdEh3EAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x2d285b3b12a939e0!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIDfvf_tHw%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Amazing work with Bill’s crew from Cox’s Old Colony HVAC. Furnace went out on Sunday and Bill was the only one who picked up the phone on…”
- Long-term repeat customers, including commercial accounts, describe years of consistent work — one for over 10 years, another an 8-year restaurant account. _(confidence: high)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2pkSmNqUkVlbTE1WmtSaVpGOWZUR1JPZFhSbVJtYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x2d285b3b12a939e0!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOjdJcjREem15ZkRiZF9fTGROdXRmRmc%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ We have used Bill and his company for many years. We have worked with him on residential and commercial projects. He and his crew have al…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURqbkxmMXhBRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x2d285b3b12a939e0!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIDjnLf1xAE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ I have been using this company for over 10 years and Bill always responds to my emergencies immediately.  His staff is very professional …”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNqNTUtZmZnEAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x2d285b3b12a939e0!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgICj55-ffg%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ These guys are the best they have been servicing my restaurant for 8 years doing all my HVAC and heating I would recommend them to anyone…”
- Pricing is repeatedly called competitive or flexible, including beating competing bids and working within a customer's stated budget. _(confidence: high)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VMRGJ3dUg0bkt5Skl3EAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x2d285b3b12a939e0!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKELDbwuH4nKyJIw%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Cox's Old Colony HVAC & Plumbing exceeded my expectations for the level of service I received. Getting a brand new condenser for a great …”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURfNTZ5SjFRRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x2d285b3b12a939e0!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgID_56yJ1QE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Bill and the team are very professional and patient. They quoted me a price i could afford and was willing to work with me on a strict bu…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNfNTVtaW1BRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x2d285b3b12a939e0!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIC_55mimAE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Cox replaced an old HVAC system with a new system. They had the best price of my three bids and the quality of the install was excellent.…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNfLVpHbmd3RRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x2d285b3b12a939e0!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIC_-ZGngwE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ My husband and I have owned houses for more than 20 years and have dealt with gas furnace issues several times throughout that time. I wo…”
- The Better Business Bureau grades the company A+, and it holds a 4.3★ Google rating from 98 ratings. _(confidence: high)_
  - [Google](https://maps.google.com/?cid=3253951040049461728&g_mp=CiVnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLkdldFBsYWNlEAIYBCAA) — “Google: 4.3★ from 98 ratings”
  - [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/hanover/profile/plumber/coxs-old-colony-hvac-plumbing-0021-104535) — “Better Business Bureau grade: A+”
- A 2021 review describes technicians spending about ten minutes assessing a malfunctioning boiler before quoting an $8,000 replacement; the customer says a second company fixed the original unit in a comparable visit length a few hours later. _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNHMk8tajRRRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x2d285b3b12a939e0!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgICG2O-j4QE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “1★ Old Colony came to my home this morning to look at our heating system which was not functioning properly. They sent two men who after 10 …”
- A 2023 review describes a $180 diagnostic visit recommending a $4,500 furnace replacement when a $300 blower motor was the actual fix, plus a technician arriving four hours late with no call. _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURWenZUb29RRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x2d285b3b12a939e0!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIDVzvTooQE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “1★ What a rip off, charged me180 to come out for 2 minutes and suggest a new furnace and the one I have is working perfecting and only neede…”
- A 2022 review describes rude, cursing conduct on the phone. _(confidence: low)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURlaGJmS2JREAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x2d285b3b12a939e0!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIDehbfKbQ%7C%7C?hl=en) — “1★ Completely Rude cursed on the phone complaining”
- Performs furnace, boiler and central AC replacement and repair, plus plumbing work including water heaters, toilets and faucets. _(confidence: high)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2s0emRESjVTelZsUzB0dFdHSXdaR2hHU1RZdFJIYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x2d285b3b12a939e0!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOk4zdDJ5SzVlS0ttWGIwZGhGSTYtRHc%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ I called Bill on thurday night at 7:30pm. He came out Friday morning and replaced a 20 year old unit in one day. Now my tenants are warm!…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT21aQmMweElRbHBsVlU5NlJVUlRlalpOUmpsaVVHYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x2d285b3b12a939e0!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOmZBc0xIQlplVU96RURTejZNRjliUGc%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ We got a AC unit replacement. Bill was very responsive, patient with questions, and the crew that did the installation was very polite an…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURmNDlxM1VnEAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x2d285b3b12a939e0!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIDf49q3Ug%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Had our boiler go out in the dead of winter.
We called with an issue that night and had Bill come the next day and a new boiler installed…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQzZ0pMVV9nRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x2d285b3b12a939e0!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgID3gJLU_gE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ I was a victim of previous plumber screw overs and was quite critical about trusting any plumbers. However, I was completely surprised at…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNqbDZPMEZ3EAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x2d285b3b12a939e0!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgICjl6O0Fw%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ I called Cox Old colony install a toilet in two faucets for me they came in on time everything was professional also service my furnace a…”
- Specializes in HVAC / Heating & Cooling _(confidence: high)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2s0emRESjVTelZsUzB0dFdHSXdaR2hHU1RZdFJIYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x2d285b3b12a939e0!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOk4zdDJ5SzVlS0ttWGIwZGhGSTYtRHc%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ I called Bill on thurday night at 7:30pm. He came out Friday morning and replaced a 20 year old unit in one day. Now my tenants are warm!…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT25WVllWZDJiWEIyTm1WVUxXcHhiMTlXYUMxMVUyYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x2d285b3b12a939e0!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOnVVYVd2bXB2NmVULWpxb19WaC11U2c%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ We had a "unique" retrofit project that posed some so real challenges. Bill & his team came up with a plan, fought through unexpected obs…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURmNDlxM1VnEAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x2d285b3b12a939e0!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIDf49q3Ug%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Had our boiler go out in the dead of winter.
We called with an issue that night and had Bill come the next day and a new boiler installed…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQzeUtUaW9RRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x2d285b3b12a939e0!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgID3yKTioQE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ I have used Bill Flannery the company owner for years. He responds quickly for both large and small jobs at reasonable prices. Did a grea…”
- Specializes in Plumbing _(confidence: high)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQzZ0pMVV9nRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x2d285b3b12a939e0!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgID3gJLU_gE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ I was a victim of previous plumber screw overs and was quite critical about trusting any plumbers. However, I was completely surprised at…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNqbDZPMEZ3EAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x2d285b3b12a939e0!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgICjl6O0Fw%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ I called Cox Old colony install a toilet in two faucets for me they came in on time everything was professional also service my furnace a…”

## License

Status: **not_found** — verified against the official MA state registry, never self-reported.
Re-check at the official registry: https://occupationallicensingandpermitting.mass.gov/madol/s/license-search-page

## Sources

- [Google](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Cox's%20Old%20Colony%20HVAC%20%26%20Plumbing&query_place_id=ChIJj6-0eMae5IkR4DmpEjtbKC0): 4.3★ from 98 ratings
- [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Cox's%20Old%20Colony%20HVAC%20%26%20Plumbing&query_place_id=ChIJj6-0eMae5IkR4DmpEjtbKC0): Listed on this source
- [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/hanover/profile/plumber/coxs-old-colony-hvac-plumbing-0021-104535): Listed on this source
- [Official Website](https://www.oldcolonyhvac.com): 75 yrs in business · Self-reported profile and service details
- [Exa](https://local.yahoo.com/info-222910959-cox-s-old-colony-hvac-plumbing-hanover/): 5 web mentions across the open web (each linked to its source)

## Recent reviews

- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Frances roach · 2026-06-05**: Bill was very helpful, knowledgeable and pleasant when I needed help with my AC. Would definitely recommend him & his company.
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Legit Fish · 2025-11-12**: I had a great experience with Cox's Old Colony HVAC & Plumbing! Their team was professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly helpful throughout the entire process. They diagnosed the issue quickly and provided effective solutions, all while maintaining excellent communication. The service was prompt a…
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Scott Scipione · 2025-11-11**: Very knowledgeable
Dependable
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Lynn Ledford · 2025-11-10**: We have used Bill and his company for many years. We have worked with him on residential and commercial projects. He and his crew have always been knowledgeable and professional. He has always provided a concise description of the services to be provided and a quote to match those services to be ren…
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Mark Groher · 2025-11-10**: We have used Bill’s services for years. Always reasonable, reliable and repaired!
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Forrest Flannery · 2025-11-09**: Cox Old Colony installed a furnace in a rental home of mine and I am very satisfied with the installation and clean up.
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Dave McWalter · 2025-11-08**: I used them to do a service call. Ended up replacing my whole system which went better than it has gone in past with other company's.  Bill and his guys were very professional from the minute they entered  until the minute they left. Highly recommended.  Thank you Bill and his team.
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · North East Special Needs Housing · 2025-11-08**: I called Bill on thurday night at 7:30pm. He came out Friday morning and replaced a 20 year old unit in one day. Now my tenants are warm! I cannot recommend him enough!!
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · William Wallace · 2025-11-07**: Great experience with my heating system replacement
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Janet Evans · 2025-11-07**: Communication is VERY important to Bill. He always answers his phone immediately.. When he heard we were without heat he came himself (on a Saturday) to help us. Left an electric heater to help hold us over until Monday when the work would begin. We needed a new furnace and AC work.  His prices are …

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Data freshness: last scanned 2026-07-03T00:15:01.803Z.
Cite as: Cox's Old Colony HVAC & Plumbing — Tavlee (https://tavlee.com/contractor/cox-s-old-colony-hvac-and-plumbing-hanover)
Source: https://tavlee.com/contractor/cox-s-old-colony-hvac-and-plumbing-hanover