Link Service Heating and Cooling was founded in Ebensburg in 1951 by Thomas G. Link II after he returned home after serving in World War II.

When Link returned home he went to work for Cresson plumber Sam Baker who was getting ready to retire. Most of Baker’s work was actually in Ebensburg.

“Sam said to dad why don’t you start your own business in Ebensburg, so dad did. Sam then came to work for dad after he retired,” said Tom’s son Jeff Link. In its early days the business was called Tom Link Plumbing and Heating.

“He did just plumbing and heating, repairing and installations. It was a one man operation that has grown to 22 employees today,” said Barbara Reese, Jeff’s sister.

Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski / Installation technician Wyatt Link installs a furnace.

Tom Link ran the business until 1990 when Jeff and Barbara took it over.

The Barber family of Barber Oil Company, joined the business in 2002 with Jeff Link and Jim and Richard Barber becoming partners. Jeff retired in 2024.

“The Barbers approached the Links about joining forces to better serve customers. It was a good decision for both the business and the customers,” Jeff Link said.

The company built a new building at 3417 Route 764, Duncansville, in 2024.

Today, the business is owned by Jim Barber and his sons, Jared and Justin.

“We are a full service HVAC company and focus on heat pumps and ductless systems, primarily residential maintenance, repairs and installations,” said Justin Barber, installation manager.

The company carries Carrier, Mitsubishi and Bradford White, all high-quality manufacturers of furnaces.

The company has more than 5,000 customers, primarily in Blair and Cambria counties but also serves parts of Somerset, Indiana, Centre and Bedford counties.

About 95% of their customers are residential, but Link also services small businesses, according to Jared Barber, service manager.

Illig Properties of Ebensburg has been a customer for about 10 years.

“We really liked working with Jeff Link and his team. They offered years of experience working on all types of HVAC systems in our area and always carried themselves in a professional manner,” said manager Greg Illig. “They have always installed quality systems for us, but what really set them apart was the service.”

Ebensburg auctioneer Wayne Templeton is a longtime customer.

“On a scale of one to ten I would call them a ten for what they have done for me. Jeff always treated me right, he has always been there when I needed him. My parents always went to them when they needed any plumbing work,” Templeton said.

Link Service Heating and Cooling is best known for its service.

“We just care a lot. Some people make it a transaction but we try to make it a nice experience to meet their needs. We go above and beyond,” Jared Barber said.

“We focus on customer care, we go above and beyond,” Justin Barber said.

The company has been involved in the community since its early days.

“Today we sponsor teams in three different baseball leagues and have a representative on the board of the Altoona and Johnstown vo-tech schools,” Jared Barber said.

“We do an internship with students at the vo-tech schools to get them started working. We like to take kids and put them in real world situations, put them to work at Link so they can become the best they can become. It is better taking young people with no experience and making them good employees,” Jim Barber said

“We are taking young kids from the schools with no experience and giving them the opportunity to better their careers and lives,” Jared Barber said.

The program is important to the schools.

“As Link Heating and Cooling celebrates 75 years in business, their continued dedication to mentoring the next generation truly reflects their long-standing values. Their focus on the Greater Altoona Career and Technology students — many with little or no prior experience — demonstrates a commitment not only to workforce development, but to strengthening lives and careers in our local community,” said Holly Emerick, GACTC work-based learning coordinator.

Link is proud to reach 75 years and hopes to continue to grow in the future.

“We are proud, we started out as a one horse company and have grown to 22 employees today. We are proud of the legacy that still carries on today,” Jeff Link said.

Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 814-946-7467.