Failing to properly hook up the gas valve so the furnace will ignite is an honest mistake or oversight. The incompetence/negligence was demonstrated when the technician failed to make sure the furnace was operating properly and heating the house before he left. This made it necessary for another service tech to come out after 10 PM. It took him about 2 minutes to find and correct the problem because the wire he needed to put on the spade connector was in plain sight as soon as he took the front panel off the furnace.
We will continue to be faithful customers of HCE, as this is the first time we have been even mildly disappointed with the service we have received, and are confident steps are being taken to see that this kind of oversight is not repeated.