Furnace not working? While it can ignite your anger when the heat goes out, you need to keep your cool through the sometimes-infuriating process of getting your furnace repaired. Here are the questions you should be asking your HVAC pro to make sure you’re getting the best service — and not getting burned.

Questions to Ask Your Heater Repair Company

CroppMetcalfe HVAC Service Manager Dave Young says the three most common furnace problems he sees are dirty air filters, dirty flame sensors, and broken hot surface igniters.

While you can certainly replace an air filter yourself, it’s best to leave any real furnace repairs to trained professionals. When calling HVAC service companies, make sure you ask the following questions:

1. Do you charge emergency service fees?

Unfortunately, you can’t plan for furnace problems. They often surface at the most inopportune times, and in the dead of a Washington, D.C. winter, you can’t take a wait-and-see approach. When calling for furnace repair services, be sure to ask about what fees will be added, so you aren’t shocked when the bill comes. Request a written quote before work is performed to avoid any other surprises.

2. Is your company licensed?

It can be tempting to try to save a few dollars when a friend or relative tells you they have “a guy.” You know what we mean — “Don’t call some expensive repairman! Let me talk to my guy.” This may be the conversation you have right before really serious problems begin.

Make sure the people and the company you hire for HVAC service are fully licensed. Hiring an unlicensed contractor puts you, your family and your home at risk. Furnace repair can be complicated, dangerous work — only trust people with a real education in the vocation.

Even if the repair seems to go off without a hitch, if there is a problem down the road, you may have nullified potential warranties or manufacturer’s coverage by using an unqualified pro who completed an unapproved repair or installation. Stay away from “a guy.”

3. Are you bonded and insured?

When a furnace repair pro is bonded and insured, you are protected if the technician gets injured while doing their job in your home. This also covers any accidental property damage. Make sure a company carries workers’ compensation and liability insurance before hiring them to perform any
furnace repairs on your property.

4. How long has your company been in business?

Look for a company that has a long history in the HVAC industry and, more specifically, pay attention to how much experience the HVAC service technicians have. After all, they are the people most immediately responsible for your furnace and your safety.

5. What brands do you offer?

You want to make sure an HVAC company is experienced with your home’s HVAC equipment. Also, if you end up needing to replace your furnace, you will want to work with a company that carries the kind of HVAC equipment you would like to purchase. When purchasing new equipment, make sure
you understand the warranty terms.

Working with CroppMetcalfe

Need a furnace repair in Washington, D.C., Maryland or Northern Virginia? We’ve been in business for 38 years and we make sure our certified furnace repair team gets 40 hours of continuing education each year.

Call us now at 703-698-8855, or visit us online at https://www.croppmetcalfe.com.