Important Questions To Ask When Deciding On A Furnace Repair Company

Posted on: 20 January 2015

There is nothing worse than having your furnace go out in the middle of winter.  Not only is it incredibly inconvenient, but it can be downright dangerous.  It can also end up very expensive.  When this disaster strikes, it is typically during a time when you need the furnace to be working.  This limits the time you have to research to make sure you are getting the best deal or hiring the best contractor for your repairs.

However, this doesn't mean you have to settle for less than the best for your furnace repair needs. 

Troubleshoot First

Before calling a technician in, there are some things you can do to make sure that you don't waste time and money on an unnecessary service call.  First, check the filter.  If it is dirty, it could cause your furnace to not perform correctly.  Changing the filter is a simple, cheap task.

If the filter isn't the problem, make sure that the power to the furnace is working.  You can do this by turning the fan on.  If the fan turns on, the power source isn't the problem.  Finally, make sure the gas valve is turned on.   If the gas valve isn't turned on, then your furnace won't work. 

If none of these quick fixes work, then you will likely need a certified technician to come check it out.

Questions to Ask

When trying to find a reliable and trustworthy repair service, there are some questions that you should ask before you secure a company.

  • When can you be here?  What is your response time?  This is important, because you obviously want them to arrive sooner than later.  However, many places say they will be "quick", with no actual definition of the word.  Try to get a specific time frame. 
  • How do you charge? Every company will charge a little bit differently, especially when charging for labor.  Some will charge differently for the time of day they come out.  Ask right from the beginning how you will be charged so that there are no surprises in the end.
  • Do you offer a guarantee on your work? Getting a guarantee on the work done is important.  Any company that is willing to stand behind their work is likely to give you good results. 
  • Do you offer a warranty on parts?  Even if you don't know what parts will be needed at the time, feeling them out on their warranty policy might help you make your decision.
  • What kind of training do your technicians have? You want the company to tell you that their technicians are either certified through NATE (North American Technician Excellence) or the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency).  You may also want make sure they do not hire subcontractors, and the technician they send to you is actually associated with their company. 
  • How long have you been in business?  A company that has been around for a while is often more desirable than one that has only been in business for a short period of time.

For more information, contact a company like http://www.belairplumbing.com with any questions you have.

Share