Coming home from work to find that your furnace stopped working is a very unpleasant surprise.  The last thing you want to do is coordinate with various HVAC companies over the phone.  So how do you hire the right furnace repair company to handle your specific needs?  First and foremost, it helps to do some research ahead of time.  If you know your furnace is starting to age, have a reputable HVAC company’s phone number on hand.  You can be prepared by having these questions handy.

Are you licensed, bonded and insured? This is an important question to ask to ensure the company you hire is honest, trustworthy and has financial backup.

Have you worked in my neighborhood before? This might be a good question to ask if your home is in Cleveland Heights or Shaker Heights.  If the contractor has done work there, it’s likely they have experience repairing and maintaining boilers.

How quickly can you respond in an emergency?  The response to this question might depend on what else is going on in your community.  If there’s a major blizzard when you call, you will likely need to be patient.

How long have you been in business?  If you want your furnace repaired properly, it’s best to hire a professional.  Look for companies that have been in business for at least 10 years.

Remember that there a lot of fly-by-night contractors out there who are looking to make a quick buck.  Contractors who show up in unmarked vehicles without a license number displayed should be a red flag.  It’s also a good idea to look for industry affiliations from organizations like the Air Conditioning Contractors of America.  You want to keep your house and your family safe.  Be sure to ask good questions before hiring a heating and cooling contractor to come into your home.