If your furnace fails, you may need to reach out to a repair company quickly. But the difficulty is in figuring out what to check when there are multiple companies providing the same products and services.

While a high number of reviews or a professional-looking website may be helpful, it’s not all the information you need. There are other factors to consider before booking a repair.

Here is a helpful guide.

Review the license and qualifications

First, determine whether the company and technicians are qualified to service furnaces in your area. Heating systems consist of gas, electricity, ventilation, and other elements that can pose safety issues if not managed properly.

A good repair company will be able to tell you what kinds of systems they repair and the qualifications of the technicians. If you do not know what credentials are valid in your area, you can inquire of the company before your appointment.

It is also important to verify insurance policies and permits, if applicable. This way, you will know what to expect.

Look for relevant furnace experience

Heating problems are not all alike. A technician who is used to working with furnaces is well positioned to diagnose issues quickly.

Inquire if the company has had experience with your furnace make and model. Talk about the symptoms you’ve observed. Ask if they have seen problems like that before. 

Experience with different systems and failure patterns can be helpful. Especially when determining the cause of issues.

Read reviews carefully

Reviews are helpful when searching for top-rated furnace repair companies. However, don’t rely on star ratings alone. Read what past customers have actually said.

Note the comments that keep appearing regarding:

• Communication
• Punctuality
• Explanations
• Pricing
• Workmanship.

One bad review doesn’t provide a lot of information about a company. However, if a complaint keeps recurring, you need to look deeper.

Also, check the publishing dates of the reviews. Feedback from previous years may not accurately represent the company’s current operations. The company may have changed technicians, management, pricing, or service practices over time.

Find out how price is explained

The cost of furnace repairs can be quite different based on the furnace problem and the parts being used to repair it. Check how the company charges for estimates and diagnostic charges before signing up for the job.

Some firms may charge an additional fee to check the furnace and determine the cause of the problem. If you go ahead, others may use that amount for the repair. If possible, know this before the appointment.

Confirm if the price quoted covers:

• Labor
• Parts
• Service fees
• Any other anticipated charges.

The word pricing does not necessarily imply the lowest price. It means you have adequate information and know what you are charged for.

Ask about parts and warranties

If you need replacement parts, request information about the type of parts that will be used and whether they have a manufacturer’s warranty. You can also ask about any warranty coverage on the company’s work.

Please note that the coverage period and the terms of coverage may differ. Inquire about what would happen if the same component fails within a few weeks of the repair.

Have these details in writing.

Ask what the diagnosis includes

When considering a repair, ask the technician what they will check before giving their approval. Diagnosis should be done to find the root cause of the problem and not just to replace the first component that is found to be faulty.

You can ask the technician if they will:

• Test related components
• Perform an after-repair test
• Discuss the root cause of failure.

Learning the diagnosis can also assist you in determining if the repair is worth doing. Especially if the furnace is having the same problem more than once.

Compare estimates without choosing on price alone

You can get a better idea of how much a repair will cost if you obtain more than one estimate. Comparing the final figures, however, can be misleading.

One estimate might have a longer labor warranty, more in-depth diagnostic testing, or better quality replacement parts. Another may be for just the immediate repair.

Compare the estimates on what they need to include in the price rather than which one is cheaper. This will provide you with a better guideline when you make your decision.

The bottom line

Spend a few minutes looking at your options. This can help you make an informed decision. You want to know:

• What you are paying for
• Who will be doing the work
• What kind of support you’d get if the issue comes back.

If you make a careful comparison, you will have more information before you settle on a furnace repair company.