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Heating and cooling emergencies in Chicago

Heating contractors and plumbers for breakdowns.

100 pros in Chicago

Chicago draws a clear line between repairing a heating or cooling appliance and replacing one, and that line shapes what you should ask a contractor when a furnace fails in winter or an air conditioner stops in summer. Under the city's rules, a building permit is not required to repair an existing heating, cooling or ventilation appliance, but a complete replacement generally does need one. Chicago also runs an Express Permit Program for swapping existing mechanical equipment for equipment that performs the same function, and the energy source may change. Even work that needs no permit must still comply with the Chicago Construction Codes. Before you hire, ask whether the job is a repair or a replacement, and who will apply for any permit. Ask the contractor to put that in writing in the quote, along with the work to be done and the equipment to be installed. If a contractor says no permit is needed for a replacement, ask which rule they are relying on. Suburbs around Chicago may have their own rules, so confirm locally.

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Before you hire

  1. Have fuel-burning appliances such as a furnace or boiler inspected by a professional at least once a year.

    Source: canada.ca (source, opens in a new tab)

  2. Get written quotes from at least three contractors for the same work, and check references from recent clients.

    Source: ised-isde.canada.ca (source, opens in a new tab)

  3. Put it in a written contract: the work, price, deposit, start and finish dates, warranty, permits and clean-up. Paying cash to skip it leaves you no recourse.

    Source: ised-isde.canada.ca (source, opens in a new tab)

Questions about hiring in Chicago

Do I need a permit to repair my furnace or air conditioner in Chicago?

No. In Chicago, a building permit is not required to repair an existing heating, cooling or ventilation appliance. A complete replacement does require a building permit, apart from the exceptions the city describes. Ask your contractor to state in the quote whether the job is a repair or a replacement. City of Chicago (source, opens in a new tab)

Does unpermitted work still have to meet city codes?

Yes. Where Section 14A-4-402 of the Chicago Municipal Code allows work without a building permit, that work must still comply with all applicable requirements of the Chicago Construction Codes. A missing permit is not a reason for lower standards, so ask how the contractor will meet them. City of Chicago (source, opens in a new tab)

Is there a faster permit route if I replace my equipment?

Chicago's Express Permit Program covers replacing existing mechanical equipment, meaning heating, ventilation or air conditioning, with equipment that performs the same function. The energy source may change. Ask your contractor whether your job qualifies and who will handle the application. City of Chicago (source, opens in a new tab)

What should a quote for an emergency repair include?

Ask for a written quote naming the work to be done, the parts or equipment, who is responsible for any permit, the warranty on labour and parts, and the payment terms. Get at least two quotes if the situation is safe to wait, and compare like with like.

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