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Heating and cooling emergencies in Cedar Rapids

Heating contractors and plumbers for breakdowns.

22 pros in Cedar Rapids

Cedar Rapids knows what it means to lose heating and cooling all at once. After the August 10, 2020 derecho, Alliant Energy and Linn County REC reported that all Cedar Rapids customers were without power right after the storm, and the city says the whole community was without power for a week or more. Winter adds its own strain: the National Weather Service's 1991-2020 normal January average temperature here is 19.6°, cold enough to put furnaces and pipes under heavy strain. When you hire for an emergency furnace, heat pump, boiler, AC or frozen pipe job, ask about licensing first. The city issues electrical, plumbing or mechanical permits only to a person holding a valid State of Iowa contractor's licence, and its Building Services FAQ says each construction trade is permitted separately. Ask who will pull any permit needed, which trade licences apply to the work, and get the scope of the repair in writing before work begins.

Source: National Weather Service Quad Cities (source, opens in a new tab)

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What to know in Cedar Rapids

  • After the August 10, 2020 derecho, Alliant Energy and Linn County REC reported that all Cedar Rapids customers were without power right after the storm. The city says the whole community was without power for a week or more.

    City of Cedar Rapids (source, opens in a new tab)

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 Cedar Rapids

Who can legally pull a permit for furnace or AC work in Cedar Rapids?

The city issues an electrical, plumbing or mechanical permit only to a person who holds a valid State of Iowa contractor's licence. Before you hire a furnace or AC installer, check that they hold that licence, and ask who will apply for any permit the job needs. City of Cedar Rapids (source, opens in a new tab)

Is one permit enough if a job involves several trades?

Not necessarily. The city's Building Services FAQ says each construction trade is permitted separately, and that electrical, mechanical and plumbing contractors must hold a licence. If your repair touches wiring, piping and equipment, ask the contractor which permits apply and who handles each. City of Cedar Rapids (source, opens in a new tab)

What should a written quote for an emergency repair include?

Ask for the contractor's name and licence details, a description of the work and the equipment involved, what is and is not included, who handles permits, and any warranty on parts and labour. Get it in writing before work starts, even when the repair is urgent.

How should I compare quotes when my heat is out?

Compare like with like: the same scope of work, the same equipment, and the same permit and warranty terms. If you can, ask a second contractor to look at the problem. A quote that leaves out details is harder to compare, so ask for the missing items.

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