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Heating and cooling emergencies in Minneapolis–Saint Paul

Heating contractors and plumbers for breakdowns.

100 pros in Minneapolis–Saint Paul

The Twin Cities know what a heating failure means. In the late-January 2019 cold, the area spent 76 consecutive hours below zero, with a morning low of -28°. A furnace that quits in that kind of weather is an emergency, not an inconvenience. When you hire for heating or cooling work here, start with the paperwork. Minnesota requires no state licence for mechanical contractors, but a business must file a mechanical contractor bond with the state Department of Labor and Industry to contract for heating, cooling or fuel-burning work. Ask to see proof of that bond. In Minneapolis, a mechanical permit is required to legally perform HVAC work on a construction project, so ask who pulls the permit and whether building officials have approved the plans. Also remember that the Cold Weather Rule protects residential electric and natural gas customers from shut-off between October 1 and April 30, so a heat problem is not always a utility problem. Get the scope of work in writing before anyone starts.

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What to know in Minneapolis–Saint Paul

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 Minneapolis–Saint Paul

Does a heating contractor in Minnesota need a state licence?

Minnesota requires no state licence for mechanical contractors. Instead, a business must file a mechanical contractor bond with the Department of Labor and Industry to contract for gas, heating, ventilation, cooling, air conditioning or fuel-burning work. Ask the company to show you proof of that bond before work begins. Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (source, opens in a new tab)

Do I need a permit for furnace or air conditioning work in Minneapolis?

The City of Minneapolis says a mechanical permit is required to legally perform HVAC work for any construction project. Building officials must approve the plans before the permit is issued. Ask your contractor whether they will pull the permit and who is responsible for the inspection. City of Minneapolis (source, opens in a new tab)

Can my gas or electricity be shut off while my heat is failing in winter?

Minnesota's Cold Weather Rule protects residential electric and natural gas customers from service shut-off between October 1 and April 30. If your heat is out, check whether the problem is the equipment or your utility account, and contact your utility if you are worried about service. Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (source, opens in a new tab)

What should a written quote for an emergency repair include?

Ask for the work to be described in writing: what is being repaired or replaced, the parts, the labour, whether a permit is needed, and any warranty. Get at least two quotes if time allows, and compare the scope line by line, not only the total.

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