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Heating and cooling emergencies in Lancaster

Heating contractors and plumbers for breakdowns.

50 pros in Lancaster

In Lancaster, a heating or cooling failure comes with paperwork that many people don't expect. The City of Lancaster says that when mechanical, electrical or plumbing work is being done, a Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) Permit Application must be submitted, and this cannot be deferred. That applies to furnace, boiler and heat pump work as much as to planned projects, so ask any company who files the permit and when. Pennsylvania's Attorney General also says home improvement contractors must register, with exceptions for small yearly work totals and certain retailers, so ask for the registration details before work starts. If a power outage is behind the problem, remember that PPL Electric Utilities says generators emit carbon monoxide and must never be run in any home, garage or enclosed area. If you are in immediate danger of being without heat, Pennsylvania's LIHEAP crisis grant may be open to you. Get the scope, the permit plan and the registration in writing before you agree.

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What to know in Lancaster

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 Lancaster

Does emergency furnace or boiler work in Lancaster need a permit?

The City of Lancaster says that when mechanical, electrical or plumbing work is being done, a Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) Permit Application must be submitted, and this cannot be deferred. Ask the company whether it will file the permit and how that fits into the repair schedule. City of Lancaster, PA (source, opens in a new tab)

Does a heating or cooling contractor in Pennsylvania have to be registered?

Pennsylvania's Attorney General says all home improvement contractors must register, except those doing less than a set amount of work in a calendar year and certain retailers. Ask for the registration number before work begins, and keep it with your quote or contract. PA Office of Attorney General (source, opens in a new tab)

What should a quote for an emergency repair include?

Ask for a written quote naming the fault found, the parts to be replaced, the labour, and any permit work. It should also state the warranty on parts and labour. Get the same details from at least two companies if time allows, so you can compare like for like.

Is there help if I am about to be without heat?

Pennsylvania's LIHEAP says households in immediate danger of being without heat can also qualify for crisis grants. The cash grant is a one-time payment sent directly to the utility. Check eligibility and apply through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services while you arrange the repair. Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (source, opens in a new tab)

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