A furnace that quits in a Scranton winter, or an air conditioner that fails in summer, is a problem you want fixed fast, but the city's rules still apply. The City of Scranton says all construction projects require a permit, and no work may start before the permit is in hand. It also says work is to be done by an insured, licensed contractor with experience in the work. Scranton's Code Enforcement page adds that the boiler and mechanical trades require testing, along with plumbing and electrical. So before you hire for a furnace, heat pump, boiler or frozen pipe, ask who will pull the permit and whether the person doing the work holds the required licence and insurance. Pennsylvania also requires home improvement contractors above a yearly work threshold to register with the Office of Attorney General, so ask for the registration number. If you are in immediate danger of being without heat, the state's LIHEAP programme has crisis grants, which is worth knowing before you commit to a repair.