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Heating and cooling emergencies in Milwaukee

Heating contractors and plumbers for breakdowns.

50 pros in Milwaukee

Milwaukee heating emergencies are shaped by real cold. On January 31, 2019 the city recorded a low of -23, breaking a record set in 1899, and the National Weather Service noted scattered power outages from the cold the day before. The 1991–2020 normals put a mean January temperature at 24°F, so a furnace that fails in winter is a serious problem, while July averages 73.3°F, which is why cooling repairs matter too. When you hire, ask for the contractor's Wisconsin registration as an HVAC Contractor, since state code SPS 305.70 bars anyone from installing or servicing this equipment, or offering to, without it. Some exceptions exist, so ask which one applies if a person says they don't need it. The City of Milwaukee also lists a furnace as needing a permit, so ask who will apply for it and get that answer in writing before work starts. You can call the Department of Neighborhood Services at 414-286-8210 to check.

Sources: University of Wisconsin–Madison State Climatology Office (source, opens in a new tab), Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (source, opens in a new tab)

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What to know in Milwaukee

  • The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan office reports that on Jan 31, 2019 Milwaukee recorded a low of -23, breaking the previous record of -15 set in 1899. On Jan 30 the high of -10 broke the record for lowest maximum temperature, and the office noted scattered power outages due to the cold.

    National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan (source, opens in a new tab)

  • Focus on Energy's instant discounts for natural gas furnaces under 300 MBh at 95% AFUE or higher are $100 (standard) and $400 (income-qualified). Natural gas boilers under 300 MBh at 90% AFUE or higher get $300 (standard) and $500 (income-qualified). Rebate applications must be submitted within 60 days of completed installation, and no later than January 31, 2027.

    Focus on Energy (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 Milwaukee

Does a furnace replacement in Milwaukee need a permit?

The City of Milwaukee's permit checklist lists a furnace as needing a permit, and it gives 414-286-8210 as the number to call. Before work begins, ask your contractor whether they will apply for it, and keep a copy of the permit with your records. City of Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services (source, opens in a new tab)

Which form is used to apply for a furnace or air conditioning permit in Milwaukee?

The City says to use the Development Center alterations permit form for air conditioning and refrigeration systems, furnaces and boilers, among other equipment. Ask your contractor to confirm they have filed it, and ask for the permit details so you can check with the city if you wish. City of Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services (source, opens in a new tab)

Who is allowed to repair a furnace or air conditioner in Wisconsin?

Under state code SPS 305.70, a person or business must hold a registration as an HVAC Contractor from the Department of Safety and Professional Services to install or service this equipment, or to offer to. The code lists exceptions, so ask the contractor for their registration details. Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (source, opens in a new tab)

What should a heating or cooling repair quote include?

Ask for a written quote that names the fault found, the parts and labour included, who pulls any permit, and the warranty on the work. Get at least two quotes and compare what each one covers, not only the total. Ask how emergency or after-hours work is charged.

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