Servicing Your Furnace

If the cold weather has invaded your home, and the furnace doesn’t seem to keep you 
warm, an overhaul may be in order. But how do you choose a reliable service person?

I'm Shirley Rooker for the Federal Trade Commission.

You can start out by asking the right questions, and the first one should be, "Are you 
licensed to do business?" Don’t accept an affirmative answer. Ask to see a copy of 
the license, or ask for the license number and check with the licensing bureau to 
verify the information.

The second step is to get a written estimate, including type of equipment, work to be 
done, and an estimated date it will be completed.

Ask if the company will do warranty work. Some companies do installation only. If 
you are getting estimates from more than one company - always a good idea - be sure 
the prices quoted are for the same equipment, so that you can make valid comparisons. 
Ask for and check out references.

I'm Shirley Rooker, director of WTOP radio's Call For Action for the Federal Trade 
Commission.

January 2002