Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know before booking.
Answers to what clients typically ask before getting in touch.
- How do I know you won't just tell me I need a whole new system when all I really need is a repair?
- The diagnosis comes before any recommendation. The technician will show you what failed, explain what caused it, and give you a repair cost alongside any replacement option if the system is old enough to warrant that conversation. Nothing is approved without your sign-off, and there's no pressure to go in a direction you're not comfortable with. A second-opinion call costs you nothing and is genuinely encouraged.
- What does a furnace or boiler installation actually cost, and will there be surprise charges at the end?
- Impact HVAC provides free estimates before any installation begins. The estimate accounts for the system itself, labor, removal of the old unit, and any access or code-related work that the job requires. Older Pittsburgh homes sometimes need duct or electrical upgrades — if that's the case, it's discussed upfront, not billed at the end. The price quoted is the price you pay.
- How fast can you get here if my furnace goes out in the middle of winter?
- Heating calls in winter are treated as genuine urgencies. When you call, you'll get a realistic arrival window rather than a vague promise. Pittsburgh winters leave little room for a multi-day wait on heat, and that's understood before the truck is dispatched.
- Are you licensed and insured, and do you pull permits for installation work?
- Yes on all counts. Impact HVAC is licensed and insured, and permits are pulled for installations that require them under City of Pittsburgh and applicable municipal rules. City inspections are coordinated as part of the process, so you're not left managing that on your own.
- Do you work on older systems — steam boilers, hot-water radiators, older furnace setups?
- Yes. A significant portion of Pittsburgh's residential housing stock runs on systems that are decades old, and Impact's technicians are experienced with steam and hot-water boilers, cast-iron radiators, and furnaces installed in tight or unconventional spaces. These jobs require a different approach than a standard forced-air install, and that's accounted for from the start.
- Will the technician explain what's wrong in a way I can actually understand?
- That's a consistent part of how the work is done here. Technicians walk you through the diagnosis, show you what failed, and explain the repair or replacement in plain terms before anything is approved. You shouldn't have to take anyone's word for it — the issue should make sense to you before you agree to the fix.
- Can you handle both my home and a small commercial building I own?
- Yes. Impact HVAC serves both residential homeowners and commercial building owners, including multi-unit residential and light commercial properties. Boiler replacements in apartment buildings, commercial heating systems, and mixed-use properties are all within scope.
- Will you work with my existing equipment brand, or will you push me toward a specific brand you prefer?
- The recommendation is based on what fits your system, your home's layout, and your budget — not on brand preference. If your existing setup can be repaired or extended, that option is presented honestly alongside any replacement. The goal is the right outcome for your situation, not a particular product sale.
- How long will installation take, and will I be without heat or AC the whole time?
- Most residential furnace and air conditioner installations are completed in a single day. Boiler replacements in larger buildings may take longer, and that timeline is communicated clearly before work begins. The schedule is planned to minimize the time your system is offline, and you'll know exactly what to expect before the crew arrives.
- What happens after the installation — is there a walkthrough, and what if something isn't right?
- Before the crew leaves, the system is tested and you're walked through how it operates, including any new controls or thermostat settings. If something isn't right after installation, you call the same number and it gets addressed. There's no transferring between departments or waiting on a callback queue.
Get a straight answer before you decide
Call for a free estimate and find out exactly what your system needs — no pressure, no guesswork.