The homeowner guide

A little preparation makes the next step clearer.

Keep the symptoms, equipment history, and project goals together. Use independent guidance to compare recommendations without trying to repair hazardous equipment yourself.

Illustration of a living room with radiator heating

Prepare a useful service request

  • Describe the symptom and when it started.
  • List affected rooms and whether the issue happens during heating, cooling, or both.
  • Identify equipment from safely accessible labels or existing records.
  • Share recent service, renovations, or control changes.
  • Explain the outcome you want, not just the part you think needs replacing.

Plan seasonal care

Ask for an equipment-specific checklist and keep the service record. Clarify whether a maintenance visit includes repairs or whether additional approval is needed.

Compare maintenance and tune-up questions with the manufacturer’s instructions and independent advice.

Compare independent advice on equipment, installation, and seasonal care in ENERGY STAR’s heating and cooling guide.

Illustration of a furnace filter and maintenance tools

Compare proposals, not just equipment

Ask how the system will be sized, what installation work is included, and what the contractor has excluded. Compare controls, related work, permits, and service access as well as model numbers.

Read ENERGY STAR’s contractor-hiring checklist when organizing proposals, and explore our repair and replacement questions.

Put safety before a service request

If you suspect carbon monoxide exposure, get outside to fresh air and call 911. A website form is not an emergency service. Follow official guidance rather than waiting for a reply.

The CPSC carbon monoxide information center explains alarms and exposure safety.

Do not handle refrigerant, open electrical service panels, modify fuel connections, or adjust equipment safety controls. Arrange appropriately qualified help.

Know where to ask about permits

Before installation or conversion work, contact the Oakland Construction and Code Enforcement for current project requirements. Confirm responsibilities in the written scope.

For independent guidance on pollution sources, ventilation, and filtration, visit the EPA indoor air quality resource center.

Your next step

Start with the room. Then the system.

Gather your equipment details, the symptoms you notice, and your project goals. Scope, pricing, and scheduling require direct confirmation.