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 try to sell me a new system when I just need a repair?
- The diagnostic comes first, and the findings are explained to you before any recommendation is made. If a repair is the right call, that is what gets suggested. When a system is genuinely near the end of its life, a technician will tell you why, in plain terms, and let you decide. Craft has been operating on word-of-mouth and repeat business in the same Pittsburgh communities for over seventy years, and that does not happen by pushing unnecessary replacements.
- How fast can you actually get here if my furnace dies in the middle of winter?
- Craft uses radio dispatch, which keeps scheduling tight and response times shorter than a call center model allows. Pittsburgh winters move fast, and the team is set up with that in mind. Call as soon as the problem starts, and the dispatcher can give you a realistic timeframe based on current call volume.
- What will this cost me, and will there be surprise charges I wasn't told about?
- Pricing is discussed before any work begins. The technician diagnoses the issue, identifies what is needed, and goes over the cost with you before touching anything. There are no after-the-fact line items added once the job is done. Free estimates are available for system installations.
- Are your technicians licensed and insured? Can you pull permits for my municipality?
- Craft is fully licensed and insured, and all technicians are NATE-certified and factory-trained. Permit requirements vary by municipality across Allegheny County, and Craft is familiar with those local differences. When permits are required for your installation, that is handled as part of the process.
- Do you work on commercial properties, or only homes?
- Craft serves both residential and commercial customers in the Pittsburgh area. The in-house sheet metal shop makes custom ductwork fabrication possible for spaces where standard runs will not work, which matters for commercial layouts as much as older city homes.
- Will you explain what actually went wrong with my system, or just hand me an invoice?
- A technician will walk you through the diagnosis, including what component failed and what caused it to fail. If a part is being replaced, you can see it. Understanding what happened and why is part of the visit, not an afterthought.
- Do you offer maintenance plans so I'm not dealing with surprise breakdowns every year?
- Yes. Preventative maintenance agreements include scheduled visits before the heating and cooling seasons, covering the components most likely to fail under heavy use. Documented service records also help keep manufacturer warranties valid, since most require proof of annual maintenance.
- Can you work with my existing equipment, or will you push me toward a specific brand?
- Craft services all major makes and models, and the recommendation on any repair or replacement is based on your system and your home, not on brand preference. As an authorized Trane dealer, Craft installs Trane equipment when a new system is the right fit, but the starting point is always what makes sense for your space and budget.
- Can you install a smart thermostat and make sure it's wired correctly for my system?
- Smart thermostat installation is part of what Craft handles during system work and as a standalone service. Older Pittsburgh homes sometimes have wiring configurations that make self-installation tricky, and getting it wrong can affect how the whole system runs. A technician will confirm compatibility, install it correctly, and walk you through the setup before leaving.
- How long will an installation take, and will I be without heat or AC the whole time?
- Most residential system installations are completed in a single day. The specifics depend on what is being installed and whether any ductwork modifications are needed. When you schedule, Craft can give you a realistic time estimate for your particular situation so you can plan accordingly.
Ready When Pittsburgh's Weather Isn't
Call or send a message to schedule a repair, maintenance visit, or free installation estimate with a technician who knows your home's system.