Heating and Cooling Repair in Washougal, WA

Quick answer

In Washougal, the city's building FAQ says a mechanical permit is needed to install, alter, repair, or replace heating and cooling equipment, with some exceptions. Washougal borders the Columbia River Gorge, which Washington's state climatologist describes as prone to ice storms. We repair furnaces, heat pumps, and AC here, and you approve every repair first.

Key facts

County	Clark County, Washington
Mechanical permits	City of Washougal Building Division, Permit Center at 211 39th Street
How to apply	Email over-the-counter applications to permitting@cityofwashougal.us
Electric utility	Clark Public Utilities
Gas service	NW Natural lists Washougal in its Washington tariff
Winter hazard on record	Ice storms with downed trees and long power outages

Does Washougal require a permit to repair or replace my heating system?

Often, yes. Washougal's building FAQ says a mechanical permit is required to install, alter, repair, replace, or remodel, under the International Mechanical Code and Washougal Municipal Code 15.04.020(7).

Some work is exempt. The city's list includes portable heaters and portable cooling units, plus replacing a part when the swap doesn't change the equipment's approval or make it unsafe. So one failed part may not need a permit, while replacing the furnace or heat pump itself does. Your technician should tell you which case your job falls under.

How do I apply for a mechanical permit in Washougal?

For an over-the-counter permit, you email it. Washougal takes those applications at permitting@cityofwashougal.us. Other permit applications get dropped off at the Washougal Permit Center, 211 39th Street, Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Inspection requests go to BuildingInspectionLine@cityofwashougal.us or 360-835-8501, ext. 698.
The city says heating and cooling permit fees are based on the number and type of installations.
A Washougal permit expires if work doesn't start within 180 days of issue, or if work stops for 180 days.

Decide who pulls the permit before work begins. Washougal's FAQ says to be clear with your contractor about who obtains it, suggests asking the contractor for proof, and reminds owners that the work on their property is ultimately their responsibility.

Not sure what's wrong yet?

Start with the safe checks. Many problems are a setting, a breaker, or a filter.

Find your symptom Compare repair vs. replace

Repair first: we fix what can be fixed
You approve the price before work starts
Sources listed for outside facts

What do Gorge ice storms mean for a Washougal heating system?

Mostly, they mean planning for power outages. Clark County's hazard mitigation plan records ice at Washougal in November 1996, then a December 1996 ice storm that left Camas and Washougal with numerous downed trees and prolonged power outages. The plan's Washougal section notes about five days each winter with snow or icy conditions.

Your furnace or heat pump needs electricity to run. That's true of a gas furnace too, because its controls, igniter, and blower are electric. When the power comes back, a few habits help.

Give the system several minutes after power returns. Many systems pause through a short startup delay.
If the breaker for the furnace or outdoor unit tripped, reset it once. If it trips again, leave it off and call.
Thin frost on a heat pump that clears during defrost is normal. A thick shell of ice from freezing rain is not. Switch to emergency heat if your system has it, and call.
Don't chip ice off the outdoor coil or pour water on it. The fins puncture easily.

Is it safe to run a generator during a Washougal outage?

Only outdoors, and well away from the house. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) says never to run a portable generator in a garage, carport, basement, crawl space, or other enclosed or partly enclosed space. Open doors and fans won't stop carbon monoxide from building up.

DOH says generators should sit at least 20 feet from buildings, away from windows, doors, and vents.
Exhaust can still drift inside from that far away, so DOH calls a working CO alarm very important. Choose one that runs on batteries or has battery backup.
Never plug a generator into a wall outlet to power the house. DOH says the only safe way to connect one to home wiring is a transfer switch installed by a qualified electrician.
If anyone feels sick, dizzy, or weak, get to fresh air right away and call 911.

Smell gas after a storm? Get out of the house before you do anything else. Once outside, call 911 and NW Natural's around-the-clock line, 800-882-3377.

Where do I find my system's make and model in a newer Washougal home?

Look for the energy code compliance certificate. Washougal's permit forms page lists the 2018 Washington State Energy Code compliance certificate as a form to be placed on or near the electrical panel. The state's instructions say new homes must have one permanently posted, often in the furnace space or a utility room.

The certificate lists the make and model of the heating, cooling, and water heating equipment, along with duct leakage test results. Snap a photo of it before you call. It helps the technician prepare.

Which utility programs can Washougal homeowners ask about?

Ask Clark Public Utilities, which says it provides electricity to all of Clark County. If your home runs on electric heat and replacing makes more sense than repairing, two of its programs may apply.

The Heat Pump Program is aimed at customers whose homes are heated with electricity.
Homes heated by baseboards, wall heaters, or an electric furnace are the target for the Ductless Heat Pump Program.
Both programs require an installer from the utility's contractor network.
You may qualify — we'll check the current rules with the utility before you rely on them.

Common questions

Can I email a mechanical permit application to Washougal?

Yes, for over-the-counter permits. Send the application to permitting@cityofwashougal.us. Other applications are dropped off at the Permit Center, 211 39th Street, Monday through Thursday.

Does replacing one part on my furnace need a Washougal permit?

Maybe not. Washougal's FAQ exempts replacing a part when the swap doesn't change the equipment's approval or make it unsafe. Replacing the whole furnace or heat pump does need a mechanical permit.

What if my Washougal furnace was replaced without a permit?

It can often be corrected. Washougal's FAQ says the Building Division would rather see work brought up to code than punish a homeowner, and work that meets code can be approved. Inspectors may ask to open small areas so they can see the work.

How long is a Washougal building permit good for?

A Washougal permit expires if work doesn't start within 180 days of issue, or if work stops for 180 days. The city can grant one extension of up to 180 days if you ask in writing.

Who makes sure contractors are licensed in Washougal?

Washougal's Building Division lists assuring contractors are properly licensed among its duties, and you can check too. Search the contractor on L&I's Verify tool to see whether their Washington license is active. Do it before you sign a contract.

What should I do if freezing rain coats my Washougal heat pump?

Switch to emergency heat if your system has it, and call a technician. Don't chip the ice or pour water on the coil, because the fins puncture easily. Normal winter frost clears during defrost cycles, but a solid shell of ice doesn't.