What licenses does an HVAC contractor need?

HVAC vs. general contractor licenses

In some states, HVAC contractors must obtain specific HVAC licenses. For example, in Kentucky, an HVAC Contractor License is required for all individuals and businesses performing HVAC services. The application requires passport photos of each applicant, examination score certificate, proof of general liability insurance, and proof of employment. The application fees range from $150 to $375, and the license must be renewed annually.

In other states, HVAC contractors must obtain a general contractor license. In North Dakota, all contractors who perform more than $2,000 worth of work must be licensed. The application requires information on all officers and owners, a statement from North Dakota Workforce Safety & Insurance that the applicant has secured satisfactory Workers' Compensation coverage, and proof of general liability insurance. Application fees range based on the monetary amount of each project the contractor plans to work on. The license must be renewed annually.

Residential work may require a home improvement contractor license

If you are an HVAC contractor and plan to do residential work, you may need to obtain a state home improvement contractor license.

For instance, Pennsylvania does not have a general contractor or HVAC contractor license requirement. However, an HVAC contractor in the state who performs residential services must register with the Office of the Attorney General as a home improvement contractor.

What are the requirements for HVAC contractor licenses?

HVAC license requirements can vary by state. Even at the local levels, HVAC licensing laws depend on the work you do. To receive an HVAC license, you may need to do one or more of the following:

• Have worked a minimum number of years as a journeyman, foreperson, or supervising employee
• Pass a trade exam
• Pass a state exam
• Meet EPA Section 608 technician certification requirements
• Provide a contractor bond
• Comply with insurance requirements
• Pass a background check

How much does HVAC certification cost?

The cost of getting your HVAC license or certification will vary depending on the state or granting organization. In general, a license can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. This cost includes expenses, such as course registration fees, coursework and materials, examination fees, renewal fees, and possible reinstatement fees if your certification lapses or expires.

Other HVAC business license requirements and registrations

In addition to specialty HVAC contractor licenses, there are many licensing, permit, and tax registrations that may be imposed on your business. Here are some common requirements for any business:

• Basic business operation license. This is a license from the city in which your business will operate, or from the local county (if the business will be operated outside of the city's legal boundaries).
• Federal tax ID (EIN) number. Issued by the IRS, the EIN is also called a tax identification number or employer identification number and is required for almost all types of businesses.
• State tax ID number. Issued by your state’s department of revenue or taxation, the state tax ID number is also called a tax registration number.
• DBA/fictitious business name registration. The doing business as (DBA) or fictitious business name registration happens with the appropriate state or local jurisdiction.
• Zoning and land use permits. Local government zoning laws may prohibit certain business activity in designated areas.
• Building permit. If you plan on remodeling or building a commercial space, you'll need to get a building permit.
• Sales tax license/sellers permit/resellers permit. This license/permit has many names, and those names vary by state, but it is required for sales tax purposes.
• Workers’ Comp Insurance. In most states, workers' compensation coverage is mandatory if you have at least one employee.
• Payroll tax registration. If your business has one or more employees, your business likely needs to comply with a variety of payroll tax laws at the federal and local levels.

HVAC licensing requirements by state

Here’s a breakdown of HVAC licensing requirements by state:

Alabama HVAC licensing requirements

HVAC License Requirement: Certified Heating and Air Conditioning Contractor License

Issuer: Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractors

All legal entities engaged in the business of heating and air conditioning contracting and installation or service and repair must obtain a Certified HVAC Contractor License.

An HVAC system is defined as a heating and/or cooling apparatus consisting of an air heating and/or cooling fixture from pipes, plenums, or blowers, including any accessory and equipment installed in connection herewith; specifically excluding window units, automotive, or farm implement type heating and/or air conditioning equipment.

Alaska HVAC licensing requirements

HVAC License Requirement: Mechanical Contractor or General Contractor License

Issuer: Alaska Division of Professional Licensing

Mechanical contractors may perform any of the mechanical disciplines for which their Mechanical Administrator license allows (plumbing, heating, sheet metal, or refrigeration). A mechanical administrator license is required in addition to the Mechanical Contractors license in order to perform work. Please note a mechanical contractor may only perform mechanical work; the installation of mechanical controls requires both an Electrical Administrators license and a Mechanical Administrators license.

Arkansas HVAC licensing requirements

HVAC License Requirement: HVAC/R Contractor License

Issuer: Department of Labor & Licensing

“Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration” or “HVACR” means the design, installation, construction, maintenance, service, repair, alteration, or modification of a product or of equipment in heating and air conditioning, refrigeration, ventilation, or process cooling or heating systems.

Arizona HVAC licensing requirements

HVAC License Requirement: R-39 or C-39 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, including Solar Contractor License

Issuer: Arizona Registrar of Contractors

R-39 (Residential) Air Conditioning and Refrigeration including Solar Contractor License is a classification that allows the licensee to install and repair comfort air conditioning systems, including refrigeration, evaporative cooling, ventilating, and heating with or without solar equipment. Installation and repair of machinery, units, accessories, refrigerator rooms, and insulated refrigerator spaces, and controls in refrigerators.

C-39 (Commercial) Air Conditioning and Refrigeration is a classification that allows the licensee to install, alter, and repair refrigeration and evaporative cooling systems.

This classification also allows the licensee to perform installation, alteration, and repair of heating systems of "wet", "dry", or radiant type.

In addition, this classification also allows the licensee to perform installation, alteration, and repair of ventilation systems including duct work, air filtering devices, water treatment devices, pneumatic or electrical controls, and control piping; thermal and acoustical insulation of refrigerant pipes and ductwork, vibration isolation materials, and devices, liquid fuel piping and tanks, water and gas piping from service connection to the equipment it serves; testing and balancing of refrigerant, cooling, heating circuits, and air handling systems.

California HVAC licensing requirements

HVAC License Requirement: C-20 Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor

Issuer: Contractors State License Board

A warm-air heating, ventilating and air-conditioning contractor fabricates, installs, maintains, services and repairs warm-air heating systems and water heating heat pumps, complete with warm-air appliances; ventilating systems complete with blowers and plenum chambers; air-conditioning systems complete with an air-conditioning unit; and the ducts, registers, flues, humidity and thermostatic controls and air filters in connection with any of these systems.

Colorado HVAC licensing requirements

HVAC License Requirement: Licensed at the local level

Connecticut HVAC licensing requirements

HVAC License Requirement: "B' Class Gas and Oil Burner License; 'D' Class Warm Air, A/C and Refrigeration License; 'G' Class Limited Heating, Piping, and Cooling License; or 'S' Class Unlimited/Limited Heating, Cooling, and Piping License

Issuer: Department of Consumer Protection

• B Class: Installing, servicing, and repairing of gas or oil burners.
• D Class: Installation, repair, replacement, maintenance, or alteration of warm air, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
• G Class: Installation, repair, replacement, alteration, and maintenance of gas piping systems and approved gas appliances, gas utilization equipment, and accessories.
• S Class Unlimited: All heating, piping, and cooling work as defined in section 20-330 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
• S Class Limited: Installation, repair, replacement, maintenance, or alteration of any apparatus of piping, appliances, devices, or accessories for heating systems, boilers, including apparatus and piping for the generation or conveyance of steam and associated pumping equipment and oil burner installation and servicing (excluding sheet metal work, air conditioning and refrigeration systems).

District of Columbia HVAC licensing requirements

HVAC License Requirement: Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractor License or Steam Contractor License

Issuer: Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs

A Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractor installs, maintains, repairs, or replaces any refrigerating or air conditioning system, including components of a system, subject to the limitations set forth in §301 and §305 through §307.

Delaware HVAC licensing requirements

HVAC License Requirement: Master HVACR / Master HVACR Restricted License

Issuer: Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners

A Master HVACR can design, install, construct, maintain, service, repair, alter, or modify a product or equipment including gas piping in heating and air conditioning, refrigeration, ventilation, or process cooling or heating systems.

A Master HVACR Restricted can provide HVACR services limited to one of the following specialties:

• Heating: Forced Air Systems, Ventilation, and Gas Piping
• Heating: Hydronic Systems and Gas Piping
• Commercial Hood Systems
• Refrigeration
• Air Conditioning
• Gas Piping

Florida HVAC licensing requirements

HVAC License Requirement: Mechanical Contractor or Air-conditioning Contractor (Class 'A' - 'C') License

Issuer: Department of Business and Professional Regulation

“Mechanical contractor” means a contractor whose services are unlimited in the execution of contracts requiring the experience, knowledge, and skill to install, maintain, repair, fabricate, alter, extend, or design, if not prohibited by law, central air-conditioning, refrigeration, heating, and ventilating systems, including duct work in connection with a complete system, if such duct work is performed by the contractor as necessary to complete an air-distribution system, boiler and unfired pressure vessel systems, lift station equipment and piping, and all appurtenances, apparatus, or equipment used in connection therewith, and any duct cleaning and equipment sanitizing that requires at least a partial disassembling of the system; to install, maintain, repair, fabricate, alter, extend, or design, if not prohibited by law, piping, insulation of pipes, vessels and ducts, pressure and process piping, pneumatic control piping, gasoline tanks and pump installations and piping for same, standpipes, air piping, vacuum line piping, oxygen lines, nitrous oxide piping, ink and chemical lines, fuel transmission lines, liquefied petroleum gas lines within buildings, and natural gas fuel lines within buildings; to replace, disconnect, or reconnect power wiring on the load side of the dedicated existing electrical disconnect switch; to install, disconnect, and reconnect low voltage heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning control wiring; and to install a condensate drain from an air-conditioning unit to an existing safe waste or other approved disposal other than a direct connection to a sanitary system.

A licensed “mechanical contractor” may install, maintain, repair, fabricate, alter, extend, or design, if not prohibited by law, central air-conditioning, refrigeration, heating, and ventilating systems, including duct work in connection with a complete system if such duct work is performed by the contractor as necessary to complete an air-distribution system, boiler and unfired pressure vessel systems, and all appurtenances, apparatus, or equipment used in connection therewith, and any duct cleaning and equipment sanitizing that requires at least a partial disassembling of the system; to install, maintain, repair, fabricate, alter, extend, or design, if not prohibited by law, piping, insulation of pipes, vessels and ducts, pressure and process piping, and pneumatic control piping; to replace, disconnect, or reconnect power wiring on the load side of the dedicated existing electrical disconnect switch; to install, disconnect, and reconnect low voltage heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning control wiring; and to install a condensate drain from an air-conditioning unit to an existing safe waste or other approved disposal other than a direct connection to a sanitary system.

Georgia HVAC licensing requirements

HVAC License Requirement: Conditioned Air Contractor License

Issuer: State Construction Industry Licensing Board

“Conditioned air contracting” means the installation, repair, or service of conditioned air systems or conditioned air equipment. Service to or installation of the electrical connection between the electrical disconnect and conditioned air equipment is considered to be installation, repair, or service of conditioned air equipment or the conditioned air system.

Hawaii HVAC licensing requirements

HVAC License Requirement: C-52 Ventilating and Air Conditioning Contractor

Issuer: Contractors License Board

To fabricate, assemble, and install warm-air heating and air cooling systems including heating and cooling solar systems, complete ventilating systems, and complete air conditioning systems including, but not limited to, piping, controls (other than electrical), instrumentation, building automation, energy management, and trenching, backfilling, patching, and surface restoration in connection with the installation of the air conditioning systems; and including installation of thermal and acoustical installation necessary to maintain heat, or sound, or both, within the systems above.

Iowa HVAC licensing requirements

HVAC License Requirement: Contractor License

Issuer: Iowa Plumbing & Mechanical Systems Board

and

Registration: Contractor Registration

Issuer: Division of Labor

If your business provides any type of plumbing, mechanical, HVAC, refrigeration, sheet metal, or hydronic system services, you are required to obtain a license and Contractor Registration through the Plumbing & Mechanical Systems Board.

Plus, Iowa law requires all individual “Construction Contractors” and businesses performing “construction” work to be registered with the Iowa Division of Labor if they earn at least $2,000 a year from construction. Individuals or businesses making less than $2,000 a year on “construction” work, or who work only on their own real estate or property, are not required to register. 

Idaho HVAC licensing requirements

HVAC License Requirement: HVAC Contractor License

Issuer: Division of Building Safety

An HVAC license is required by any person or entity providing or offering to provide any service or work including but not limited to installing, maintaining or repairing heating, ventilation or air conditioning appliances, or gas-fired equipment that requires special venting or gas supply piping systems or subsystems.

Illinois HVAC licensing requirements

HVAC License Requirement: Licensed at the local level

Indiana HVAC licensing requirements

HVAC License Requirement: Licensed at the local level

Kansas HVAC licensing requirements

HVAC License Requirement: Licensed at the local level

Kentucky HVAC licensing requirements

HVAC License Requirement: HVAC Master Contractor License

Issuer: Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction

The practice of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning contracting means the installation, maintenance, altering, remodeling, or repair of heating systems, ventilation systems, hydronic systems, burner service, or cooling systems.

Louisiana HVAC licensing requirements

HVAC License Requirement: Contractor License (Mechanical Work)

Issuer: State Licensing Board for Contractors

Refers to the installation, maintenance, or repair of air conditioning, heating, ventilation, duct work, refrigeration, coolers, freezers, and ice rinks.

When determining if a contractor’s license is needed, the law requires that the cost of labor and materials be combined to assess the total project amount (no matter who supplies the materials). If the total project amount exceeds $50,000 for commercial projects, $10,000 for plumbing, electrical & HVAC, and $7,500 for residential projects, a contractor’s license is required.

Massachusetts HVAC licensing requirements

HVAC License Requirement: Licensed at the local level

Maryland HVAC licensing requirements

HVAC License Requirement: HVACR Contractor License

Issuer: Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors

“Heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) contractor” means an individual who provides heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration services. Provide heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration services” means to install, maintain, alter, remodel, or repair heating systems, cooling systems, refrigeration systems, ventilation systems, or hydronic systems.

Maine HVAC licensing requirements

HVAC License Requirement: Licensed at the local level

Michigan HVAC licensing requirements

HVAC License Requirement: Mechanical Contractor License

Issuer: Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

Licensed Mechanical Contractors can perform installations, alterations, servicing, and secure permits.

• Hydronic heating and cooling and process piping
• Hydronic heating and cooling and process piping
• HVAC equipment
• Ductwork
• Refrigeration
• Limited heating service
• Unlimited heating service
• Limited refrigeration and air conditioning service
• Unlimited refrigeration and air conditioning service

Minnesota HVAC licensing requirements

HVAC License Requirement: Licensed at the local level

Minn. Stat. § 326B.197 requires anyone who installs gas piping, heating, ventilation, cooling, air conditioning, fuel burning, or refrigeration (G/HVACR) equipment to post a $25,000 bond and file with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI), Construction Codes and Licensing Division (CCLD).

There is no state license requirement for mechanical contractors, they are required to file a $25,000 mechanical contractor bond with DLI in order to contract to perform gas, heating, ventilation, cooling, air conditioning, fuel burning, or refrigeration work in Minnesota.

Missouri HVAC licensing requirements

HVAC License Requirement: Licensed at the local level

Mississippi HVAC licensing requirements

HVAC License Requirement: Contractor License: HVAC (commercial projects over $50,000)

Issuer: State Board of Contractors

All contractors and subcontractors performing work on commercial jobs over $50,000 (including installation of equipment) are required to have a commercial license issued by MSBOC. A commercial license is also required for any contract involving the construction, reconstruction, repair, or maintenance of fire sprinkler systems on public projects over $5,000 and private projects over $10,000.

All contractors performing new residential construction over $50,000, residential remodeling or additions over $10,000, or residential roofing over $10,000, are required to have a license.

Residential electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work is regulated by the city or county where the work is performed.

Montana HVAC licensing requirements

HVAC License Requirement: Licensed at the local level

North Carolina HVAC licensing requirements

HVAC License Requirement: Plumbing, Heating, and Fuel Piping Contractor License

Issuer: State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors

Any person, firm, or corporation, who for a valuable consideration, verifies, inspects, evaluates, tests, installs, alters, or restores, or offers to verify, inspect, evaluate, test, install, alter or restore, either plumbing, heating group number one, or heating group number two, or heating group number three shall be deemed and held to be engaged in the business of plumbing, heating, or fire sprinkler contracting; provided, however, that nothing herein shall be deemed to restrict the practice of qualified registered professional engineers.

North Dakota HVAC licensing requirements

HVAC License Requirement: Contractor License

Issuer: Secretary of State

The State of North Dakota considers anyone engaged in the business of construction, repair, alteration, dismantling, or demolition to be a “contractor,” and all contractors need to carry licenses issued by the state. There is an exception to that rule: Projects valued at less than $4,000 do not require licenses.

Contractor" means any person engaged in the business of construction, repair, alteration, dismantling, or demolition of bridges, highways, roads, streets, buildings, airports, dams, drainage or irrigation ditches, sewers, water or gas mains, water filters, tanks, towers, oil, gas, or water pipelines, and every other type of structure, project, development, or improvement coming within the definition of real or personal property, including the construction, alteration, or repair of property to be held either for sale or rental, and includes subcontractor, public contractor, and nonresident contractor.

Specific licenses may also be issued at the local level.

Nebraska HVAC licensing requirements

HVAC License Requirement: Nebraska does not have a specific contracting license required for HVAC work, but all building contractors must obtain a general state contracting license.

New Hampshire HVAC licensing requirements

HVAC License Requirement: Mechanical Business License

Issuer: Office of Professional Licensure & Certification

If your business engages in the following activities, you must obtain an HVAC Business License: Gas Fitting, Plumbing, Domestic Appliance Installation, Hearth.

The responsible managing employee of a business entity is required to be a New Hampshire licensed Master Plumber, Fuel Gas Service Technician, Hearth System Technician, or Domestic Appliance Technician.

Other HVAC activity is regulated at the local level in New Hampshire.

New Jersey HVAC licensing requirements

HVAC License Requirement: HVACR Contractor License

Issuer: State Board of Examiners of Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR) Contractors

N.J.S.A. 45:16A-7 states that "a person shall not work as a master HVACR contractor or use the title or designation of 'licensed Master HVCAR contractor' or 'Master HVACR contractor' unless licensed pursuant to the provisions of this act." If you are performing HVACR services and you do not qualify for an exemption to this requirement, you must obtain a license from the board.

Heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration" or "HVACR" means the process of treating and protecting the environment by the responsible handling, dispensing, collecting and cleaning of chlorofluorocarbons and other refrigerants in stationary sources, and controlling the temperature, humidity and cleanliness of air by using the “wet,” “dry,” “radiant,” “conduction,” “convection,” “direct,” or “indirect” method or combination of methods, including those which utilize solar energy, to meet the environmental requirements of a designated area.

New Mexico HVAC licensing requirements

HVAC License Requirement: Mechanical Contractor: MM-3 HVAC License

Issuer: Construction Industries Division

MM-3 Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) requires four years of experience. The license allows the business owner to install, alter, repair, and service HVAC air handling and refrigeration equipment and piping, including fans, coils, condensing units, self-contained packaged air conditioning or heating units, evaporative cooling units, solar energy systems, ductwork, and pneumatic tube systems. The licensee may connect water to existing valved outlets, and install controls, and control wiring not to exceed 24 volts. They may also bid and contract for structural alterations, painting, electrical wiring, and other work incidental to this scope of work, provided such work is performed by a properly licensed contractor.

Nevada HVAC licensing requirements

HVAC License Requirement: C-1 Plumbing and Heating Contractor License

Issuer: Nevada State Contractors Board

A person who holds a classification C-1 license may perform any of the work authorized for the subclassifications of the classification C-1 license:

• Boilers
• Fire Sprinklers
• Insulation of Pipes and Ducts
• Plumbing
• Sheet Metal
• Heating, Cooling, and Circulating Air
• Pipes and Vents for Gas
• Water Heaters
• Chilled Water Piping

New York HVAC licensing requirements

HVAC License Requirement: Licensed at the local level

Ohio HVAC licensing requirements

HVAC License Requirement: HVAC Contractor License

Issuer: Construction Industry Licensing Board

"Contractor" means any individual or contracting company that satisfies both of the following:

Has responsibility for the means, method, and manner of construction, improvement, renovation, repair, or maintenance on a construction project with respect to one or more trades and who offers, identifies, advertises, or otherwise holds out or represents that the individual or contracting company is permitted or qualified to perform or have responsibility for the means, method, and manner of construction, improvement, renovation, repair, or maintenance with respect to one or more trades on a construction project;

The contractor must also of either of the following:

• Performs construction, improvement, or renovation on a construction project with respect to the individual's or contracting company's trade.

• Employs tradespersons who perform construction, improvement, or renovation on a construction project with respect to the individual's or contracting company's trades.

Oklahoma HVAC licensing requirements

HVAC License Requirement: HVAC License (Unlimited Journeyman or Limited Journeyman)

Issuer: Construction Industries Board

An HVAC/R limited license entitles the licensee to install, alter, modify, service, maintain, or repair:

a) Any cooling product, system, or equipment including the process piping, that has a cooling capacity of no more than twenty-five (25) tons; and/or
b) All heating equipment including the process piping that has a heat input of no more than 500,000 Btu/h per appliance; and/or
c) Sheet metal, natural gas piping, and refrigeration

An HVAC/R unlimited license entitles the licensee to install, alter, modify, service, maintain, or repair:

a) Any cooling product, system, or equipment, including the process piping, and/or
b) Heating equipment, including the process piping, and/or
c) Sheet metal, natural gas piping and refrigeration

Oregon HVAC licensing requirements

HVAC License Requirement: HVACR Contractor License

Issuer: Building Codes Division]

Click here for a list of classifications and related scopes.

Pennsylvania HVAC licensing requirements

HVAC License Requirement: Home Improvement Contractor Registration

Issuer: Office of Attorney General

Home improvement includes all the following activities when they are done in connection with land or a portion of the land adjacent to a private residence or a building or a portion of the building which is used or designed to be used as a private residence for which the total cash price of all work agreed upon between the contractor and owner is more than $500:

a) Repair, replacement, remodeling, demolition, removal, renovation, installation, alteration, conversion, modernization, improvement, rehabilitation or sandblasting.

b) Construction, replacement, installation or improvement of driveways, swimming pools, pool houses, porches, garages, roofs, siding, insulation, solar energy systems, security systems, flooring, patios, fences, gazebos, sheds, cabanas, landscaping work (other than work performed under the Plant Pest Act), painting, doors and windows and waterproofing.

c) Without regard to affixation, the installation of central heating, air conditioning, storm windows or awnings.

There is no state license requirement for commercial work.

Rhode Island HVAC licensing requirements

HVAC License Requirement: Master Mechanical Contractor License

Issuer: Board of Examiners of Electricians

The license permits unlimited heating, cooling and process work, including by a self-employed individual.

Installation means the handling, moving, or locating of any device equipment or material referring to the heating, cooling, process piping, sheet metal or sprinkler fitter industry. This does not mean to refer to the final resting place for hook up but refers to any stage of the handling of said above equipment or material to where the final location may be for the piping of the equipment.

South Carolina HVAC licensing requirements

HVAC License Requirement: Mechanical Contractor License (for commercial projects)

Issuer: Contractors' Licensing Board

HVAC License Requirement: Residential HVAC Contractor License (for residential projects)

Issuer: Residential Builders Commission

Commercial: A General or Mechanical Contractor’s license is required for anyone performing "commercial” construction over $5000 in the regulated classifications listed in Title 40, Chapter 11, Section 40-11-410, An Act to Regulate the Practice of General and Mechanical Contracting in S.C. "Mechanical Contractors" includes work under the subclassifications of Heating and Air Conditioning

Residential: This is required by heating and air conditioning installers and repairers and permits the installation, replacement, alteration, or repair of air conditioning equipment and systems, limited to five tons cooling and 175,000 BTU/HR heating per unit, which consist of a number of components necessary to produce conditioned air for environmental heating or cooling, or both, within a residence, including package equipment, heating and cooling systems: and the installation, alteration, and repair of ventilation systems including duct work, air filtering devices, water treatment devices, pneumatic or electrical controls, or control piping, thermal and acoustical insulation, vibration isolation materials and devices, liquid fuel piping and tanks (except those used for liquid propane gas), water and gas piping from service and heating circuits and air handling systems, including gas fired furnaces and space heaters, and factory assembled single package units and split type direct expansion equipment, including heat pumps.

South Dakota HVAC licensing requirements

HVAC License Requirement: Licensed at the local level

Tennessee HVAC licensing requirements

HVAC License Requirement: Mechanical Contractor License (CMC-D) (projects over $25,000) or Home Improvement Contractor License (projects $3,000-$25,000)

Issuer: Board for Licensing Contractors

The “BC” classification requires a combined BC exam that covers all areas of contracting listed for Residential, Commercial, and Industrial buildings.

A Home Improvement license is required for residential remodeling projects from $3,000 to less than $25,000 (total cost or contract, including materials and labor), for the following counties: Bradley, Davidson, Hamilton, Haywood, Knox, Marion, Robertson, Rutherford and Shelby.

Texas HVAC licensing requirements

HVAC License Requirement: Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor (Class A or B)

Issuer: Department of Licensing & Regulation

Air conditioning and refrigeration contracting means performing or offering to perform the design, installation, construction, repair, maintenance, service, or modification of equipment or a product in an environmental air conditioning system, a commercial refrigeration system, or a process cooling or heating system. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the term does not include the performance of or an offer to perform the installation, repair, replacement, or modification of a thermostat or other temperature control interface by a person licensed or registered under Chapter 1702.

The Class A license allows you to work on any size unit.

The Class B license allows you to work on cooling systems of 25 tons and under, and heating systems of 1.5 million BTUs/hour and under.

Utah HVAC licensing requirements

HVAC License Requirement: S350 - HVAC Contractor License

Issuer: Division of Occupational & Professional Licensing

A contractor's scope of practice under this Subsection (2)(s) includes the following: (i) The fabrication and installation of complete warm air heating, air conditioning and ventilating systems. (ii) The installation of refrigeration equipment, including built-in refrigerators, refrigerated rooms, insulated refrigerated spaces and other related equipment.

Virginia HVAC licensing requirements

HVAC License Requirement: HVAC Contractor License

Issuer: Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation

HVAC contractors means those individuals whose work includes the installation, alteration, repair, or maintenance of heating systems, ventilating systems, cooling systems, steam and hot water heaters, heating systems, boilers, process piping, and mechanical refrigeration systems, including tanks incidental to the system. This classification does not provide for fire suppression installations, sprinkler system installations, or gas piping. A firm holding an HVAC license is responsible for meeting all applicable individual license and certification regulations. This classification may install backflow prevention devices incidental to work in this classification.

Vermont HVAC licensing requirements

HVAC License Requirement: Licensed at the local level

Washington HVAC licensing requirements

HVAC License Requirement: General Contractor License or Specialty Contractor: HVAC/R

Issuer: Department of Labor & Industries (L&I)

Washington State requires all construction contractors to register with L&I.

General contractors can perform most types of construction work. They can hire subcontractors in multiple specialties. However, contractors working with plumbing, electrical, elevators, mobile home installation, boilers, and asbestos have additional requirements for education, examination, and licensing.

Specialty contractors can only perform work in the specialty they are registered in. They cannot hire subcontractors.

A contractor in the heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC/R) specialty fabricates, installs, services, and maintains equipment for the purpose of heating and cooling of indoor air. Systems may include the following areas of work and related equipment using industry-accepted materials: Duct work; air filtering devices; water treatment devices; pneumatic controls; control piping; thermal and acoustical insulation; vibration isolation materials and devices; liquid fuel (propane) piping and tanks; gas piping from service connection to equipment it serves; and stainless steel kitchen systems.

Wisconsin HVAC licensing requirements

HVAC License Requirement: Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning Contractor License

Issuer: Department of Commerce - Credentialing

Per Wis. Admin. Code § SPS 305.70, no person, entity or business may engage or offer to engage in installing or servicing heating, ventilating, or air conditioning equipment unless the person, entity or business holds a registration issued by the Department as a registered HVAC Contractor.

A person, entity, or business is not required to hold a registration as a registered HVAC Contractor for the following:

• To service existing heating, ventilating or air conditioning equipment within facilities or properties owned by the person, entity, or business. for electrical or plumbing work associated with the installation or servicing of HVAC equipment or systems;
• To install or service heating, ventilating, air conditioning, or refrigeration equipment within a dwelling owned by the person, entity, or business and in which the person, entity, or business resides or will reside.
• For electrical or plumbing work associated with the installation or servicing of the HVAC equipment or systems.

West Virginia HVAC licensing requirements

HVAC License Requirement: HVAC Contractor License

Issuer: Contractor Licensing Board

A contractor is defined as a person who in any capacity for compensation, other than as an employee of another, undertakes, offers to undertake, purports to have the capacity to undertake, or submits a bid to construct, alter, repair, add to, subtract from, improve, move, wreck, or demolish any building, highway, road, railroad, structure, or excavation associated with a project, development, or improvement, or to do any part thereof, including the erection of scaffolding or other structures or works in connection therewith, where the cost of the undertaking is $5,000 or more for residential work or $25,000 or more for commercial work.

A heating, ventilating and cooling contractor means a person who engages in the business of contracting to install, erect, repair, service, or alter heating, ventilating and air conditioning equipment or systems to heat, cool, or ventilate residential and commercial structures.

Wyoming HVAC licensing requirements

HVAC License Requirement: Licensed at the local level

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CT Corporation is dedicated to helping construction companies handle their business licensing needs. For more information, contact us today.