HVAC Contractor Need
If you are an HVAC contractor, you need several types of licenses depending on the kind of work you do. You also need insurance coverage to protect yourself and your business in case of any unforeseen events.
To become an HVAC technician, you can either attend a vocational school or complete a registered apprenticeship program. This will usually take a couple of years to finish. Both options will cost you upfront tuition expenses. Depending on the program you choose, tuition can range from a few thousand dollars at some trade schools to upwards of $30,000 for more extensive apprenticeship programs. The upfront costs can be costly but will pay off in the long run when you start earning a steady paycheck.
Every state will have different licensing requirements for HVAC Contractor. Some will require that you pass a trade exam and a business and law exam, while others will have minimum work experience thresholds. Some will also require specific certifications like EPA Section 608 certification, which is mandatory on a national level and doesn’t have any reciprocity between states.
Many states will also have specialty licenses for specific areas of the field. For example, Alaska requires all mechanical contractors to be licensed and has multiple categories for the kinds of work that can be performed. The licensing process in Alaska varies depending on the category and includes passing both a mechanical exam and a business and law exam.
Another type of license that HVAC professionals need is a bond, which is a form of financial guarantee against poor work performance. This is a common requirement for commercial jobs and can be especially important if you are working with large buildings or high-value assets like medical offices or hotels. The requirements for obtaining a bond vary from state to state, but in most cases, the amount of the bond will be equal to the estimated value of the work you are undertaking.
What Licenses Does an HVAC Contractor Need?
Most state and local governments will require you to carry general liability insurance. This provides protection against common risks for businesses, such as customer injuries or property damage. It is usually required if you want to hire employees or work on government contracts.
In addition to the insurance coverage required by your state, you should also consider acquiring professional liability insurance. This type of insurance can help you cover legal fees if someone sues your business for unsatisfactory work or for damages caused by an employee’s negligence. Some states, like New York, may have additional insurance requirements for HVAC professionals that include workers’ compensation, unemployment, and personal injury.
Investing in the right tools will ensure that you are running your business professionally and efficiently. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one software gives technicians and business owners the tools they need to succeed, including a mobile integrated Field Service Management system with a customer communication tool that sends SMS notifications for appointments and lets customers leave feedback and review photos of the job site.
A reputable HVAC contractor stands by their work and offers warranties on both equipment and labor. Carefully review the warranty terms to understand coverage and duration. A contractor who provides guarantees demonstrates confidence in their ability to deliver quality results.