Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) in the home is often overlooked until it becomes a problem.
It’s crucial to get HVAC issues resolved as soon as possible, regardless of the season.
Working with a licensed and certified HVAC company is even more crucial to ensure the job is done right.
Learn how to check if an HVAC company is licensed by reading below.
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1. Check The Type Of License An HVAC Company Has
The licensing of HVAC companies differs from state to state. The requirements are also different, and some don’t require licensing at all.
In the United States, Virginia is one of the states that require HVAC contractors to have a license.
HVAC Company – DM Select Services explains the different types of HVAC licenses in Virginia, which include the following:
- Journeyman: It’s the basic HVAC licensing level that requires completing certain hours of formal training and years of experience.
- Aspiring journeymen must have a certificate or degree from a two-year training program and at least two years of practical experience.
- Master: This HVAC license enables an individual to supervise HVAC installation and repair services.
- An aspiring master HVAC contractor must have a minimum of one year of experience as a Journeyman or ten years of verifiable HVAC experience.
- Contractor: HVAC companies must have a contractor license to offer HVAC services, such as installation, maintenance, and repair.
- A contractor license is given to those who carry insurance and have completed an eight-hour course, passed trade specialty exams, and passed general, advanced, and law exams.
2. Check The HVAC Contractor’s Website
If you want to know whether your prospective HVAC contractor is licensed or not, check their website.
A reputable HVAC company usually includes certifications, qualifications, credentials, training, and licensure status on their website.
Also, HVAC websites provide information about the company’s organizational profile, services, client testimonials, and portfolio.
3. Ask For Foolproof Evidence
Even if the HVAC company’s website looks reliable, it’s still important to check their workers’ licensure status.
You can request evidence of passing the licensure from the assigned plumber before starting the job.
A qualified HVAC contractor will be glad to provide you with evidence of insurance and license certificate.
Licensed HVAC contractors can help resolve common plumbing problems in residential and commercial establishments promptly and with excellent quality.
Here are the other relevant questions you can ask from a plumber or HVAC company to narrow down your choices:
- How long have you been servicing the local community?
- Do you have an office in town?
- Can you handle both residential and commercial plumbing issues?
- Do you have liability insurance and bond? How long is your service warranty?
- How do you bill your clients? Do you offer flexible payment schemes?
4. Verify Credentials
Licensing requirements for HVAC contractors differ from one state to another.
Verify if the plumber is licensed with your local licensing department.
The Department of Labor can provide similar information.
Request proof of liability insurance from the plumber and verify with their insurance company.
When verifying individual plumber’s licenses, make sure that the name of the person matches the name on the license.
A licensed HVAC contractor should verify that all tasks performed by workers meet all code requirements.
But what are the types of information you need to verify an HVAC company’s license? These are listed below:
- The HVAC contractor’s full name
- The company name of the HVAC contractor
- The license number
5. Check Other Trusted Sources
Residential wellness is a primary consideration of many homeowners nowadays.
And having a smoothly running HVAC system is one of the important considerations to keep everyone in the family safe, comfortable, and healthy.
So, it’s crucial to work with a licensed HVAC company to conduct preventive maintenance and repair your HVAC system.
But where else can you find information about licensed HVAC companies?
The other resources you can use to check the HVAC contractor’s competency, qualifications, and licensure include the following:
- Better Business Bureau: BBB rates contractors based on their performance and reliability. This nonprofit membership organization has chapters throughout North America, serving as a mutually trusted intermediary. You can verify with BBB if an HVAC company promotes trustworthy business practices and resolves disputes promptly and professionally.
- Angie’s List: This American home services website was founded in 1995. It’s an online directory, allowing users to view and publish reviews of local contractors and businesses.
- Local Review Sites: Check local review sites (community online sites) based in the area to find out any relevant information about the local HVAC contractor.
- Personal Referrals: You can ask your friends and family about their experience working with an HVAC company you’re eyeing to hire.
- References: Request information from the HVAC contractor on past clients who can vouch for the quality of the services they provide.
Conclusion
Before you decide whether to hire an HVAC contractor or not, make sure to verify the information they’ve initially provided.
When choosing an HVAC company, it’s essential to check other relevant information sources to ensure you’re dealing with the contractor that can provide an excellent job.
Start and complete your plumbing project by hiring a licensed, experienced, and reputable local contractor.