Get Quotes from Top HVAC Contractors in Bakersfield, CA

What Do I Need to Know Before Hiring an HVAC Contractor in Bakersfield?

Poor installation and maintenance can shorten the lifespan of your HVAC equipment, make your living or working space uncomfortable, and increase your energy costs. Thus, to ensure that your HVAC equipment functions optimally and safely, always hire professional HVAC contractors that adhere to the California Mechanical Code, its local amendments, and other relevant ventilation and indoor air quality standards when installing, repairing, and maintaining HVAC systems. Some standard services that these professional HVAC contractors provide in Bakersfield include the following:

• Central AC installation, repair, and maintenance
• Energy-efficient HVAC upgrades
• Agricultural and industrial facility HVAC system design, installation, and maintenance
• Duct cleaning and repair
• Indoor air quality services
• Furnace and heat pump installation, maintenance, and tune-ups

Are You Licensed as an HVAC Contractor in Bakersfield?

Any work on heating, air conditioning, ventilation, or refrigeration equipment and systems in Bakersfield valued at $500 or more must be done by an individual or company that has been licensed by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) in any of the following categories:

• C-20 - Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor: These contractors are permitted to fabricate, install, maintain, service, and repair warm-air heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems, including those that use solar energy.
• C-38 - Refrigeration Contractor: These contractors are permitted to construct, fabricate, erect, install, maintain, service, and repair refrigerators, refrigerated rooms, insulated refrigerated rooms, and other similar systems and equipment for the control of air, liquid, or gas temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit or 10 degrees Celsius.

Applicants for these licenses must have certain qualifications, including the following:

• At least four years of acceptable, documented, and verifiable HVAC-related work experience
• Chlorofluorocarbon (Section 608) certification obtained from an EPA-approved agency (this is a federally-mandated requirement)

Applicants must also pass a CSLB-administered licensing examination and background check before being issued the requested contractor license. Note that bidding for or performing HVAC work valued at $500 or more without a valid CSLB-issued contractor license is a misdemeanor offense that carries statutory and administrative penalties of up to six months in jail and fines of up to $15,000.

It is always best to hire an HVAC contractor licensed by the CSLB for your projects, even if the work is valued at less than $500, as these contractors have demonstrated competence and proficiency in HVAC work.

You can check the licensing status of your intended HVAC contractor online by using the CSLB's Check a License tool.

What Rates Do You Charge for Your HVAC Services in Bakersfield?

The cost of HVAC services can range anywhere from $200 to $14,000, depending on several variables:

• The nature and scope of the work to be done
• The type, brand, and size of the HVAC systems and equipment involved
• The location of the HVAC units inside and outside the building and the building layout
• The complexity of the job
• The cost of permits, necessary renovations, additional materials like smart thermostats, and other miscellaneous expenses

It is advisable to request and compare quotes from several local HVAC contractors to estimate the cost of your HVAC project accurately. This strategy can help you identify differences in cost rates and avoid dishonest contractors that overcharge for their services.

Will My HVAC Project Require a Permit in Bakersfield?

A building permit is typically required for projects that involve installing, altering, repairing, modifying, removing, or replacing heating, air conditioning, ventilation, and other types of mechanical systems in Bakersfield. The Building Division of the Bakersfield Development Services Department issues these permits. The requirements for obtaining a permit vary based on the project type and the work scope. Note that these requirements may involve submitting building drawings, plans, and calculations that have been wet-stamped and signed by a state-licensed engineer.

Questions concerning the permitting process and requirements for HVAC projects in Bakersfield can be directed to the Building Division via email, by calling (661) 326-3720, or in person at

What Type of HVAC Services Do You Offer in Bakersfield?

Skilled HVAC contractors in Bakersfield provide several types of HVAC services to interested clients. These services include, but are not limited to, the following:

Be aware that you may be charged a minimum service fee of about $50 - $200 and hourly labor fees of $100 - $150 when you hire HVAC contractors.

Will You Be Doing the Work, or Do You Outsource the HVAC Work in Bakersfield?

It is important to ask if your intended HVAC contractor plans to outsource your project before signing any agreements with them. While licensed HVAC contractors are generally skilled enough to undertake projects independently, it is not uncommon for them to subcontract portions of large-scale projects.

If your HVAC contractor does plan to use subcontractors, you should take the following measures to avoid potential problems with them and ensure the smooth completion of your project:

• Make sure that the subcontractors are appropriately licensed and experienced enough for the job.
• Confirm that they are adequately insured and bonded.
• Request lien waivers that protect you from liability in case the HVAC contractor fails to pay the subcontractors on time.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Bakersfield HVAC Contractor?

Bakersfield HVAC contractors are required to maintain surety bonds worth $25,000 and carry workers' compensation insurance for their employees, if any, during the validity period of their state-issued licenses. While general liability insurance is not mandatory, it is strongly recommended. Be aware that contractors are required by law to disclose their liability insurance status to clients before undertaking any residential projects.

Always request proof of bond and insurance coverage from prospective HVAC contractors before they commence any work on your property, and ensure that their general liability insurance is adequate for the scope of your project.

You can direct questions about Bakersfield HVAC contractors' bond and insurance requirements to the California Contractors State License Board at (800) 321-2752.

Do You Offer Any Warranties on Your HVAC Work in Bakersfield?

Before undertaking HVAC projects in Bakersfield, it is crucial to confirm that you will be given a warranty that covers the service you receive. These HVAC warranties cover the contractor's workmanship and the materials used for about one to two years and five to ten years, respectively. Consider it a red flag if an HVAC contractor seems hesitant to discuss warranties with you.

Note that the HVAC contractor and equipment used for the job determine the actual duration of these warranties and the scope of coverage they provide. Therefore, you should always request a written copy of any warranty you are offered to review its terms thoroughly.