Get Quotes from Top HVAC Contractors in Fresno, CA

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

The lifespan of your HVAC equipment is shortened by poor installation and maintenance, reducing the comfort and livability of your home and raising energy costs. Getting a Fresno HVAC contractor that works according to the California Mechanical Code, relevant local amendments, and other pertinent ventilation and indoor air quality standards guarantees that your HVAC systems will be installed, repaired, upgraded, and maintained safely and satisfactorily. Some common services that professional Fresno HVAC contractors offer include the following:

• AC installation, repair, and maintenance
• Agricultural HVAC system installation, repair, and maintenance
• Energy-efficient HVAC upgrades
• Duct cleaning and indoor air quality improvement
• Furnace installation and maintenance
• Furnace repair and tune-ups

Are You Licensed as an HVAC Contractor in Fresno?

Individuals or companies that wish to work on heating, air conditioning, ventilation, or refrigeration equipment and systems in Fresno must obtain at least one of the following contractor licenses from the California Contractors State License Board:

• C-20 - Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning Contractor: These contractors are authorized to fabricate, install, maintain, service, and repair warm-air heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems. These systems include AC units, water heating heat pumps, furnaces, and any HVAC system that utilizes solar energy.
• C-38 - Refrigeration Contractor: These contractors are authorized 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.

These licenses are usually only issued to HVAC contractors who meet specific eligibility criteria like the following:

• Having at least four years of verifiable heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration-related work experience
• Obtaining a Section 608 Technician Certification from an EPA-approved agency (this requirement is mandated by federal law for contractors that wish to work with refrigerants)
• Passing a contractor licensing examination and a background check

Note that CSLB-issued licenses are not required for HVAC work that costs less than $500. However, performing HVAC worth $500 or more without appropriate licensing is a misdemeanor that carries statutory and administrative penalties of up to six months in jail and $15,000 in fines.

CSLB licensing indicates that an HVAC contractor has the minimum qualifications to provide services effectively. Therefore, you should always hire CSLB-licensed contractors for your HVAC work, even for jobs that cost less than $500. You can verify your intended HVAC contractor's licensing status online via the CSLB's Check a License platform.

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

HVAC services in Fresno generally cost anywhere from $200 to $15,000, depending on variables like the following:

• The nature and scope of the HVAC project
• The type, brand, and size of the system and equipment
• The building layout and location of the HVAC unit inside and outside the building
• The labor intensity of the job
• The cost of permits, additional materials like dehumidifiers and smart thermostats, and necessary renovations

Requesting quotes from various local HVAC contractors and comparing their prices is an excellent strategy for accurately estimating your HVAC project's cost and identifying dishonest contractors who attempt to scam unwary clients by inflating their cost rates.

Will My HVAC Project Require a Permit in Fresno?

A permit is generally required for any work that involves installing, erecting, altering, enlarging, converting, replacing, or removing mechanical systems in Fresno. These mechanical systems include but are not limited to, HVAC equipment like AC units, furnaces, water heating heat pumps, and plenum chambers. The Fresno Building and Safety Services Division oversees the permitting process. You can get more information on the requirements and procedures for pulling permits for HVAC work by contacting this division at (559) 621-8084 or (559) 621-8082. You can also make your queries in person at

What Type of HVAC Services Do You Offer in Fresno?

Professional HVAC contractors in Fresno typically provide a broad scope of services to maintain effective heating, cooling, and ventilation systems. These services include the following:

Be aware that HVAC contractors usually bill minimum service fees of $55 - $200 and hourly rates of $100 - $150.

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

Before signing any contract, you should always find out if your HVAC contractor will be outsourcing your project to third parties. This is because, even though licensed HVAC contractors in Fresno are usually experienced enough to complete projects by themselves, they commonly subcontract large projects to other professionals.

If your contractor confirms that subcontractors will be involved, you should take the following steps to avoid potential issues and ensure that your HVAC project is completed to your satisfaction:

• Ensure that each subcontractor is appropriately licensed and experienced for the specific tasks outsourced to them.
• Verify each subcontractor's bond and insurance coverage.
• Get lien waivers that shield you from liability if the HVAC contractor fails to pay the subcontractors on time.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Fresno HVAC Contractor?

HVAC contractors in Fresno must have a surety bond of $25,000 and provide worker's compensation insurance for their employees, if any. They must also disclose their commercial general liability insurance status to homeowners before accepting or beginning any work.

Therefore, to ensure that you engage the services of an adequately insured and bonded HVAC contractor, always ask your intended HVAC contractors for proof of insurance and bonding before concluding hiring agreements with them.

You can contact the California Contractors State License Board at (800) 321-2752 to get more information on the insurance and bond requirements for HVAC contractors operating in Fresno.

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

It is crucial to consider warranties when undertaking HVAC projects in Fresno. These types of warranties generally cover the HVAC contractor's workmanship for at least one to two years, while installed parts and equipment are usually covered for five to ten years. Note that the contractor and the materials used determine these HVAC warranties' specific coverage scopes.

Therefore, to avoid any confusion or misunderstandings, always confirm that you will be offered a warranty for your HVAC work before committing to any HVAC contractors and request a written copy to review its terms thoroughly. Never hire an HVAC contractor who seems hesitant to discuss warranties or who does not offer them.