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What Should I Know Before Hiring an HVAC Contractor in Irvine?

Installing, repairing, servicing, or replacing HVAC systems without adequate training and experience is not only dangerous but can also severely affect the efficiency and lifespan of your equipment. As such, it is always best to hire a licensed and skilled contractor to handle these tasks; this ensures that the work is done efficiently, safely, and per relevant provisions of the Irvine Building and Safety Codes and other accepted HVAC-related standards.

Therefore, always call Irvine professional HVAC contractors when you need any of the following services:

• Furnace installation, repair, and routine maintenance
• Air conditioner installation, repair, and maintenance
• Duct cleaning and indoor air quality improvement
• New building HVAC system design and installation
• Energy-efficient HVAC system upgrades

Are You Licensed as an HVAC Contractor in Irvine?

HVAC contractors must be licensed by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) under one of the following classifications before providing their services in Irvine:

• C-20 - Warm Air Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors: contractors under this classification can design, install, maintain, and repair warm-air heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems such as water heating pumps, AC units, furnaces, and ventilating systems.
• C-38 - Refrigeration Contractors: contractors under this classification can fabricate, construct, install, maintain, and repair refrigerated rooms, AC units, and other similar systems and equipment used to control temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Notice that a CSLB-issued license is not required to perform HVAC work that costs less than $500, labor and materials inclusive. However, performing work above this price limit without an appropriate license is a misdemeanor offense punishable by jail time of up to six months and fines of up to $15,000.

Eligibility criteria for HVAC contractors to qualify for a CSLB-issued license include the following:

• Previously attained and verifiable work experience of at least four years
• A Section 608 (chlorofluorocarbon) certification from an EPA-approved agency
• A passing score in the CSLB's licensing exam
• A clear criminal background check

These requirements ensure that only competent and reliable HVAC contractors are issued licenses by the CSLB. Remember, hiring an appropriately licensed contractor for your HVAC work is always best, no matter its cost. You can check your intended Irvine HVAC contractor's license status online via the CSLB's Check A License tool.

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

HVAC services in Irvine usually cost between $350 to $9,000 or more, depending on several factors. Some of these factors are listed below:

• The size, type, and brand of the HVAC system
• The nature and scope of the job
• The warranty on the HVAC system
• The location of the HVAC unit inside and outside the building
• Your building's layout and the cost of necessary renovations
• The labor intensity of the job
• The cost of required permits and additional components like dehumidifiers and smart thermostats
• Your preferred HVAC contractor's local reputation

It is advisable to get quotes from several Irvine HVAC contractors and compare their rates before deciding on which contractor to hire for your project. You should never automatically hire the contractor with the lowest rate; always ensure that your preferred HVAC contractor is licensed and qualified for the job first.

Will My HVAC Project Require a Permit in Irvine?

While permits are typically required for HVAC projects in Irvine, exemptions are usually made for work that involves portable HVAC systems. The Irvine Community Development Department oversees the city's permitting process, and permit applications are usually processed digitally.

All queries concerning permits for HVAC projects in Irvine can be directed to

What Type of HVAC Services Do You Offer in Irvine?

Licensed Irvine HVAC contractors generally offer a wide range of services to keep your heating or cooling systems running efficiently and smoothly. The average hourly rate for licensed HVAC contractors in Irvine is between $100 to $150. However, costs differ depending on the type of service provided. Some of these services are listed below with their cost ranges:

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

While licensed HVAC contractors are generally skilled and experienced enough to provide a wide scope of HVAC services themselves, sometimes they need to subcontract work to other licensed professionals. This usually happens for large-scale residential and commercial projects like whole-building HVAC system upgrades and AC repairs for hotels and apartment complexes.

Considering that outsourcing sometimes affects the cost and overall delivery of projects, it is important to confirm whether the contractor you are negotiating with will handle your HVAC project independently or if they will subcontract it. This information will help you manage price and service delivery expectations.

If outsourcing will take place during your project, you should consider taking the following actions:

• Ensure that the involved subcontractors are appropriately licensed, experienced, insured, and bonded.
• Get a lien waiver to assure you are not held liable for payment delays or dishonest conduct by the main HVAC contractor.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Irvine HVAC Contractor?

The California Contractors State License Board requires Irvine HVAC contractors to maintain a $25,000 bond and carry workers' compensation insurancefor their employees throughout the validity period of their state-issued licenses. Furthermore, although this is not a requirement, you should always look for HVAC contractors who carry general liability insurance; this coverage shields you from liabilities that may arise from work-related accidents and property damage.

Therefore, always ask for and verify your HVAC contractors' bond and insurance certificates before committing to them. You can direct queries concerning Irvine HVAC contractors' bond and insurance requirements to the CSLB at (800) 321-2752.

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

Warranties are an important factor to consider when selecting prospective HVAC contractors in Irvine. Reputable HVAC contractors typically offer warranties covering their workmanship for at least one to two years and the equipment they install for about five to ten years. However, the specific terms of an HVAC warranty will largely be determined by the HVAC contractor you hire and the type of equipment used for the project.

In light of this, we recommend asking your HVAC contractor for a written copy of any warranty they offer so you can review its terms and conditions thoroughly.