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

The comfort and livability of your home rely heavily on the efficiency of your HVAC systems. So, when installing, repairing, or maintaining these systems, you should only hire a licensed and experienced HVAC contractor. These professionals are familiar with the provisions of the Long Beach Mechanical Code, an adopted and amended version of the California Mechanical Code, and other relevant ventilation and indoor air quality standards established to ensure HVAC work is done safely and efficiently. In this way, you can be assured that you will get your money's worth and could even save up to 50 percent on energy costs.

Some common services that licensed and experienced Long Beach HVAC contractors offer include the following:

• Air-conditioning unit installation, maintenance, and repair
• Energy-efficient HVAC system upgrades
• Air duct cleaning and repair
• Indoor air quality services
• Furnace/Fireplace installation, tune-ups, and repair

Are You Licensed as an HVAC Contractor in Long Beach?

Heating, ventilation, or air conditioning-related work in Long Beach worth $500 or more, cost of materials and labor inclusive, must always be handled by contractors who have been licensed by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) under any of the following classifications:

• C-20 - Warm-air Heating, Ventilating, and Air-conditioning Contractors: This classification allows the licensee to fabricate, install, maintain, service, and repair warm-air heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems, such as AC units, water heating heat pumps, furnaces, and HVAC systems that use solar energy.
• C-38 - Refrigeration Contractors: This classification allows the licensee to build, fabricate, erect, install, maintain, service, and repair refrigerators, insulated refrigerators, and other similar systems and equipment for controlling air, liquid, or gas temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit or 10 degrees Celsius.

Noncompliance with this licensing requirement is a misdemeanor, which carries statutory and administrative penalties of up to six months in jail and $15,000 in fines.

The CSLB normally issues HVAC contractor licenses only to applicants who meet specific qualifications and include the following:

• Acceptable and verifiable HVAC work experience of at least four years
• Section 608 Technician Certification obtained from an EPA-approved agency (this requirement is not necessary for HVAC contractors who do not intend to work on refrigerant-containing equipment)
• An acceptable score in the CSLB's licensing examination
• A clear background check

Hiring CSLB-licensed HVAC contractors assures you that your project will be fulfilled competently and satisfactorily, so you should always do so, even for jobs costing less than $500.

You can determine whether your prospective HVAC contractor is appropriately licensed for your project by using the CSLB's Check a License tool.

What Rates Do You Charge for Your HVAC Services in Long Beach?

You can expect to pay anywhere from $250 to $16,500 for HVAC services in Long Beach. Nevertheless, the actual cost of your project will be determined by factors like the following:

• The nature and scope of the job
• The types of HVAC systems and equipment involved
• Your building layout
• The complexity and labor intensity of the job
• Permit costs and miscellaneous expenses like post-project renovations

You can get a fair idea of your project's expected cost by requesting and comparing estimates from up to three different HVAC contractors. This strategy is also effective in helping you spot fraudulent contractors.

Will My HVAC Project Require a Permit in Long Beach?

A mechanical permit is required for any work that involves installing, altering, reconstructing, or repairing heating, ventilating, cooling, or refrigeration systems and equipment in Long Beach. However, exemptions may be made for work on portable HVAC equipment or for replacing component parts of HVAC appliances, as long as this does not affect the equipment's original approval.

The Long Beach Building and Safety Bureau oversees the permitting process and typically only issues these mechanical permits to the following legal entities:

• State-licensed contractors who have valid local business licenses
• Owners of one or two-family dwellings that reside or intend to reside in the property and can show proof of residence

Queries concerning Long Beach mechanical permits can be directed to the Building and Safety Bureau at (562) 570-7648.

What Type of HVAC Services Do You Offer in Long Beach?

Professional Long Beach contractors are equipped to offer various heating, cooling, and ventilation-related services. These include the following:

Be aware that HVAC contractors typically charge hourly labor rates between $100 and $150 and minimum service fees between $55 and $250.

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

Even though Long Beach HVAC contractors are generally proficient enough to execute projects independently, they often involve subcontractors for large projects. So, when planning your HVAC project, confirm if any work will be subcontracted, regardless of the project's size. If your project will be outsourced, we recommend you take the following steps to avoid potential problems with the subcontractors and ensure a seamless execution of your HVAC project:

• Confirm that each subcontractor is appropriately licensed and experienced.
• Check their bond and insurance coverage.
• Get lien waivers to protect yourself from responsibility if the primary HVAC contractor fails to make timely payments.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Long Beach HVAC Contractor?

Although Long Beach HVAC contractors are not required to carry general liability insurance, they are legally obligated to disclose their liability insurance status to homeowners who wish to engage their services. Additionally, these HVAC contractors must maintain a $25,000 surety bond during the validity period of their state-issued licenses and carry workers' compensation insurance for their employees, where applicable.

Always confirm the HVAC contractor you plan to hire is adequately insured and bonded before signing any contract.

You can get more information on the necessary insurance and bond requirements for Long Beach HVAC contractors by calling the California Contractors State License Board at (800) 321-2752.

Do You Offer Any Warranties on Your HVAC Work in Long Beach?

Warranties are an essential aspect to consider when searching for professional HVAC services in Long Beach. Reputable HVAC contractors typically offer warranties that cover labor and materials for at least one to two years and five to ten years, respectively. Be aware that the actual scope and validity period of any warranty you are offered will be determined by the HVAC contractor issuing it and the types of HVAC equipment being covered.

Therefore, before hiring any HVAC contractor, confirm that they will provide you with a warranty, ask for a written copy, and review its terms and conditions. Never engage an HVAC contractor who is reluctant to discuss warranties or to offer you a written copy of a warranty they claim to offer.