Get Quotes from Top HVAC Contractors in Riverside, CA

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

While it may be tempting to start HVAC projects as soon as possible with any available worker, ensuring that only properly licensed and experienced professionals install, repair, or service your air conditioning, heating, and ventilation equipment is critical. These professionals generally implement pertinent provisions of the California Building Standards (locally adopted by Riverside) and other relevant ventilation and air-quality standards when performing HVAC work. This assures you that your project will be executed safely and effectively while extending the lifespan of your HVAC equipment and lowering your energy costs.

Therefore, always reach out to licensed Riverside HVAC contractors when you need to undertake projects like the following:

• Installing, repairing, maintaining, and replacing air conditioners, heat pumps, and forced-air furnaces
• Designing and installing HVAC systems for newly constructed buildings
• Upgrading existing HVAC systems to more energy-efficient models
• Duct cleaning and safety inspections
• Air-quality improvement services

Are You Licensed as an HVAC Contractor in Riverside?

A state-licensed HVAC contractor must handle any work done on heating, ventilation, air conditioning, or refrigeration systems and equipment in Riverside costing more than $500. Licensing is managed by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB), which currently offers two types of HVAC licenses:

• A C-20 - Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor License
• A C-38 - Refrigeration Contractor License

The C-20 license authorizes work on warm-air heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems and equipment, including those that use solar energy. In contrast, the C-38 license allows work on air conditioning and refrigeration systems and equipment that regulate temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit or 10 degrees Celsius. It is worth noting that HVAC contractors with a C-20 license can only perform work within the scope of the C-38 license after obtaining this license and vice versa.

Requirements for obtaining an HVAC contractor license from the CSLB include the following:

• A minimum of four years of acceptable HVAC work experience
• Chlorofluorocarbon certification (per federal law, the HVAC contractor must obtain this certification from an EPA-approved agency)
• A passing score in the CSLB's licensing examination
• A clear background check

Doing HVAC work in Riverside worth $500 or more, cost of labor and materials inclusive, without being appropriately licensed by the CSLB is a misdemeanor offense that carries penalties of up to six months in jail and $15,000 in fines. It is strongly recommended that you always hire licensed HVAC contractors for your project, regardless of its overall cost; this assures you that the work will be handled competently.

You can check your prospective Riverside HVAC contractor's license status online via the CSLB's Check a License platform.

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

The cost of HVAC services in Riverside usually ranges from $200 to $11,000, depending on the nature and scope of the work to be done and additional factors like the following:

• The type of HVAC systems and equipment involved
• The urgency of the project
• Permit costs
• The building layout and location of the HVAC units
• Miscellaneous expenses, like building renovations or repairs and purchasing equipment-enhancing components

To ensure that you get a fair and honest assessment of the overall cost of your HVAC project, we recommend getting and comparing quotes from at least three HVAC contractors before making your hiring decision. This approach also helps you avoid unscrupulous contractors who may overcharge you for their services.

Will My HVAC Project Require a Permit in Riverside?

You will need to pull a mechanical permit from the Riverside Building and Safety Division before doing any work that involves installing, altering, converting, replacing, repairing, or removing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems and equipment in Riverside. Appropriately licensed HVAC contractors, property owners, or their duly authorized agents can pull these permits, and the timeline for obtaining requested permits usually depends on the nature and scope of the HVAC work to be done.

Contact the Riverside Building and Safety Division at (951) 826-5800 for more information on its permit-pulling process for HVAC projects. You can also direct queries concerning mechanical permits in person to the Division at

What Type of HVAC Services Do You Offer in Riverside?

Licensed and experienced HVAC contractors in Riverside are generally equipped to offer interested city residents a broad range of services, which include the following:

Be aware that many Riverside HVAC contractors charge minimum service fees of $50 - $200 and hourly labor rates of $100 - $150.

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

While professional HVAC contractors are mostly capable of handling projects by themselves, they often have to work with subcontractors, especially for large projects with set deadlines. Thus, when hiring an HVAC contractor in Riverside, it is crucial to ascertain whether your HVAC work will be handled solely by your intended contractor or if they will outsource it. If the contractor confirms the need for subcontractors on your project, you should consider taking the following actions:

• Ensure that each subcontractor involved is licensed, experienced, insured, and bonded.
• Ask for lien waivers to protect yourself if the primary HVAC contractor fails to pay the subcontractors on time.

Taking these measures helps ensure that your project will be completed hitch-free.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Riverside HVAC Contractor?

HVAC contractors operating in Riverside must maintain a $25,000 surety bond, provide workers' compensation insurance for their employees, and inform homeowners about their commercial general liability insurance coverage before starting any work on their property. While this liability insurance coverage is not mandatory, it is highly recommended that your HVAC contractor carries it.

Therefore, when negotiating for HVAC services, confirm the contractor's insurance and bond status before committing to them. You can do this by requesting copies of their insurance and bond certificates. You can contact the California Contractors State License Board at (800) 321-2752 for more information on the obligatory bond and insurance requirements for Riverside HVAC contractors.

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

When planning an HVAC project in Riverside, it is important to hire trustworthy and reputable HVAC contractors who warrant their services. Be wary of any contractor who appears hesitant to discuss warranty options.

These types of warranties generally cover the contractor's workmanship for one to two years, while purchased equipment and components are typically covered for five to ten years. Note that the scope of coverage of the HVAC warranty will depend on the contractor and materials used in the project. As such, requesting a written copy of any warranty you are offered is advisable, as this allows you to review and understand its terms and conditions carefully.