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

Hiring a licensed and experienced HVAC contractor to install, maintain, or upgrade heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in your home and office ensures that your HVAC equipment functions properly increases comfort, and even saves you money on energy bills.

In addition, licensed and experienced HVAC contractors generally provide their services in accordance with key regulations and standards designed to ensure the safe operation and efficiency of HVAC systems and equipment in Sacramento. These include the California Building Standards Code, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers' ventilation and indoor air quality standards, and the California Building Energy Efficiency Standards.

Therefore, always call a licensed and experienced Sacramento HVAC contractor when you have projects like the following in hand:

• Air conditioner and furnace installation, repair, maintenance, and replacement
• Duct cleaning and safety inspection
• Energy-efficient HVAC system upgrade
• New building HVAC system design and installation

Are You Licensed as an HVAC Contractor in Sacramento?

Any contractor who wants to provide services worth $500 or more on heating, air conditioning, ventilation, or refrigeration systems and equipment in Sacramento must obtain an appropriate contractor license from the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB). This agency currently offers interested HVAC contractors two main licensing options:

• C-20 - Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning License: Allows the contractor to work on warm-air heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems and any equipment used in connection with these systems. The scope of this license also covers HVAC systems that use solar energy.
• C-38 - Refrigeration License: Allows the contractor to work on refrigeration systems and equipment used to control air, liquid, or gas temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit or 10 degrees Celsius.

HVAC contractors with a C-20 license can only provide services within the scope of the C-38 license if they obtain this license, and vice versa. Contractors who wish to get licensed by the CSLB must have at least four years of verifiable HVAC-related work experience, along with other requirements that include the following:

• Undergoing federally-mandated certification at an EPA-approved agency (this is only compulsory for HVAC contractors who intend to work with refrigerants)
• Passing a licensing examination and a background check

These requirements help ensure that the licensed contractor has the necessary skills and training to provide quality services. So, it is always best to hire CSLB-licensed contractors for your HVAC work, even for projects under $500. You can verify if your prospective contractor has a valid CSLB-issued license through the board's Check a License platform.

Be aware that performing HVAC work in Sacramento worth $500 or more without proper licensing is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and $15,000 in fines.

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

While HVAC services in Sacramento typically range from $200 to $15,500, the actual cost of undertaking an HVAC project in the city depends on factors like the following:

• The project's nature and scope
• The type, brand, and size of the HVAC system and equipment involved
• The building layout
• The location of the HVAC unit inside and outside the building
• The cost of permits, additional materials, and necessary renovations
• The urgency and complexity of the job

We recommend requesting quotes from up to three contractors and comparing their rates before committing to any HVAC contractor in Sacramento. In this way, you can assess your project's estimated cost fairly and avoid being scammed by dishonest contractors who inflate their rates.

Will My HVAC Project Require a Permit in Sacramento?

Locally-issued permits are required for projects that involve installing, altering, or repairing mechanical systems in Sacramento. These projects include HVAC-related work like fireplace inserts and repairs, air conditioning system installations, and ductwork. The Sacramento Community Development Department handles the permitting process through its Building Division. Permits are typically only issued to appropriately licensed contractors, property owners of the buildings where the work is projected, or their authorized agents.

Contact the Sacramento Building Division at (916) 808-5318 or via email for more information on its permitting process for HVAC projects. You can also make inquiries in person at the Building Division's Permit Counter located at

300 Richards Boulevard
3rd Floor
Sacramento, CA 95811

Consider that you may have to schedule an appointment before visiting the permit counter.

What Type of HVAC Services Do You Offer in Sacramento?

Licensed and experienced HVAC contractors typically offer a range of services that ensure the smooth operation of heating, cooling, and ventilation systems in Sacramento. These services include the following:

Be aware that most HVAC contractors charge a minimum service fee of $55 to $200 and have a hourly rate of $100 to $150.

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

Although licensed and experienced HVAC contractors in Sacramento are generally qualified to undertake and complete projects by themselves, they may choose to hire subcontractors to assist them with larger projects. Therefore, knowing if your HVAC contractor will outsource your project to third parties before finalizing the contract is vital to avoid potential problems and ensure the work is done without a hitch. If your contractor confirms that subcontractors will be involved, we recommend that you take the following steps:

• Ensure each subcontractor is licensed and has the expertise to handle the specific tasks they were contracted for.
• Confirm that each subcontractor has the required bond and insurance coverage.
• Request lien waivers that protect you from liability if the primary HVAC contractor fails to pay the subcontractors on time.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Sacramento HVAC Contractor?

HVAC contractors who wish to operate in Sacramento must secure a surety bond of $25,000 and maintain worker's compensation insurance for their employees, if any, before providing their services to Sacramentans. Additionally, the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) strongly advises these contractors to carry commercial general liability insurance and mandates that they inform potential clients of their liability insurance status before starting work.

To ensure you are working with an adequately insured and bonded HVAC contractor, always ask for and verify copies of their bond and insurance certificates when negotiating with them. You can also contact the CSLB at (800) 321-2752 for extra details on the bond and insurance requirements for Sacramento-based HVAC contractors.

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

When undertaking HVAC projects in Sacramento, it is essential to consider warranties. Typically, these types of warranties cover the HVAC contractor's workmanship for one to two years and installed parts and equipment for five to ten years. However, the specific coverage of HVAC warranties depends on the contractor and materials involved in the project.

Always confirm that your HVAC contractor will warrant their work before finalizing hiring agreements with them, and steer clear of any contractor who appears hesitant to discuss warranties or does not offer them. It is also advisable to request a written copy of the warranties you are given to review their terms carefully.