Get Quotes from Top HVAC Contractors in San Francisco, CA

Are You Licensed to Practice as an HVAC Contractor in San Francisco?

All HVAC contractors are required to be licensed by the California Contractors State License Board before performing any jobs exceeding $500, including labor and materials, within San Francisco. Performing HVAC services in San Francisco without a license can attract different penalties, including a six-month jail term and/or a fine of $500.

The California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is responsible for regulating and issuing HVAC contractor licenses in San Francisco. Interested applicants must be at least 18 years, have at least four years of work experience at the journeyman level, pass the necessary licensing exams, and have a $15,000 contractor bond. Additionally, the experience required must have been attained within the last ten years. Eligible applicants can submit a completed Application for Original Contractors License Form to the CSLB and pay the necessary fees. Applicants should note that they may be required to submit additional or supporting documents with their contractor license application form, such as a Certification of Work Experience Form. Inquiries regarding general licensing requirements and processes can be directed to the CSLB at (800) 321-2752.

To verify if your HVAC contractor is duly licensed, you can utilize the CSLB's check a license portal or contact the Board at (800) 321-2752.

How Much Do You Charge Compared to Other HVAC Contractors in San Francisco?

On average, HVAC contractors in San Francisco charge an hourly rate of about $36.62. However, the amount HVAC contractors charge for their services varies depending on a few factors, including the size and complexity of the HVAC system, the age of the equipment, and the extent of the necessary repairs. Hence, it is advisable to get estimates from more than one HVAC contractor so you will be able to compare costs and pay a fair price for your project.

An HVAC Contractor in San Francisco earns an annual average wage of $76,180. The table below provides a cost comparison of the mean hourly wages for HVAC contractors in San Francisco against those of HVAC Contractors in the rest of California as well as other major cities in the United States:

Do You Comply with San Francisco Building Code for HVAC Work?

Hiring an HVAC contractor who is conversant with the 2019 Mechanical Code of San Francisco is highly recommended. This is to ensure your safety and reduce potential hazards the Code seeks to prevent. The 2019 Mechanical Code of San Francisco provides minimum standards to safeguard the life, health, property, and welfare of San Franciscans by regulating and controlling the design, installation, construction, quality of materials, and maintenance or use of heating, ventilating, cooling, and refrigeration systems within the city. This Code also aims to protect city residents from HVAC-related hazards, and it covers several mechanical systems, combustion air systems, appliance venting, hydronic systems, and many more. Violating this Code can lead to a civil penalty of up to $500 for each day of such violation.

For more information on the San Francisco Mechanical Code and its requirements, you can contact the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI) at (628) 652-3200 or via email.

Will You Get the HVAC Permits as Required by San Francisco Code?

According to the San Francisco Municipal Code, a permit is required for any HVAC work done in San Francisco. However, certain works are exempted from permits, including minor HVAC repairs done in the home and mechanical works done in one-story detached accessory buildings or structures. Engaging in any HVAC works without permits is a misdemeanor, and it attracts severe penalties, including a fine not exceeding $500 or up to six months imprisonment, or both.

The San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI) is responsible for issuing mechanical permits to HVAC contractors and homeowners in the City, and applications for this permit can be made online. Applicants might be required to submit mechanical plans, diagrams, computations and specifications, and other data alongside the application. A permit can then be issued when the application and the mechanical plans have been reviewed and approved by the Code Official. Afterward, the permittee is expected to notify the DBI that the HVAC work is ready for inspection at stipulated stages of the project. Inspections can be scheduled online or by contacting the DBI Inspection Services at (628) 652-3401. Several inspections may be required at different stages of the HVAC project. However, a final inspection must be conducted after the work has been completed. These inspections are necessary to determine if the HVAC work complies with the San Francisco Mechanical Code and other applicable City Codes.

For more information or inquiries regarding mechanical permits and inspections, you can contact the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI) at (628) 652-3200 or via email.

What Kind of HVAC Services Do You Offer?

HVAC contractors in San Francisco offer a wide range of HVAC-related services such as maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of HVAC systems, and some professionals might choose to narrow their focus to one or several of these categories. Additionally, not every HVAC contractor has the same skillset or experience. Hence, ensure any professional you hire is skilled in the type of service you need. Also, it is important to find out the average cost for this service.

Provided below are average cost estimates for common HVAC services in San Francisco:

Do You Offer Emergency HVAC Services in San Francisco?

There are a lot of HVAC-related problems that occur in the home, including broken thermostats, uneven room temperatures, dirty filters, leaking refrigerant, tripped circuit breakers. These problems, and generally all HVAC-related problems, should be considered an emergency because they can lead to health issues, poor indoor air quality, fires, and high utility bills. With San Francisco area households paying an average of 25.8 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for electricity, it is important to immediately fix HVAC-related problems to avoid a spike in utility bills. You can utilize websites like Yelp and Better Business Bureau to find skilled HVAC contractors around the San Francisco vicinity. Additionally, you can find licensed electricians near you by using the Find My Licensed Contractor portal maintained by the CSLB. However, ensure that any HVAC contractor you intend to hire is duly licensed and can perform the required job. Hence, you can verify if your intended HVAC contractor is licensed by utilizing the CSLB's check a license portal or by contacting the Board at (800) 321-2752.

Do You Carry the Necessary Insurance Policy for HVAC Contractors in San Francisco?

Although it is not mandatory for HVAC contractors to carry general liability insurance, they are required to have workers' compensation insurance. This is because several unforeseen and unfortunate events can happen while an HVAC contractor is working in your home. Some HVAC work-related hazards that can take place on your property include injuries, falls, burns, exposure to dangerous chemicals, and electrocution. Between 2013 and 2019, the State of California Department of Industrial Relations recorded 464 fatalities in the state's construction industry. This fatality cuts across different cities in California, including San Francisco. Hence, it is always in your best interest to go for insured professionals. Hiring an insured HVAC contractor will protect you from financial hassles if an injury or property damage occurs when your project is being executed.

Inquiries regarding an HVAC contractor's insurance can be directed to the CSLB at (800) 321-2752.