Get Quotes from Top HVAC Contractors in Chesapeake, VA

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

It is essential to hire a professional contractor who works under the provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and other recognized standards when installing and repairing heating, ventilation, or air conditioning systems; this will ensure that your project is handled safely and deftly. Hiring an inexperienced person for these tasks or attempting them yourself can lead to sub-optimal performance of your HVAC equipment, affecting its lifespan and efficiency and reducing the comfort of your living or working space.

As such, we recommend calling on professional Chesapeake HVAC contractors to handle all your HVAC services. These services typically include the following:

• Air conditioning installation, repair, and tune-ups
• Air duct cleaning and repair
• Furnace installations, repair, and tune-ups
• Fireplace installation and maintenance
• Indoor air quality services
• HVAC system design, upgrade, and installation

Are You Licensed as an HVAC Contractor in Chesapeake?

Individuals who wish to provide heating, ventilation, and air conditioning services in Chesapeake must first obtain a state-issued license from theVirginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulations (DPOR) under one of the following categories:

• Journeyman License: This license authorizes the holder to perform HVAC work worth $1,000 or less without supervision. However, journeyman HVAC licensees must be supervised by a master licensee for work on projects above this value.
• Master License: Licensees under this category can perform HVAC work without supervision and supervise the work done by journeyman licensees. However, they cannot bid for projects worth more than $1,000.
• Contractor's License: This license is required for any HVAC work worth over $1,000. HVAC contractor licenses are further sub-divided into three classes:
• Class A: Contractors with this license classification can bid for, work on, and supervise HVAC projects valued at $120,000 or more.
• Class B: Contractors with this license classification can bid for, work on, and supervise HVAC projects worth $10,000 or more but less than $120,000.
• Class C: Contractors with this license classification are limited to projects worth over $1000 but less than $10,000.

HVAC contractors in Chesapeake wishing to obtain DPOR-issued licenses must meet certain criteria, including the following:

• Being at least 18 years old
• Taking a pre-licensure course
• Getting anEPA Section 608 certification
• Passing a licensing examination
• Passing a criminal background check.

Be aware that performing HVAC work without appropriate licensing is considered a Class 1 misdemeanor. Penalties for this offense include fines up to $2,500, imprisonment up to 12 months, or a combination of fines and imprisonment, as well as administrative sanctions of up to $500 for each day the offender is in violation.

You can verify your prospective Chesapeake HVAC contractor's license status using the DPOR'sLicense Lookup tool. Always do this before hiring HVAC contractors in the city, as DPOR licensing usually indicates their competence and professionalism in providing services.

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

HVAC services in Chesapeake can cost from $100 - $11,000 depending on several factors, which include the following:

• The contractor's experience and reputation
• The nature and scope of the job
• The size and type of the HVAC system
• The location of the HVAC unit, inside and outside the building
• The building's layout and the cost of necessary renovations
• The cost of permits

We recommend getting quotes for your required HVAC services from several contractors and comparing their rates before deciding which professional to hire for your project. This way, you can get an idea of your project's cost and detect fraudulent contractors who may want to rip you off.

Will My HVAC Project Require a Permit in Chesapeake?

A mechanical permit issued by the Chesapeake Department of Development and Permits is required for any work that involves installing, altering, repairing, or replacing heating, ventilation, or air conditioning systems in Chesapeake. You can get additional information on the permit-pulling requirements for specific HVAC projects by contacting this department at

What Type of HVAC Services Do You Offer in Chesapeake?

Professional Chesapeake HVAC contractors generally offer a wide range of services to keep your heating or cooling systems working smoothly and efficiently. Some of these services are listed below:

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

Licensed HVAC contractors in Chesapeake are sufficiently experienced to provide a wide range of HVAC services by themselves. However, some situations require them to subcontract projects to other licensed professionals. These situations usually include but are not limited to, large-scale projects like whole-building HVAC system upgrades and new HVAC system installations for commercial properties. Therefore, when engaging Chesapeake HVAC contractors, it is important to confirm whether your project will be handled by the contractor you are negotiating with or will be subcontracted to another professional; be aware that this might affect the cost and quality of the project.

If your HVAC contractor confirms that they will hire subcontractors, consider taking the following actions to avoid having issues with them:

• Ensure that the involved subcontractors are licensed and experienced.
• Verify the insurance and bond coverage of the subcontractors.
• Get a lien waiver to ensure you are not held liable if the main HVAC contractor defaults in payment to the subcontractors.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Chesapeake HVAC Contractor?

The Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) requires HVAC contractors in Chesapeake to comply with one of the following financial requirements:

• Providing and maintaining a $50,000 surety bond
• Providing a current financial statement in a department-approved format
• Providing a financial statement/balance sheet reviewed by a state-licensed CPA.

In addition, Chesapeake HVAC contractors are required to carryworkers' compensation insurance for their employees, if applicable.

So, always confirm that your prospective HVAC contractors have complied with these requirements and are adequately bonded and insured for your project; this will protect you from liabilities arising from work-related accidents or property damage.

You can direct queries concerning Chesapeake HVAC contractors' mandatory financial requirements to the DPOR at (804) 367-2785.

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

Warranties are essential when hiring any HVAC contractor, so always confirm that you will be offered one. The details of the warranty depend on the HVAC contractor who issues it and the types of HVAC equipment to be used. Nonetheless, in general, many professional HVAC contractors offer warranties that cover their workmanship for at least one to two years and the equipment they install for about five to ten years.

Therefore, always request a written copy of any warranty you are offered and review its terms and conditions carefully. Do not engage the services of an HVAC contractor unwilling to discuss warranties or offer you a written copy.