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

How comfortable your home is largely depends on the efficiency of its HVAC systems. So, hiring a licensed HVAC contractor is always your best option, whether you need to install a ventilating unit, maintain an air conditioning system, or repair a furnace. These professionals typically provide quality services by following the provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and other recognized ventilation and indoor air quality standards. This way, you can be assured that you will get the most value for your money, have your HVAC equipment correctly and safely installed, repaired, or serviced, and even lower your energy costs.

Therefore, always call professional Norfolk HVAC contractors when in need of services like the following:

• Air conditioner installation, repair, and maintenance
• Duct cleaning and indoor air quality improvement
• HVAC system design and installation for new buildings
• Fireplace installation and maintenance
• Furnace repair and tune-ups
• Energy-efficient HVAC system upgrades

Are You Licensed as an HVAC Contractor in Norfolk?

All heating, ventilation, and air conditioning work in Norfolk must be done by professionals licensed by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). The DPOR offers three types of licenses to interested contractors based on their level of experience and the monetary value of the projects they are authorized to perform:

• Journeyman License: Individuals with this license can perform HVAC work worth $1,000 or less without supervision but must be supervised by a master licensee for work on projects above this amount.
• Master License: Individuals with this license can perform HVAC work 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. There are three sub-categories of this license:
• Class A: Licensees with this classification can design, supervise, install, and maintain heating, ventilation, and air conditioning projects of $120,000 and more.
• Class B: Licensees with this classification can undertake HVAC projects worth $10,000 and more but less than $120,000.
• Class C: Licensees with this classification are limited to projects worth more than $1000 but less than $10,000.

Providing HVAC services in Norfolk without being licensed by the DPOR is a class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by fines of $2,500, jail time of up to 12 months, and separate administrative sanctions of up to $500 for each day the violation persists.

HVAC contractors must meet certain eligibility criteria before being licensed by the DPOR. These criteria include the following:

• Having at least four years of practical experience and acceptable formal HVAC-related vocational training
• Passing a licensing examination
• Obtaining Section 608 certification from an EPA-approved organization (required for HVAC contractors who plan to work on refrigerant-containing equipment)

Hiring Norfolk HVAC contractors licensed by the DPOR ensures efficiency, competence, and professionalism on your project. You can check your prospective HVAC contractor's license status online via the DPOR's License Lookup tool.

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

The cost of HVAC services in Norfolk can range from $300 to $12,000, depending on the scope of your project and other factors like the following:

• The labor intensity of the job
• Your building's layout and the cost of necessary renovations
• The specific nature and scope of the job
• The type, brand, and size of the HVAC system and equipment
• The location of the HVAC unit inside and outside the building
• The cost of required permits, bonds, and insurance

Consider asking several Norfolk HVAC contractors for quotes and compare their rates before deciding on a contractor to handle your project. This will give you an idea of what to expect regarding its cost and can help you spot fraudulent contractors trying to con clients by overcharging them.

Will My HVAC Project Require a Permit in Norfolk?

In Norfolk, a mechanical permit is required for any work that involves designing, installing, repairing, altering, and replacing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. The Norfolk Department of Permits and Inspections oversees the permitting process and provides an online portal for permit application submissions. Be aware that licensed HVAC contractors must make these submissions.

You can direct queries concerning permits for HVAC projects in Norfolk to the Permits and Inspections Department by email or at (757)-664-6565.

What Type of HVAC Services Do You Offer in Norfolk?

Licensed HVAC contractors in Norfolk generally offer a wide range of services to keep your heating and cooling systems running smoothly. These professionals often charge around $90 - $300 as a minimum service fee and $100 - $150 per hour for labor. Typical services provided by Norfolk HVAC contractors include the following:

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

Although licensed Norfolk HVAC contractors are generally competent to perform HVAC work by themselves, they may have to subcontract some work to other professionals. This is typically the case for relatively large projects, like installing AC units in new or renovated apartments or maintaining the entire HVAC system of a commercial building. Therefore, when hiring Norfolk HVAC contractors, it is important to determine if the contractor will handle the entire work that the project involves or outsource it to third parties. Ascertaining this will help you manage price and service delivery expectations.

If subcontractors will be involved in your project, take the following actions to prevent problems down the line:

• Ensure that each subcontractor is appropriately licensed and experienced.
• Verify the subcontractors' bond and insurance coverage.
• Get a lien waiver to ensure that you are free from any liability if incurred by dishonest conduct on the part of the primary HVAC contractor.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Norfolk HVAC Contractor?

Always confirm that your prospective HVAC contractors are adequately insured and bonded before finalizing hiring agreements with them; this shields you from liability if work-related accidents occur during your project.

Norfolk HVAC contractors must fulfill the financial requirements set by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). These typically involve providing either a $50,000 surety bond, a board-approved financial statement, or a financial statement reviewed by a state-licensed CPA. In addition, contractors must have worker's compensation insurance for their employees, if any.

For more information about Norfolk HVAC contractors' financial and bond requirements, contact the DPOR at (804) 367-2785 or via email.

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

Warranties are essential to any service, and professional HVAC contractors always offer them (you should nonetheless confirm this with prospective contractors before hiring). These warranties typically cover the HVAC contractor's workmanship for at least one to two years and purchased and installed parts and equipment for about five to ten years. Note that both the HVAC contractor and the type of equipment and systems involved determine the exact warranty validity period.

So, always request a written copy of any warranty you are offered and thoroughly review its terms. Do not hire a contractor who stalls at discussing warranties or who refuses to offer them outright.