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

It is important to ensure that any HVAC contractor you hire in Richmond is familiar with the provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and other recognized standards for installing, repairing, and maintaining heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems and equipment. Adherence to this code and standards when performing HVAC work guarantees your and everybody else's safety, helps extend the lifespan of your HVAC equipment, and saves you money through reduced energy bills.

A few of the services you should always hire licensed and experienced Richmond HVAC contractors for include the following:

• Air-conditioning unit installation, maintenance, and repair
• HVAC system design and installation for new buildings
• Duct cleaning and indoor air quality improvement
• Indoor air quality services
• Furnace/Fireplace installation, tune-ups, and repair

Are You Licensed as an HVAC Contractor in Richmond?

HVAC contractors in Richmond must be licensed by the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulations (DPOR) before plying their trade in the city. The DPOR offers three main license options for HVAC work:

• Journeyman License: This license allows HVAC technicians to perform HVAC work worth $1,000 or less without supervision. However, any work worth more than this amount must be done under the supervision of a technician with a master's license.
• Master License: This license allows HVAC technicians to design, install, and maintain heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems without supervision. However, individuals with this license cannot bid for projects worth more than $1,000.
• Contractor License: This license allows HVAC technicians to bid for projects worth $1,000 or more. HVAC contractor licenses are only issued to technicians who already hold a master's license, and they come in three classifications, each specifying the monetary value of projects the contractor can take on:
  • Class A: This classification authorizes contractors to take on HVAC projects worth $120,000 and more.
  • Class B: This classification authorizes contractors to take on HVAC projects worth $10,000 and more but less than $120,000.
  • Class C: Contractors with this classification are limited to projects worth more than $1000 but less than $10,000.

HVAC contractors wishing to obtain DPOR-issued licenses must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Being at least 18 years old
• Having at least four years of HVAC work experience and meeting other educational requirements for the license type being applied for, which are specified by the department
• Passing a licensing examination

Be aware that performing HVAC work without an appropriate license is considered a Class 1 misdemeanor offense, which carries statutory penalties of up to $2,500 in fines and jail time of up to 12 months. Violators also face separate administrative penalties of up to $500 for each day the person is in violation.

Always confirm your intended HVAC contractors' license status before committing to them; otherwise, you risk hiring an unqualified person. You can verify the status of a contractor's license by using the DPOR's License Lookup tool.

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

While the fees of HVAC services in Richmond can range from $150 to $10,000, the actual cost of particular HVAC projects is determined by factors like the following:

• The nature and scope of the job
• The location of the HVAC unit inside or outside the building
• The type, brand, and size of the HVAC system and equipment
• The labor intensity of the job
• The cost of required permits and additional components like dehumidifiers

We recommend getting estimates for your project from at least three local HVAC contractors and comparing their rates before making a hiring decision. This will help you get the best price and avoid being scammed by fraudulent contractors.

Will My HVAC Project Require a Permit in Richmond?

A permit issued by the Richmond Bureau of Permits and Inspections is typically required for any work that involves heating, air-conditioning, ventilation, and other mechanical systems in Richmond. However, permit exemptions are possible for minor HVAC-related improvements, like the installation of temporary HVAC equipment, such as window units or portable heaters.

For more information regarding permits for HVAC contractors in Richmond, you can contact the Richmond Bureau of Permits and Inspections via email, by calling (804) 646-1628, or by visiting

What Type of HVAC Services Do You Offer in Richmond?

Licensed HVAC contractors in Richmond offer a wide range of services to ensure that your HVAC systems work efficiently and keep your living and working spaces comfortable. Some of these services are listed below:

Be aware that some Richmond HVAC contractors charge minimum service fees and hourly rates of about $50 - $200.

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

While professional Richmond HVAC contractors have the competence to handle projects by themselves, they may sometimes have to outsource work to third parties. This usually happens in large-scale projects with fixed deadlines, like installing AC units in new condo complexes or conducting energy-efficient HVAC system upgrades in commercial and industrial facilities.

If you confirm that your project will be outsourced to other contractors, you should take the following actions:

• Verify the subcontractors' bond and insurance coverage.
• Confirm that each subcontractor is appropriately licensed and experienced.
• Insist on getting lien waivers to ensure you are not held liable if the HVAC contractor fails to pay the subcontractors on time.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Richmond HVAC Contractor?

The Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulations (DPOR) requires Richmond HVAC contractors to fulfill certain financial obligations, which 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, HVAC contractors must also maintain state-mandated workers' compensation insurance for their employees, if any.

It is critical to verify that your HVAC contractor has complied with these requirements before hiring them. Failing to do this exposes you to liability if work-related accidents take place during your project. For further information or inquiries regarding Richmond HVAC contractors' financial obligations, contact the DPOR at (804) 367-2785.

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

Professional and reputable HVAC contractors in Richmond typically offer warranties for their HVAC work. However, the specific terms and duration of these warranties usually vary depending on the contractor, the scope of work, and the materials and equipment involved in the project. Nonetheless, HVAC warranties typically cover the contractor's workmanship for at least one to two years and purchased and installed parts and equipment for about five to ten years. As such, requesting a written copy of any warranty you are offered to review its terms and conditions is advisable.