Get Quotes from Top HVAC Contractors in Virginia Beach, VA

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

It is best to hire a professional HVAC contractor for jobs like the following:

• HVAC installations, repairs, or upgrades
• Air-conditioning inspections and troubleshooting
• Duct cleaning and duct-related servicing
• Air-conditioning efficiency improvements
• Furnace installation, maintenance, and repairs

These contractors are skilled at addressing such jobs and other HVAC-related issues while ensuring your safety and that your HVAC system works efficiently. They are familiar with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and can ensure your job complies with these codes. Non-compliance attracts fines of up to $2,500, jail time, and potential stop-work orders. Hiring professional contractors gives you peace of mind, saves you time, and reduces stress.

Are You Licensed as an HVAC Contractor in Virginia Beach?

All HVAC contractors must obtain an HVAC license from the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) before offering their services within Virginia Beach. Failure to obtain a license attracts a maximum fine of $500 for each day of providing unlicensed services.

HVAC contractor licenses are categorized by class and specialty. License classes are Class A, B, and C, each determining the cost of work a license holder may undertake. License specialty is of two broad categories: master and journeyman. This determines the complexity of work a contractor can undertake independently.

Confirm your contractor is licensed before signing a contract. You can confirm through the DPOR license lookup tool. Also, verify that the contractor's license class and specialty authorizes them to undertake the type of work you need. You can contact the DPOR's Board of Contractors at (804) 367-8511 for licensing-related inquiries.

What Rates Do You Charge for Your HVAC Services in Virginia Beach?

HVAC contractors charge rates ranging between $20 and $26 per hour. However, these figures often vary, as these contractors determine their charges based on several factors, including the following:

• The nature and intricacy of the job
• Necessary materials and equipment
• The extent of the damage, in cases of repairs
• The HVAC system type
• The location of the HVAC unit
• Labor considerations

Regardless of how fair a fee quote may seem, comparing estimates from multiple contractors before signing a contract is best. This will help you analyze discrepancies in the estimates and spot potential frauds. It will also help with making a more accurate budget.

Will My HVAC Project Require a Permit in Virginia Beach?

Per the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, all HVAC works require a permit before work begins unless exempted. The Virginia Beach Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) receives permit applications and issues permits to authorized applicants.

Applications for mechanical permits are submitted and processed online through the Virginia Beach Accela Citizen Access System. If applying, note that it is necessary to register a user account on this platform to get access. For assistance with registering an account and applying for a permit in general, applicants may look through the DPCD's mechanical permit application handbook. Alternatively, they may contact the DPCD's Permits and Inspections Department at (757) 385-4211 or visit the Department at

What Type of HVAC Services Do You Offer in Virginia Beach?

HVAC contractors in Virginia Beach offer extensive services to meet your demands and ensure you are satisfied with your heating and cooling systems' performance. Some of these services and their average costs are as follows:

Note that some contractors may charge separate consultation fees.

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

Professional HVAC contractors in Virginia Beach typically have the skills and training necessary to complete any HVAC-related job independently or under professional supervision. However, they sometimes outsource parts of the job to different subcontractors. Outsourcing typically happens when the job requires specialist skills, has strict deadlines, or is complex. Professional contractors outsource to ensure the work is delivered according to your taste and requirements.

So, you should confirm with your contractor if they will outsource parts of your project before hiring. If confirmed, you should further check that the following conditions are met:

• The subcontractors are licensed and insured
• The subcontractors will obtain all permits related to their part of the work
• There will be lien waivers to protect you in case your contractor or the subcontractors default on their obligations

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Virginia Beach HVAC Contractor?

HVAC contractors in Virginia Beach are not required to maintain insurance before operating within the city. However, Class A and B Contractor license holders must present a surety bond, financial statement, or an audit from a Certified Public Accountant along with their license applications. The DPOR may determine the minimum surety bond amount.

While insurance and bonds are not strict requirements for HVAC contractors in Virginia Beach, you should confirm that your preferred contractors are insured and bonded. This ensures you are protected from personal expenses if an occupational hazard occurs during your project. To verify if your preferred contractor is insured or bonded, you can ask them for their insurance and bonding certificates and contact the relevant issuing agencies to verify them.

Do You Offer Any Warranties on Your HVAC Work in Virginia Beach?

Besides checking your contractor's licensing and insurance status, you should also confirm whether they offer warranties. Ideally, confirm this before signing the contract. Warranties give you extra peace of mind with respect to the quality of service you are receiving, and you should consider it an alarm if your contractor refuses to offer you any.

Warranties typically last for one year, although the manufacturers of the products used for your HVAC project may offer more extensive warranties for their products. In any case, ensure any warranty you agree to is written. Also, confirm that you understand its terms before signing it.