Hiring an HVAC Contractor in California
California requires heating and cooling contractors to be licensed. A few checks protect your home and your wallet.
Request an HVAC technicianCSLB license
HVAC contractors hold a C-20 license from the Contractors State License Board. You can look it up online.
Refrigerant
Technicians handling refrigerant must be certified.
Permits
Most equipment changes need a permit and inspection. Ask who pulls it.
Load calculation
Good contractors size systems from the house, not just the old nameplate.
Written quote
It should list equipment and model numbers, duct work, testing, permit and warranty.
Down payment
California limits down payments on home improvement contracts. Ask how payments are scheduled.
Red flags
Pressure to sign immediately, cash-only deals, no license number or no written contract.
After the job
Keep the permit, test results, invoice and warranty together.
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See our services and send a request.
Insurance and workers' comp
Ask for proof of liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage, so you're not responsible if someone is hurt on your property.
Who does the work
Ask whether the contractor's own crew will install the system or whether it will be subcontracted, and who you contact with questions during the job.
Testing and inspection
Ask who arranges any duct testing and the final inspection, and make sure you get copies of the results and the signed-off permit.
Warranty registration
Some manufacturers extend warranties only if equipment is registered. Ask the contractor to register it, or do it yourself within the allowed time.
Compare like with like
When quotes differ a lot, check whether each includes the same equipment efficiency, duct work, testing, permit and removal of the old system. The cheapest quote often leaves something out.
More heating and cooling guides
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Repairs, renovations and new projects. Tell us what you need and we'll pass it straight to an HVAC technician, who will call you to go over the job and give you a quote.
- Heating and cooling repairs, renovations and new projects
- Santa Rosa and towns across Sonoma County
- Get a quote before any work starts
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