HVAC Contractor License Requirements: FYI 

Texas Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractor License Overview

To obtain a Texas Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor License, a person must meet specific requirements and complete an application process. Here’s a summary written for consumers to better understand the process and level of dedication, training and committment that goes into being a licensed HVAC contractor. The HVAC industry has an important responsibility to the local community, global environment and public safety.

Important Points:

Important Things to Know About How Your HVAC/R Contractor is Licensed in Texas

When you hire someone to work on your air conditioning, heating, or refrigeration systems, it's important to know they are properly licensed. Here's a breakdown of what that means in Texas:

• Experience Matters: Contractors need a significant amount of hands-on experience, usually working under the supervision of another licensed contractor, before they can get their own license. This ensures they have practical skills.

• There Are Different Licenses: Texas has different classes of licenses (Class A and Class B). Class A allows contractors to work on any size system, while Class B limits them to smaller systems. This helps ensure contractors are qualified for the specific type of work they do.

• Endorsements Show Specialization: Contractors can get endorsements for specific areas like residential air conditioning, commercial refrigeration, or industrial systems. These endorsements show they have extra knowledge in those areas.

• Licenses Require an Exam: To get a license, contractors have to pass an exam that tests their knowledge of HVAC/R systems and regulations. This means they've proven they know what they're doing.

• Insurance is Mandatory: Licensed contractors are required to have insurance. This protects you, the consumer, in case something goes wrong during the work. The amount of insurance depends on the license class.

• Background Checks are Done: Texas does background checks on license applicants. This helps ensure that contractors have a clean record.

• Check for Proof: You can always ask to see a contractor's license. A valid license means they've met the state's requirements.

Why This Matters To You:

Hiring a licensed contractor gives you peace of mind. It means the person working on your systems has the required experience, knowledge, and insurance to do the job correctly and safely. When you choose a licensed professional, you're protecting your investment and ensuring quality work. The alternative is to hire a non-licensed HVAC technician and risk losing your insurance, damage equipment or most importantly, cause injury to people. 

HVAC SERVICE ADVISOR.com, recommends hiring a professional every time, no exception.

Key Requirements:

• Experience:

  • 48 months of practical experience under a licensed contractor within the last 72 months.

  • Alternatively, 12 months of technician certification plus 36 months of practical experience under a licensed contractor within the last 48 months.

  • All experience MUST be documented on an Experience Verification Form.

• Exceptions to Experience: Certain degrees, certifications, or military training in the field may qualify for exceptions.

• Application & Fee: Submit a completed application with a $115 fee. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. Licenses are valid for one year.

• License Classes: 

  • Class A: Allows work on any size unit.

  • Class B: Limits work to cooling systems 25 tons and under, and heating systems 1.5 million BTUs/hour and under.

• Endorsements: Available endorsements include Environmental Air Conditioning, Commercial Refrigeration, and Process Cooling or Heating.

• Exam: After application approval, you must pass a licensing exam. All application requirements, including the exam, must be completed within one year.

• Insurance: After passing the exam, a Certificate of Insurance showing commercial general liability insurance is required. Minimum coverage amounts up to, $600,000.00 and vary by license class. Class A coverage satisfies Class B requirements.

• Criminal Convictions: A Criminal History Questionnaire is required for any convictions (excluding minor traffic). Background checks are conducted.

Source: Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation

How to File a Consumer Complaint - HVAC/R Contractor Service : FYI

If you've had issues with your HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) or Refrigeration service, you might want to file a complaint. Here's what you should know:

Before You File:

• Choose the Right Complaint Form: There are different types of complaints. Usually, for HVAC service problems, you'll use the General Complaint Form. This is for issues like not getting the service you paid for, billing disputes, or misleading promises.

• Gather Your Information: Before you start, make sure you have all the details about the company and the service you received.

• Important Note: In Texas, your complaint becomes a public record. Also, remember the Attorney General's Office can't give you legal advice.

Getting Ready to File Online:

• Have Details Ready: You'll need the HVAC company's name, full address, and contact information.

• You Must Finish in One Go: The online form doesn't save your progress, so be ready to complete it all at once.

• Don't Use the Back Button: If you hit the "back" button on your browser, you'll lose what you've entered.

What Information You'll Need:

• Company Info: The full name and address of the HVAC company.

• Problem Description: A clear explanation of what went wrong, including dates of service and specific issues.

• Transaction Details: How much you paid, when you paid, any contracts, and payment information.

• Company Website/Email: If you have them.

• Steps You've Taken: Any attempts you've made to contact the company and resolve the issue, including who you spoke with.

Supporting Documents:

• Uploads Allowed: You can upload documents (like invoices, contracts, or photos) to support your complaint. This isn't required, but it can help.

• File Types: They accept many common file types (like .pdf, .jpg, .docx, etc.).

• Size Limits: There's a 25MB size limit, and you can upload up to 10 files.

Important Security Note:

• Don't Include Sensitive Info: Never put your Social Security Number, date of birth, or financial account numbers in your complaint.

After You Submit:

• Confirmation Email: You should get a confirmation email with a unique number for your complaint within 10 business days. Save this email!

• Reference Number Only: The number doesn't mean they've decided anything about your complaint. It's just for tracking.

• No Guarantee of Contact: You might not hear from the Attorney General's Office again unless they need more info. Your complaint helps them keep track of consumer issues in Texas.

File Your HVAC/R Complaint Online:

Here are the links to the complaint forms:

• General Complaint Form: For most issues with your HVAC service, like billing problems, bad service, or misleading promises.

Texas Attorney General website - Consumer Complaint Resources

Appreciating Excellence: How to Praise Your HVAC Contractor

Recognizing and praising exceptional work by your HVAC contractor is not just a nice gesture—it's a vital practice that benefits individuals, the company, and the entire industry. This article will explore why it's important, how it helps others, and the positive impact it has on the industry.

Why Praising Your HVAC Contractor Matters

Expressing appreciation for a job well done can have a profound impact. Here are some key reasons why it's important to praise your HVAC contractor:

• Boosts Morale: Positive feedback significantly improves the morale of the contractor and their team, motivating them to continue delivering excellent service.

• Reinforces Quality Work: When you acknowledge good work, you reinforce the standards of quality and professionalism you expect.

• Builds Strong Relationships: Giving praise helps build a strong, positive relationship with your contractor, fostering trust and better communication for future needs.

• Encourages Ongoing Improvement: Constructive praise encourages the contractor to maintain and even improve their service standards.

How Praising Helps Others

Your feedback doesn't just benefit the contractor; it also helps others in the community:

• Provides Valuable Information: Positive reviews and testimonials guide others in choosing reliable and trustworthy HVAC professionals.

• Supports Local Businesses: Publicly praising a local contractor helps them gain visibility and credibility in the community.

• Sets a Positive Example: Your appreciation inspires others to recognize and value quality workmanship, creating a culture of mutual respect.

Impact on the HVAC Industry

Appreciation for quality work has a ripple effect across the entire HVAC industry:

• Raises Industry Standards: When customers consistently praise excellent work, it sets a higher standard for the entire industry, encouraging others to strive for excellence.

• Attracts Talent: Companies known for their positive work culture and customer appreciation are more likely to attract and retain skilled professionals.

• Fosters Professionalism: Encouragement and recognition promote a culture of professionalism, enhancing the industry's reputation as a whole.

Ways to Praise Your HVAC Contractor

Here are some effective ways to show your appreciation:

• Write a Positive Review: Online platforms like Google business profile, Bing, and social media impact others.

• Provide a Testimonial: Offer a written or video testimonial for the contractor's website or marketing materials.

• Refer Them to Others: Recommend their services to friends, family, and neighbors.

• Give Verbal Praise: A simple "thank you" and expressing your satisfaction can go a long way.

• Send a Thank-You Note: A handwritten note shows genuine appreciation and leaves a lasting impression.

In conclusion, taking the time to praise your HVAC contractor for their good and excellent work is beneficial in many ways. It boosts morale, builds relationships, helps others, and contributes to the overall improvement of the industry. Make it a practice to recognize and appreciate professional quality service.

HVAC Professional Industry Associations / Organizations

Leading the HVAC Industry

The HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) industry is supported by various professional associations and organizations that play a critical role in its advancement. These groups provide resources, training, advocacy, and networking opportunities for professionals in the field. Here are some of the top groups and organizations that support the HVAC professional industry: 

• Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA): ACCA is a national trade association representing HVACR contractors. They offer training, certification, and advocacy for their members.

• American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE): ASHRAE focuses on advancing heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems design and construction. They develop standards, provide educational programs, and publish research.

• North American Technician Excellence (NATE): NATE is a certification organization for HVACR technicians. They offer exams and certifications that validate technicians' knowledge and skills.

• Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES): RSES provides training and education for HVACR service professionals. They offer courses, certifications, and resources to help technicians stay up-to-date with the latest technologies.

• Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI): HARDI is a trade association representing HVACR distributors. They provide resources, training, and advocacy for their members.

• Women in HVACR: This organization supports and empowers women working in the HVACR industry, offering networking, mentorship, and educational opportunities.

• National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA): NADCA focuses on the proper cleaning and maintenance of HVAC systems. They provide standards, training, and certifications for air duct cleaners.

• Air Movement and Control Association International (AMCA): AMCA focuses on standards and certifications for air system components like fans, dampers, louvers, and other air system components.

• Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA): PAHRA is a non-profit organization that accredits HVACR programs and schools. They help ensure that educational programs meet industry standards.

These organizations contribute to the advancement of the HVAC industry by setting standards, providing training and education, advocating for professionals, and fostering collaboration among industry stakeholders.

DISCLAIMER: HVAC Service Advisor is not endorsed nor associated with the listed organizations, its members or affiliates. This information is provided for educational purposes only. ( HVAC consumer education )

HVAC Technicians: Texas

What Consumers Should Know Before Hiring

If you're a homeowner in Texas searching for reliable air conditioning or heating repair, you’ve probably seen terms like “Registered Technician” and “Certified Technician”. But what do they actually mean? More importantly — how do they impact the quality of service you receive?

At HVACServiceAdvisor.com, we believe informed customers make better decisions. Here’s a clear breakdown of the two technician types licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) — so you can confidently choose a qualified pro for your HVAC needs.

🧊 What Is a Registered HVAC Technician?

A Registered Technician is typically someone new to the HVAC industry. They’re often early in their training or gaining hands-on experience under supervision.

✅ Key Facts:

• Must be at least 16 years old
  
  

• Pays a $20 fee to register with the state
  
  

• Must work under the direct supervision of a licensed HVAC contractor
  
  

• Not allowed to advertise or operate independently
  
  

• No exam or formal training required
  
  

🔍 What This Means for You:

If a technician is only registered, they are not yet fully qualified to handle HVAC jobs alone. They may assist on a service call, but should never be the lead tech without oversight. Always confirm the name of the licensed contractor they’re working under.

🛠️ What Is a Certified HVAC Technician?

A Certified Technician has taken a more advanced path — usually with years of experience or formal training. They’ve passed a TDLR-approved exam and are one step away from becoming a fully licensed contractor.

✅ Key Facts:

• Must be at least 18 years old
  
  

• Pays a $50 fee and submits documentation of experience
  
  

• Must pass a TDLR competency exam
  
  

• Has either:
  
  

  • Completed an approved training program within the last 48 months, or
    
    

  • Accumulated 24 months of supervised HVAC work
    
    

• Still works under a licensed contractor, but with greater autonomy and trust
  
  

🔍 What This Means for You:

A Certified Technician has proven skills and verified experience. While they may not run their own HVAC company yet, they’re qualified to diagnose, repair, and install systems confidently. Hiring a certified tech usually means fewer callbacks, faster service, and higher accountability.

🧭 Why Certification Matters When You Need HVAC Services

When your A/C dies in the middle of a Houston summer or your heater stops during a cold snap, you want someone who knows what they’re doing — not someone learning on the job. We only match you with licensed HVAC contractors who meet state standards. Every technician in our network is:

• Verified through TDLR records

• Reviewed by real customers — unfiltered

• Trained to respect your time, your home, and your system