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

Proper maintenance, repairs, and periodic inspections are some of the many ways to extend your HVAC system's lifespan and improve its efficiency. However, these tasks are best left in the hands of professional HVAC contractors. Not only are these contractors skilled and qualified to handle them, but they also ensure the work is code-compliant. This is critical, as all HVAC-related works must comply with the Arlington Mechanical Code. Failure to do this attracts penalties.

Furthermore, it is best to engage a professional HVAC contractor for any work that involves setting up or inspecting HVAC systems, such as the following tasks:

• Furnace installations, maintenance, and repairs
• Air conditioning installations, maintenance, and repairs
• Duct Cleaning
• Ventilation-related installations and maintenance
• HVAC re-installations or replacements

Are You Licensed as an HVAC Contractor in Arlington?

As the Arlington Mechanical Code requires, a license is mandatory before anyone can offer HVAC-related services or set up a business for such services in the city. Unlicensed working is a violation of the Code and attracts penalties, including a $500 fine for each day of violation.

HVAC licenses are obtained at the state level from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). The Department issues licenses in three categories:

• Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor License
• Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technician Registration
• Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technician Certification

Only holders of a Contractor License can work independently. Those successfully registered as technicians and holders of a Technician Certificate must work under the supervision of a licensed contractor. Furthermore, contractor licenses are divided into Classes A and B. Holders of a Class A license can undertake works of any size. In contrast, holders of a Class B license can only work on cooling systems of 25 tons and under and heating systems of 1.5 million BTUs/hour and under.

After obtaining a license or certification or getting registered at the state level, HVAC professionals must register with the Arlington Department of Planning and Development Services (DPDS). Registrations are done online, and the Department is reachable at (817)459-6502 for inquiries on business registration and verification of a contractor's registration.

Similarly, you can confirm your contractor's license, registration, or certification through the TDLR's License Data Search portal or by contacting the Department at (800) 803-9202 or (512) 463-6599 for license-related application and verification inquiries.

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

In Arlington, HVAC contractors charge between $24 and $30 per hour. However, these rates will vary by contractor and project. This makes it necessary to compare estimates from multiple contractors before deciding whom to hire. Comparing estimates will expose you to more accurate average costs and better help you with budgeting and bargaining.

Some of the factors that influence contractor rates include the following:

• The type of job or project
• How time-sensitive the project is
• Necessary permits
• The location of the HVAC system within the building
• Labor considerations
• How long the project may take
• The HVAC system's brand

Will My HVAC Project Require a Permit in Arlington?

A mechanical permit is required for any HVAC-related work in Arlington, except if such work has been exempted. The Arlington DPDS processes permit applications and issues permits to applicants who qualify. Permit applications are made online, and applicants must first register a user account or log in with their already registered account to use this service. Applicants may also be required to submit plans and pay application fees through the online portal.

You can reach the DPDS at (817)459-6502 for inquiries on mechanical permit applications and related matters, like asking if your work is exempt from permit requirements. Alternatively, you can visit the Department at

What Type of HVAC Services Do You Offer in Arlington?

HVAC contractors in Arlington offer various services to improve homeowners' indoor air quality, the lifespan of their HVAC systems, and their safety while using these systems. These contractors are skilled and experienced in addressing most HVAC-related problems. Below are some of the services they provide with their average charges:

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

Before signing your HVAC project contract, one of the many things to consider is if your contractor will outsource parts of your work. Although HVAC contractors in Arlington have the skills to undertake many types of HVAC jobs without the need to subcontract them, sometimes they may have to. For example, when the work is very complex and requires technical skills outside their area of specialization or license category or when undertaking projects with time constraints.

Considering there is the possibility of your work getting outsourced, you should ask your contractor if this will happen. If so, further confirm that the subcontractors involved are licensed and insured, will get lien waivers (ensuring your project is not subject to any liens), and obtain necessary permits.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Arlington HVAC Contractor?

HVAC contractor license holders in Arlington must maintain general liability coverages. This insurance must cover occurrences of property damage, bodily injury, and products and completed operations. The minimum aggregate sum is $200,000 for Class B license holders and $600,000 for Class A license holders.

Always confirm that your contractor is insured and has complied with these requirements. When dealing with registered or certified HVAC technicians, ensure their supervising contractor is insured. These insurance policies are important as they protect you from personal financial liability if your project causes injury or damage.

You can confirm your contractor is insured by asking them for proof of insurance and verifying it with the relevant organization.

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

Another thing to consider before hiring an HVAC contractor is whether they offer warranties. Professional HVAC contractors who take their customers' interests seriously offer warranties, usually in writing. They last for one year on average and outline what the customer is entitled to if the HVAC contractor's service is substandard.

Therefore, consider it a red flag if your contractor refuses to offer warranties and consider looking for another contractor. In any case, before agreeing to any warranty, ensure you understand its terms.