Get Quotes from Top HVAC Contractors in Garland, TX

Questions to Ask Before Hiring an HVAC Contractor in Garland

Even with Garland's hot and muggy summers and cold and windy winters, locals and tourists find enough time to enjoy outdoor activities like golfing, hiking, and balloon riding. As a matter of fact, the city's humid subtropical weather conditions can make indoor temperatures quite uncomfortable without proper ventilation, cooling, or heating. Thankfully, over 10,000 HVACR contractors servicing the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro area are ready to help with any of your heating or cooling needs in Garland.

Garland HVACR contractors typically have varying areas of expertise. So, before picking a professional, you should always check for appropriate licensing, insurance coverage, and experience level. In addition, consider that factors like the scope of your project and the materials needed will affect the overall cost of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, or refrigeration services in Garland.

As such, you should ask your HVAC contractor the following questions to help you decide if you should hire them or not:

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

Hiring a licensed and experienced HVAC contractor to install, repair, or maintain your air conditioning and heating systems is the only way to ensure the safe, efficient, and satisfactory execution of these tasks. Licensed HVAC contractors are knowledgeable about the relevant codes and standards that govern HVAC-related works in Garland and adhere to the pertinent provisions of these regulations when providing their services. Optimal performance of your HVAC equipment and reduced energy bills are additional benefits of entrusting your HVAC work to professionals.

Consequently, we recommend contacting a licensed and experienced Garland HVAC contractor to handle all of your HVAC tasks. These tasks include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Central AC and ductless mini-split systems installation and repair
  • Filter replacements
  • Forced-air furnace installation and tune-ups
  • Heat pump repair
  • Whole building HVAC system design and installation
  • Energy-efficient HVAC equipment upgrades
  • Air quality testing
  • Duct cleaning and air duct sealing

Are You Licensed as an HVAC Contractor in Garland?

In Garland, HVAC contractors must be licensed as Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) before installing, repairing, or maintaining heating and air conditioning systems. These contractors must also locally register their state-issued licenses with the Garland Building Inspection Department.

The TDLR offers interested HVAC contractors two main license classes:

  • Class A: Contractors in this class can work on HVAC units of any size.
  • Class B: Contractors in this class are limited to cooling systems of 25 tons or less and heating systems of 1.5 million BTUs per hour or less.

Applicants for these licenses must have at least 48 months of practical HVAC-related experience attained under the supervision of a TDLR-licensed HVAC contractor or hold a technician certification plus at least 36 months of practical work experience. Other requirements for being licensed by the TDLR include the following:

  • Submitting a signed Experience Verification Form
  • Passing a TDLR-approved licensing examination
  • Providing proof of Section 608 certification (required by federal law for individuals who wish to work on equipment that contains and can emit refrigerants into the atmosphere)

Engaging in HVAC work without an appropriate TDLR-issued license is a Class C misdemeanor carrying a statutory fine of $500. In addition, violators of the TDLR's licensing requirements for HVAC work face separate administrative sanctions of up to $5,000 per violation.

Always confirm that your prospective HVAC contractors have obtained the necessary licenses for your required services; doing so ensures that you choose someone appropriately qualified for the job. You can use TDLR's License Data Search tool to confirm the license status of your intended Garland HVAC contractors.

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

Charges for HVAC services in Garland vary depending on the project, with costs typically ranging from $180 to $11,500. Some of the factors that influence the total cost of your required services include the following:

  • The urgency of the job
  • The type and size of HVAC equipment involved and the layout of the building
  • Permit costs
  • Miscellaneous expenses, like purchasing optional equipment-enhancing components

It is advisable to compare quotes from several local HVAC contractors before deciding whom to hire for the project. This approach helps you assess the overall cost of your HVAC work, make an informed decision to get the best value for your money and avoid being scammed by fraudulent contractors that overcharge unsuspecting clients.

Will My HVAC Project Require a Permit in Garland?

In Garland, a building permit is typically required for any work that involves installing new air conditioning, heating, and ventilation systems and equipment or altering, modifying, repairing, replacing, and removing existing ones. The Garland Building Inspection Department oversees the city's permit-issuing process. You can contact the department at (972) 205-2300 or via email to get the requirements and procedures for pulling permits for your specific HVAC project. The Garland Building Inspection Department can also be contacted in person at

800 Main Street
1st Floor
Garland, TX 75040

What Type of HVAC Services Do You Offer in Garland?

Professional Garland HVAC contractors are equipped to offer a broad scope of services that ensure the optimal and satisfactory operation of AC units, furnaces, and other heating, ventilation, and cooling equipment in the city. The following list shows cost estimates for some of these services:

Air Conditioner Installation:
$3,375 - $9,200
Air Conditioner Repair:
$80 - $1,000
Forced Air Furnace Installation:
$2,550 - $7,250
Forced Air Furnace Repair:
$90 - $2,000
Whole House Humidifier Installation:
$350 - $410
Thermostat Installation:
$120 - $135
Central Air Purifier Installation:
$890 - $1,230
Electric Baseboard/Wall Heater Installation:
$175 - $500 per heater
Emergency repair services for unexpected breakdowns:
$100 - $200 (on top of regular charges)

Note that HVAC contractors may charge separate labor fees of $75 - $150 per hour and a minimum service fee of $50 - $150.

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

Although professional HVAC contractors generally have the required experience and expertise to handle HVAC projects by themselves, they may outsource some tasks to subcontractors, particularly for extensive projects and those with strict timetables. Therefore, it is important to confirm with your intended HVAC contractor whether they plan to execute your HVAC project alone or hire subcontractors.

If your project will be outsourced, we recommend taking the following steps to reduce the risk of miscommunication and issues with the subcontractors who will be working on the project:

  • Ensure that each subcontractor is appropriately licensed, has the necessary experience for the task at hand, and carries adequate insurance and bonding.
  • Request lien waivers from the subcontractors to protect yourself if the primary HVAC contractor fails to pay them on time.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Garland HVAC Contractor?

Garland HVAC contractors must carry commercial general liability insurance throughout the validity period of their state-issued license. The contractor's license class determines the minimum required insurance limits:

  • Class A licensees must have coverage of at least $300,000 per occurrence or $600,000 aggregate for property damage and bodily injury and $300,000 aggregate for products and completed operations.
  • Class B licensees must have coverage of at least $100,000 per occurrence or $200,000 aggregate for property damage and bodily injury and $100,000 aggregate for products and completed operations.

Always ensure that your intended HVAC contractor has complied with these insurance requirements before concluding hiring arrangements with them.

Contact the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation at (800) 803-9202 (or (512) 463-6599 for out-of-state callers) for more information on Garland HVAC contractors' mandatory insurance obligations.

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

You should always confirm that your prospective HVAC contractor offers warranties that cover both the materials used for the project and their workmanship. This usually indicates professionalism and reliability on the contractor's part. Note that while HVAC warranties generally cover workmanship for about one to two years and materials for about five to ten years, the specific scope of your warranty will be determined by your contractor and the equipment that it covers. As such, always obtain a written copy of any warranty you are offered and thoroughly review its terms and conditions.

How Do I Resolve Any Issue I Have with Your HVAC Services in Garland?

Issues concerning unsatisfactory HVAC services and other HVAC contractor-related matters in Garland can be reported to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation online or by contacting its Enforcement Division at (512) 539-5600.

You can also file these complaints with the Texas Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division either by calling (800) 621-0508, using an online Consumer Complaint Form, or mailing a pdf version of this form to

Office of the Attorney General
Consumer Protection Division
P.O. Box 12548
Austin, TX 78711-2548