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

Work involving installing, repairing, and maintaining heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and equipment in Lubbock should always be handled by licensed and experienced professionals familiar with applicable locally adopted construction regulations and HVAC standards. This will ensure the work is done safely and competently, guarantee the optimal performance of your HVAC equipment, and even result in reduced energy consumption.

HVAC work that should always be handled by licensed and experienced Lubbock HVAC contractors includes, but is not limited to, the following services:

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

Are You Licensed as an HVAC Contractor in Lubbock?

Anyone who wishes to work on heating and air conditioning systems and equipment in Lubbock must be licensed as an Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) before doing so. These contractors can be licensed under two classifications:

• Class A: Contractors in this category are authorized to work on any size HVAC unit.
• Class B: Contractors in this category are only authorized to work on HVAC systems with a cooling capacity of 25 tons or less and a heating capacity of 1.5 million BTUs per hour or less.

Requirements for being licensed by the TDLR include the following:

• At least 48 months of practical HVAC work experience or a valid technician certification with at least 36 months of practical HVAC work experience
• A properly signed Experience Verification Form
• Federally mandated Section 608 certification (this is required for any person who wishes to work on refrigerant-containing equipment)
• A passing score in the TDLR's licensing examination

These requirements are implemented to ensure that only competent HVAC contractors are issued licenses and thus authorized to provide services in Lubbock. Noncompliance with the TDLR's licensing requirement is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a $500 fine and separate administrative penalties of up to $5,000 for each violation.

You can check the license status of HVAC contractors you plan to hire in Lubbock via the TDLR's License Data Search platform.

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

Charges for HVAC services typically vary from $150 to $11,750, depending on factors like the following:

• The nature of the required services
• The scope and urgency of the job
• The type and size of HVAC equipment involved
• Your preferred HVAC contractor's local reputation
• Permit fees and miscellaneous expenses like post-project renovations and getting equipment-enhancing components

It is advisable to get cost estimates for your project from at least three local HVAC contractors and compare their rates before hiring. This strategy helps you get a fair assessment of the project's overall cost and also protects you from being scammed by dishonest contractors.

Will My HVAC Project Require a Permit in Lubbock?

Mechanical permits are typically required for projects that involve installing, converting, replacing, altering, repairing, or removing heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems in Lubbock; however, exemptions may be made for portable HVAC equipment. The Lubbock Building Safety Department handles the permitting process and typically only issues mechanical permits to state-licensed HVAC contractors and homeowners who own and occupy the residence and intend to do the work themselves or with the help of an immediate family member.

Contact the Lubbock Building Safety Department at (806) 775-2087 or by email for more information on mechanical permits. Queries can also be directed to the department's Development Services Counter at

What Type of HVAC Services Do You Offer in Lubbock?

Professional Lubbock HVAC contractors offer several services to guarantee the efficient operation of the city's heating and air conditioning systems and equipment. Note that these contractors usually charge a minimum service fee of $75 - $200 and average hourly labor rates of $75 - $150. Listed below are price estimates for some common HVAC services offered in Lubbock:

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

While professional HVAC contractors in Lubbock can generally undertake HVAC projects independently, they sometimes have to outsource tasks to subcontractors to ensure speedy project completion, meet necessary deadlines, or for other reasons. So, when negotiating with HVAC contractors in the city, confirm if they will be handling the entire work themselves or outsourcing parts of the project.

Taking the following actions can help avoid potential problems with any subcontractors involved in your project:

• Verify that each subcontractor is aptly licensed and experienced for their assigned tasks.
• Confirm the subcontractors' bond and insurance status.
• Get lien waivers from the subcontractors to protect yourself if the primary HVAC contractor fails to pay them per their initial agreement.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Lubbock HVAC Contractor?

Lubbock HVAC contractors are statutorily required to maintain commercial general liability insurance with the following minimum coverage limits:

• $300,000 per occurrence or $600,000 aggregate for property damage and bodily injury, and $300,000 aggregate for products and completed operations for Class A contractors
• $100,000 per occurrence or $200,000 aggregate for property damage and bodily injury, and $100,000 aggregate for products and completed operations for Class B contractors

Ask your prospective HVAC contractor for a copy of their insurance certificate to confirm compliance with these mandatory insurance obligations. Make sure to do this before committing to them.

Queries concerning Lubbock HVAC contractors' mandatory insurance obligations can be directed to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation at (800) 803-9202 or (512) 463-6599 (for out-of-state callers).

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

An excellent way to ascertain your intended HVAC contractor's professionalism and reliability is by confirming whether they offer warranties covering their services. HVAC warranties typically cover the contractor's workmanship for about a year or two, while the equipment installed or replaced is usually covered for about five to ten years. Note that the actual terms and conditions of your warranty will be determined by the HVAC contractor that offers it and the type of equipment used.

Therefore, always ask for a written copy of any warranty you are offered and go through its terms and conditions in detail. Only hire contractors who warranty their work or are willing to give you a written copy of the warranties they claim to offer.