Get Quotes from Top HVAC Contractors in Plano, TX
Questions to Ask Before Hiring an HVAC Contractor in Plano
Located to the north of Texas, Plano is a mid-size city with all the perks of a big city: entertainment, premium dining, art, and a booming economy. Oak Point Park, Downtown Plano Arts District, Crayola Experience, and the world of food and style at Legacy West Cultural District are but a few attractions Plano offers its visitors, with much more to explore and experience. Nevertheless, Plano's humid subtropical climate, with average daily high temperatures above 87°F in the summers, means the city needs to cool down to keep moving. Luckily, hundreds of HVACR professionals working in the city are ready to help with your cooling or heating needs in any season.
Before you hire a Plano HVAC contractor to install, repair, or upgrade your ACs, ventilation systems, refrigeration units, furnaces, heaters, or heat pumps, ensure they are licensed and insured. You should also verify their area of specialization, local reputation, and service rates. Doing this can help you avoid employing a fraudulent contractor.
In light of this, it is recommended that you ask the following questions to ensure you hire the right contractor for your HVAC project:
- What Do I Need to Know Before Hiring an HVAC Contractor in Plano?
- Are You Licensed as an HVAC Contractor in Plano?
- What Rates Do You Charge for Your HVAC Services in Plano?
- Will My HVAC Project Require a Permit in Plano?
- What Type of HVAC Services Do You Offer in Plano?
- Will You Be Doing the Work, or Do You Outsource the HVAC Work in Plano?
- Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Plano HVAC Contractor?
- Do You Offer Any Warranties on Your HVAC Work in Plano?
- How Do I Resolve Any Issue I Have with Your HVAC Services in Plano?
What Do I Need to Know Before Hiring an HVAC Contractor in Plano?
For safety reasons and to get a satisfactory service delivery, hiring a qualified HVAC contractor for your HVAC projects is best. This is critical when addressing the following needs:
- Air conditioning installations, maintenance, and repairs
- Duct and vent cleaning or related tasks
- Furnace installations, repairs, and inspections
- Efficiency upgrades for your HVAC systems
- HVAC system troubleshooting
These and other HVAC-related projects must comply with the standards and requirements contained in the Plano Mechanical and Building Codes. Only qualified HVAC contractors are skilled enough to understand these technical codes and ensure your project is compliant. Be aware that non-compliance with these regulations may result in fines of up to $2,000.
Are You Licensed as an HVAC Contractor in Plano?
It is unlawful to operate as an HVAC contractor or offer HVAC services in Plano without first registering with the city's Building Inspections Department (BID). Failure to do this may result in fines of up to $2,000, other administrative penalties, and civil action.
To successfully register with the BID, a contractor must obtain a contractor license from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). The TDLR issues two classes of HVAC contractor licenses: Class A and Class B. Class A license holders are eligible to work on HVAC units of any size, while holders of a Class B license can only work on cooling systems of 25 tons or less and heating systems of 1.5 million BTUs per hour and under.
Besides contractor licensing, the TDLR also offers HVAC technician registration and certification. However, technicians must work under a licensed contractor's supervision.
You can confirm if your prospective HVAC contractor has registered with the BID through the Department's license search page and verify the contractor's state license using the TDLR's License Data Search portal.
You can contact the BID at (972) 941-7140 for questions regarding city-level contractor registration or verification and TDLR's customer service at (800) 803-9202 for inquiries on state-level licensing.
What Rates Do You Charge for Your HVAC Services in Plano?
HVAC contractors in Plano charge between $18 and $22 per hour. However, contractor fees depend on several factors and may be above this average estimate. Some of the factors that influence contractors' charges include the following:
- The type and location of the HVAC system inside or outside the building
- The nature of the job
- Necessary permits and related costs
- Necessary labor or workforce
- The contractor's experience and reputation
We recommend you get and compare estimates from multiple contractors to determine what are the current market rates for your HVAC project. Comparing estimates can also help you spot and avoid pricey or fraudulent contractors.
Will My HVAC Project Require a Permit in Plano?
Most HVAC projects in Plano require a permit. The BID issues these permits and processes applications from eligible applicants and projects.
Permits are classified as residential or commercial. The appropriate permit type you must get depends on the building housing the HVAC system. For example, HVAC work in single and two-family buildings requires a residential permit, and work in duplexes and Condos requires a commercial permit.
To apply for a permit, you must submit a completed commercial permit application form or residential permit form to the BID at
Building Inspections Department1520 K Avenue
Suite 140
Plano, TX 75074
You can contact the Department at (972) 941-7140 for assistance and inquiries on permit applications. Be sure to ask if your HVAC project is exempt from permitting requirements before starting your application.
What Type of HVAC Services Do You Offer in Plano?
HVAC contractors in Plano offer various services that ensure your comfort and satisfaction with your HVAC system. Some of these services are listed below:
Will You Be Doing the Work, or Do You Outsource the HVAC Work in Plano?
In most cases, HVAC contractors in Plano undertake HVAC projects independently. However, they may sometimes outsource projects to subcontractors and technicians working under their supervision. This usually happens to meet tight deadlines and ensure the client's satisfaction or when an aspect of the project is outside their expertise. Other instances where outsourcing may take place include when there is insufficient workforce or cost considerations.
So, you should ask your prospective contractor if they plan to outsource your project. If they confirm this, verify that the involved subcontractors meet the following criteria:
- They are licensed and registered with the city.
- They will obtain lien waivers indemnifying you and your project against default on payments.
- They will obtain relevant permits.
- They are Insured and bonded.
Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Plano HVAC Contractor?
HVAC contractors in Plano must maintain liability insurance covering instances of bodily injury and property damage as well as products and completed operations. The minimum or aggregate policy amount differs by license class.
These insurance policies ensure you do not fully incur personal expenses if your HVAC project causes damage or injuries. So, ensure your contractor has complied with these requirements. One way to verify your contractor is insured is by asking them for proof of insurance and verifying it with the relevant organization.
Do You Offer Any Warranties on Your HVAC Work in Plano?
Before hiring a contractor to work on your project, ask if they offer warranties. Contractor warranties guarantee that the professional will handle your job as agreed and according to quality standards. Normally, these types of warranties cover the HVAC contractor's labor for at least one to two years and parts and equipment for about five to ten years. Be aware that the HVAC contractor and the type of equipment involved determine the exact warranty validity period.
Any contractor who seems reluctant to provide warranties may be dishonest, and you should consider hiring someone else. Finally, read and understand the warranty terms before signing it so you understand any conditions or obligations on your part.
How Do I Resolve Any Issue I Have with Your HVAC Services in Plano?
Plano residents can report any issues they encounter with HVAC services or contractors to any of the following agencies:
- The TDLR: You may submit your complaints to the TDLR online through the Department's File Your Complaint portal. The Department's Customer Service is also reachable at (800) 803-9202 for assistance with inquiries.
- The Consumer Protection Division (CPD) of the Texas Attorney General's Office: You may submit your complaint to the CPD online or by mail. For mail submissions, you need to mail a completed Complaint Form, available in English or Spanish, to
Consumer Protection Division
PO Box 12548
Austin, TX 78711-2548
The Division is also reachable at 1-800-621-0508 to assist with inquiries.
These agencies focus on issues relating to fraudulent practices or consumer protection.
Table of Contents
- What Do I Need to Know Before Hiring an HVAC Contractor in Plano?
- Are You Licensed as an HVAC Contractor in Plano?
- What Rates Do You Charge for Your HVAC Services in Plano?
- Will My HVAC Project Require a Permit in Plano?
- What Type of HVAC Services Do You Offer in Plano?
- Will You Be Doing the Work, or Do You Outsource the HVAC Work in Plano?
- Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Plano HVAC Contractor?
- Do You Offer Any Warranties on Your HVAC Work in Plano?
- How Do I Resolve Any Issue I Have with Your HVAC Services in Plano?