If you’re hiring any kind of home improvement professional, it’s vitally important to hire the ones with the right certification, accreditation, and licensure. “But, these guys are cheaper and they seem nice!” or “But they have pretty good online reviews!” They may be, and you could hire them and not have any issues, but is your home and your family members worth the risk of hiring an unlicensed HVAC tech? Our vote – absolutely not.
3 Reason to Hire a Licensed HVAC Contractor
Would you hire an unlicensed doctor to remove your appendix or an unlicensed home builder to construct your new addition? The same goes for your expensive HVAC system. Having the correct licenses to work within a designated industry is more than just having a piece of paper with some numbers on it.
Types of HVAC Contractor Licenses
HVAC licenses vary by state, and since we’re a Virginia HVAC Contractor, let’s focus on the type of licenses for Virginia heating and air conditioning repair companies.
- Class A – complete an eight-hour pre-licensing course, show five years experience and $45,000 business capital, pass the trade exam and law exam, and show proof of insurance.
- Class B – complete an eight-hour pre-licensing course, show three years of experience and $15,000 business capital, pass the trade exam and law exam, and show proof of insurance.
- Class C – complete an eight-hour pre-licensing course, show two years of experience, pass the trade exam and law exam, and show proof of insurance.
Licensed HVAC Contractors means Knowledge
Licensing means understanding codes and industry regulations as it related to home heating and air conditioning, and ventilation. Having an industry recognized license also means the contractor maintains ongoing education credit and certifications integral to providing homeowners with the latest, greatest and safest means of installing, repairing, and maintaining HVAC equipment in your home.
HVAC Contractors with Licensure means Bonded and Insured
Something can always go wrong – it’s Murphy’s Law, right? Which is why we have to plan for the worst. And it’s another reason why hiring a licensed contractor is the right move. As we mentioned, a contractor with a license has to provide proof of insurance including workers compensation insurance. This means that should the worst happen in your Manassas home, you’re protected. Did you know hiring a company without workers compensation insurance means you could be liable for accidents that happen on your property even if you paid the company for services rendered?
Hiring a Licensed HVAC Contractor can Save You Money
When you’re well versed in the industry knowledge around heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, you know how to save your clients money through efficient use of negative pressure, positive pressure, and airflow. If your contractor is operating according to old knowledge, your low quote may mean high costs down the road when small problems have grown into big problems.
When it comes to hiring an HVAC contractor to install and maintain your heaters, boilers, and AC units, going with licensed mean peace of mind, safety, and long-term reliability.