HVAC contractors in
Houston, Texas.
A public directory of licensed hvac contractors serving greater Houston. Market data, licensing requirements, and cost benchmarks — updated continuously from public sources.
Common Job Costs
Licensing Requirements
Licensing Requirements
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) requires Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor License (ACR). Must pass PSI exam covering electrical, mechanical, and EPA refrigerant handling. 4 years experience or technical school plus 2 years. Renewal every 2 years with 8 hours continuing education.
Permit Requirements
City of Houston requires permits for HVAC system replacement, new installations, and ductwork modifications. Permit fees range $75-$300. Repairs under $1000 typically exempt.
Inspection Schedule
Initial inspection after rough-in installation, final inspection before system startup. City of Houston requires 24-48 hour notice for inspections.
Insurance Minimums
Texas requires $300,000 general liability insurance minimum for ACR contractors. Workers compensation required if employing others.
How to Get Licensed
Meet Experience Requirements
Obtain 4 years verifiable HVAC experience OR complete approved technical school program plus 2 years experience. Gather employment verification letters and certificates.
Complete Required Training
Earn EPA Section 608 Universal certification for refrigerant handling. Complete any additional technical education if using school credits toward experience requirement.
Submit TDLR Application
File ACR contractor license application with Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Include experience documentation, EPA certification, and $118 application fee.
Pass State Examination
Schedule and pass PSI examination covering electrical systems, mechanical systems, refrigeration cycles, and Texas regulations. Pay $35 exam fee.
Obtain Required Insurance
Secure minimum $300,000 general liability insurance and workers compensation if employing others. Submit certificates to TDLR.
Receive License and Register Locally
Upon approval, register business with City of Houston if required. Begin work under ACR contractor authority with 2-year renewal cycle.
About This Market
Houston's HVAC market runs red-hot year-round with 8,320 licensed establishments statewide competing for work. The city's sweltering climate and rapid population growth drive constant demand for residential and commercial systems. High humidity accelerates equipment failure, creating steady repair revenue. Commercial construction booms downtown and in Energy Corridor push demand for large-scale installations, while suburban sprawl feeds residential replacement market. Costs run higher than state average due to equipment sizing requirements for extreme heat loads. Getting licensed in Texas means jumping through TDLR hoops - pass their exam, prove your experience, carry proper insurance, and stay current with continuing education. Houston's permit process moves reasonably fast if you know the inspectors and file complete applications. Summer heat creates emergency call premiums, but competition is fierce with established players holding key commercial contracts. New contractors succeed by focusing on residential service and building reputation through quality work, not underbidding. Know your load calculations cold - Houston's climate demands oversized systems that northern contractors often underestimate.
- Licensed establishments countU.S. Census Bureau County Business Patterns
- Licensing requirements and feesTexas Department of Licensing and Regulation
- Permit requirements and feesCity of Houston Development Services
- Cost ranges and market dataIndustry estimates and local market analysis
- Insurance requirementsTexas Department of Insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does HVAC contractor licensing cost in Texas?
Texas TDLR charges $118 for ACR contractor license application, plus $35 exam fee. With study materials and continuing education, expect $300-500 total initial cost according to TDLR fee schedules.
What size AC unit does Houston's climate require?
Houston typically requires 1.2-1.5 tons per 600-800 square feet due to high humidity loads, compared to 600-1000 square feet in drier climates. Proper load calculations per Manual J are essential.
How long does HVAC permit approval take in Houston?
Houston Development Services typically processes HVAC permits within 3-5 business days for complete applications. Emergency repairs may get same-day approval with proper documentation.
What's the average HVAC contractor income in Houston?
Established HVAC contractors in Houston area typically gross $75,000-150,000 annually based on Texas workforce data estimates, with top performers exceeding $200,000 in commercial markets.
Do I need EPA certification for HVAC work in Texas?
Yes, EPA Section 608 certification required for refrigerant handling. Texas ACR license requires this plus state-specific training on electrical and mechanical systems per TDLR regulations.
HVAC contractors in Houston
No contractors listed yet.
Run your hvac business on The Forge.
Get listed on The Board for free. Manage leads, quotes, jobs, and follow-ups in one place. Built for trades, used by thousands of operators nationwide.