Trade directory · Salt Lake City metro · Utah

HVAC contractors in
Salt Lake City, Utah.

A public directory of licensed hvac contractors serving greater Salt Lake City. Market data, licensing requirements, and cost benchmarks — updated continuously from public sources.

Licensed Establishments
1,358
U.S. Census Bureau
Peak Season
May through September for cooling installations and repairs, October through March for heating system work
Market estimate
Avg. Response Time
24-48 hours for quotes, 2-5 days for service calls during peak season
Operator average
Avg. Hourly Wage
$28/hr
Bureau of Labor Statistics
§ A · Market rates

Common Job Costs

SALT LAKE CITY-UT · LOCAL ESTIMATES
Service
Description
Cost Range
AC Unit Installation (3-4 ton)
Typical range based on local ac unit installation (3-4 ton) jobs.
$3,500 – $8,500
Furnace Replacement
Typical range based on local furnace replacement jobs.
$2,800 – $6,500
Ductwork Installation
Typical range based on local ductwork installation jobs.
$2,500 – $8,000
Heat Pump Installation
Typical range based on local heat pump installation jobs.
$4,000 – $9,500
HVAC System Repair
Typical range based on local hvac system repair jobs.
$150 – $800
Whole Home HVAC System
Typical range based on local whole home hvac system jobs.
$8,000 – $20,000
§ B · Regulatory

Licensing Requirements

UT
§1

Licensing Requirements

Utah requires HVAC contractors to hold an S-2 HVAC license through DOPL. Must pass PSI examination covering refrigeration, heating, and air conditioning. Requires 4 years experience or 2 years plus technical education. $185 license fee, renewed every 2 years with 16 hours continuing education.

§2

Permit Requirements

Salt Lake City requires permits for HVAC installations, replacements, and major repairs. Residential permits $50-150, commercial $100-500 depending on system size. Permit required for ductwork modifications, equipment replacements over 65,000 BTU.

§3

Inspection Schedule

Rough inspection after ductwork installation, final inspection after equipment installation and startup. Commercial projects require additional inspections for fire dampers and control systems. Schedule inspections 24-48 hours in advance.

§4

Insurance Minimums

General liability minimum $300,000 per occurrence, $600,000 aggregate. Workers compensation required for employees. Bonding requirements vary by project size, typically $10,000-50,000 for commercial work.

§ C · Path to license

How to Get Licensed

5 STEPS
1

Meet Experience Requirements

Obtain 4 years of HVAC experience or 2 years experience plus technical education from an approved program. Document all experience with employer verification forms.

01/05
2

Submit Application

Complete DOPL application for S-2 HVAC license. Submit required documentation including experience verification, education transcripts if applicable, and $185 licensing fee.

02/05
3

Pass PSI Examination

Schedule and pass the PSI HVAC examination covering refrigeration, heating, air conditioning, and Utah codes. Study materials available through PSI and trade organizations.

03/05
4

Obtain Insurance and Bonding

Secure required general liability insurance ($300,000 minimum) and workers compensation coverage. Obtain bonding if required for specific projects.

04/05
5

Maintain License

Renew license every 2 years with 16 hours of continuing education. Submit renewal application and fees through DOPL online portal before expiration date.

05/05
§ D · Field notes

About This Market

UPDATED APR 2026

Salt Lake City's HVAC market runs hot and cold with the mountain climate. You've got steady replacement work from aging systems in older neighborhoods, new construction feeding off population growth, and commercial work from the expanding tech sector. Competition's thick with 1358 licensed outfits statewide, but quality work still commands premium pricing. High-efficiency systems sell well due to utility rebates and environmental consciousness. Costs get driven up by equipment transport to this inland market and the need for systems that handle both scorching summers and frigid winters.

Get your S-2 license through DOPL first - the exam's no joke and requires real HVAC knowledge. Salt Lake City building department runs tight inspections, so know your codes and don't cut corners on permits. Summer's your money season for AC work, but smart contractors build relationships with builders for steady year-round revenue. The elevation affects equipment sizing calculations, so factor that into your bids. Local supply houses know the market - build those relationships early. Winter work pays well but weather delays are real, so price accordingly.

Data Sources
  • Median hourly wage
    U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
  • Number of licensed establishments
    U.S. Census Bureau
  • Licensing requirements
    Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL)
  • Permit requirements
    Salt Lake City Building Services Department
  • Insurance minimums
    Utah state contractor licensing requirements
§ E · FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

05 QUESTIONS
Q/01

What license do I need to work as an HVAC contractor in Salt Lake City?

You need an S-2 HVAC license from Utah's Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL). This requires passing a PSI exam and proving 4 years experience or 2 years plus technical education, according to Utah DOPL regulations.

Q/02

How much do HVAC contractors make in Salt Lake City?

According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, HVAC technicians in Utah earn a median wage of $28.38 per hour or $59,030 annually. Contractors typically earn more depending on business volume and specialization.

Q/03

Do I need permits for HVAC work in Salt Lake City?

Yes, Salt Lake City Building Services requires permits for installations, replacements, and major repairs. Residential permits cost $50-150, commercial permits $100-500, depending on system size and complexity.

Q/04

When is peak season for HVAC work in Salt Lake City?

Peak season runs May through September for cooling system work, with heating season October through March. Emergency repairs and new construction provide year-round work opportunities.

Q/05

How many HVAC contractors operate in Utah?

Census data shows approximately 1,358 licensed HVAC establishments operate in Utah. This creates competitive pressure but also indicates strong market demand for qualified contractors.

§ F · Directory

HVAC contractors in Salt Lake City

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