Trade directory · Burlington metro · Vermont

HVAC contractors in
Burlington, Vermont.

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

Licensed Establishments
287
U.S. Census Bureau
Peak Season
Late spring through early fall (May-September) for cooling installations; early fall and winter (October-February) for heating system replacements
Market estimate
Avg. Response Time
2-5 business days for quotes; 1-3 weeks for installation scheduling during peak season
Operator average
Avg. Hourly Wage
$29/hr
Bureau of Labor Statistics
§ A · Market rates

Common Job Costs

BURLINGTON-VT · LOCAL ESTIMATES
Service
Description
Cost Range
HVAC system installation (residential)
Typical range based on local hvac system installation (residential) jobs.
$4,500 – $12,000
Furnace replacement
Typical range based on local furnace replacement jobs.
$2,800 – $6,500
Central air conditioning installation
Typical range based on local central air conditioning installation jobs.
$3,200 – $8,000
Heat pump installation
Typical range based on local heat pump installation jobs.
$4,000 – $10,000
Ductwork installation/replacement
Typical range based on local ductwork installation/replacement jobs.
$2,500 – $7,500
HVAC system maintenance/tune-up
Typical range based on local hvac system maintenance/tune-up jobs.
$150 – $350
§ B · Regulatory

Licensing Requirements

VT
§1

Licensing Requirements

Vermont requires an HVAC contractor license through the Office of Professional Regulation. Must pass trade examination, provide proof of 4 years experience or equivalent education, carry liability insurance, and pay $75 application fee. License renewal required every 2 years with continuing education requirements.

§2

Permit Requirements

Burlington requires HVAC permits for new installations, replacements, and major modifications. Permit fees range $50-200 depending on scope. Permits obtained through Burlington's Code Enforcement Office.

§3

Inspection Schedule

Initial rough-in inspection before concealment of work, final inspection upon completion. Schedule inspections 24-48 hours in advance through Burlington Code Enforcement.

§4

Insurance Minimums

General liability insurance minimum $300,000 per occurrence, $600,000 aggregate. Workers compensation required if employing others. Bonding requirements vary by project scope.

§ C · Path to license

How to Get Licensed

5 STEPS
1

Meet experience requirements

Document 4 years of HVAC experience or equivalent technical education through apprenticeship, trade school, or combination of education and experience.

01/05
2

Obtain liability insurance

Secure general liability insurance with minimum $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 aggregate coverage from licensed insurer.

02/05
3

Submit application

Complete contractor license application through Vermont Office of Professional Regulation with required documentation, experience verification, and $75 application fee.

03/05
4

Pass trade examination

Schedule and pass the HVAC contractor examination covering codes, regulations, and trade knowledge administered by approved testing provider.

04/05
5

Receive license

Once approved, receive Vermont HVAC contractor license valid for 2 years. Maintain continuing education requirements for renewal.

05/05
§ D · Field notes

About This Market

UPDATED APR 2026

Burlington's HVAC market runs steady year-round with 287 licensed establishments statewide competing for work. Cold Vermont winters drive consistent heating system demand, while summers bring AC installation rushes. Older housing stock means frequent system replacements, and energy efficiency upgrades get pushed hard due to high heating costs. Labor runs about $60,798 annually median, but material costs hit hard in this market due to transportation to rural Vermont.

To work Burlington, get your Vermont contractor license first - no shortcuts on the 4-year experience requirement and trade exam. City permit process is straightforward but don't skip inspections or you'll get shut down. Peak heating season means emergency calls pay premium rates, but summer AC installs are where you make your numbers. Know your heat pumps - Vermont's pushing them hard for efficiency rebates. Competition's stiff with nearly 300 contractors statewide, so your reputation and response time separate you from the pack.

Data Sources
  • Median hourly wage $29.23/hr ($60,798/yr)
    Bureau of Labor Statistics
  • 287 licensed establishments in Vermont
    U.S. Census Bureau
  • Licensing requirements and fees
    Vermont Office of Professional Regulation
  • Permit requirements and costs
    Burlington Code Enforcement Office
  • Insurance minimums
    Vermont Department of Financial Regulation
§ E · FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

05 QUESTIONS
Q/01

What license do I need to work as an HVAC contractor in Burlington, VT?

Vermont requires an HVAC contractor license through the Office of Professional Regulation. You must pass a trade exam, show 4 years experience, carry liability insurance, and pay $75 application fee. License renews every 2 years with continuing education.

Q/02

How much do HVAC contractors make in Vermont?

According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, HVAC technicians in Vermont earn a median wage of $29.23 per hour or $60,798 annually. Contractor rates vary based on experience and market demand.

Q/03

Do I need permits for HVAC work in Burlington?

Yes, Burlington requires permits for new HVAC installations, system replacements, and major modifications. Permits cost $50-200 depending on scope and are obtained through Burlington's Code Enforcement Office.

Q/04

When is peak season for HVAC work in Burlington?

Peak seasons are May-September for cooling system installations and October-February for heating system work. Emergency heating repairs during cold snaps command premium rates.

Q/05

What insurance do HVAC contractors need in Vermont?

Vermont requires minimum $300,000 general liability per occurrence and $600,000 aggregate. Workers compensation is mandatory if you have employees. Additional bonding may be required for larger projects.

§ F · Directory

HVAC contractors in Burlington

0 LISTED · SORTED BY DISTANCE

No contractors listed yet.

List your services

For contractors

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.