Trade directory · Janesville metro · Wisconsin

HVAC contractors in
Janesville, Wisconsin.

A public directory of hvac contractor businesses serving greater Janesville. Market data, licensing requirements, and cost benchmarks — updated continuously from public sources.

Employer Establishments
1,922
U.S. Census Bureau
Peak Season
May through August for cooling installations, October through February for heating repairs and replacements
Market estimate
Avg. Response Time
24-48 hours for quotes, 2-4 hours for emergency calls
Operator average
Avg. Hourly Wage
$32/hr
Bureau of Labor Statistics
§ J · OPEN JOBS

HVAC jobs in Janesville

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§ A · Market rates

Common Job Costs

JANESVILLE-WI · LOCAL ESTIMATES
Service
Description
Cost Range
Air conditioning unit installation
Typical range based on local air conditioning unit installation jobs.
$3,500 – $8,000
Furnace replacement
Typical range based on local furnace replacement jobs.
$2,800 – $6,500
Ductwork installation
Typical range based on local ductwork installation jobs.
$2,000 – $5,500
Heat pump installation
Typical range based on local heat pump installation jobs.
$4,000 – $9,000
HVAC system maintenance
Typical range based on local hvac system maintenance jobs.
$150 – $350
Emergency repair calls
Typical range based on local emergency repair calls jobs.
$200 – $800
§ B · Regulatory

Licensing Requirements

WI
§1

Licensing Requirements

Wisconsin requires HVAC contractors to hold a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier license for residential work under $25,000, or Master Dwelling Contractor license for larger projects. Commercial work requires appropriate trade licenses through DSPS. No state exam required, but must provide proof of 4 years experience or technical education. Renewal every 2 years with continuing education requirements.

§2

Permit Requirements

City of Janesville requires permits for HVAC installations, replacements, and major repairs. Permit fees range $50-200 depending on project scope. Mechanical permits required for all ductwork modifications and equipment installations.

§3

Inspection Schedule

Initial rough-in inspection before covering ductwork, final inspection after installation completion. City of Janesville typically schedules within 24-48 hours of request during business days.

§4

Insurance Minimums

Wisconsin requires general liability insurance minimum $50,000 property damage, $100,000 bodily injury per person, $300,000 per occurrence. Workers compensation required for employees.

§ M · DoorBase

Local market snapshot

3 ZIPs
Population53,419
Household income$72,220
Home value$310,551
Median rent$1,243
Unemployment3.20%
Job growth-1.70%

Source: DoorBase, aggregated public ZIP-level data. Updated 8/17/2026.

§ C · Path to license

How to Get Licensed

5 STEPS
1

Determine License Type

Identify whether you need Dwelling Contractor Qualifier (residential under $25,000), Master Dwelling Contractor (residential over $25,000), or commercial trade licenses through Wisconsin DSPS.

01/05
2

Meet Experience Requirements

Provide documentation of 4 years relevant experience in HVAC work OR completion of approved technical education program. Experience must be verified by employers or clients.

02/05
3

Submit Application

Complete Wisconsin DSPS application with required documentation, experience verification, and application fee. Include proof of insurance meeting state minimums.

03/05
4

Background Check

Submit to required background check and provide any requested additional documentation. DSPS will review criminal history and prior licensing issues.

04/05
5

Receive License

Once approved, receive license certificate and number. License is valid for 2 years and requires continuing education for renewal.

05/05
§ D · Field notes

About This Market

UPDATED APR 2026

Janesville's HVAC market serves a mix of older residential stock and light industrial facilities, with steady demand driven by equipment replacement cycles and energy efficiency upgrades. The market sees moderate competition among approximately 15-20 established contractors, with work concentrated in furnace replacements, AC installations, and commercial maintenance contracts. Costs run slightly below Madison rates but above rural Wisconsin averages, driven by proximity to larger markets and skilled labor availability. Winter heating failures and summer cooling demands create predictable seasonal spikes that keep established contractors busy year-round.

Working Janesville means navigating straightforward city permitting but staying sharp on Wisconsin's licensing requirements that catch out-of-state contractors off guard. The dwelling contractor license covers most residential work, but commercial projects need proper trade credentials through DSPS. Peak seasons hit hard - May through August for cooling, October through February for heating - so staff accordingly. Local inspectors know their stuff and expect code-compliant work, especially on ductwork and gas connections. Build relationships with supply houses early; nearest major suppliers are in Madison, so factor delivery costs and timing into bids.

Data Sources
  • Median hourly wage
    U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
  • Number of licensed establishments
    U.S. Census Bureau County Business Patterns
  • Licensing requirements
    Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
  • Permit requirements
    City of Janesville Building Department
  • Insurance minimums
    Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
§ E · FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

05 QUESTIONS
Q/01

What license do I need to do HVAC work in Janesville, WI?

You need a Wisconsin Dwelling Contractor Qualifier license for residential HVAC work under $25,000, or Master Dwelling Contractor license for larger projects. Commercial work requires appropriate trade licenses through Wisconsin DSPS.

Q/02

How much does an HVAC permit cost in Janesville?

City of Janesville HVAC permits range from $50-200 depending on project scope. Simple equipment replacements cost less, while new installations with ductwork modifications cost more. Contact Janesville Building Department at 608-755-3030 for specific permit fees.

Q/03

What's the average cost to replace a furnace in Janesville, WI?

Furnace replacement in Janesville typically runs $2,800-6,500 depending on unit efficiency, size, and installation complexity. High-efficiency units and homes requiring ductwork modifications cost more.

Q/04

How long does HVAC permitting take in Janesville?

Janesville typically processes HVAC permits within 1-2 business days for standard residential work. Inspections are usually scheduled within 24-48 hours of request during business days.

Q/05

What insurance do HVAC contractors need in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin requires minimum general liability coverage of $50,000 property damage, $100,000 bodily injury per person, and $300,000 per occurrence. Workers compensation insurance is mandatory if you have employees.

§ F · Directory

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