Trade directory · Janesville metro · Wisconsin

HVAC contractors in
Janesville, Wisconsin.

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

Licensed Establishments
1,922
U.S. Census Bureau
Peak Season
May through September for cooling installations, October through March 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
§ A · Market rates

Common Job Costs

JANESVILLE-WI · LOCAL ESTIMATES
Service
Description
Cost Range
Central AC installation
Typical range based on local central ac 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.
$1,200 – $3,500
Heat pump installation
Typical range based on local heat pump installation jobs.
$4,000 – $9,000
HVAC maintenance/tune-up
Typical range based on local hvac maintenance/tune-up jobs.
$120 – $300
Emergency repair service
Typical range based on local emergency repair service jobs.
$200 – $800
§ B · Regulatory

Licensing Requirements

WI
§1

Licensing Requirements

Wisconsin requires HVAC contractors to hold a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier License through DSPS. Must pass written exam, provide proof of 4 years experience or equivalent education, maintain $25,000 surety bond. Renewal every 2 years with 16 hours continuing education.

§2

Permit Requirements

City of Janesville requires mechanical permits for HVAC installations, replacements, and modifications. Permit fees range $50-200 based on project scope. Submit through city building department with equipment specifications.

§3

Inspection Schedule

Rough-in inspection before concealment of ductwork, final inspection after installation completion. Schedule 24 hours in advance with city inspector.

§4

Insurance Minimums

General liability minimum $300,000 per occurrence, workers compensation required if employees. Dwelling contractor license requires $25,000 surety bond.

§ C · Path to license

How to Get Licensed

5 STEPS
1

Meet experience requirements

Obtain 4 years of HVAC experience or equivalent education from approved technical school program. Document all work history and training certificates.

01/05
2

Complete application

Submit Dwelling Contractor Qualifier License application to Wisconsin DSPS with required fees, experience documentation, and background check authorization.

02/05
3

Pass written examination

Schedule and pass the dwelling contractor qualifier written exam covering Wisconsin building codes, safety regulations, and trade practices.

03/05
4

Obtain surety bond

Secure required $25,000 surety bond from licensed surety company and submit bond documentation to DSPS with license application.

04/05
5

Maintain license

Renew license every 2 years by completing 16 hours of approved continuing education and paying renewal fees to maintain active status.

05/05
§ D · Field notes

About This Market

UPDATED APR 2026

Janesville's HVAC market runs steady year-round with 1922 licensed establishments statewide competing for work. Residential dominates - older housing stock means frequent furnace and AC replacements, with ductwork upgrades common in homes built before 1980. Winter heating failures and summer AC installations drive the biggest jobs. Labor costs track the state median at $31.91/hour, but material costs fluctuate with supply chain issues. The second paragraph explains what contractors need to know. Wisconsin's licensing requirements are straightforward but strict - you need that Dwelling Contractor Qualifier License and there's no wiggle room on the surety bond or continuing education. Janesville inspectors know their stuff and won't pass shoddy work. Peak season starts early May when folks realize their AC died over winter, runs through September. Have your crews lined up and materials ordered by April or you'll be scrambling. Emergency calls pay premium rates but require fast response times to build reputation.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

05 QUESTIONS
Q/01

What license do I need to do HVAC work in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin requires a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier License through DSPS for HVAC work. You need 4 years experience, pass a written exam, and maintain a $25,000 surety bond according to Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services.

Q/02

How much do HVAC contractors make in Wisconsin?

HVAC technicians in Wisconsin earn a median hourly wage of $31.91 per hour or $66,373 annually according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, with experienced contractors earning significantly more.

Q/03

Do I need permits for HVAC work in Janesville?

Yes, City of Janesville requires mechanical permits for HVAC installations, replacements, and major modifications. Permits cost $50-200 depending on scope and must be obtained through the city building department.

Q/04

What insurance do HVAC contractors need in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin HVAC contractors need minimum $300,000 general liability insurance, workers compensation if they have employees, and a $25,000 surety bond as required by the state licensing board.

Q/05

When is peak season for HVAC work in Janesville?

Peak season runs May through September for cooling system installations and October through March for heating repairs and replacements, driven by Wisconsin's extreme seasonal temperature variations.

§ F · Directory

HVAC contractors in Janesville

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