HVAC License in Texas: What You Need to Know

• Do You Need a License in Texas to Become an HVAC Technician?
• What are the Different Types of HVAC Licenses?
  • Class A HVAC License
  • Class B Licenses
• NATE and EPA Licenses
• Benefits of Getting an HVAC License
• Experience Requirements
  • Exceptions
• Insurance Requirement
• Exam Requirement
• How to get an HVAC contractor license in texas
• How Much Does It Cost to Acquire an HVAC License in Texas?
• Texas HVAC License Reciprocity
• How to renew an HVAC license in Texas?
• Jobs for HVAC technicians
• What Is the Average Salary that can be expected for an HVAC Technician in Texas?

The HVAC industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in the U.S., and it’s not just because people want to be comfortable at home, but also due to their high level of income potential.

HVAC licensing is difficult. There are many regulations, fees, and a lot of things to consider before you get your company licensed. This guide will go over everything you need to know about HVAC License Requirements for each state as well as which court system to go through.

The state of Texas has no specific regulation governing HVAC, but the federal government does have regulations in place. Air pollution and carbon dioxide emissions from power plants are regulated by The Environmental Protection Agency. HVAC specifically is not regulated by them though.

Although an agency called The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) regulates HVAC in Texas.

Do You Need a License in Texas to Become an HVAC Technician?

The short answer is yes, you must have a license to become an HVAC technician in the state of Texas. The long answer is that it depends. If you are an apprentice with an HVAC company, then you do not need a license. If you are an independent contractor providing services to an HVAC company and they are paying your employees on the flip side of the contract, then you, might not need a license.

What are the Different Types of HVAC Licenses?

Class A HVAC License

A Class A HVAC License is a type of license that allows you to install, repair, maintain, and service heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems used in commercial buildings. The license also allows you to install and services. it may include various types of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.

Class B Licenses

Class B license limits technicians to only working on the following conditions:

cooling systems that weigh less than 25 tons or

heating systems of no more than 1.5 million BTUs,

This way their work is restricted to certain areas.

NATE and EPA Licenses

You will find two types of HVAC licenses in Texas.

First is the National Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (NATE) certificate. It is not legally required but shows that you have a lot of knowledge and experience in the field.

The second type of license is an EPA license, which requires a certain number of years of experience in addition to passing a test on air quality principles. The EPA license is the most rigorous, and it usually requires a written test. The licensing process may need up to two years or more.

Benefits of Getting an HVAC License

The benefits of getting an HVAC license include a higher salary and the chance to work in Texas. The national average salary for an HVAC technician is higher than the salary in Texas, which means that there’s more opportunity for growth here. After completing your training and passing your licensing exam, you can start earning money while learning and working as an apprentice.

It’s easy to earn money as a newly licensed HVAC technician by starting on apprentice hours with a qualified company.

To meet the increased demand for HVAC technicians, it’s important to get an HVAC license. The benefits are that you can find employment throughout your training and also save money on education costs. The protection from liability is especially useful because it protects the company against lawsuits or criminal charges, which can be costly if they occur.

Experience Requirements

If you want to become a licensed HVAC technician in the state of Texas, you must require at least 48 months of practical experience under supervision from a licensed air conditioning and refrigeration contractor. To meet this requirement, you must work as an apprentice for 4 years with guidance from a licensed contractor.

An HVAC license is required for anyone who wants to install, maintain or service heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems. To obtain a license in Texas you must have at least one year of experience as an installer or technician who should be certified by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA). The three-year requirement also requires someone to complete two years with industry experience from four years ago during this period.

Exceptions

If you have a degree in HVAC or have been awarded a license as an engineer, you may qualify for an exemption from the practical experience requirement. To qualify for exemptions, applicants must be able to show they meet specific requirements such as having graduated with honors and being in good standing at their school.

Insurance Requirement

The Texas Commission on Licensing and Regulation requires that all HVAC contractors have a Certificate of Insurance before they are allowed to do business. The certificate must be submitted along with the application for a license.

While it doesn’t require specific insurance, you must maintain commercial general liability at all times in Texas. The HVAC license is a requirement for those who want to work as an HVAC contractor that manages air conditioning systems and other related equipment.

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Exam Requirement

The application process needs to be completedcomplete within one year of applying with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. If it is not, then you will have to reapply for your license under a new number.

To acquire a license, you are required to pass the National HVAC Certification Exam. This exam covers topics that include standard practice in the installation and servicing of heating, ventilating, air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and appliances.

You can choose between a Class A or B license for Texas HVAC technician positions depending on your profession’s needs.

How to get an HVAC contractor license in texas

To get an HVAC contractor license in Texas, you must have a contractor’s license and pass the appropriate exams.

Following are the step-by-step guide of how to obtain a contractor license in the state of Texas:

1. Fill the application for HVAC trade certification at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
2. Meet the requirements for a contractor’s license: Complete the application, submit fingerprints and a photograph, and pay the required fee.
3. Take any one of the following exams: 1) HVAC Controls exam offered by DPS; 2) NICET Residential test or 3) National Exam Services test.
4. Obtain a license from the proper licensing board
5. Apply and complete an HVAC apprenticeship program with the state of Texas
6. Apply for a contractor license

To receive an HVAC contractor license in Texas, you should have at least a high school diploma or GED and be at least 18 years old. You will then take the appropriate state licensing exam.

In Texas, the process of receiving an HVAC contractor license is two-fold. First, a contractor must register with the state’s Department of Public Safety before they are allowed to take on a contractor-type business. Second, an HVAC contractor who is not registered with the state must apply for a license by submitting their fingerprints and paying $230. They will then receive their license after an FBI background check, which can take three to four weeks.

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How Much Does It Cost to Acquire an HVAC License in Texas?

Anyone working under a licensed contractor in Texas as an A/C and Refrigeration technician needs to register with the state by submitting an online application and pay a $115 fee. The HVAC license is good for one year from the date it has been issued.

Texas HVAC License Reciprocity

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation has established reciprocal licensing agreements with the states of Georgia and South Carolina. This means that if you have a license from one of these three states, you will be able to work in any state without having to obtain a new license.

Another restriction is that a professional needsneed to have an HVAC license for at least one year before they can take advantage of the reciprocity feature. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation also has more specific requirements, including education or training programs, experience in the field as well as passing certain tests.

Texas HVAC contractors must provide a letter of good standing and pass their state licensing exam to get a license. The applicant is required to pay the application fee at least one day before they take the test, which costs $20 for each category tested.

If you want to work in Georgia or South Carolina, you must have a license from your state and insurance coverage. You can also apply for reciprocity if there is no active license holder with the same name living at the address on record.

How to renew an HVAC license in Texas?

Renewing an HVAC license in Texas usually involves visiting a local building department, and completing the application process. You will need a certificate of completion from a licensed HVAC contractor, and the application fee will be $61.

If the HVAC license is expired for more than two years, you will have to retake the exam and pay a fee of $235.

Renewing an HVAC license is not difficult, but it does require some paperwork and time.

Jobs for HVAC technicians

The demand for HVAC technicians is growing rapidly in Texas. This is because of an increased number of jobs available. HVAC technicians can find employment throughout their training, which allows them to develop a strong marketable skill set with minimal investment or risk for the company hiring them.

This license ensures that you will be able to provide services efficiently and effectively so your customers know they won’t encounter any setbacks when working with you on projects such as commercial refits, new construction, and re-roofing.

What Is the Average Salary that can be expected for an HVAC Technician in Texas?

The median salary for an HVAC technician in Texas is $22.57 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This varies based on education and experience, as well as city. The highest salaries are found in cities like Houston ($33), Dallas ($29), Austin ($26), San Marcos ($25), and El Paso (25).

To get further information, please visit the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations.