How to Become an HVAC Contractor
HVAC contractors are skilled and licensed technicians who work with heating, cooling, and ventilation systems. They provide a variety of services, including maintenance, repair and installation.
Depending on the state, they may require general liability insurance, worker’s compensation insurance, and a performance bond to qualify for a license. They also typically need a commercial vehicle and tools. Click on furnace installation Coquitlam for more information.
Qualifications
The most important qualification for an HVAC project manager is technical knowledge and experience installing HVAC systems. This may include previous work as an HVAC technician or up to 10 years of experience completing installations.
Candidates should also demonstrate their ability to plan and execute projects. This includes identifying the steps, materials, equipment, and people needed to complete an installation. It also means calculating costs and ensuring that the finished project meets client expectations.
Applicants should also be aware of state licensing requirements. For example, in North Dakota, a contractor must obtain a state license and business insurance to perform work. The license is available at the journeyperson and master level, with the requirements varying by municipality. In Minnesota, for instance, contractors must have a license from the Minneapolis Construction Code Service or St. Paul Department of Safety and Inspection. This can be obtained after fulfilling training and work requirements, passing an exam, and obtaining a surety bond.
Experience
An HVAC contractor should have a wide range of skills, including mechanical understanding and tool use proficiency, physical stamina and strong customer service. Many newcomers to the field benefit from entering through a trade school or apprenticeship program, which teaches theory while facilitating hands-on experience with equipment. Trade schools often collaborate with local businesses to provide real-world training.
A comprehensive skillset also includes knowledge of plumbing, ducting, and electrical systems as well as the ability to make precise measurements and calculations. A strong resume should highlight these skill sets along with certifications and a license at the local level.
Some states, like New York, require licensing to perform HVAC work and require workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and a business owner’s policy or surety bond (depending on the municipality). Other insurance coverage includes general liability, which provides protection against common business risks, and tools and equipment coverage that replaces items if they’re lost or damaged in a jobsite accident.
Licenses
When you’re an HVAC contractor, proper licensing is vital. It demonstrates your commitment to professionalism and opens up more opportunities for career advancement.
Different states have their own requirements for licensing, so be sure to check with your local authorities before starting work. Additionally, individual municipalities may have their own insurance requirements.
Arizona requires HVAC contractors to pass business and law exams, and purchase a trade license and workers’ compensation insurance. To obtain a license, you must have two years of journeyman experience, or complete an approved apprenticeship program and submit proof of completion.
In New York, there are three types of HVAC-related licenses that vary by city. To qualify for a High Pressure Boiler Operating Engineer or NYC Oil Burning Equipment Installer license, you must meet one of eight possible work/experience requirements and pass an exam. Other licensing options may require an EPA Universal Technician Certification and a financial statement. There are also additional requirements such as business liability insurance and a surety bond.
Insurance
It’s a good idea for HVAC contractors to work with an insurance broker who can determine the ideal types of insurance coverage to meet their needs. The insurance broker will conduct a business risk analysis to determine the risks that need protection with an appropriate policy.
The policies that an HVAC contractor may need include commercial property insurance, which covers items at the company’s main location or in transit; inland marine insurance, which protects tools and equipment while in transit and at job sites; and installation floater insurance, which protects building materials awaiting installation. Workers’ compensation insurance is another type of policy that most companies need.
General liability insurance is crucial for HVAC contractors to have because it helps cover the costs of damage caused by the company’s employees or equipment to third parties. It can also cover damage to spaces rented by the company, such as when an employee backs up a truck into a wall.