Texas HVAC Licensing Requirements
Texas requires HVAC contractors to be licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Here's what to look for.
| License Type | Required For | Verify At |
|---|---|---|
| Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor License (Class A) | Any HVAC installation, repair, or maintenance work on systems over 25 tons or work that requires engineering | tdlr.texas.gov/LicenseSearch |
| Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor License (Class B) | HVAC installation, repair, and maintenance on residential and light commercial systems (under 25 tons) | tdlr.texas.gov/LicenseSearch |
| EPA Section 608 Certification | Any work involving refrigerant handling—technicians must be certified, not just the company | Ask technician directly |
| Plumber's License (optional) | If any gas piping or water connections are modified during install | tsbpe.texas.gov |
Important: The company AND the technician working on your system should be properly licensed. Ask to see the technician's EPA 608 certification if they'll be handling refrigerant.
Your 6 Core Rights as an HVAC Consumer
These rights are protected by Texas law. Don't let any contractor convince you otherwise.
Right to Licensed Work
Texas law requires HVAC contractors hold a TDLR ACR license. Unlicensed work is illegal and leaves you without protection.
Your Action: Verify license at tdlr.texas.gov before any work begins. Get the license number in writing.
If Violated: Unlicensed contractors face fines of $500-$5,000 per violation. You can report them to TDLR.
Right to Written Estimates
You have the right to receive a detailed written estimate before authorizing work. Verbal quotes are not enforceable.
Your Action: Insist on written estimates that itemize equipment, labor, permits, and any potential additional costs.
If Violated: Contractors who significantly exceed written estimates may violate Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
Right to Proper Permits
Most HVAC installations and major repairs require building permits. The contractor must pull permits—this is not your responsibility.
Your Action: Ask for permit numbers before work begins. You can verify at your city's building department.
If Violated: Unpermitted work can affect your insurance, resale value, and may need to be redone.
Right to Warranty Coverage
You're entitled to both manufacturer warranty (equipment) and contractor warranty (labor). These should be provided in writing.
Your Action: Get warranty terms in writing before final payment. Register equipment with manufacturer within 60 days.
If Violated: Failure to provide promised warranties may constitute Deceptive Trade Practices.
Right to Mechanic's Lien Protection
Texas allows suppliers and subcontractors to place liens on your property if the contractor doesn't pay them—even if you paid the contractor in full.
Your Action: Get a final lien waiver from the contractor and request conditional waivers from any subcontractors.
If Violated: Without waivers, you could be forced to pay twice for the same work.
Right to File Complaints
TDLR accepts complaints against licensed HVAC contractors. They can investigate, fine, or revoke licenses.
Your Action: File complaints online at tdlr.texas.gov/complaints. Include documentation.
If Violated: Contractors with repeated complaints may face license suspension or revocation.
What Your HVAC Contract Must Include
Before signing any contract, verify it includes these essential elements.
Contractor's legal business name and address
Needed to enforce contract or file complaints
TDLR license number
Proves legal authorization to perform work
Detailed scope of work
Defines exactly what work will be performed
Equipment model numbers and specifications
Ensures you get what you agreed to
Total price with itemized breakdown
Prevents surprise charges and enables comparison
Payment schedule and terms
Protects against excessive upfront payments
Start and completion dates
Creates accountability for timeline
Permit responsibilities
Clarifies that contractor will obtain required permits
Warranty terms (equipment and labor)
Documents your protection after installation
Change order process
Defines how additional work will be authorized and priced
Cancellation policy
Your 3-day right to cancel for door-to-door sales
Insurance certificate or coverage statement
Protects you from liability for accidents
Red Flag: If a contractor pressures you to sign a contract that's missing these elements, or refuses to provide them in writing, find another contractor. Verbal agreements are extremely difficult to enforce.
Red Flags That Indicate Rights Violations
Watch for these warning signs that a contractor may not respect your rights.
Won't provide license number
Likely unlicensed—walk away immediately
Action: Report to TDLR with company name and any identifying info
Demands full payment upfront
Standard practice is 10-50% deposit, balance on completion
Action: Refuse and find another contractor
Won't provide written contract
No protection if things go wrong
Action: Insist on writing or find another contractor
Says permits aren't needed
Most HVAC work requires permits—this exposes you to liability
Action: Verify with your city building department
Cash-only, no receipts
May be unlicensed, avoiding taxes, or planning to disappear
Action: Pay by check or card for documentation
Arrives in unmarked vehicle
Legitimate companies have branded trucks and uniforms
Action: Verify identity and license before any work
Pressures immediate decision
"Today only" pricing is a classic high-pressure tactic
Action: Any legitimate offer will stand for at least 24-48 hours
Won't provide insurance certificate
You could be liable for injuries on your property
Action: Verify insurance with certificate or cancel
Door-to-Door Sales: Extra Protections
If an HVAC salesperson comes to your home uninvited, you have additional federal and state protections.
3-Day Cancellation Right
For any sale over $25 made at your home (not your request), you have 3 business days to cancel in writing with full refund.
Source: Federal FTC Cooling-Off Rule and Texas Business & Commerce Code
Right to Written Notice
Contractor must provide you with a cancellation form and notice of your 3-day right at time of sale.
Source: FTC Cooling-Off Rule
Right Against High-Pressure Sales
Extreme high-pressure tactics or refusing to leave may constitute harassment or trespass.
Source: Texas Penal Code
To Cancel: Send written notice within 3 business days. Include date, your name, address, and clear statement that you're canceling. Send by certified mail and keep a copy. The contractor must return any payment within 10 days.
When Things Go Wrong: Step-by-Step Resolution
If you have a dispute with an HVAC contractor, follow this escalation path.
Document Everything First
Take photos and videos of the issue. Save all receipts, contracts, text messages, and emails. Note dates and times of conversations.
Contact the Contractor in Writing
Send a written notice (email or certified letter) describing the problem and requesting resolution. Give them a reasonable timeframe (7-14 days) to respond. Keep copies of everything.
File a TDLR Complaint
If the contractor is licensed and won't resolve the issue, file a complaint with TDLR. Include your documentation, contract, and photos. TDLR will investigate and may take action against the contractor's license.
Contact Texas Attorney General
For deceptive trade practices (false advertising, bait-and-switch, refusing to honor warranties), file a complaint with the Texas AG Consumer Protection Division. This creates a record and may trigger investigation.
Demand Mediation
Many contracts include mediation clauses. Even without one, suggest mediation as a faster, cheaper alternative to court. The contractor may agree to avoid legal costs.
Small Claims Court
For disputes up to $20,000, file in Justice of the Peace court. You don't need a lawyer. Bring your documentation, contract, and evidence. Court costs are minimal.
Civil Court with Attorney
For damages over $20,000 or complex cases, consult a consumer protection attorney. Texas DTPA allows recovery of attorney fees if you win.
Deceptive Trade Practices Act Violations
The Texas DTPA provides powerful remedies for consumer fraud. These violations can result in up to 3x damages.
| Violation | Example | Potential Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| False advertising | "Licensed and insured" when they're not | Up to 3x actual damages plus attorney fees |
| Bait and switch | Quoting one price, then charging higher after work begins | Difference plus potential treble damages |
| Failure to disclose | Not revealing known defects in equipment | Actual damages plus potential multiplier |
| Breach of warranty | Refusing to honor written warranty terms | Cost of repair/replacement plus damages |
| Unconscionable actions | Grossly overcharging emergency repairs | Difference from fair price plus penalties |
Important: Before filing a DTPA lawsuit, you must send a demand letter giving the contractor 60 days to respond with a settlement offer. Many cases settle at this stage because contractors want to avoid the possibility of treble damages.
How to File a TDLR Complaint
TDLR can investigate licensed contractors and take action including fines and license revocation.
Gather documentation
Collect contract, receipts, photos, correspondence, and contractor license number
Visit tdlr.texas.gov/complaints
Select "File a Complaint" and choose Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
Complete online form
Provide contractor info, describe the problem, upload documents
Receive case number
TDLR will acknowledge receipt within 5 business days
Investigation begins
TDLR investigator may contact you, the contractor, and witnesses
Resolution
Outcomes include: no violation found, informal resolution, formal enforcement action, or license discipline
Note: TDLR investigates licensing and regulatory violations but cannot award you monetary damages. For compensation, you need to pursue small claims court or civil court separately. However, a TDLR finding of violation can help your court case.