Don’t Get Left Out in the Cold: Essential HVAC Contractor Licensing and Insurance Requirements Every San Antonio Homeowner Must Know

When your air conditioning fails during a scorching San Antonio summer, the last thing you want to discover is that your contractor lacks proper licensing or insurance. Unfortunately, many homeowners learn this costly lesson too late. Understanding what certifications and insurance your HVAC contractor must have isn’t just smart—it’s essential for protecting your investment and ensuring quality work.

Texas HVAC Contractor License Requirements: The Foundation of Professional Service

Contractors who install, repair, or maintain systems related to air conditioning, refrigeration, or heating must have a TDLR license and ACR companies must employ an ACR contractor in each permanent location. To get your HVAC contractor license in Texas, you must be certified by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).

The licensing process is rigorous for good reason. You have held a technician certification for the past 12 months and you have at least 36 months of practical experience in air-conditioning and refrigeration-related work under the supervision of a licensed air conditioning and refrigeration contractor in the past 48 months, or alternatively, You have at least 48 months of practical experience in air-conditioning and refrigeration-related work under the supervision of a licensed air conditioning and refrigeration contractor in the past 72 months.

Understanding License Classifications: What They Mean for Your Project

Texas offers two primary license classifications, each with specific limitations that directly impact what work your contractor can perform:

• The Class A license allows you to work on any size unit. A Class A HVAC license in Texas allows contractors to work on all types and sizes of HVAC systems without any restrictions. Holders of a Class A license can service, install, repair, and maintain a wide range of HVAC equipment, including both residential and commercial systems.
• The Class B license allows you to work on cooling systems of 25 tons and under, and heating systems of 1.5 million BTUs/hour and under.

The license class and endorsements that you choose will determine what type of work you can perform, the licensing exam that you will take, and insurance coverage that you must maintain. This means your contractor’s license type directly affects their ability to handle your specific HVAC needs.

Critical Insurance Requirements: Your Financial Protection

Licensing is only half the equation. You must maintain commercial general liability insurance at all times while your license is active. The insurance requirements vary significantly based on license classification:

Class A License Insurance Requirements:

• $300,000 per occurrence (combined for property damage and bodily injury)
• $600,000 aggregate (total amount the policy will pay for property damage and bodily injury coverage)
• $300,000 aggregate for products and completed operations

Class B License Insurance Requirements:

• $100,000 per occurrence (combined for property damage and bodily injury)
• $200,000 aggregate (total amount the policy will pay for property damage and bodily injury coverage)

Insurance must be obtained from an insurance provider authorized to sell liability insurance in Texas, ensuring your contractor’s coverage meets state standards.

Why These Requirements Matter for San Antonio Homeowners

Most important, it is required by law in Texas to be registered, certified or licensed through the state to legally perform A/C and Refrigeration work. Beyond legal compliance, these requirements protect you in several ways:

• Only licensed ACR contractors can: operate a business and advertise services, obtain commercial insurance, pull building permits and pass inspections, bid on public and government projects.
• Having a license protects your company and customers.
• Insurance coverage ensures financial protection if something goes wrong during installation or repair

Texas Air Repair: A Model of Proper Licensing and Insurance

When searching for a qualified hvac contractor san antonio, Texas Air Repair exemplifies what proper licensing and insurance look like in practice. For 30+ years, homeowners and commercial property managers have trusted Texas Air Repair with all of their Cooling, Heating, Indoor Air Quality, and Commercial HVAC needs. At Texas Air Repair, our team has over 25 years of experience and is committed to providing outstanding air conditioning services to all of our customers.

Texas Air Repair is a locally-owned and operated air conditioning and heating company. We provide residential and commercial HVAC services in San Antonio, Houston, Austin and the surrounding areas. Experience the assurance of licensed quality workmanship with our expert team.We deliver exceptional craftsmanship, guaranteeing every job is done right, effectively, and to the highest standards.

The company’s commitment to proper licensing is evident in their operations. He started his HVAC education and career in 1993 and became EPA Certified in 1995. Henry decided to be a permanent resident of the great state of Texas in 1996 and has been providing residential and commercial HVAC service to San Antonio, Austin, Houston, and the surrounding areas for over 20 years.

Red Flags: What to Watch Out For

Protect yourself by avoiding contractors who:

• Cannot provide current license numbers or proof of insurance
• Offer prices significantly below market rates (often indicating corners cut on licensing/insurance)
• Pressure you to sign contracts immediately
• Cannot provide references from recent customers
• Lack proper business registration or permanent business addresses

Verifying Your Contractor’s Credentials

Before hiring any HVAC contractor, take these steps:

1. Request their TDLR license number and verify it online at the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation website
2. Ask for current certificates of insurance and verify coverage amounts meet minimum requirements
3. Check that insurance policies name your contractor specifically and haven’t expired
4. Confirm the contractor’s license classification matches your project needs

After passing the licensing exam, you must submit a Certificate of Insurance, which includes the license holder name and business name to the Department. This documentation should be readily available from any legitimate contractor.

The Cost of Cutting Corners

Hiring an unlicensed or uninsured contractor might seem like a way to save money, but the risks far outweigh any short-term savings. Without proper licensing, you have no recourse if work is performed incorrectly. Without insurance, you could be liable for accidents or damage that occurs during the project.

When you obtain a license, you ensure compliance with state regulations and avoid potential legal issues or penalties associated with working without the required credentials. Operating as an unlicensed HVAC technician can lead to fines and even the suspension of your right to work in the field. These same consequences can affect homeowners who knowingly hire unlicensed contractors.

Making the Smart Choice

Your HVAC system represents a significant investment in your home’s comfort and value. Protecting that investment starts with choosing properly licensed and insured contractors. To apply for a new license, submit a completed Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor License Application (PDF) along with the fee of $115. Licenses are valid for a period of 1 year from the date of issue. This annual renewal requirement ensures contractors maintain current knowledge and insurance coverage.

When your San Antonio home needs HVAC service, don’t leave comfort and safety to chance. Verify licensing, confirm insurance coverage, and choose contractors who demonstrate the professionalism that proper credentials represent. Your family’s comfort and your financial security depend on making the right choice.