Get Quotes from Top HVAC Contractors in Orlando, FL

What Do I Need to Know Before Hiring an HVAC Contractor in Orlando?

Hiring an experienced HVAC contractor who understands and follows the provisions of the Florida Building Code and other relevant standards is vital when installing, maintaining, or repairing AC units and other cooling, heating, and ventilation equipment in Orlando. Doing this ensures the work is done correctly and safely, increasing your HVAC equipment lifespan and lowering your energy consumption.

So, we highly recommend hiring licensed and experienced HVAC contractors for all your air conditioning, heating, and ventilation work in Orlando. Some common examples of these types of work include the following:

• Newly constructed or remodeled buildings' HVAC system design, installation, or upgrades
• AC units and ductless mini-systems installation, servicing, and repair
• Air duct cleaning, repair, and replacement
• Air purifier installation
• Heat pump and forced-air furnace installation and tune-up

Are You Licensed as an HVAC Contractor in Orlando?

Orlando HVAC contractors must obtain a state-issued Certified License or Registered License from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) before providing their services in the city. Certified HVAC contractors can offer their services anywhere across Florida, while registered HVAC contractors are generally limited to working only in Orlando and other authorized local jurisdictions.

HVAC contractors who wish to be licensed as either certified or registered contractors by the DBPR may do so under any of the following classifications:

• Mechanical Contractors: HVAC contractors under this classification can offer any air conditioning, ventilation, refrigeration, and heating service.
• Class A Air-conditioning Contractors: HVAC contractors under this classification are limited in the type of ductwork services they are authorized to offer.
• Class B Air-conditioning Contractors: HVAC contractors under this classification can only work on HVAC systems and units with a maximum cooling capacity of 25 tons and a maximum heating capacity of 500,000 BTU.

HVAC contractors must pass a state-level licensing exam and satisfy other requirements established by the DBPR to be eligible for a certified license in any of the categories mentioned above. However, those applying for a registered license must demonstrate that they have complied with local licensing and registration requirements set by the Orlando Permitting Services Division and the Orange County Division of Building Safety.

Offering HVAC services in Orlando without a valid DBPR-issued license is against the law, and such an offense carries a potential fine of up to $1,000 and jail time of up to one year for first-time offenders. Hiring unlicensed contractors for your project is also unlawful and punishable by a $5,000 fine.

Therefore, you should always confirm the license status of any HVAC contractors you plan to hire; this helps you avoid state-imposed sanctions and ensures that you engage an aptly qualified professional. You can confirm your intended HVAC contractor's license status online via the DBPR's Verify a Licensee platform and Orange County's Licensed Contractors search tool (this only provides results for registered contractors).

What Rates Do You Charge for Your HVAC Services in Orlando?

While the typical price range for HVAC services in Orlando is $200 - $10,250, the following factors will ultimately affect the actual cost of your project:

• The nature and scope of the project
• The type and size of HVAC equipment involved
• The layout of your building and the HVAC unit's location inside and outside the building
• Permit costs
• Post-project renovations and repairs, optional equipment-improving components, and other miscellaneous expenses

It is advisable to get quotes from up to three different HVAC contractors and compare their prices before deciding on a contractor to hire to help you get a fair estimate of your project's cost. This strategy is also an effective way to spot fraudulent HVAC contractors looking to con unsuspecting clients by overcharging them for their services.

Will My HVAC Project Require a Permit in Orlando?

A permit issued by the Orlando Permitting Services Division is required for projects that involve installing, connecting, altering, or repairing air conditioning, ventilation, and heating systems and equipment in Orlando. While the specific requirements for pulling these permits vary by project, the overall process typically includes submitting plans for review, paying stipulated fees, and scheduling inspections.

You can direct questions concerning the permitting process for HVAC projects in Orlando to the Orlando Permitting Services Division at

What Type of HVAC Services Do You Offer in Orlando?

Professional Orlando HVAC contractors typically offer clients a broad range of air conditioning and heating services like the following:

Be aware that some HVAC contractors charge minimum service fees of $50 - $200 and hourly labor fees of $75 - $150.

Will You Be Doing the Work, or Do You Outsource the HVAC Work in Orlando?

In general, licensed HVAC contractors have the knowledge and skill set to execute projects independently. However, these contractors may sometimes have to outsource work to other professionals, particularly for large projects or those with tight deadlines. Therefore, when planning HVAC projects in Orlando, confirming whether your intended HVAC contractor will carry out the work by themselves or hire subcontractors is essential.

If your work will be outsourced, here are a few tips to help you avoid misunderstandings with your HVAC contractor and subcontractors and ensure that the project is executed hitch-free:

• Confirm each subcontractor's license status.
• Make sure that everyone involved is adequately experienced, insured, and bonded.
• Get lien waivers from the subcontractors to protect you from liability if the HVAC contractor reneges on their payment arrangements.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Orlando HVAC Contractor?

Orlando HVAC contractors must have insurance coverage of at least $100,000 for liability, $25,000 for property damage, and state-mandated workers' compensation coverage for their employees, if any.

Always confirm your prospective HVAC contractor's insurance status before committing to them and ensure that their coverage limits will be adequate for your project's scope.

You can get more information on Orlando HVAC contractors' insurance requirements by contacting the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation at (850) 487-1395 or online.

Do You Offer Any Warranties on Your HVAC Work in Orlando?

Warranties assure you that an HVAC contractor stands by their work; consider it a red flag if your prospective contractor seems reluctant to discuss or offer them. While HVAC warranties typically cover the contractor's workmanship for about one to two years and the installed HVAC equipment for five to ten years, the specific duration and scope of your warranty will be determined by your HVAC contractor and the materials used in the project. Therefore, request a written copy of your warranty to review its terms carefully.