Get Quotes from Top HVAC Contractors in Durham, NC

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

When it comes to maintaining, repairing, and installing heating, cooling, and ventilation systems in Durham, choosing a licensed and experienced HVAC contractor is critical. These professionals have the necessary skills and knowledge to handle HVAC projects while following regulations like the North Carolina Building Code and other relevant ventilation and indoor air quality standards. Among the benefits of hiring a licensed HVAC contractor for your projects are extending your HVAC equipment's lifespan and lowering your energy bills.

Some of the tasks that a licensed and experienced HVAC contractor can handle include the following:

• Heat pump repair
• Air quality testing
• Furnace installation and tune-ups
• Central AC installation and repair
• Central AC filter replacements
• Duct cleaning and air duct sealing
• Ductless mini-split systems installation and repair
• Whole building HVAC system design, installation, and energy-efficient upgrade

Are You Licensed as an HVAC Contractor in Durham?

HVAC contractors must obtain a license from the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contractors to provide heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) services in Durham. In addition, HVAC contractors who intend to install, repair, maintain, or service refrigerating machines or equipment must obtain a license from the North Carolina State Board of Refrigeration Contractors (NCSBRC).

The State Board of Refrigeration Contractors offers four license categories to individuals interested in applying:

• Commercial refrigeration contractor
• Industrial refrigeration contractor
• Service refrigeration Contractor
• Transport refrigeration Contractor

Similarly, the State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contractors offers Class 1 licenses, which allow work in any home or building, and Class 2 licenses, which only allow work in single-family homes. Furthermore, this board offers licenses for three heating groups to interested individuals in Durham:

• Heating Group 1 – water-based heating systems in any building.
• Heating Group 2 – forced air heating and cooling units weighing only 15 tons.
• Heating Group 3 – forced air heating and cooling units weighing 15 tons or less.

Individuals who wish to obtain an HVAC contractor license in Durham must complete an apprenticeship program and provide proof of having worked in the trade for at least 18 months. They also need to pass a state exam and submit a background check. In addition, contractors who would like to work on devices and equipment containing refrigerants must undergo a federal-mandated certification process at an EPA-approved agency.

Before hiring a contractor to handle your HVAC project, ensure they have the licenses and experience to provide you with the best possible service. You can check the licensing status of the contractors you are considering hiring through the following means:

• The North Carolina Board of Refrigeration Contractors' Search Licensee Database platform
• The North Carolina Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating & Fire Sprinkler Contractors' license search platform

Be aware that it is a misdemeanor in Durham to provide HVAC services without the appropriate license, and violators are subject to penalties established at the discretion of the state licensing boards.

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

The average cost of a typical HVAC project in Durham may range from around $175 to $10,000. Nevertheless, certain factors, like the project's scope and cost of materials, influence the actual cost of your project. Other factors are listed below:

• The type and size of the HVAC equipment involved
• The urgency or complexity of the job
• Your building layout
• The costs of pulling the permit(s) required for the project
• Costs of necessary renovations, equipment-enhancing components, and other miscellaneous expenses

We recommend that you get and compare multiple quotes from different HVAC contractors in Durham before hiring. In this way, you will get a fair estimate of your project's overall cost and avoid getting ripped off by a dishonest contractor.

Will My HVAC Project Require a Permit in Durham?

You will require a mechanical permit to install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace mechanical systems like heating, cooling, refrigeration, and ventilation systems and any related devices. The City-County Inspections Department provides permit services for Durham through its Land Development Office portal.

You can direct queries concerning mechanical permits and the process for pulling these permits for your HVAC projects to the City-County Inspections Department by calling (919) 560-4144 or visiting the Department at

What Type of HVAC Services Do You Offer in Durham?

Most HVAC contractors in Durham are highly skilled and can offer various services to help improve the efficiency of your home or commercial building equipment. They typically charge a small service fee of about $50 to $150 and an hourly labor rate of around $100 to $175. Below are some of the services offered by HVAC contractors in Durham:

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

Although most HVAC contractors have the necessary skills to handle HVAC projects independently, they may outsource specific tasks to other contractors, especially for large-scale assignments. Therefore, ask your prospective HVAC contractor if they will do the work on their own or hire subcontractors.

You can minimize complications and misunderstandings that may arise while working with subcontractors by taking the following precautions:

• Request a lien waiver to protect yourself if the primary HVAC contractor fails to pay the subcontractors on time.
• Ensure the subcontractors have the necessary bonding and insurance to protect you if an accident occurs.
• Ensure the subcontractors are licensed and have the experience to handle their assigned tasks.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Durham HVAC Contractor?

HVAC contractors in Durham are not legally required to carry general liability insurance coverage. However, they must carry workers' compensation insurance coverage for their employees, if any. Nevertheless, confirming your intended HVAC contractor has an active general liability insurance policy is advisable before starting a project involving an HVAC system in Durham. Doing this will protect you from incurring any liability during the project.

Furthermore, before signing a contract, request proof of the HVAC contractor's insurance coverage. You can authenticate the proof with the issuing insurance provider.

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

A reputable HVAC contractor will typically provide a variety of warranties that cover the materials used in their work and their workmanship. These warranties typically last up to two years for workmanship and about five to ten years for materials. The warranties' specific coverage will vary depending on the type of equipment and the contractor. Thus, before hiring, confirm that your HVAC contractor will offer you warranties and request copies to review the terms thoroughly.

Avoid hiring an HVAC contractor who refuses to offer a written copy of their warranty or who does not offer warranties. This typically indicates that the individual is unqualified.