Get Quotes from Top HVAC Contractors in Greensboro, NC

Questions to Ask Before Hiring an HVAC Contractor in Greensboro

Greensboro is a popular destination for families and fun seekers because of its natural beauty, rich history, especially its role in the civil rights movement, and thriving dining and shopping scene. Though Greensboro's temperate climate makes it a great place to enjoy outdoor activities, the summer months, especially July and August, can get really hot, making functioning and efficient HVAC systems a necessity to keep residents and visitors comfortable. Thankfully, over 1,300 qualified HVAC contractors in Greensboro are ready to help with any of your heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) issues.

You should verify a few things when looking for a reputable HVAC contractor in Greensboro to install, repair, or upgrade your heating or cooling equipment, including the contractor's experience, specialization, license status, insurance coverage, and rates. As such, asking the following questions before engaging any contractor is wise to ensure you pick the best person for the job:

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

The livability and comfort of your home and office depend on the efficient operation of your HVAC systems. Hiring the right HVAC contractor to install, repair, and maintain your HVAC system can help it perform at its best. Typically, these professionals are highly knowledgeable about the various building codes like the North Carolina Building Code, local amendments to this code, and other relevant ventilation and indoor air quality standards. Following these codes and standards ensures that your HVAC project is carried out safely and can help you save money on energy costs.

Always hire a licensed and experienced Greensboro HVAC contractor when planning on dealing with any of these types of work:

  • Installation, maintenance, and repair of an air-conditioning unit
  • Upgrades to an energy-efficient HVAC system
  • Cleaning and repair of air duct
  • Installation, tune-ups, and repair of furnace/fireplace

Are You Licensed as an HVAC Contractor in Greensboro?

In Greensboro, individuals interested in bidding for or providing heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) services must obtain a license from the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contractors. Similarly, HVAC contractors who install, repair, maintain, or service refrigerating machines or equipment must obtain a license from the North Carolina State Board of Refrigeration Contractors (NCSBRC). It is a misdemeanor to perform HVAC work without a license in the city, and violators are subject to penalties to be determined by the state licensing boards.

The State Board of Refrigeration Contractors offers four types of license:

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

Likewise, the State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contractors offers three groups and two classes of licenses in Greensboro:

Groups:

  • 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.

Classes:

  • Class 1 allows you to work in any home or building
  • Class 2 only allows you to work in single-family homes

Interested contractors seeking a license from any of the state licensing boards must attend formal HVAC apprenticeship programs, provide proof of work experience of at least 18 months, and pass a state-administered exam and background check. In addition, HVAC contractors applying for a license to work with equipment or devices that contain refrigerants must obtain a federally-mandated certification at an EPA-approved agency.

So, when choosing an HVAC contractor for your HVAC project, verify they have the appropriate licenses and the proper training to deliver satisfactory services. To confirm the licensing status of your prospective HVAC contractors, you can use the State Board of Refrigeration Contractors' and the Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating & Fire Sprinkler Contractors' Search Licensee Database and License Search platforms, respectively.

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

Depending on the scope and cost of materials for each HVAC project, average heating and air conditioning services in Greensboro may range from around $250 to $16,500. However, other factors may influence the actual cost of a project, including the following:

  • The costs of pulling a permit
  • The building layout
  • The nature and scope of the project
  • The types of HVAC equipment and appliances involved
  • The complexity and labor intensity of the job
  • Miscellaneous costs, like post-project renovation expenses

Getting and comparing quotes from multiple HVAC contractors in Greensboro is an excellent way to get a fair project estimate and avoid getting ripped off by dishonest individuals.

Will My HVAC Project Require a Permit in Greensboro?

Any HVAC project that involves installing, altering, modifying, repairing, or replacing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems and equipment in Greensboro requires a mechanical permit. Likewise, any commercial refrigeration equipment assembled at the project's site requires a mechanical permit. Through its Development Services Division, the Greensboro Department of Engineering and Inspections issues permits to homeowners or to their hired HVAC contractors.

The city's Development Services Division can provide more information regarding permit requirements for your HVAC project and answer any other permit-related questions. You can contact this division at

Development Services
300 W. Washington Street
Greensboro, NC 27401
Phone: (336)373-2155
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

What Type of HVAC Services Do You Offer in Greensboro?

HVAC contractors in Greensboro provide different heating, cooling, and ventilation (HVAC) services to customers, including the following:

Air Conditioner Installation:
$3,405 - $4,481
Air Conditioner Repair:
$70 - $900
Furnace Installation:
$2,300 - $6,700
Furnace Repair:
$80 - $1,650
Whole House Humidifier Installation:
$352 - $414
Thermostat Installation:
$119 - $136
Central Air Purifier Installation:
$899 - $1,239

Be aware that you may be charged a service fee of $55 - $250 and an additional rate of $100 - $150 per hour.

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

When planning a project for your HVAC system, confirming if any outsourcing will take place is important. Although most licensed HVAC contractors in Greensboro can handle the tasks themselves, they may need help from other professionals, especially for large-scale projects. If you confirm that the work will be outsourced, follow these steps to ensure the project is completed without problems:

  • Verify that all HVAC contractors have the appropriate licenses and experience.
  • Confirm their insurance status.
  • Request a lien waiver to protect yourself if the primary HVAC contractor refuses to pay the agreed-upon rates or delays payment to the subcontracted workers.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Greensboro HVAC Contractor?

Greensboro HVAC contractors are not required to carry commercial general liability insurance, but they must carry workers' compensation insurance coverage for their employees, if applicable. Nevertheless, you should only hire an HVAC contractor with adequate insurance coverage to protect you from incurring any financial liability due to third parties' bodily injuries or property damages that occurred while they worked on your property.

Therefore, always confirm your intended HVAC contractors' insurance status before signing the contract. To do this, you can request proof of their insurance policy. Take further steps by contacting the relevant insurance provider to authenticate their proof.

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

Reputable and trustworthy HVAC contractors always provide warranties covering their workmanship for one to two years and materials for five to ten years. You should be wary of any contractors who seem unwilling to do so. Also, it is important to note that the validity period and scope of these warranties are determined by the contractors who offer them and the equipment and materials being covered.

Consequently, before hiring an HVAC contractor in Greensboro, confirm that they offer warranties. You should also request a written copy of any warranty you are offered and carefully review its terms and conditions.

How Do I Resolve Any Issue I Have with Your HVAC Services in Greensboro?

If you have concerns about the services provided by an HVAC contractor in Greensboro, you can file a consumer complaint with the Consumer Protection Division of the North Carolina Department of Justice by completing an online general consumer complaint form.

You can also report issues concerning a Greensboro HVAC contractor to the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contractors by completing an online complaint form. On the other hand, you can file complaints against a refrigeration-related HVAC professional with the North Carolina State Board of Refrigeration Contractors by completing a complaint form and sending it by mail to

State Board of Refrigeration Examiners
1027 US 70 Highway
Suite 221
Garner, NC 27529