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What Do I Need to Know Before Hiring an HVAC Contractor in Winston-Salem?

When it comes to performing work on your home's air conditioning, heating, and ventilation systems in Winston-Salem, it is important to hire a licensed and professional HVAC contractor. These reputable contractors follow necessary regulations like the North Carolina Building Code, local amendments to this code, and other relevant ventilation and indoor air quality standards. They can also help you save money on your energy bills by up to 50 percent and improve the efficiency of your HVAC equipment.

You should seek the services of an experienced HVAC contractor for different types of HVAC work, including, but not limited to, the following:

• Heat pump repair
• Air quality testing
• Duct cleaning and air duct sealing
• Forced-air furnace installation and tune-ups
• Central AC installation, repair, and servicing
• 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 Winston-Salem?

Any individual who wishes to offer heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration services in Winston-Salem must first obtain a license from the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contractors. The State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contractors offers three groups and two classes of licenses to interested HVAC contractors in Winston-Salem:

Groups:

• Heating Group 1 – water-based heating systems in any building.
• Heating Group 2 – forced air heating and cooling units weighing more than 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

In addition, HVAC contractors who wish to install, repair, maintain, or service refrigerating machines or equipment must obtain a license from the North Carolina State Board of Refrigeration Contractors (NCSBRC). HVAC contractors can apply for four types of licenses through the State Board of Refrigeration Contractors:

• Commercial Refrigeration Contractor
• Industrial Refrigeration Contractor
• Service Refrigeration Contractor
• Transport Refrigeration Contractor

To be eligible for any of these state licenses, the applicant must attend a formal HVAC apprenticeship program, provide proof of having worked under a licensed HVAC contractor for at least 18 months, and pass a background check and a state-administered exam. Individuals planning to work with any equipment or appliances containing refrigerants must also obtain a federally-mandated certification at an EPA-approved agency.

We recommend that you confirm that your intended HVAC contractor has an appropriate license before completing the hiring process. 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, to confirm the licensing status of your preferred HVAC contractors.

Please note that any individual who provides HVAC work without a license in Winston-Salem is guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to penalties determined by the state licensing boards.

What Rates Do You Charge for Your HVAC Services in Winston-Salem?

In Winston-Salem, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) services can range from $200 to $13,000. The exact cost of your project will depend on several factors, such as the following:

• The nature and scope of your required services
• The urgency of the job
• The cost of pulling permits
• The type and size of HVAC equipment involved and the building layout
• The cost of necessary renovations and other miscellaneous expenses, like purchasing dehumidifiers, smart thermostats, and other HVAC-enhancing components

We recommend that you get and compare quotes from at least three HVAC contractors in Winston-Salem to get a fair estimate on the cost of your project. This will also help you identify potential scams.

Will My HVAC Project Require a Permit in Winston-Salem?

You must first obtain a permit from Winston-Salem's Inspections Division of the Planning and Development Services Department to alter, rebuild, or install any heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system or appliance in the city. Consider that you must submit necessary documents like building and construction plans when applying for permits.

To learn more about the process involved in obtaining a permit for your HVAC project in Winston-Salem, contact the city's Inspections Division of the Planning and Development Services Department at (336) 727-2624 or at their physical address at

What Type of HVAC Services Do You Offer in Winston-Salem?

Residents of Winston-Salem can rely on licensed and experienced HVAC contractors to provide a variety of services for their homes, offices, or facilities. Below are some examples of these services with cost estimates:

Please note that HVAC contractors typically charge a minimum service fee of around $50 to $200 and an hourly rate between $100 and $150.

Will You Be Doing the Work, or Do You Outsource the HVAC Work in Winston-Salem?

Although most HVAC contractors in Winston-Salem are experienced and licensed to handle their work independently, they may also subcontract work to other contractors for faster and more reliable results. Therefore, before hiring a contractor, you should ask them if they will be doing the actual work or if they will hire other HVAC subcontractors.

If your HVAC contractor decides to subcontract work, you should take the following steps to reduce the chance of misunderstandings and disagreements with the subcontractors:

• Confirm that the HVAC subcontractors have the appropriate license and experience.
• Confirm that the subcontractors are bonded and licensed.
• Request a lien waiver from the subcontractors to protect yourself if the primary HVAC contractor defaults on payments.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Winston-Salem HVAC Contractor?

HVAC contractors in Winston-Salem are not required to maintain general liability insurance coverage. Nevertheless, for protecting people and property, you should ensure that your prospective contractors carry general liability insurance for third-party injuries and property damage when planning an HVAC project in Winston-Salem. In addition, contractors must maintain state-mandated workers' compensation insurance coverage for their employees, if applicable.

Before engaging your prospective Winston-Salem HVAC contractors, always ask them for proof of insurance coverage and contact the relevant insurance provider to authenticate the insurance status.

Do You Offer Any Warranties on Your HVAC Work in Winston-Salem?

When choosing an HVAC contractor in Winston-Salem for your project, confirming that they offer warranties is important. The contractor usually provides a standard one-year or two-year warranty for their labor and a five to ten-year warranty for the equipment and materials installed.

However, the validity of the coverage varies depending on the contractor and the type of equipment and materials. So, before hiring an HVAC contractor in Winston-Salem, ask for copies of their warranties. Avoid hiring a contractor who refuses to discuss or offer warranties for their services.