Hvac Contractor Requirements in Texas (2026)
Complete guide to hvac contractor requirements in Texas. Class A is unlimited; Class B caps out at 25 tons cooling and 1.5M BTU heating. 48 months of practical experience in the last 72 months required (or 36 months plus 12 months as certified technician).
- ACR Contractor Class A (unlimited tonnage)
- ACR Contractor Class B (<=25 tons cooling, <=1.5M BTU/hr heating)
- ACR Certified Technician
Insurance minimum: $300,000 per occurrence property damage / $300,000 bodily injury per occurrence / $100,000 contractual liability.
Last verified: 2026-04-18.
Class A is unlimited; Class B caps out at 25 tons cooling and 1.5M BTU heating. 48 months of practical experience in the last 72 months required (or 36 months plus 12 months as certified technician). Issued by: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), Air Conditioning and Refrigeration program. A licensing exam is required. Minimum 4 years of experience required.
Visit official licensing websiteQuick Facts
License Type
Hvac Contractor
Estimated Total Cost
$200 - $1,500 (varies by jurisdiction)
Processing Time
2-8 weeks typical
Renewal Period
1-2 years (varies)
How to Get Your Hvac Contractor in Texas
Register your business entity
Register your LLC or corporation with the Texas Secretary of State. You'll need this before applying for any licenses.
Obtain your EIN
Apply for a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. This is free and can be done online at irs.gov.
Meet experience requirements
Texas requires verifiable experience in the trade. The minimum is 4 years.
Pass required exams
Texas requires passing a licensing exam. Study materials are typically available from the testing provider.
Get required insurance
Obtain general liability insurance (typically $500K-$1M minimum) and workers' compensation insurance if you have employees.
Obtain surety bond if required
Check if Texas or your local jurisdiction requires a surety bond. Your insurance agent can help with this.
Submit your license application
File your application with Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), Air Conditioning and Refrigeration program along with all required documentation and fees.
Register for state and local taxes
Register for Texas sales tax and any applicable local business taxes.
Insurance Requirements in Texas
Minimum: $500,000 - $1,000,000 (varies by jurisdiction)
Required in most states when you have 1+ employees
$5,000 - $25,000 bond required in some states and cities
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This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Licensing requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements with Texas's official licensing board and consult a local attorney for legal questions. Last updated: April 2026.