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).
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 websiteLicense Type
Hvac Contractor
Estimated Total Cost
$200 - $1,500 (varies by jurisdiction)
Processing Time
2-8 weeks typical
Renewal Period
1-2 years (varies)
Register your LLC or corporation with the Texas Secretary of State. You'll need this before applying for any licenses.
Apply for a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. This is free and can be done online at irs.gov.
Texas requires verifiable experience in the trade. The minimum is 4 years.
Texas requires passing a licensing exam. Study materials are typically available from the testing provider.
Obtain general liability insurance (typically $500K-$1M minimum) and workers' compensation insurance if you have employees.
Check if Texas or your local jurisdiction requires a surety bond. Your insurance agent can help with this.
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 Texas sales tax and any applicable local business taxes.
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
Our AI compliance assistant creates a personalized checklist for your specific situation in Texas.
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.