Get Quotes from Top HVAC Contractors in Scottsdale, AZ

Questions to Ask Before Hiring an HVAC Contractor in Scottsdale

Nestled at the foot of the McDowell Mountains, Scottsdale's luxurious lifestyle, vibrant arts, and culture scene, and beautiful natural surroundings have earned it a reputation as one of Arizona's top relaxation and outdoor recreation destinations. However, with a desert climate that is generally sunny and dry throughout the year, having reliable and effective cooling systems is essential in keeping indoor weather comfortable. Fortunately, there are almost 6,000 HVACR mechanics in the Phoenix--Scottsdale area you can count on for your cooling and heating needs.

These professionals can help you install, repair, and maintain ventilation systems, ACs, refrigeration units, heaters, furnaces, and ducts. Nonetheless, when choosing an HVACR contractor in the city, you should verify their specialization, license status, insurance coverage, and rates they quoted for your job. These factors, among others, will determine the quality of service you get.

As such, it is wise to ask the following questions before hiring an HVAC contractor in Scottsdale:

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

Work involving heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems and equipment in Scottsdale should always be performed by licensed and professional HVAC contractors who follow the guidelines of the Scottsdale Building Codes and other relevant standards for ventilation and indoor air quality. This will ensure the work is done correctly and safely, increase the efficiency of your HVAC systems and equipment, and can even see your energy bills reduced by 20 – 50 percent.

Therefore, we recommend you contact a professional HVAC contractor when you need any of the following services:

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

Are You Licensed as an HVAC Contractor in Scottsdale?

Any person or firm that wishes to perform heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration work in Scottsdale must be licensed by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC). This agency offers different types of license categories, including the following:

  • R-39 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration: This license authorizes the installation and repair of comfort air conditioning systems, including refrigeration, evaporative cooling, ventilating, and heating (with or without solar) equipment, on residential structures.
  • C-39 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration: This license authorizes the installation, alteration, and repair of refrigeration and evaporative cooling systems, heating systems, and ventilation systems on non-residential structures.
  • CR-39 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration: HVAC contractors with this license can do work within the scope of both R-39 and C-39 licenses.

HVAC contractors who wish to be licensed by the ROC in any of the categories listed above must meet certain requirements, which include the following:

  • Having at least four years of hands-on experience
  • Passing a licensing examination
  • Passing a background check
  • Obtaining a federally-mandated Section 608 certification from an EPA-approved organization

Always ensure that the HVAC work you need will be done by a professional appropriately licensed by the ROC; otherwise, you risk receiving subpar services and falling victim to a scam. You can confirm the licensing status of your intended HVAC contractors in Scottsdale using the ROC's Contractor Search portal.

Be aware that performing heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration work in Scottsdale without being appropriately licensed by the ROC is unlawful and punishable by a minimum fine of $1,000.

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

HVAC services in Scottsdale typically cost between $200 and $10,000. However, the precise cost of your project will be determined primarily by several factors, like the following:

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

We recommend requesting quotes for your required services from several HVAC contractors and comparing their rates before hiring. By doing this, you can estimate your project's overall cost and identify dishonest contractors who mislead clients by inflating their rates.

Will My HVAC Project Require a Permit in Scottsdale?

You will need to obtain a permit from the Scottsdale Planning and Development Services Department to install, alter, reconstruct, or repair any furnace, refrigeration, or other air conditioning equipment or system in Scottsdale, excluding portable or window units. Note that, depending on the nature and scope of the project, you may be required to submit construction plans and other documentation for review before you are issued the requested permits.

You can contact the Scottsdale Planning and Development Services Department at (480) 312-2500 for additional information on the procedure and requirements for pulling permits for HVAC projects in Scottsdale. You can also direct permit-related inquiries in person to the department at

7447 E. Indian School Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85251

What Type of HVAC Services Do You Offer in Scottsdale?

Licensed and professional HVAC contractors in Scottsdale are equipped to offer a wide range of services to interested city residents. These services include, but are not limited to, the following:

Air Conditioner Installation:
$3,455 - $9,000
Air Conditioner Repair:
$80 - $1,000
Forced Air Furnace Installation:
$2,610 - $7,000
Forced Air Furnace Repair:
$90 - $2,000
Whole House Humidifier Installation:
$355 - $420
Thermostat Installation:
$120 - $135
Central Air Purifier Installation:
$910 - $1,260
Emergency repair services for unexpected breakdowns:
$100 - $200 (on top of regular charges)
Labor rates:
$70 - $150 per hour

Bear in mind that some HVAC contractors charge minimum service fees ranging from $50 to $200.

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

While licensed and professional HVAC contractors in Scottsdale are generally qualified to execute projects alone, they often outsource work to subcontractors for assistance and speedy work completion. Hence, it is crucial to find out whether your prospective HVAC contractor will be doing the work themselves or hiring subcontractors when planning your project. We recommend taking the following actions if your HVAC contractor will be outsourcing your work to reduce the chance of misunderstandings and issues with the subcontractors that will be involved:

  • Confirm that each subcontractor is aptly licensed, experienced, insured, and bonded.
  • Ask the subcontractors for lien waivers. This protects you if your main HVAC contractor reneges on their payment arrangement.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Scottsdale HVAC Contractor?

HVAC contractors in Scottsdale must post and file a contractor's bond of between $4,250 and $100,000 with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) before providing their services to interested city residents. The ROC determines the specific amount for each contractor based on their license classification and estimated volume of work. In addition, Scottsdale HVAC contractors must maintain state-mandated workers' compensation insurance for their employees, if any; it is also advisable to ensure that these professionals carry general liability insurance for third-party injuries and property damage.

Always ask prospective Scottsdale HVAC contractors for proof of bond and insurance coverage before engaging them. You can call the Arizona Registrar of Contractors at (602) 542-1525 and (877) 692-9762 for more information about Scottsdale HVAC contractors' bond and insurance requirements.

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

It is important to confirm that the HVAC contractor you intend to hire for your heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration work provides warranties for their services. HVAC warranties generally cover the contractor's labor for one to two years and the materials and equipment installed for about five to ten years; however, the validity period and coverage scope offered by any warranty you receive will be determined by your HVAC contractor and the equipment involved in the project. Consequently, you should always ask for a written copy of the warranty and carefully read its terms and conditions. Never hire an HVAC contractor who does not warrant their work or is hesitant to discuss warranties.

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

You can resolve issues involving unsatisfactory HVAC services and other HVAC contractor-related matters in Scottsdale by filing a complaint with the Arizona Attorney General's Office online or by submitting a consumer complaint form to the office via email, fax to (602)-542-4579, or mail to

Office of the Attorney General
Consumer Information and Complaints
2005 N Central Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85004

You can also file complaints involving Scottsdale HVAC contractors and their services with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors through its Online Customer Portal. Consider that you will have to register an account on this portal to file a complaint.