Get Quotes from Top HVAC Contractors in Reno, NV

Questions to Ask Before Hiring an HVAC Contractor in Reno

Often referred to as the Biggest Little City in the World, Reno is a popular tourist hub famous for its thriving casino industry, outdoor recreational options, and entertainment and nightlife scene. The city's semi-arid desert climate with hot, dry summers and cool winters means residents and visitors have to rely on functional HVACR systems to ensure comfortable indoor conditions. Thankfully, over 700 licensed and insured heating and cooling professionals operate in Reno. These technicians are skilled in installing, repairing, and upgrading all types of HVACR systems, including ACs, furnaces, refrigeration units, ventilation systems, heat pumps, ducts, and heaters.

However, verifying other details besides their license status and insurance coverage before hiring an HVAC contractor is smart. You should also consider their specialization, local reputation, and service rates. This will help you avoid fraudulent contractors who may run away with your money or leave your project unfinished.

As such, we recommend that you always ask the following questions to ensure you pick the right person to handle your HVAC job:

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

Unprofessional installation and improper maintenance can adversely impact your HVAC systems and equipment. This, in turn, can affect the overall comfort and livability of your home, commercial property, or working space and even increase your energy bills. Hiring a licensed and experienced HVAC contractor for these tasks ensures the work will be done efficiently, safely, and in accordance with internationally-recognized standards and locally adopted codes, saving you both time and money.

Therefore, always call professional Reno HVAC contractors for your HVAC projects, regardless of their work scope. Examples of these projects include the following:

  • New building HVAC system design and installation
  • Central AC and ductless mini-split systems installation, maintenance, and repair
  • Furnace/heat pump installation, tune-up, and repair
  • Energy-efficient HVAC system upgrades
  • Duct cleaning and indoor air quality improvement services

Are You Licensed as an HVAC Contractor in Reno?

A state-issued license is required to perform heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC/HVAC-R) work in Reno for residential and commercial properties. The Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) issues this license and currently offers interested HVAC contractors two license options based on their respective areas of specialization:

  • Classification C-1 Plumbing and Heating Contracting License
  • Classification C-21 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning License

Contracting for or performing HVAC work in Reno without an appropriate NSCB-issued license is a misdemeanor, punishable by fines of at least $1,000 and jail time of up to six months for first offenders. Penalties are steeper for subsequent violations.

Reno HVAC contractors who wish to be licensed by the NSCB must have the following qualifications:

  • At least four years of relevant work experience in the specific license classification being applied for. Classification C-21 applicants must also provide proof of completing Section 608 certification with an EPA-approved organization.
  • An acceptable score in the NSCB's licensing examination
  • A clear criminal background check

Always engage NSCB-licensed HVAC contractors for your heating, cooling, and refrigeration work; this is the only way to ensure that an aptly qualified professional will handle your project.

You can check whether the NSCB has appropriately licensed your prospective Reno HVAC contractors to provide your required services through its License Search tool.

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

The cost of HVAC services in Reno generally ranges from $250 to $11,000, depending on variables like the following:

  • The specific nature and scope of the job
  • The type, brand, and size of the HVAC system and equipment
  • Your building's layout and the location of the HVAC units
  • The labor intensity of the job
  • The costs of permits, necessary renovations, and other miscellaneous expenses

We recommend requesting and comparing quotes from several local HVAC contractors to get a fair estimate of your project's overall cost and avoid being scammed by fraudulent contractors that inflate their rates.

Will My HVAC Project Require a Permit in Reno?

A building permit is usually required for work involving heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems in Reno. The Reno Development Services Department issues these permits.

Permit exemptions may be made for work involving the following:

  • Portable heating or ventilation appliances
  • Portable cooling units and evaporative coolers
  • Self-contained refrigeration systems that do not contain more than 10 pounds of refrigerant and are operated by one-horsepower motors or less

You can get more information on pulling permits for HVAC projects in Reno by contacting the Reno Development Services Department's Building and Safety Division at (775) 334-2063 or make your queries in person at

Reno City Hall
1 E. First Street
2nd Floor
Reno, NV 89505

What Type of HVAC Services Do You Offer in Reno?

Reno HVAC contractors typically provide a broad range of services to keep heating and cooling systems and equipment operating efficiently and effectively. Be aware that these contractors usually charge a minimum service fee ranging from $75 to $200 and have hourly labor rates falling between $100 and $150. Some of the services commonly offered by Reno HVAC contractors include the following:

Air Conditioner Installation:
$3,600 - $10,000
Air Conditioner Repair:
$85 - $1,000
Furnace Installation:
$2,700 - $7,500
Furnace Repair:
$95 - $2,250
Whole House Humidifier Installation:
$370 - $550
Thermostat Installation:
$125 - $145
Central Air Purifier Installation:
$950 - $1,350

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

Although licensed HVAC contractors generally have the experience and expertise to handle HVAC projects by themselves, they may sometimes need to subcontract work to other skilled professionals, especially for larger projects like AC unit installations in new or renovated apartment complexes or upgrading a commercial facility's entire HVAC system. Therefore, before engaging the services of Reno HVAC contractors, it is essential to determine whether the contractor you are negotiating with will perform the work themselves or outsource it to subcontractors.

If subcontractors will be involved in your project, we recommend that you take the following measures to prevent issues down the line:

  • Verify that each subcontractor is appropriately licensed and experienced.
  • Confirm each subcontractor's bond and insurance coverage.
  • Obtain lien waivers to protect yourself from liability if the HVAC contractor defaults on the subcontractors' payments.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Reno HVAC Contractor?

Reno HVAC contractors are mandated to maintain surety bonds ranging from $1,000 to $500,000 during the validity period of their state-issued licenses. The specific bond amount for each contractor is determined by the Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) during the licensing process. Ensure that your prospective HVAC contractor has sufficient liability insurance coverage to protect you from liability in case work-related accidents or property damage take place during your HVAC project.

Always confirm that your intended HVAC contractor is adequately insured and bonded before committing to them. An effective way of doing this is by asking for copies of their insurance and bond certificates. For questions concerning bonding and insurance for Reno HVAC contractors, you can contact the NSCB at (702) 486-1100 or via email.

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

Always confirm that you will be offered a warranty for provided services before finalizing hiring agreements with your intended Reno HVAC contractor. These warranties are crucial, as they generally cover the HVAC contractor's workmanship for one to two years and any purchased and installed parts and equipment for five to ten years. However, be aware that your HVAC contractor and the materials used for the project will determine your warranty's specific scope and conditions.

Therefore, always request a written copy of any warranty you are offered and carefully review its terms. Never hire HVAC contractors who do not offer warranties or are reluctant to provide written copies.

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

If you are dealing with subpar HVAC services, dishonest contractors, or other HVAC-related issues in Reno, you can file a complaint on the matter with the Nevada Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection. You can do this online or by calling their toll-free hotline at (888) 434-9989.

You can also file complaints with the Nevada State Contractors Board by submitting a Licensed Contractor Complaint Form or an Unlicensed Contractor Complaint Form, as applicable, to the Board's Northern Nevada Office at

5390 Kietzke lane
Suite 102
Reno, NV 89511