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

Choosing a licensed and professional HVAC contractor will complete your project more quickly, safely, and in line with local building codes, ventilation specifications, and indoor air quality standards. Hence, you should seek a qualified Pittsburgh HVAC contractor if you require any of the following services:

• AC installation, maintenance, and repair
• Furnace installation, maintenance, and repair
• HVAC system design and installation for new buildings
• Duct maintenance and indoor air quality improvement
• Upgrading to and maintaining energy-efficient HVAC systems

Are You Licensed as an HVAC Contractor in Pittsburgh?

Pittsburgh requires HVAC contractors to hold an HVAC Contractor License to install, repair, alter, or replace any mechanical system within the city. This license is referred to as a trade license and is issued to individuals, not companies, by the Pittsburgh Department of Permits, Licenses and Inspections (PLI). A trade license applicant must submit the following documents during the application process:

• A certificate of having passed a specified test
• Documentation proving a minimum of six years' worth of education and experience.
• A valid government-issued photo ID.

HVAC contractors can use the OneStopPGH online platform to apply for the HVAC trade license. Be aware that, in Pittsburgh, operating without a license is a crime that carries a $1,000 or higher fine. Use the OneStopPGH web platform's search function to confirm the HVAC contractor's license.

For more information about HVAC contractor licensing in Pittsburgh, reach out to the PLI at

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

The cost of HVAC services in Pittsburgh ranges from $2,156 to $10,780, depending on several important factors:

• The amount of labor necessary to complete the job
• The cost of necessary permits
• The design of your building and the cost of any adjustments that may be required
• The kind, make, and characteristics of the HVAC system
• The nature and scope of the work
• The cost of additional equipment like dehumidifiers and smart thermostats

We recommend you get quotes for your HVAC project from various Pittsburgh HVAC companies and compare them to get a better estimate of the project's cost. Take every quote that sticks out from the others with a grain of salt. Making these comparisons will also allow you to identify dishonest contractors trying to defraud unsuspecting clients by inflating their rates.

Will My HVAC Project Require a Permit in Pittsburgh?

The Pittsburgh Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections (PLI) handles HVAC permits in Pittsburgh. Depending on the type of project, a Commercial HVAC (Mechanical) permit or a Residential HVAC permit will be required. Commercial or residential HVAC work permits are also required for new construction and alteration projects and for the following jobs on commercial or residential buildings or structures:

• Renovation and fixing of fuel gas or mechanical systems
• Extension or alteration of an existing fuel gas or mechanical system
• Installation of new fuel gas or mechanical systems

A mechanical permit is not required for some tasks, including the following:

• A portable air conditioner, evaporative cooler, portable heating device, or portable ventilation equipment
• Replacement of any small component that does not affect equipment approval or renders it unsafe
• Any heating or cooling equipment's steam, hot, or chilled water pipe as stipulated by the Unified Construction Code
• A self-contained refrigeration system that uses motors with no more than one horsepower and less than 10 pounds of refrigerant to operate

Permit applications are usually accepted either electronically through the OneStopPGH portal or in physical format through the OneStopPGH counter. Before applying, ensure that you meet all necessary requirements. You will be issued a permit after your application is reviewed and approved.

What Type of HVAC Services Do You Offer in Pittsburgh?

HVAC experts in Pittsburgh frequently offer various services to ensure that your heating and cooling systems operate efficiently and effectively. These experts frequently provide services like the following:

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

Even though many knowledgeable HVAC contractors can handle HVAC projects on their own, they may need to assign some jobs to other professionals. This typically occurs in large-scale projects, such as installing air conditioners in recently erected or renovated condo buildings or overhauling a hotel's HVAC system. Regardless of this, before committing, you should always ask if the Pittsburgh HVAC company you are negotiating with will handle the project internally or outsource itt.

Take the following steps if your project will be outsourced to prevent problems with your subcontractors:

• Verify their education, experience, and licensing.
• Check their bonding and insurance.
• Always request lien waivers to protect yourself from liability if the primary HVAC contractor doesn't pay the subcontractors on time.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Pittsburgh HVAC Contractor?

General liability insurance is required for HVAC contractors to operate in Pittsburgh and must be less than $300,000. State law also mandates maintaining workers' compensation insurance, if applicable. Make sure your contractor has an affidavit of exemption if they don't require workers' compensation insurance.

You should obtain copies of any prospective HVAC contractor's bond and insurance certificates and verify them with the relevant insurance companies before signing any contract. This deters contractors from making fictitious insurance claims.

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

Warranties are a critical factor to consider when comparing HVAC companies because they give you peace of mind that, should something go wrong after a project is finished, you won't have to spend more money to fix it. Therefore, before signing a contract with your intended contractor, ensure that they will provide you with a warranty. These types of warranties include the HVAC contractor's labor, which is normally covered for at least one to two years, and the purchased and installed equipment, which is typically guaranteed for five to ten years.

Note that the HVAC contractor and relevant documentation will determine the specific conditions and terms of these warranties. Therefore, always request a written copy of any warranty you are offered and carefully read its terms. If a contractor is hesitant to discuss warranties or makes it clear that they won't provide one, you may want to reconsider hiring them.