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Questions to Ask Before Hiring an HVAC Contractor in Memphis

Its blues, soul, and rock 'n' roll music heritage and iconic landmarks like the Stax Museum of American Soul Music and Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley, are part of what gives Memphis its charm. Nevertheless, the city's humid subtropical climate, with its hot summers and cold winters, means residents require functional heating and cooling systems to stay comfortable throughout the year. Thankfully, over 1,900 qualified HVAC contractors are ready to help you install, repair, and maintain your heaters, heat pumps, AC, ducts, furnaces, ventilation units, or refrigeration systems.

First of all, regardless of the reason for hiring an HVAC contractor in Memphis, verifying your prospective HVAC contractor's area of specialization, license status, insurance coverage, and quote for the job is important. These factors will determine your satisfaction with their services. So, it is recommended that you ask the following questions to ensure you pick the right professional for your project:

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

When you hire an HVAC contractor with vast experience and an appropriate license to work at your home or office, you can be sure they will provide the best possible service. These professionals can install, maintain, and upgrade your heating, ventilation, or cooling systems and help you lower your energy bills. They follow specific safety and efficiency standards and regulations like the Tennessee Mechanical Code and other air quality and ventilation standards, giving you peace of mind regarding the safety of your loved ones or workers and knowing that you are investing in quality services.

So, you should always hire an experienced and licensed HVAC contractor in Memphis to handle projects that involve tasks such as the following:

  • Installation, repair, maintenance, and replacement of air conditioner and furnace
  • Duct cleaning and safety inspection
  • Energy-efficient HVAC system upgrade
  • Design and installation of new building HVAC system
  • Installation, repair, maintenance, or replacement of air conditioner unit
  • Cleaning, replacement, and repair of air duct
  • Installation of air quality purification system

Are You Licensed as an HVAC Contractor in Memphis?

In Memphis, HVAC contractors must possess a valid license before they can bid or provide services worth $25,000 or more to residents. The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, through the Tennessee Board of Licensing, issues HVAC licenses to eligible individuals in the city. In addition, any HVAC contractor who intends to pull a permit in Memphis must register their license with the Memphis and Shelby County Office of Construction Code Enforcement. Be aware that any HVAC contractor engaging in work without a proper license faces a misdemeanor charge punishable by a fine of up to $5,000.

There are two classifications of licenses for HVAC contractors in Tennessee.

  • CMC — Full Mechanical Contractor: This requires completing training in both HVAC and plumbing. Before applicants can take the licensing exam required to obtain this license, they must get Board approval.
  • CMC-C — Mechanical – HVAC/Refrigeration Contractor: This license type does not require approval from the Board before taking the licensing exam. It allows a licensed contractor to work on commercial refrigeration units and install solar thermal or geothermal systems for air conditioning, heating, and ventilating.

To be eligible for this license, interested individuals must meet the following requirements:

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Have a GED or high school diploma.
  • Gain the required work experience and hours of classroom instruction
  • Take the relevant journeyman license test in the city
  • Pass a Business and Law exam and a statewide trade exam
  • Obtain a federally-mandated certification at an EPA-approved agency for contractors that will be working with refrigerants

Before hiring an HVAC contractor in Memphis, it is best to verify their licensing status. You can verify using the Tennessee Board of Licensing's License Search and Verification portal. Similarly, to confirm if your licensed HVAC contractor can pull permits for your HVAC project, you can contact the Memphis and Shelby County Office of Construction Code Enforcement Licensing Section at (901) 222-8390.

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

In Memphis, the cost of an air-conditioning project typically ranges from around $200 to $15,500. However, the actual cost can vary depending on various factors, such as the following:

  • The nature and scope of the project
  • The type, brand, and size of the HVAC system and equipment involved
  • The building layout and the location of the HVAC unit inside and outside the building
  • The cost of pulling permits, additional materials, and necessary renovations
  • The urgency and complexity of the job
  • Your location within the city

Therefore, before hiring an HVAC contractor in Memphis, it is important to get and compare quotes from multiple contractors. This will allow you to assess the project's cost and avoid getting ripped off by contractors who may be overcharging you.

Will My HVAC Project Require a Permit in Memphis?

In Memphis, you will require a mechanical permit for any work that involves installing, altering, or repairing HVAC systems. The Memphis and Shelby County Office of Construction Code Enforcement handles applications for mechanical permits in the city. The office only issues these permits to licensed contractors with valid county registration and property owners.

To learn more about the permitting process for HVAC projects in Memphis, please contact the Memphis and Shelby County Office of Construction Code Enforcement at (901) 222-8396.

What Type of HVAC Services Do You Offer in Memphis?

A licensed and experienced heating, ventilation, and air conditioning contractor in Memphis can help you maintain the efficiency of your HVAC system by providing various services, including, but not limited to, the following:

Air Conditioner Installation:
$4,400 - $11,500
Air Conditioner Repair:
$100 - $1,000
Furnace Installation:
$3,325 - $8,000
Furnace Repair:
$120 - $2,250
Whole House Humidifier Installation:
$455 - $650
Thermostat Installation:
$155 - $175
Central Air Purifier Installation:
$1,165 - $1,610

Note that most HVAC contractors charge an hourly labor rate of around $100 to $150 and a minimum service fee of around $55 to $200.

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

Many reputable HVAC contractors in the Memphis area are qualified to handle projects independently. However, when working on more complex projects, like those pertaining industrial buildings, they may need to subcontract work to third parties. Hence, before signing a contract, it is important that you confirm if your prospective HVAC contractor will subcontract your project to other contractors. If they will, we recommend that you take the following steps:

  • Ensure the subcontractors are licensed and have the necessary skills to carry out the tasks.
  • Confirm the subcontractors have the necessary insurance coverage.
  • Request a lien waiver to protect yourself from liability if the primary HVAC contractor fails to pay the subcontractors on time.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Memphis HVAC Contractor?

HVAC contractors must carry general liability insurance coverage not exceeding $100,000. When hiring an HVAC contractor in Memphis, it is best only to hire professionals with adequate general liability insurance to protect you from incurring costs in case of third-party property damage or bodily injuries.

Therefore, before working with an HVAC contractor in Memphis, make sure to verify they have the necessary insurance coverage. You can get more information on HVAC contractors' insurance requirements by contacting the Memphis and Shelby County Office of Construction Code Enforcement Licensing Section at (901) 222-8390.

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

Consider that HVAC contractors should offer warranties for their HVAC services. These warranties usually cover the contractor's services for one to two years and the installed parts and equipment for five to ten years. However, the terms and conditions of this coverage vary depending on the contractor and the materials. Avoid getting into a contract with an HVAC contractor who does not offer warranties.

So, before hiring an HVAC contractor, ensure they will provide written warranties. Requesting copies of the contractor's warranties is best to review them carefully and avoid voiding them.

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

You can file a complaint against a fraudulent HVAC contractor or their subpar services in Memphis with the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance through its CORE platform.

You can also report a fraudulent HVAC contractor in Memphis to the Tennessee Attorney General's Office through its Division of Consumer Affairs (DCA) by completing an online complaint form.