Get Quotes from Top HVAC Contractors in Milwaukee, WI

Questions to Ask Before Hiring an HVAC Contractor in Milwaukee

Located along Lake Michigan's shores, Milwaukee is known for its Bucks, famous breweries, historic landmarks, and fascinating attractions like the Mitchell Park Domes, Milwaukee Public Market, Historic Third Ward, and the Pabst Mansion. Summers are warm, and winters are freezing and snowy in Milwaukee. This climate requires residents to maintain functional heating and cooling systems to ensure comfortable indoor conditions in any season. Luckily, over 1,600 HVACR specialists in the Milwaukee area are ready to help with the installation or repair of all types of HVAC units.

Per Wisconsin law, contractors who install or maintain heaters, furnaces, ACs, ventilation units, and refrigeration systems must hold a state-issued license. Therefore, you should verify your contractor's license status, specialization, and insurance coverage before hiring. It is also important to compare your HVAC contractor's quote with other contractors' rates in the city. All these factors will determine your level of satisfaction with your contractor's work.

As such, you should ask the following questions to ensure you pick the best person for the job:

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

You can save money and have your HVAC work done efficiently, safely, and in compliance with local construction and safety laws and generally accepted ventilation and indoor air quality standards by hiring a skilled and experienced HVAC contractor. Hence, it is recommended that you contact a skilled Milwaukee HVAC professional if you experience any of the following issues:

  • HVAC system design and installation for new buildings
  • Air conditioner installation, upkeep, and repair
  • Duct cleaning and indoor air quality improvement
  • Furnace Installation, maintenance, and repair
  • Upgrades to energy-efficient HVAC systems

It is crucial to understand that poor HVAC installations and negligent maintenance not only drive up your energy expenses but also reduce your equipment's lifespan and how comfortable your home is.

Are You Licensed as an HVAC Contractor in Milwaukee?

The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) handles HVAC licensing in Milwaukee. To apply for a license, applicants must meet all requirements, including four years of experience and education as an HVAC technician. Additionally, you must pay fees that consist of a $15 application fee and a $160 credential fee, based on a term of 4 years starting from the date of issuance.

Unlicensed contracting in Milwaukee is a misdemeanor, typically carrying some form of fine and possible jail time. To verify your HVAC contractor's license, use the DSPS License Look-up. For more information about HVAC licensing in Milwaukee, contact the DSPS at

Department of Safety and Professional Services
4822 Madison Yards Way
Madison, WI 53705
Phone: (608) 266-2112

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

According to various factors, the price of HVAC services in Milwaukee can range from $1,737.00 to $2,070.00. These factors include the following:

  • The design of your building and the price of any renovations required
  • The labor intensity level
  • The kind, brand, and dimensions of the HVAC system and accessories
  • The nature and parameters of the work
  • The cost of necessary licenses and extras like smart thermostats and dehumidifiers
  • Where the HVAC system is located both inside and outside the building

Getting estimates for your HVAC project from several Milwaukee HVAC contractors and comparing their rates is a great way to figure out the project's expected cost. Handle quotations that stand out from the others with care. Comparing rates also has the benefit of helping you spot dishonest contractors who try to deceive naive clients by inflating their estimates.

Will My HVAC Project Require a Permit in Milwaukee?

The Milwaukee Permit and Development Center handles HVAC permits in Milwaukee. A permit is required for all air conditioning work in the city. You can submit building plans by mail or drop them off at the center's office:

Permits and Development Center
809 North Broadway
First Floor,
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Phone: (414) -286-8210

What Type of HVAC Services Do You Offer in Milwaukee?

To have your heating and cooling systems running efficiently and smoothly, professional HVAC contractors in Milwaukee often offer a wide range of services. Professionals can typically provide services like the following:

Air Conditioner Installation:
$3,637.83 - $4,787.26
Air Conditioner Repair:
$84.73 - $97.02
Furnace Installation:
$2,751.30 - $3,463.58
Furnace Repair:
$96.81 - $127.38
Window Air Conditioning Installation:
$229.28 - $259.85
Whole House Humidifier Installation:
$376.01 - $443.27
Thermostat Installation:
$127.38 - $145.72
Central Air Purifier Installation:
$960.92 - $1,323.68

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

Although many qualified HVAC contractors can handle HVAC jobs by themselves, they might need to subcontract some work to other professionals. This typically happens for very large commercial projects, such as installing air conditioners in newly built or renovated condo buildings or overhauling a hotel's HVAC system. Therefore, before hiring any Milwaukee HVAC contractor, you should determine whether they will do the work themselves or subcontract it. Furthermore, ensure that this is specified in the contract you sign with your HVAC contractor.

If third parties will be involved in your project, take the following actions to avoid issues with these subcontractors:

  • Find out who the subcontractors are.
  • Verify their credentials, training, and licensing.
  • Verify their bond and insurance information.
  • Insist on obtaining lien waivers to shield yourself from responsibility if the HVAC contractor fails to pay the subcontractors on time.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Milwaukee HVAC Contractor?

Wisconsin's Department of Safety and Professional Services does not require HVAC Contractors or HVAC Qualifiers to have insurance to be able to apply for a license. Nevertheless, it is crucial to ensure your HVAC contractor is covered by general liability insurance and property damage insurance. On the other hand, every employer operating in Wisconsin must have worker's compensation insurance coverage from an insurance company authorized to write such insurance.

It is important to ask for copies of the insurance certificates of any prospective HVAC contractors and check these documents with the issuing insurance companies before signing any contract.

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

Warranties are an essential factor to consider when choosing HVAC providers since they guarantee that, should anything go wrong after the job is finished, you will not have to spend extra money fixing the problem. As such, always confirm that you will receive a warranty before signing a contract with your selected contractor. These types of warranties typically cover the purchased and installed parts and equipment for five to ten years and the labor of the HVAC contractor for at least one to two years.

The HVAC contractor and the type of materials used define the specific terms and conditions of these warranties. So, you should always request a written copy of the warranty to review its terms thoroughly. Beware if any contractor is reluctant to discuss warranties or states that they don't offer them outright.

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

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection responds to concerns about subpar HVAC services and other issues with HVAC contractors. Milwaukee residents can file a complaint with this office online or by calling its toll-free hotline at (800) 422-7128.

You can also file complaints against HVAC contractors with the Wisconsin Department of Justice's Consumer Protection Hotline at (800) 998-0700 or (608) 266-1852.