Alabama HVAC license lookup: how to check and get a license
Alabama HVAC license lookup: who issues HVAC contractor licenses (Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors), how to check one online, the license types, and 1,636 plumbing, heating and air-conditioning contractors by county.
Do HVAC contractors need a license in Alabama?
| Who licenses them | Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors |
|---|---|
| License types | Certified Heating and Air Conditioning Contractor, Certified Refrigeration Contractor |
| When a license is required | Certification required for HVAC installation, service or repair for others; owner work on own property exempt |
New HVAC/refrigeration contractors must post a $20,000 performance bond with the board, and homeowners can file a complaint within 24 months of the work and may claim against the bond. Refrigerant work also requires federal EPA Section 608 certification.
How do you look up an HVAC contractor's license in Alabama?
- Ask the HVAC contractor for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the Alabama HVAC license lookup run by Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors.
- Search by license number first. A name search can return several people or companies with similar names.
- Check that the status is active or current, that the license type covers your job, and that the name matches the company on your contract.
- If something doesn't match, ask the HVAC contractor about it before you sign or pay a deposit, or contact Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors.
What HVAC licenses does Alabama issue?
- Certified Heating and Air Conditioning Contractor
- Certified Refrigeration Contractor
How do you get a HVAC license in Alabama?
Licenses are issued by the Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors. Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
How many HVAC contractors are there in Alabama?
The Census Bureau counted 1,636 plumbing, heating and air-conditioning contractors with employees in Alabama in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Jefferson County | 220 |
|---|---|
| Mobile County | 135 |
| Baldwin County | 126 |
| Madison County | 124 |
| Shelby County | 95 |
| Tuscaloosa County | 59 |
| Morgan County | 59 |
| Lee County | 57 |
What do Alabama homes mean for heating and cooling work?
The median home in Alabama was built in 1985, 30% of households rent and 71% of homes are single-family houses. 26% of homes heat with utility gas and 67% with electricity.
How do you choose an HVAC contractor in Alabama?
- Check the state or local mechanical or HVAC license, and ask whether the technicians hold EPA 608 certification for refrigerant work.
- For a new system, ask for a load calculation (often called Manual J) rather than a size picked from square footage.
- Ask which rebates and tax credits apply to heat pumps and high-efficiency equipment, and whether the contractor files the paperwork.
- Compare quotes on the same equipment model numbers and efficiency ratings (SEER2, HSPF2, AFUE).
- Ask what the labor warranty covers, separately from the manufacturer's parts warranty.
HVAC Contractors in other states
Sources: Alabama licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.