Arkansas HVAC license lookup: how to check and get a license
Arkansas HVAC license lookup: who issues HVAC contractor licenses (Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing, HVACR Licensing Board), how to check one online, the license types, and 1,118 plumbing, heating and air-conditioning contractors by county.
Do HVAC contractors need a license in Arkansas?
| Who licenses them | Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing, HVACR Licensing Board |
|---|---|
| License types | Class A HVACR License, Class B HVACR License, Class D HVACR License (sheet metal/ductwork), Class E HVACR License (refrigeration), Class L (restricted lifetime), HVACR Registration (employee working under a licensee) |
| When a license is required | License required to install, service or repair HVACR systems for others; homeowners working on their own home are exempt |
Class A covers all HVACR work; Class B is limited to 25 tons cooling / 1,000,000 BTUH heating per unit. Employees must be registered under a licensee. Refrigerant work also requires federal EPA Section 608 certification.
How do you look up an HVAC contractor's license in Arkansas?
- Ask the HVAC contractor for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the Arkansas HVAC license lookup run by Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing, HVACR Licensing Board.
- 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 Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing, HVACR Licensing Board.
What HVAC licenses does Arkansas issue?
- Class A HVACR License
- Class B HVACR License
- Class D HVACR License (sheet metal/ductwork)
- Class E HVACR License (refrigeration)
- Class L (restricted lifetime)
- HVACR Registration (employee working under a licensee)
How do you get a HVAC license in Arkansas?
Licenses are issued by the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing, HVACR Licensing Board. Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing, HVACR Licensing Board source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
How many HVAC contractors are there in Arkansas?
The Census Bureau counted 1,118 plumbing, heating and air-conditioning contractors with employees in Arkansas in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Pulaski County | 127 |
|---|---|
| Benton County | 122 |
| Washington County | 111 |
| Saline County | 80 |
| Garland County | 66 |
| Craighead County | 50 |
| Faulkner County | 48 |
| Sebastian County | 41 |
What do Arkansas homes mean for heating and cooling work?
The median home in Arkansas was built in 1987, 34% of households rent and 72% of homes are single-family houses. 37% of homes heat with utility gas and 53% with electricity.
How do you choose an HVAC contractor in Arkansas?
- 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: Arkansas licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.