Michigan HVAC license lookup: how to check and get a license
Michigan HVAC license lookup: who issues HVAC contractor licenses (LARA), how to check one online, the license types, and 2,652 plumbing, heating and air-conditioning contractors by county.
Do HVAC contractors need a license in Michigan?
| Who licenses them | Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Construction Codes |
|---|---|
| License types | Mechanical Contractor (by work classification: HVAC Equipment, Ductwork, Hydronic Heating and Cooling and Process Piping, Refrigeration, Limited/Unlimited Heating Service, Limited/Unlimited Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Service, Fuel Gas Piping, and others) |
HVAC contractors need a state Mechanical Contractor license that lists each work type they're approved for, such as HVAC equipment or ductwork, so check that the license covers your job. Refrigerant work also requires federal EPA Section 608 certification.
How do you look up an HVAC contractor's license in Michigan?
- Ask the HVAC contractor for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the Michigan HVAC license lookup run by LARA.
- 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 LARA.
What HVAC licenses does Michigan issue?
- Mechanical Contractor (by work classification: HVAC Equipment, Ductwork, Hydronic Heating and Cooling and Process Piping, Refrigeration, Limited/Unlimited Heating Service, Limited/Unlimited Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Service, Fuel Gas Piping, and others)
How do you get a HVAC license in Michigan?
Licenses are issued by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Construction Codes. Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official LARA source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
Which Michigan city is the job in?
How many HVAC contractors are there in Michigan?
The Census Bureau counted 2,652 plumbing, heating and air-conditioning contractors with employees in Michigan in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Oakland County | 370 |
|---|---|
| Wayne County | 301 |
| Macomb County | 261 |
| Kent County | 203 |
| Ottawa County | 100 |
| Livingston County | 90 |
| Genesee County | 84 |
| Washtenaw County | 70 |
What do Michigan homes mean for heating and cooling work?
The median home in Michigan was built in 1972, 27% of households rent and 77% of homes are single-family houses. 75% of homes heat with utility gas and 12% with electricity, and 1% with fuel oil.
How do you choose an HVAC contractor in Michigan?
- 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: Michigan licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.