Get Quotes from Top HVAC Contractors in Cincinnati, OH

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

Improper installation and maintenance of your HVAC system can shorten its life cycle, increase your energy bills, and make your living or working space uncomfortable. When it comes to maintaining and improving the performance of your HVAC system, it is always best to hire a professional and experienced HVAC contractor with a valid license to get satisfactory services. Part of the reason they provide a good service is that they adhere to the Ohio Building Code and other relevant ventilation and indoor air quality standards when installing, maintaining, and replacing HVAC systems in Cincinnati.

Some of the services that these HVAC contractors in Cincinnati offer include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Cleaning and repair of air duct
• Improving indoor air quality services
• Installation, repair, and maintenance of central AC
• Upgrades to energy-efficient HVAC systems
• Design, installation, and maintenance of HVAC system in an industrial facility
• installation, maintenance, and tune-ups of furnaces and heat pumps

Are You Licensed as an HVAC Contractor in Cincinnati?

Any individual in Cincinnati who wishes to provide heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration services on commercial buildings must obtain a state-issued license from the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB). While residential HVAC contractors do not require a license, if they carry out any commercial HVAC services without the license required for providing these types of services, they will be guilty of a minor misdemeanor on the first violation and fourth-degree misdemeanor for subsequent violations. These violations attract several penalties.

To qualify for a commercial HVAC license, interested individuals must meet specific eligibility requirements, including the following:

• Being at least 18 years old
• Providing proof of their status as a United States citizen or a legal alien
• Proof of contractor liability insurance
• Passing the HVAC licensing examination
• Completing a notarized Test Application Packet and paying all applicable fees
• Proof of at least five years of work experience as an HVAC technician or three years of experience as a registered HVAC engineer
• Obtaining a BCI and FBI background check and sending the result to the OCILB
• Acquiring a federally-mandated certification at an EPA-approved certifying organization for any individual who intends to work on equipment that contains refrigerants

The OCILB only issues commercial HVAC licenses to individuals who have met the eligibility requirements mentioned above. Once HVAC contractors obtain a license, they must also register their license with the Cincinnati Department of Buildings and Inspections.

Regardless of the cost of your commercial HVAC project, you must hire an HVAC contractor with a valid state-issued license. You can verify the validity of your prospective HVAC contractor's license through the OCILB's eLicense Center. Likewise, you can contact the city's Department of Buildings and Inspections through its Contractor Registration Section at (513) 352-3271 to confirm if your intended HVAC contractor has registered their license with the city before they pull a permit for your work.

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

Depending on the type of service and complexity of the HVAC project, the average cost for HVAC services in Cincinnati can range from $200 to around $14,000. However, the actual cost is influenced by several factors, such as the following:

• The complexity of the job
• The nature and scope of the work to be done
• The type, brand, and size of the HVAC systems and equipment involved
• The location of the HVAC units inside and outside the building and the building layout
• The cost of pulling permits
• The costs of equipment, materials, necessary renovations, and other miscellaneous expenses

Hence, getting and comparing quotes from multiple HVAC contractors in Cincinnati is important to estimate the cost of your project accurately. This will also allow you to avoid getting ripped off by any HVAC contractor trying to overcharge you.

Will My HVAC Project Require a Permit in Cincinnati?

In Cincinnati. a permit is typically required for any project that involves installing, replacing, altering, repairing, modifying, or removing heating, ventilation, air conditioning, fuel burning, and other related mechanical systems. To pull a permit in Cincinnati, a homeowner or an HVAC contractor must complete an HVAC permit application and submit four copies of plans for review to the Permit Center of the city's Department of Buildings and Inspections.

Contact the Department of Buildings and Inspections if you have any questions concerning the permitting process and requirements for HVAC projects in Cincinnati at (513) 352-3275 or in person at

What Type of HVAC Services Do You Offer in Cincinnati?

In Cincinnati, skilled HVAC contractors can provide various services to homeowners and businesses. These services include, but are not limited to, the following:

Be aware that when you hire an HVAC contractor, they may charge you a minimum service fee of around $50 to $200 and hourly labor rates of about $100 to $150.

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

Before signing any contract with an HVAC contractor, you should confirm if they intend to outsource the work to third-party HVAC contractors. Even though many reputable licensed HVAC contractors can typically handle projects independently, they may need to subcontract large-scale undertakings. If your HVAC contractor plans to subcontract your work, you should take the following steps to ensure that the project goes smoothly and without problems:

• Confirm the HVAC subcontractors have the appropriate experience and license.
• Confirm the licensing and bonding status of the HVAC contractor.
• Get a lien waiver to protect you from liability if the primary HVAC contractor fails to pay the subcontractors on time.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Cincinnati HVAC Contractor?

HVAC contractors in Cincinnati must maintain commercial general liability insurance of at least $200,000 and a $25,000 surety bond. Likewise, they must carry workers' compensation insurance for their employees, if any. It is highly recommended that you only hire an HVAC contractor with active and adequate insurance coverage to protect you from incurring bodily injuries or property liabilities when they work on your property.

Therefore, before hiring an HVAC contractor, it is best always to request proof of bond and insurance coverage from them. Also, ensure that the liability coverage they are carrying is adequate to cover the scope of your project.

Contact the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB) at (614) 644-3493 if you have any questions regarding the insurance and bonding requirements of HVAC contractors working in Cincinnati.

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

Before you begin an HVAC project in Cincinnati, ensure you get written warranties from your HVAC contractor covering their work and the materials they will use. These warranties cover the contractor's workmanship for about one to two years and the materials used for five to ten years. If the contractor refuses to discuss warranties, you should consider it a red flag.

Note that the length and scope of these warranties depend on the HVAC contractor offering them and the equipment involved in the project. Therefore, you should ask for copies to review their terms and conditions.