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Becoming an HVAC contractor in Garland, Texas is more than just getting a job. You are opening yourself up to a career path that offers several well-compensated employment opportunities.
HVAC professionals in Texas are in demand because businesses and residential buildings need heat, air conditioning, and ventilation. HVAC systems are complicated, and they become more complex as technology advances. If you become an experienced HVAC tech, you will have a job that will challenge you mentally and reward you for years. But first, it is good for you to understand Texas requirements for HVAC technicians.
HVAC Licensing Requirements in Texas
Texas requires HVAC contractors to have a license. You must either be a licensed contractor, or you will need to be a certified technician working under the supervision of a licensed contractor to legally install, maintain, or repair residential and commercial HVAC systems in Texas.
To get an HVAC license in Texas, you need to be at least 18 years of age. You will first have to register with the state as a technician and be able to prove that you are working with a contractor. It is necessary to show that you have the required work experience and that work experience was performed under the supervision of a licensed contractor. After proving that you have received certification, you must fill out your license application and pay any applicable fees.
Registering With the State of Texas
Registering with the state of Texas is straightforward. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation requires you to get the appropriate registration to work under a licensed contractor’s supervision in Texas. You will be designated an AC and refrigeration technician. The application can be submitted online with a $20 registration fee.
Requirements for Certification
First, you will be required to work on a job site for 24 months while being supervised by a licensed contractor. In Texas, HVAC technicians can choose to get their ACR certification by completing a 2,000-hour certification program and paying $50 for application fees.
You will find institutions offering air-conditioning and refrigeration certification training throughout Texas. However, not all these programs have been approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations. So, you want to verify the approval of a training program before signing up for it.
If you do not want to become a certified ACR technician, you can opt to work for 48 months to get job site experience while being supervised by a licensed contractor. Then, you can apply to get your own contractor’s license.
The experience you earn must be documented using the Experience Verification Form. This form should be completed by the person who supervised your work experience. You are not authorized to fill out this form yourself. If necessary, the individual who supervised your work may use multiple forms to document your experience.
The licensing process and exams are challenging. There is a 60% fail rate. The license class you opt for and the endorsements chosen will affect the type of HVAC projects that you can perform and will influence the insurance coverage you need.
HVAC Licenses and Endorsements in Texas
You can get one of two types of HVAC contractor licenses in Texas. With a class A license, you can work on HVAC units of any size. A class B license lets you work on HVAC systems up to 25 tons for heating systems and up to 1.5 million BTUs per hour for air conditioning systems.
The three HVAC endorsements can enhance an air conditioning or a refrigeration contractor license. You are permitted one endorsement per license.
The environmental air conditioning endorsement means that you are permitted to treat air to control humidity, temperature, ventilation, cleanliness, and circulation for human comfort requirements.
The commercial refrigeration endorsement allows you to work with absorption or mechanical equipment that controls humidity or temperature to satisfy the needs of a specific area. This includes coolers, ice machines, freezers, and other equipment that controls moisture and temperature.
Finally, the process of cooling or heating endorsement allows you to work with the controlling of humidity, temperature, and cleanliness connected to the proper operation of equipment or production requirements of the equipment. This applies to ice machines, coolers, freezers, and other equipment that provide humidity and temperature controls.
Reasons to Get an HVAC License in Texas
In Texas, you are required by law to be certified, registered, or licensed to perform air conditioning and refrigeration work. Having the appropriate licenses and endorsements proves that you have the skill and experience to safely and adequately carry out HVAC tasks.
You must be an ACR contractor if you’re going to operate an HVAC business, advertise your services as an HVAC technician, get commercial insurance, bid on projects, or pull government building permits. Proper licensing protects you, your customers, and your company.
A licensed employee has greater earning potential. And they have a competitive edge in the job market.
A minimum of four years is required to qualify to take an ACR exam in Texas. The nice thing is that you can work as a registered technician under a contractor, so you will earn money while you learn.
HVAC-related EPA Certification
In Texas, like every other state in the country, the Environmental Protection Agency requires HVAC technicians to have EPA 608 HVAC certification if they perform refrigerant line pressure tests, add refrigerant to AC systems, or handle refrigerant in any way.
The certification exam must be given by an EPA-approved organization. There are four EPA certifications for working with refrigerants.
Type I certification lets you work on small appliances with 5 pounds or less refrigerant. With Type II certification, you can work on high-pressure units with 5 pounds or more refrigerant. This means you can work on most small residential and commercial systems.
Type III EPA certification allows you to dispose of low-pressure service appliances. With a universal certificate, you can work on all systems covered under types I, II, and III certification. Generally, it’s best to get a universal EPA certification instead of one specific certification.
Requirements That Are Unique to Texas
For your state license to remain current, you must complete eight hours of continuing education, including 60 minutes of instruction. You have to complete your education before your license expires.
Working With Trained and Experienced HVAC Technicians You Can Trust
At On Time Experts, we are proud to be Garland’s number one HVAC team. Our HVAC technicians are NATE-certified. We have an A+ Better Business Bureau rating, are certified by the Environmental Protection Agency, and have been endorsed by The Consumer Team. Our work ethic is backed up by more than 29,000 customer reviews.
Our services include HVAC installation, repair, and maintenance. We are proud to offer sewer pipe, slab, and pipe repairs. We can install your toilet, garbage disposal, faucets, and water heater. We will clean your drains. See why so many people in the Dallas metro area turn to On Time Experts for their one-stop shop for home and commercial maintenance needs. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule an appointment.
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