Get Quotes from Top HVAC Contractors in Portland, OR

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

Hiring a skilled and professional HVAC contractor to handle any issues you may be experiencing with your HVAC system can save you money and time. Professional HVAC contractors always follow local mechanical codes and international indoor air quality and ventilation standards. Hiring an unlicensed and unqualified HVAC contractor to work on your HVAC system can affect the longevity of your equipment and even increase your energy bills.

So, we recommend that you contact a Portland HVAC contractor if you need any of the following services:

• Furnace repair and tune-ups
• Furnace installation and maintenance
• Installation of energy-efficient HVAC system upgrades
• Air conditioner installation, repair, and maintenance
• Duct cleaning and indoor air quality improvement
• Design and installation of HVAC systems for new and existing buildings

Are You Licensed as an HVAC Contractor in Portland?

To work in Portland, HVAC contractors must obtain a license from the Oregon Building Codes Division Office (BCD). Failing to comply with this requirement is a misdemeanor, attracting a fine of up to $5,000. There are three types of licenses available to HVAC contractors in Portland:

• Class A Limited Energy Technician: An HVAC contractor with this license can install, maintain, and repair communication, signaling, and specialized control systems. The applicant must provide proof of 6,000 hours of work experience to obtain this license.
• Class B Limited Energy Technician: This is similar to a Class A license. However, the holder of a Class B license cannot work on signaling systems. To be eligible, the applicant must provide proof of 4,000 hours of work experience.
• Limited Maintenance Specialty Contractor HVAC/R: This license allows an HVAC company to maintain or repair electrical equipment that produces heat, power, refrigeration, or air conditioning. To do this, the company employs an HVAC technician with a Class B or Class A Limited Energy Technician license.

There are certain requirements that an HVAC contractor must meet before they can be eligible for a license. These include completing an approved apprenticeship program and passing a state-administered exam. Also, any applicant who intends to work on refrigerants must obtain a Section 608 Technician Certification from an EPA-approved agency.

The Building Codes Division Office (BCD) only issues licenses to individuals who meet the above requirements and are deemed qualified. So, always hire a licensed contractor whenever you need help with your home or business cooling, heating, or refrigeration systems. You can use the BCD's license holder search portal to verify your prospective HVAC contractor's license status. For more information about licensing requirements for HVAC contractors in Portland, you can contact the Oregon Building Codes Division Office (BCD) via email or by phone at (503) 378-3278.

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

In Portland, the cost of HVAC services can range from around $250 to $10,200. However, several factors can affect how much the HVAC contractor will charge you:

• The nature and scope of the job
• Your location within the city
• The labor intensity and complexity of the job
• The type, brand, and size of the HVAC system and equipment
• The location of the HVAC unit inside and outside the building
• Your building's layout and the cost of necessary renovations
• The cost of pulling permits and equipment like dehumidifiers and smart thermostats

Getting and comparing quotes from different HVAC contractors in Portland can help you estimate the project's cost and find a suitable professional to work on your HVAC system. It can also help you identify fraudulent individuals who may be trying to rip you off.

Will My HVAC Project Require a Permit in Portland?

You will need a mechanical permit to install, maintain, and repair equipment such as air conditioners, refrigerators, and freezers in commercial and residential buildings within Portland. The Portland Bureau of Development Services (BDS) handles and reviews all mechanical permit applications in the city. Please note that the BDS can only receive applications from licensed HVAC contractors and property owners.

Typically, an applicant can complete an application for a mechanical permit online via the city's Development Hub PDX or fill out and send a completed Mechanical Permit Application form via email. Alternatively, applicants can schedule an appointment to submit the printed application in person at

For more information on obtaining a mechanical permit for your HVAC project, contact the city's Bureau of Development Services (BDS) at (503) 823-7300.

What Type of HVAC Services Do You Offer in Portland?

HVAC contractors in Portland can provide various services to maintain your cooling or heating systems and ensure they keep running smoothly. Typical charges for these professionals include a minimum service fee of around $70 to $200 and an hourly rate of about $100 to $150. Some of the services that HVAC contractors provide include the following:

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

Although most HVAC contractors in Portland are experienced enough to handle their work independently, they may also have to subcontract some tasks to other professionals. This is common with large projects, such as installing or upgrading commercial or industrial building ventilation systems. When hiring a local HVAC contractor, it is important to determine if they will carry out the work themselves or subcontract it to other contractors.

Make sure to take the following steps to prevent issues if HVAC subcontractors are involved on your project:

• Confirm the subcontractors have the necessary experience and license.
• Confirm the insurance status of the subcontractors.
• 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 Portland HVAC Contractor?

While HVAC contractors in Portland are not required to maintain a general liability insurance policy, hiring only insured contractors for your project is best. Hiring an insured HVAC contractor guarantees you will be protected from liability if something goes wrong during your project. On the other hand, HVAC contractors in the city must carry workers' compensation insurance for their employee(s), if any.

So, before you sign any contract with an HVAC contractor, ensure they provide you with copies of their insurance documents and confirm the insurance is adequate to cover the scope of your work.

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

One of the most important factors you should consider before finalizing a contract with your prospective HVAC contractor is if they will offer you a warranty. A warranty covers the services of an HVAC contractor for a specific period, usually a year or two. Similarly, it can cover the equipment and materials used in your HVAC project for up to ten years. Consider it a red flag if the contractor refuses to offer you a warranty or downplays its importance.

Note that the HVAC contractor determines a warranty's specific terms and conditions. Therefore, it is essential that you request a copy and thoroughly review its terms to avoid voiding it.