Before you let anyone work on your heating or air conditioning, take five minutes to check their license. In California it is free, and it protects you from unlicensed contractors, surprise costs and work that fails inspection.
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Step 1: Look up the license
- Ask for the contractor’s license number. It must be on their contract, and a legitimate contractor will give it to you right away.
- Go to the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) Check a License page and search by number or business name.
- Check that the status says Active and that the business name matches the company you are talking to.
Step 2: Check the details that matter for HVAC
- C-20 classification: HVAC work calls for the C-20 (Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning) license.
- Bond: the record should show a current contractor’s bond.
- Workers’ comp: since 2023, C-20 contractors must carry workers’ compensation insurance even if they have no employees. The record should list a policy.
- Complaints and discipline: the record shows any legal actions. Read online reviews too, and look for patterns.
Know your rights before you sign
- Down payment limit: for home improvement work, the down payment cannot be more than $1,000 or 10% of the contract price, whichever is less.
- Right to cancel: if you sign a home improvement contract somewhere other than the contractor’s place of business (like your home), you generally have 3 business days to cancel, or 5 if you are 65 or older. Emergency service and repair contracts work differently.
- Get it in writing: the contract should list the work, price, payment schedule, license number, start and finish dates, equipment details, and who pulls the permit.
- Permits: an AC or furnace replacement in the City of Los Angeles generally needs an LADBS permit. Any job that needs a permit must be done by a licensed contractor, even a small one.
Red flags
- No license number, or a number that belongs to a different company
- Pressure to pay in cash or pay most of the price up front
- “We don’t need a permit for this”
- A price that is far below every other quote
Source: CSLB’s home improvement contracts guide.
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Every contractor we refer holds an active California license. Call and we will connect you with a licensed local pro for free.
Near you: HVAC contractors in Calabasas · HVAC company in Sunland-Tujunga · Commercial HVAC in Canoga Park
Valley HVAC Network is a free referral service, not an HVAC contractor. All work is done by independent contractors licensed by the California CSLB. Learn how it works.
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