Texas HVAC Contractor License Guide
Texas HVAC contractor license requirements are administered through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation's Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors program. TDLR states that contractors who install, repair or maintain regulated air-conditioning, refrigeration or heating systems must hold the appropriate state ACR contractor license.
What does the Texas HVAC license cover?
This page is part of the HVAC Guides hub. For hiring considerations, also read how to choose an HVAC contractor.
Contractors
TDLR says contractors performing or offering regulated ACR contracting work must hold the appropriate contractor license.
ACR companies
TDLR states ACR companies must employ an ACR contractor at each permanent location.
Texas contractor license classes have different scope limits.
| License | TDLR Scope |
|---|---|
| Class A | Allows work on units of any size. |
| Class B | Allows work on cooling systems of 25 tons and under and heating systems of 1.5 million BTU/hour and under. |
License class is only part of the license.
Environmental Air Conditioning
TDLR describes this endorsement as work involving air treatment for temperature, humidity, cleanliness, ventilation and circulation for human comfort.
Commercial Refrigeration / Process Cooling & Heating
Separate endorsement categories apply to commercial refrigeration and process-related work.
Experience requirement
Current TDLR application guidance generally requires 48 months of qualifying practical experience within the prior 72 months, or the certified-technician pathway described by TDLR.
Certified-technician pathway
TDLR currently provides a path involving 12 months holding technician certification plus at least 36 months of qualifying supervised experience within the prior 48 months.
Exam
Applicants must obtain eligibility and pass the applicable examination for their selected class and endorsement.
Insurance
TDLR requires commercial general liability insurance while the contractor license is active.
Application and insurance requirements.
| Item | Current TDLR Information |
|---|---|
| New contractor application fee | $115 |
| License validity | 1 year from issue date |
| Minimum age | 18 |
| Class A liability per occurrence | $300,000 |
| Class A aggregate | $600,000 |
| Class B liability per occurrence | $100,000 |
| Class B aggregate | $200,000 |
How licensing fits into HVAC research.
Verify before hiring
Use TDLR's official license search before choosing a contractor.
Understand the work type
Browse the HVAC Services hub to identify the project category.
Compare project cost
Use the HVAC Costs hub before comparing estimates.
Identify a symptom first
If the repair is unknown, use the HVAC Problems hub.
Plan replacement cost
Review the AC replacement cost in Texas guide.
Plan installation cost
Review the AC installation cost in Texas guide.
Use HVAC calculations
Browse the HVAC Tools hub.
Use TDLR as the authority for current licensing information.
TDLR ACR Program
Program requirements, rules, forms and licensing information. Visit TDLR ACR.
Contractor Application Requirements
Experience, classes, insurance, application and exam information. Review requirements.
Verify a License
Use the official TDLR search tool for individuals and businesses. Verify license.
September 2026 Rule Update
TDLR's September 1, 2026 changes updated referenced building codes and several ACR rules. Review rule update.
Need HVAC help after verifying the project requirements?
Request HVAC help and provide your Texas city or ZIP and the type of HVAC issue or project.
Common Texas ACR licensing questions.
Do Texas HVAC contractors need a state license?
TDLR states contractors performing or offering regulated ACR installation, repair or maintenance work must hold the appropriate license.
What is a Texas Class A HVAC license?
TDLR says Class A allows work on units of any size.
What is a Class B HVAC license?
Class B is limited to cooling systems of 25 tons and under and heating systems of 1.5 million BTU/hour and under.
How can I verify a contractor license?
Use TDLR's official license search rather than relying only on contractor advertising.
Do technicians need the same contractor license?
No. Texas has separate technician registration and certification structures, with technicians working under licensed-contractor supervision as required.
Did Texas ACR rules change in 2026?
Yes. TDLR adopted rule amendments effective September 1, 2026, including updated referenced model codes and changes related to technician eligibility provisions.
Return to the HVAC Guides hub.