Starting an HVAC business requires EPA Section 608 certification for refrigerant work, any state HVAC or mechanical contractor license, insurance, and permits for installations. Set up a van, tools, parts stock, supplier accounts and a maintenance-plan offer to smooth seasonal swings.
Setup
- Certifications. EPA 608 for refrigerant handling.
- Licensing. State or local HVAC/mechanical license.
- Insurance. Liability and workers' comp.
- Supplier accounts. Equipment distributors.
- Maintenance plans. Recurring revenue.
Mistakes
- Handling refrigerant without certification
- No permits on installs
- Ignoring off-season revenue
Worked example: a two-van residential HVAC company
Dana, a service technician with ten years of experience, opens a residential HVAC company with one helper. She confirms her state's mechanical or HVAC contractor license requirements and holds EPA Section 608 Universal certification. She buys liability and workers' compensation insurance, sets up accounts with two distributors, and registers with the building departments in the counties she serves so she can pull permits for changeouts.
Her first van carries gauges, a recovery machine and tank, a vacuum pump and micron gauge, a nitrogen setup for brazing, a combustion analyzer for furnaces, and common parts: capacitors, contactors, igniters, flame sensors, filters. She launches a maintenance plan before her first fall season, publishes her diagnostic fee and service area on the website, and partners with a realtor group for pre-listing system checks.
Opening timeline
| Weeks before launch | Task |
|---|---|
| 12 | License and certification confirmed, entity formed |
| 10 | Insurance, distributor accounts, permit registrations |
| 8 | Van, tools, opening parts stock |
| 6 | Software for dispatch, estimates and plans |
| 4 | Website, Google profile, maintenance plan page |
| 2 | Partner visits: realtors, property managers |
| 0 | Launch before a peak season |
Choosing residential, commercial or both
Residential service is usually the faster start: homeowners search when something breaks, jobs are short, and a single technician can handle most calls. Light commercial work, such as rooftop units on small offices and restaurants, pays well but needs lifts or roof access plans, different parts, and often net-30 billing that strains cash flow. New contractors often start residential, add maintenance plans for small businesses, and grow into commercial once they have staff, equipment and reserves.
What this industry needs from a website
Repair, maintenance, installation and inquiries.
- Home with call button
- AC repair
- Heating repair
- Installation
- Maintenance plans
- Service areas
- Book service
Free tools
Common questions
Is EPA 608 required?
Yes, for technicians who maintain, service or dispose of refrigerant-containing equipment.
Do installs need permits?
Usually; check locally.
How do I survive slow seasons?
Maintenance plans and tune-ups.
When is the best time to launch?
Many owners launch just before a peak heating or cooling season so calls start quickly, with a maintenance plan ready to sell.
Sources
- SBA: 10 steps to start your business
- SBA: Apply for licenses and permits
- EPA Section 608 refrigerant certification
- Air Conditioning Contractors of America
Sources checked October 6, 2026. Rules, fees and forms change; confirm details with the agency or provider before you act. This guide is general information, not legal, tax or insurance advice.
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