An HVAC license is required in Los Angeles.

If you want to work as an HVAC contractor in Los Angeles, it’s important to keep in mind that a license is required. This is true for all contractors, but especially so when it comes to HVAC services because of the health and safety concerns involved. To obtain a license, you will have to go through the California Contractors License Board (CSLB).

Once you’ve obtained your license — congratulations! You are now ready to start working as a professional HVAC contractor in the great city of Los Angeles.

Who needs an HVAC license?

An HVAC license is needed to install and repair heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. This includes refrigeration equipment such as walk-in coolers or smaller household appliances like refrigerators.

To be eligible for an HVAC license in California (which also applies in Los Angeles), there are certain requirements that you must meet. The licensing process varies depending on your experience level—but if you have no previous experience with the trade, you will need to complete a 4-year apprenticeship or attend a state-approved training program before applying for your license.

Apply for an HVAC license.

You can submit your application for an HVAC license online for all types of licenses except the C-20. If applying for a C-20 license, you’ll need to submit a paper application along with the required documents. To apply, you must have both a valid social security number and a valid California driver’s license. The cost of your application is $330 and can be paid using a credit card.

Two types of licenses you can get are C-20 and C-38.

There are two types of licenses you can get: C-20, which is for heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems; and C-38, which is for refrigeration systems.

Types of Licenses

Besides the basic HVAC license in Los Angeles, there are a couple of other specialty licenses that you can have. These are more specialized, and therefore not necessary if you aren’t looking to work with these items. The specialty licenses that exist include:

C-2—low pressure boilers
C-4—boiler
Hot Water Heating
Industrial Plant Piping Contractor

HVAC companies in Los Angeles must have a C-20 license, which is for contractors that work on heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.

If you’re considering working with a company that provides HVAC services and you want to know if the company is properly licensed, ask them what license they have. In the State of California, companies are required to have a specific license depending on the services they offer. For example, companies that install and repair heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems must have a C-20 license.

For refrigeration equipment and systems, check for a C-38 license. Additionally, there are licenses for electrical work (C-10), plumbing (C-36) and sheet metal (C-43). You can read about all of these licenses here: https://www2.cslb.ca.gov/OnlineServices/CheckLicenseII/tabid/164/Default.aspx

A C-2 or C-38 license is needed to work on refrigeration systems, including home appliances like refrigerators or walk-in coolers.

Refrigeration systems are a distinct area of HVAC. It’s not just air conditioning, but also refrigerators and walk-in coolers. The C-2 license is for “commercial” refrigeration systems, whereas the C-38 license covers “industrial” refrigeration systems. The difference between the two is that an industrial system is over 225 tons of cooling capacity, which would take a significant building or warehouse to reach!

Typically, if you’re installing or repairing a refrigerator in a home, you’ll need C-38 licensing. If it’s in a restaurant, grocery store, or any other commercial building (not industrial), C-2 will be needed.

A C-38 license is needed to install or repair refrigeration equipment, but it’s not needed to work on other parts of the system, such as the thermostat.

When your HVAC system needs repair or replacement, you want to make sure that the company you hire has the proper licenses. In California, there are two licenses required for HVAC work.

The first is a C-20 license, which allows an individual to work on heating and air conditioning systems in residential or commercial buildings. This is the standard license needed for most general HVAC work.

A C-38 license is also recommended but it’s not necessary for every job. This license is needed to install or repair refrigeration equipment, but it’s not needed to work on other parts of the system, such as the thermostat.

Take care of getting your license before you start working in this field.

With C-20, as long as you have at least four years of verifiable experience in the field, you can apply for your test and license. You’ll also need to pay a $330 fee to take the exam, which covers the cost of study materials that you’ll get. The study materials are important because they prepare you for both the written and hands-on portions of your tests.