Get Quotes from Top HVAC Contractors in Chicago, IL

Are You Licensed to Practice as an HVAC Contractor in Chicago?

Anyone in Chicago who wants to work as an HVAC technician in Chicago will need a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency certificate per section 608 of the Clean Air Act. This section also relates to any professional conducting refrigerant line-pressure tests or handling or adding refrigerant to existing AC systems in the city. Per chapter 1 of the Chicago Municipal Code, it is unlawful for a contractor to carry out HVAC work without the EPA certification and it attracts a fine of up to $500.

To be eligible for the certification exams, applicants must be at least 18 years of age and hold a valid Chicago driver's license. Applicants must have received training for two years at an accredited community or technical college. Alternatively, applicants must have two years of experience as an apprentice or entry-level worker for an HVAC company. If the applicant meets the requirements, they can obtain their EPA Certification from an approved organization in Chicago. For information and inquiries on HVAC contractor certifications in Chicago, interested persons can contact the Chicago Department of Building by dialing 311 if calling from within Chicago and (312) 744-5000 if calling from outside the city.

If you need to confirm if your intended HVAC contractor has all the necessary certification, you can request a copy of such certificates for verification.

How Much Do You Charge Compared to Other HVAC Contractors in Chicago?

The average hourly charge of HVAC technicians in Chicago is around $29. However, this charge is primarily influenced by the cost of materials, permits required, and the nature of the HVAC project. As such, it is advisable to get estimates from at least three HVAC technicians before hiring any HVAC technician. This allows you to compare prices and gives you an idea of the average market cost for your planned project.

An HVAC Contractor in Chicago earns an annual average wage of $60,970. The table below provides a cost comparison of the mean hourly wages for HVAC contractors in Chicago against those of HVAC Contractors in the rest of Illinois as well as other major cities in the United States:

Do You Comply with Chicago Building Code for HVAC Work?

The Chicago Mechanical Code regulates the design, installation, maintenance, alteration, and inspection of HVAC systems within the city. These HVAC systems include air conditioning systems, ventilation systems, boilers, heaters, and refrigeration systems that have been permanently installed and utilized to control environmental conditions and related processes within buildings. This Code also provides minimum standards to ensure the safety and protect the health of Chicago residents when handling mechanical systems.

It is important to ensure that your intended HVAC technician is well versed with the Code provisions relevant to your project. This technician must also comply with these provisions while working on your projects. Non-compliance with the Code attracts city-imposed sanctions and penalties enforced by the Chicago Department of Building. For more information on how the Code relates to your projects, you can contact the Department of Building at (312) 744-3449.

Will You Get the HVAC Permits as Required by Chicago Code?

Homeowners or their authorized HVAC technicians must obtain the requisite permit from the Chicago Department of Building when planning projects requiring the erection, installation, alteration, repairs, removal, conversion, or replacement of mechanical systems within Chicago. If an applicant is unsure if their mechanical projects require permits or if they will require zoning approval, they can consult with the city's Zoning Ordinance Administration.

The type of permits required for mechanical projects depends on the size of the project. These include the

• Easy Permit (EPP)
• Standard Plan Reviews (SPR)
• Developer Services (DS) permits

The Easy Permit (EPP) is necessary for home improvement, repairs, and replacement of mechanical systems in smaller projects. In contrast, larger projects require Standard Plan Reviews (SPR) and Developer Services (DS) permits. To apply for the requisite permits, applicants can complete and submit the appropriate permit application form and plans to the city's Department of Buildings at:

Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m, Monday through Friday

Alternatively, applicants can complete the required permit application online. It is essential to note that if your planned project involves any regulated equipment like ventilation and heating equipment, you will need to apply for a valid air pollution control permit from the Chicago Department of Public Health. Permit applicants who are uncertain whether their projects require this permit can utilize the online resources provided by the city's Department of Public Health to find out. Applicants may be required to complete an application for the air pollution control permit online via the Chicago Permit Portal. Alternatively, they may be directed to complete and submit the relevant air pollution control permit application form in person at the city's Department of Buildings address provided above. After the mechanical permits have been issued, permit holders must schedule inspections at various stages of their projects. A building official performs this inspection to ensure that the works comply with the Mechanical Code.

For more information regarding mechanical permits and inspections, you can contact the city's Department of Building at (312) 744-3449. Meanwhile, for any air pollution control permit inquiries, you can contact the Chicago Department of Public Health (312) 747-9884.

What Kind of HVAC Services Do You Offer?

HVAC technicians offer several services in Chicago, including installation, maintenance, repair, and emergency services. When looking for HVAC technicians in the city, you must ensure that your intended technician has the expertise to handle the work. Some technicians may be well versed in installation and maintenance, while some may only be well skilled in carrying out repair services. Before concluding that work contract, ensure your intended HVAC technician is not only qualified but also specializes in performing HVAC works related to the services you need. Also, confirm the average cost of services the HVAC technician charges for their services in the city so you can budget accordingly.

Provided below are average cost estimates for standard HVAC services in Chicago:

Do You Offer Emergency HVAC Services in Chicago?

At some point, different homes in Chicago experience mechanical faults that require emergency services. Some of these mechanical faults requiring urgent attention include malfunctioning fans and heat exchangers, broken thermostats, and refrigerant leaks. It is not a good idea to ignore these problems because it costs more to repair extensive mechanical faults and it puts your home at risk of fire and other uncomfortable problems such as poor ventilation. However, while it may be necessary to urgently address faults in your home's mechanical system, you must conduct due diligence and not rush into repairs. Therefore, it is imperative that you hire a qualified and licensed technician. You can find a licensed and skilled HVAC technician near you for your emergency needs via online directories maintained by trade associations like the Air Conditioning Contractors of America and the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association.

Do You Carry the Necessary Insurance Policy for HVAC Contractors in Chicago?

In 2020, 7,900 non-fatal occupational injuries were recorded amongst HVAC contractors in the country, including in Chicago. While HVAC technicians in Chicago are not mandated to maintain general liability insurance, it is advisable for you to retain the services of an HVAC technician who has an active liability insurance policy. This is because it will protect you from incurring personal costs when there is any bodily injury or property damage during your project. As such, it is a good idea to request from your intended HVAC technician a copy of their general liability insurance, and you should also confirm the same with the issuing insurance company.

If your intended HVAC technician will be working with employees, it is important to note that Illinois law requires contractors to maintain workers' compensation insurance policies for their employees.