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What Do I Need to Know Before Hiring an HVAC Contractor in Buffalo?

You should always hire professional heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) contractors for projects that involve installing, repairing, and maintaining these types of systems and equipment in Buffalo. The general knowledge and adherence to the provisions of the New York State Uniform Code and other well-recognized ventilation and indoor air quality standards of these professionals ensures that your HVAC project will be carried out effectively and safely. This guarantees your HVAC equipment will run smoothly and could even cut your energy consumption by 20 to 50 percent.

Some common heating, ventilation, and air conditioning jobs that Buffalo HVAC contractors can handle include the following:

• Furnace/Fireplace installation, repairs, and tune-ups
• Ductless mini-split system installation, repair, and maintenance
• Air filter replacements
• Air duct cleaning and repair
• AC unit installation, replacement, and repair
• Whole building HVAC system design, installation, and energy-efficient upgrade

Are You Licensed as an HVAC Contractor in Buffalo?

Individuals who wish to perform HVAC-related work in Buffalo must be licensed as Heating Contractors by the Buffalo Department of Permit and Inspection Services (DPIS). Failure to comply with this licensing requirement is an unclassified misdemeanor punishable by fines of up to $1,000, imprisonment for up to 60 days, or a combination of both.

The DPIS currently offers interested HVAC contractors three licensing classifications:

• Class I: Authorizes the contractor to install and service any type of heating equipment using oil, gas, or solid fuels.
• Class II: Authorizes the contractor to install and service any type of equipment using gas or solid fuels.
• Class III: The scope of services that contractors with this license can offer is limited to installing stoves, prefabricated fireplaces, fireplace inserts, or furnace add-ons using solid fuels.

Requirements for obtaining these licenses include the following:

• Being at least 21 years old
• Having at least two years of practical HVAC-related work experience or an acceptable combination of educational and practical experience
• Passing a licensing exam administered by the DPIS' Board of Heating Examiners

It should be pointed out that, per federal requirements, Buffalo HVAC contractors must obtain certification from an EPA-approved organization before working on equipment that can emit refrigerants into the atmosphere.

So, always confirm that the HVAC contractor you are considering hiring for your project has a valid DPIS-issued license before concluding hiring arrangements with them; otherwise, you risk receiving unsatisfactory services or falling for a contractor scam.

You can verify your intended HVAC contractor's license status by contacting the DPIS at (716) 851-4972 and (715) 851-4959 or using its Licensed Contractors Search tool.

What Rates Do You Charge for Your HVAC Services in Buffalo?

Hiring an HVAC contractor in Buffalo will typically cost you between $200 and $10,000, depending on factors like the following:

• The type and extent of work to be done
• The type of HVAC equipment involved
• The urgency of the job
• Permit costs
• Your building layout and the cost of necessary post-project renovations

We recommend getting cost estimates for your project from at least three HVAC contractors and comparing their rates to get an idea of your expected overall cost. This is also an effective way to spot dishonest contractors who overcharge clients.

Will My HVAC Project Require a Permit in Buffalo?

A permit is required for projects that involve installing, repairing, reconstructing, or altering heating equipment and other HVAC systems and appliances in Buffalo. These permits are issued by the Buffalo Department of Permit and Inspection Services through its Office of Fuel Devices.

You can contact the Buffalo Chief Building Inspector at (716) 851-4092 for more information on the permit requirements for HVAC projects in the city. Questions can also be directed to the Buffalo Office of Fuel Devices at

What Type of HVAC Services Do You Offer in Buffalo?

Experienced HVAC contractors in Buffalo offer a variety of services that ensure locals and visitors get the most out of their HVAC equipment and systems. Consider that contractors often charge minimum service fees of $50 to $200.

Some of the services that Buffalo HVAC contractors typically offer include the following:

Will You Be Doing the Work, or Do You Outsource the HVAC Work in Buffalo?

Even though experienced HVAC contractors can generally fulfill HVAC projects by themselves, they sometimes have to hire other contractors to assist them on projects, especially those with a large scope and fixed deadlines. Nonetheless, always find out if your chosen HVAC contractor will handle your project themselves or if they will hire subcontractors.

You can take the following actions to avoid problems with any subcontractors involved in your project:

• Confirm that each subcontractor is licensed, insured, and experienced enough to handle their assigned task.
• Get lien waivers to protect yourself if your primary HVAC contractor fails to pay the subcontractors on time.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Buffalo HVAC Contractor?

In addition to carrying state-mandated workers' compensation insurance, if applicable, Buffalo HVAC contractors must maintain a $10,000 bond throughout the validity period of their locally issued contractor licenses. You should also check if your prospective HVAC contractor carries general liability insurance covering third-party injuries and property damage.

You can confirm whether your HVAC contractor is adequately insured and bonded by asking them for copies of their insurance and bond certificates and authenticating these documents with the relevant issuer. You can also contact the Buffalo Department of Permit and Inspection Services at (716) 851-4972 and (715) 851-4959 to get more information on the Buffalo HVAC contractors' insurance and bond requirements.

Do You Offer Any Warranties on Your HVAC Work in Buffalo?

Reputable HVAC contractors always provide warranties that cover their work and the materials they use for about one to two years and five to ten years, respectively. So, you should never hire an HVAC contractor who does not warrant their work or who seems reluctant to discuss this topic.

Be aware that the scope of your HVAC warranty will primarily be determined by the HVAC contractor you work with and the type of equipment installed. Therefore, getting a written copy of any warranty you are offered is always a good idea to carefully go through its terms and conditions.