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Texas HVAC

Texas HVAC license guide

Texas calls this the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors program. Use the TDLR ACR pages to confirm contractor licensing, class A/B limits, endorsements, exams, insurance, and renewal rules.

The short answer

In Texas, contractors who install, repair, or maintain air conditioning, refrigeration, or heating systems need a TDLR Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor license. ACR companies also need an ACR contractor in each permanent location, according to TDLR.

Who this applies to

  • HVAC contractors installing, repairing, or maintaining AC, refrigeration, or heating systems in Texas should review TDLR's ACR contractor license path.
  • Companies with permanent locations need an ACR contractor in each permanent location.
  • Technician registration/certification and contractor licensing are separate paths, so pick the official path that matches the work and business role.

Requirement snapshot

Authority Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
Experience path A TDLR lists at least 48 months of practical ACR-related experience under a licensed ACR contractor in the past 72 months.
Experience path B TDLR also lists a technician-certification path: hold technician certification for the past 12 months plus at least 36 months of practical ACR-related experience under a licensed ACR contractor in the past 48 months.
Application fee TDLR lists a $115 application fee as of the last check date.
Class A TDLR says Class A allows work on any size unit.
Class B TDLR says Class B covers cooling systems of 25 tons and under and heating systems of 1.5 million BTU/hour and under.

Practical application path

  1. Start on the TDLR Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors hub.
  2. Confirm whether you are applying as a contractor, registered technician, certified technician, or training program.
  3. Document practical experience on TDLR's experience verification form; do not complete your own supervisor verification.
  4. Choose Class A or Class B and the endorsements that match the work you will sell.
  5. Review the official exam and insurance pages before submitting the application.

Watchouts before you sell the work

  • Texas public users may search 'HVAC license,' but the official program language is Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors.
  • Class and endorsement choices affect the work you can perform, exam path, and insurance coverage.
  • Industrial, military, engineering, and education exceptions may apply, but only TDLR can confirm them.

Official source links

TDLR ACR hub https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/acr/ TDLR ACR contractor application https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/acr/contractor-apply.htm

FAQ

What is the Texas HVAC license called?

TDLR calls the program Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors.

What is the difference between Class A and Class B in Texas?

TDLR says Class A allows work on any size unit, while Class B is limited to cooling systems of 25 tons and under and heating systems of 1.5 million BTU/hour and under.