How to check an HVAC contractor
Check us like you'd check anyone. Here's how.
California gives you what you need to check an HVAC contractor before you sign: a public license record, a legal cap on the down payment and a right to cancel. Here's what the state licensing board says to look for.
The numbers in the law
Limits that protect you
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10%
down payment, at most
Or $1,000 if that's less, on a home improvement job. A contractor can't ask for more.
Source: Contractors State License Board, Finding the Right Contractor, last checked 2026-10-22.
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$25,000
license bond
The contractor license bond has been that amount since January 1, 2023.
Source: Contractors State License Board, Bond Requirements, last checked 2026-10-22.
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3 days
to cancel
Your contract should include a 3-day right to cancel.
Source: Contractors State License Board, HVAC Consumer Information Packet, last checked 2026-10-22.
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Five days
at 65 and older
Seniors get five days to cancel a home improvement contract, or a service and repair one.
Source: Contractors State License Board, Home Improvement Contracts: Warnings and Exceptions, last checked 2026-10-22.
Before you sign
The checks, yes or no
Every answer on the right is a reason to stop and ask.
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Is the contractor's license active, and the right one for HVAC?
If yes
That's the license for this work
It's exactly what the state board tells you to confirm before an HVAC system goes in.
If no
Stop there
A C-10 contractor, an electrician, can't contract for a heat pump on that license, and an unlicensed person can't take a job that needs a permit.
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Is the down payment over 10%, or over $1,000?
If yes
That's past the legal limit
Whichever is less is the most a contractor can ask up front.
If no
Within the limit
Now hold the last payment back until the inspection.
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Does the contract spell out your right to cancel?
If yes
Good
Read how many days it gives you, and from when.
If no
Ask for it in writing
The state board says to make sure it's in the contract.
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Is workers' comp on file?
If yes
As it must be
For an HVAC contractor it's required whether there are employees or not.
If no
Ask why not
For this license it isn't optional.
The rules behind each check
What the state licensing board says
On file, last checked 2026-10-22
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CSLB
The license for HVAC work
Before an HVAC system goes in, confirm the contractor holds an active C-20 Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning license, issued by and in good standing with CSLB.
Source: Contractors State License Board, HVAC upgrade information for consumers. Rules and programs change: last checked 2026-10-17.
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CSLB
Not an electrician's job
A C-10 contractor, licensed for electrical work, may not contract for an HVAC system heat pump.
Source: Contractors State License Board, Fast Facts for Heat Pump Water Heaters and HVAC Heat Pumps. Rules and programs change: last checked 2026-10-22.
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CSLB
Small jobs without a license
Since January 1, 2025, an unlicensed person may take a job under $1,000 only when the work needs no permit and they employ no one on it.
Source: Contractors State License Board, AB 2622 Implementation industry bulletin (December 31, 2024). Rules and programs change: last checked 2026-10-22.
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CSLB
Workers' comp, employees or not
Every active C-20 Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning contractor must carry workers' compensation insurance or have self-insurance on file with CSLB, with or without employees.
Source: Contractors State License Board, Finding the Right Contractor. Rules and programs change: last checked 2026-10-22.
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CSLB
The bond has limits
The board warns that a contractor's bond often isn't enough to cover several complaints, or a project worth more than the bond.
Source: Contractors State License Board, Finding the Right Contractor. Rules and programs change: last checked 2026-10-22.
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CSLB
Pay last
Don't make the final payment before the final inspection, the permit is completed by the building department, and you're satisfied with the work.
Source: Contractors State License Board, HVAC Consumer Information Packet. Rules and programs change: last checked 2026-10-22.
Tell us what it's doing. We'll take it from there.
Call and describe the problem: the noise, the smell, the room that never warms up. Or book a visit online.
