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

An HVAC contractor's specific duties will depend on the project at hand. Hence, you should always contact an HVAC professional with the skills and training necessary to assess what needs to be done to fulfill your project and execute the required steps in strict compliance with the city's mechanical code.

Omaha's Air Conditioning/Air Distribution (ACAD) contractors are trained, experienced, and licensed to install, repair, and maintain any heating, cooling, and ventilation system. You can contact a licensed ACAD contractor if you are facing any of the following problems:

• Your thermostat is broken or not working correctly
• Your air conditioner is emitting a loud noise
• Your air conditioner's fan is clogged with dirt
• Your household energy bill is constantly increasing
• Your air conditioner goes on and off too frequently

Are You Licensed as an HVAC Contractor in Omaha?

Anyone who wishes to install, repair, and maintain residential or commercial heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems must obtain the appropriate Air Conditioning/Air Distribution (ACAD) contractor license from the City of Omaha Planning Department via its Permits and Inspections Division. The Division currently offers two licenses for ACAD work, and anyone who wishes to do HVAC-related work must hold at least one of the two. These are Commercial Air Conditioning/Air Distribution and Residential Air Conditioning/Air Distribution Contractor licenses.

A commercial ACAD contractor's license permits the holder to install all air conditioning/air distribution systems (excluding Hydronics). In contrast, a residential ACAD contractor's license allows the holder to install air conditioning/air distribution (excluding Hydronics) systems only in one or two-family dwellings.

Anyone who wishes to obtain an ACAD contractor license from the city's Permits and Inspections Division must meet specific eligibility requirements, which include the following:

• Eight years of verifiable experience in the installation of ACAD systems or four or more years of verifiable experience in the installation of ACAD systems under a licensed master ACAD contractor
• Passing trade examination administered by the ACAD board or a third-party testing agency designated by the board with a score of 75 percent or higher
• Provide written statements from past or present employers on their company letterhead stating dates of employment, a job description, and a list of work duties while employed with their company.
• Pay a $25 application fee.

Once these requirements are met, applicants can mail their application to the ACAD board via the city's Permits and Inspections Division located at

Always verify your preferred ACAD contractor's license status by contacting the city's Permits and Inspections Division at (402) 444-5383 or (402) 444-5370.

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

You can expect to pay between $24 - $100 per hour for HVAC services in Omaha. In some cases, HVAC professionals may charge more after considering all of the following factors:

• The nature and scope of the job
• The type, brand, and size of the HVAC system and equipment
• Your building's layout and the cost of necessary renovations
• The labor intensity of the job
• The location of the HVAC unit inside and outside the building
• The cost of required permits and additional components like dehumidifiers and smart thermostats

Always compare rates for your required HVAC services from different HVAC professionals in the city. In this way, you will be able to get a better estimate of the project's cost.

Will My HVAC Project Require a Permit in Omaha?

Unless exempted by the Omaha Mechanical Code, you must get a mechanical permit before commencing any mechanical work within the city, including HVAC projects like the following:

• Installation of air conditioning/air distribution systems
• Installation of heating and cooling units
• Installation of refrigerators, humidifiers, and air filters
• Installation of ductwork
• Installation of heat pumps

To apply for mechanical permits for HVAC projects, an applicant can visit the city's online permit portal or complete the appropriate permit application form and deliver it to the city's Planning Department via its Permit and Inspections Division at

For more information regarding HVAC-work-related permits in Omaha, contact the Permit and Inspections Division at (402) 444-5383 or (402) 444-5370.

What Type of HVAC Services Do You Offer in Omaha?

Most ACAD contractors provide an extensive range of HVAC-related services. Some of these are listed below:

Note that most ACAD contractors in the city are willing to offer discounts, so ask before signing any agreement.

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

Omaha ACAD contractors adopt several methods to deliver services that are up to standard and satisfactory. One option your ACAD contractor might use is to outsource tasks to subcontractors. Although this does not happen often, it is common with jobs that require specialized expertise or have a short deadline. As soon as you confirm that your ACAD contractor will be outsourcing any part of your project, you should take the following steps:

• Ensure that each subcontractor is appropriately licensed and experienced.
• Confirm the subcontractors' bond and insurance status.
• Get lien waivers to ensure that you are not held liable if the HVAC contractor fails to pay the subcontractors on time.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Omaha HVAC Contractor?

Air Conditioning/Air Distribution (ACAD) contractors must maintain a surety bond of $10,000 with the city's Permits and Inspections Division. Notice that only individuals who meet this requirement are eligible to obtain an ACAD contractor license. In addition, Omaha ACAD contractors must maintain general liability insurance of $300,000.

So, before hiring any ACAD contractor in the city, always get proof of their bonding and insurance. You can learn more about Omaha contractors' bond and insurance requirements by calling the city's Permits and Inspections Division at (402) 444-5383 or (402) 444-5370.

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

Most Omaha ACAD contractors typically guarantee that their services will be optimal and satisfactory. They do this usually in the form of a written warranty that covers materials and labor. Depending on each ACAD contractor, most HVAC services-related warranties are valid for at least a year or two. Therefore, it is always in your best interest to find out if the ACAD contractor you wish to hire will offer you a warranty and, if they will, its duration.

Ensure you get written copies of any warranty offers and review their terms thoroughly. Warranties protect you against poor services and the use of inferior materials. As such, avoid any contractor who refuses to provide a warranty.