It’s a relatively frequent occasion for a licensed HVAC contractor to be called to a home where a recently installed system has failed. And, after a quick look at the system, it becomes obvious that the job has been conducted by an unlicensed worker.

Occasionally, the homeowner is unable to get in touch with the responsible party, and thus seeks help from a legitimate contractor. But more often, the homeowner has already tried to have a repair reimbursed via the manufacturer of the system, then to be informed that because the system was not installed by a contractor with a license, the manufacturer’s warranty is void.

Legitimate HVAC contractors will always adhere to rules and regulations which have been passed by local government in order to conduct their business.

Many of such regulations are there to offer protection to the homeowner from dishonest and unscrupulous contractors. Nevertheless, oftentimes, the homeowner is entirely unaware of the risks.

Below are a number of issues that a technician should discuss with a homeowner, which endeavors to enforce licensed contracting and explains the value of an HVAC contractor.

Warranties

An unlicensed contractor is unable to carry out warranty work unless prior agreement has been gained from the manufacturer.

Ask upfront to see the license, and be sure that it includes the name of the person who is going to carry out the work.

Security

The company that you employ should conduct rigorous criminal and background checks. It’s not that unusual whereby unlicensed workers are linked to crimes, which includes stealing from customers’ properties and even copying keys to return at a later date.

As such, the homeowner should always insist on seeing the workman’s licenses and badges.

Guarantee

You as the homeowner should ascertain that the company is certified to undertake warranty work. If the contractor is licensed, the homeowner will not only receive a guarantee of the work, but also a warranty on the equipment.

Worker safety

If you endeavor to hire a cheaper contractor who is unlicensed, should an employee be injured while working on your property, you may be liable. As such, you should ask if all employees are fully covered for insurance and workers’ compensation.

There’s no doubt that for an HVAC contractor to become licensed they are then at something of a disadvantage within the industry. Unlicensed contractors do not have to abide by the laws, they avoid many of the overhead costs, they do not need to pay any workers’ comp, and they do not have to pay for workers’ insurance.

Thus, as a potential customer, do bear in mind these costs when next asking for companies to bid on your HVAC-related work. And be prepared to pay more for a fully licensed contractor. Choosing a licensed contractor, after all, is always in your best interests.