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

When planning an HVAC project in Lexington, it is crucial to consider all HVAC-related projects must comply with the 2015 International Building Code and Mechanical Code, both adopted by the city. Non-compliance may result in administrative fines, stop-work orders, and subpar services that affect your HVAC system's efficiency.

Professional HVAC contractors understand these Codes the best, so they can ensure your project is Code-compliant and guarantee your satisfaction. Thus, you should hire them for your HVAC projects rather than following DIY approaches. For best results, hire professional HVAC contractors, especially for the following jobs:

• Air conditioning installation and maintenance
• Ventilation-related maintenance
• Duct cleaning and maintenance
• HVAC system repairs or replacements
• Furnace installations

Are You Licensed as an HVAC Contractor in Lexington?

The Lexington City Code requires all HVAC contractors in Lexington to be licensed and registered before undertaking any jobs within the city. HVAC contractor licensing is at the state level, and the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC) Is in charge of issuing licenses to eligible applicants. HVAC licenses are classified into Master, Journeyman, and Apprentice, and each license type has different qualification requirements.

Licensed HVAC contractors must further register with the Lexington Department of Building Inspection (DBI). Interested persons and project owners can direct their inquiries regarding this registration process and a contractor's registration status to the Department at (859) 258-3770. Likewise, you may contact the DHBC at (502) 573-0365 for inquiries on HVAC state-level licensing and check the Department's License Search and Verification webpage to confirm your contractor's license.

Be aware that it is unlawful to operate as an HVAC contractor without a license or registration with the city, and violations attract fines of up to $500 for each day of providing unlicensed services. This is in addition to other possible administrative fines and a civil lawsuit.

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

The average hourly rate of HVAC contractors in Lexington is between $24 - $28. However, some contractors charge above this estimate, especially for complex or time-demanding projects. Key variables contractors consider before charging you include the following:

• Your preferences and specifications
• The type of project
• Necessary permits
• The labor required for the job
• If the job requires subcontractors,
• The location of the HVAC system

Hence, contractor rates may vary widely. Comparing estimates from multiple contractors effectively determines how much you can expect to pay for your project. This method also helps you identify potential scams and contractors with unreasonable fees to avoid.

Will My HVAC Project Require a Permit in Lexington?

Unless stated otherwise in the Kentucky Building Code, which incorporates the 2015 International Building Code, a building permit is mandatory for all building-related projects in Lexington, including HVAC projects. The city's DBI receives permit applications and issues permits to qualified applicants. Depending on the project type, certain permit applications require plan reviews.

Building permits are either residential or commercial. Both types can be obtained online through the One-Stop Lexington portal. Applicants and project owners can contact the DBI at (859) 258-3770 for permitting-related inquiries.

Notice that the Building Code exempts some HVAC-related projects from this permit requirement. One such project is the replacement of parts of an HVAC system without altering its approval or safety. You can confirm if your project qualifies for exemption by contacting the DBI.

What Type of HVAC Services Do You Offer in Lexington?

HVAC contractors in Lexington offer several services related to indoor air quality, including the following:

This is a non-exhaustive list, and these professionals can handle any HVAC-related service you need.

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

It is always a good idea to determine who will be doing your work before committing. This is important because Lexington HVAC contractors sometimes outsource parts of their projects. This may happen when the project has a tight deadline, is outside the contractor's license scope, or requires a specialty contractor. Therefore, you should ask your contractor if they will outsource your project and, if so, to what extent. If this is confirmed, you should check that the relevant subcontractors meet the following criteria:

• They are duly licensed and insured.
• They are going to obtain relevant permits.
• They have obtained lien waivers protecting you against their default to third parties.
• They are duly registered with the city.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Lexington HVAC Contractor?

The Lexington City Code requires all contractors to be insured before registering and operating within the city. Contractors must maintain at least two insurance policies, one of which must be workers' compensation insurance as determined by state law. The minimum amount for the other required insurance depends on the contractor's license type, with a minimum amount of $100,000. Information regarding insurance requirements is outlined on the Lexington Contractor Registration Form.

Verify your prospective contractor has complied with these legal requirements, obtaining the relevant licenses and insurance policies. Hiring insured contractors is in your best interest, as this saves you from full personal expenses if your project causes damage to a third party. Confirm your contractor is insured by asking them for proof of insurance and check it by contacting the issuing company.

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

Before hiring an HVAC contractor, you should ask if they offer warranties. Warranties assure that the service you are getting is standard. They are usually in writing and last for a year most of the time. Some HVAC manufacturers also offer additional warranties on their products, which may last up to five years. Note that these are different from contractors' warranties.

If your contractor does not offer you a warranty when discussing your project, you should ask them about this. Be wary of contractors who are hesitant or unwilling to offer warranties.