Get Quotes from Top HVAC Contractors in Louisville, KY

Questions to Ask Before Hiring an HVAC Contractor in Louisville

Louisville stands out for its rich heritage, cultural scene, world-famous Kentucky Derby, and variety of outdoor recreations. However, the city's hot summers and very cold winters mean residents have to rely on good heating and cooling systems to stay comfortable inside and control their homes' humidity levels. Fortunately, more than 1,900 licensed HVACR contractors in Louisville are ready to help you install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.

When hiring an HVAC contractor in the city, you should verify their licensing status, insurance coverage, and experience level. Also, confirm the quote provided by the contractor by comparing it with rates from other local HVACR technicians.

As such, it is recommended that you ask the following key questions to ensure you hire the right person and pay the best rate for fixing your heating or cooling issues:

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

When hiring a professional HVAC contractor in Louisville, you should only consider engaging those with valid licenses and knowledgeable of the Oklahoma Building Code and other ventilation and indoor air quality standards. This will help you save money on energy bills and maintain the efficiency of your system.

Hence, when planning to undertake any of the HVAC projects in Louisville listed below, you should always seek the services of an experienced and licensed HVAC contractor:

  • Design, install, or upgrade HVAC systems in buildings.
  • Installation, repair, maintenance, or replacement of air conditioner unit
  • Cleaning, replacement, and repair of air duct
  • Installation of air quality purification system
  • Energy-efficient upgrade of HVAC system

Are You Licensed as an HVAC Contractor in Louisville?

Individuals who intend to offer HVAC-related services to Louisville residents must first obtain the necessary licenses to operate as an HVAC contractor from the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings, and Construction - Division of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (DHBC).

The DHBC offers three different types of licenses in Louisville:

  • HVAC Apprentice: This entry-level license allows holders to work with a licensed contractor. To be eligible, interested individuals must first register with the DHBC by filling out an HVAC 3 - Apprentice Registration Form.
  • HVAC Journeyman: These professionals can work independently but cannot directly bid for services. Applicants must submit an HVAC 2 - Journeyman Application Form to apply for this license type.
  • Master HVAC Contractor: This is the highest license level for HVAC contractors. To apply for this license, interested individuals must provide proof of having accumulated at least two years of experience as a journeyman and complete an HVAC 1 - Master Contractor License Application Form.

In addition to completing the relevant application forms, applicants must pass a state-administered licensing exam and pay appropriate licensing fees to the DHBS. Furthermore, any applicant who plans to work on refrigerants must obtain a Section 608 Technician Certification from an EPA-approved agency.

Be aware that it is a Class A misdemeanor to provide HVAC services without a license, and such individuals will be liable to sanction as may be determined by the Department. Therefore, before you hire an HVAC contractor in Louisville, verify they have the necessary licenses to provide your required services. You can do this by using the DHBS License Search and Verification platform.

For more information about HVAC contractor licensing requirements in Louisville, contact the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings, and Construction - Division of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (DHBC) via email or at (502) 573-2002.

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

HVAC services in Louisville generally range from around $200 to $9,500. Nonetheless, the total cost of your HVAC project will depend on several variables, including the following:

  • The nature and scope of the HVAC service required
  • The type, brand, and size of the system and equipment
  • Your building layout and the location of the HVAC unit within and outside the building
  • The cost of required permits and materials
  • Your location within the city
  • Miscellaneous expenses, such as necessary renovations of components like thermostats and dehumidifiers

Getting and comparing quotes from different HVAC contractors in Louisville is an excellent way to estimate the cost of your project. It can also help you identify contractors who inflate their rates to avoid getting ripped off.

Will My HVAC Project Require a Permit in Louisville?

You will need an HVAC/mechanical permit for any project that involves the construction, installation, modification, or alteration of a building's mechanical systems in Louisville. The Louisville Department of Construction Review is responsible for issuing HVAC permits to property owners or licensed HVAC contractors.

For more information about applying for HVAC/mechanical permits in Louisville, contact the city's Department of Construction Review at (502) 574-3321.

What Type of HVAC Services Do You Offer in Louisville?

HVAC contractors in Louisville offer residents a wide range of services to ensure their heating and cooling systems work seamlessly and efficiently. They typically charge a minimum service fee of about $50 to $200 and an hourly labor rate of $100 to $150. Some of these services that Louisville HVAC contractors offer are listed below:

Air Conditioner Installation:
$3,732 - $4,911
Air Conditioner Repair:
$85 - $900
Forced Air Furnace Installation:
$2,800 - $5,500
Forced Air Furnace Repair:
$95 - $2,000
Whole House Humidifier Installation:
$385 - $454
Thermostat Installation:
$130 - $149
Central Air Purifier Installation:
$985.88 - $1,358

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

Although most HVAC contractors in Louisville have the necessary skills to handle HVAC projects independently, certain large-scale projects may require them to subcontract work to other professionals. Thus, before completing the hiring process with your prospective HVAC contractor, verifying whether they will handle the work themselves or subcontract it is important.

If the HVAC contractor will subcontract work, it is recommended that you take the following steps to avoid problems down the line:

  • Verify that each HVAC contractor has the appropriate experience and valid license.
  • Verify each subcontractor's insurance coverage.
  • Request a lien waiver to protect you from liability if the primary HVAC contractor fails to pay its subcontractors on time.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Louisville HVAC Contractor?

HVAC contractors in Louisville must carry at least $500,000 general liability insurance and $300,000 property damage insurance coverage. In addition, they must carry workers' compensation insurance for their employees, if any.

So, before signing any contract with an HVAC contractor, verify that they are appropriately insured and that the coverage will be adequate to cover the scope of your project. You can contact the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction - Division of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (DHBC) at (502) 573-2002 for more details on the insurance requirements for HVAC contractors in Louisville.

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

Additionally, before hiring an HVAC contractor in Louisville, confirm that they will provide you with a written warranty for their services and the materials they will use. Most reputable HVAC contractors offer a one or two-year warranty on their workmanship and a five to ten-year one for the parts and equipment they will be installing. Be wary of any HVAC contractors who refuse or hesitate to provide you with a warranty.

The validity periods and the terms and conditions of these warranties depend on the type of equipment involved and on the HVAC contractor. For this reason, asking for a copy of the warranty is important to understand its terms and conditions and avoid voiding it.

How Do I Resolve Any Issue I Have with Your HVAC Services in Louisville?

If you have concerns about the quality of service or repairs provided by an HVAC contractor in Louisville, you can report them to the following agencies:

  • The Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings, and Construction - Division of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (DHBC) – by submitting a formal consumer complaint form via email or mail to
Department of Housing, Buildings, and Construction
Division of HVAC
500 Mero Street,
Floor 1
Frankfort, Kentucky 40601-1298
Office of the Attorney General
Office of Senior Protection and Mediation
1024 Capital Center Drive
Frankfort, KY 40601