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Questions to Ask Before Hiring an HVAC Contractor in New Orleans

New Orleans is world-renowned for its distinctive music, jazz clubs, colonial architecture, Creole and Cajun cuisine, unique dialects, vibrant nightlife, annual Mardi Gras celebration, and numerous festivals. However, the city's long, hot, and oppressive summers require residents to maintain good cooling systems to ensure comfortable indoor air quality. Fortunately, over 1,100 HVACR contractors operating in the New Orleans area are available to meet your cooling or heating needs.

New Orleans demands professionals who wish to install, repair, and maintain residential or commercial heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems to obtain the appropriate mechanical contractor license from the city's Department of Safety and Permits. Therefore, before hiring an HVAC professional, you should consider not only the professional's specialization, local reputation, service rates, and insurance coverage but also verify their license status.

So, to ensure that you hire the best person for your project, you should ask the following questions:

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

The International Mechanical Code regulates all HVAC projects in New Orleans. As such, it is recommended that you hire a licensed and experienced professional who is familiar with and willing to comply with the Code to handle your HVAC project. By hiring a licensed and experienced HVAC technician, you can avoid receiving poor services and potential fines resulting from code violations. So, contact a qualified HVAC technician 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 New Orleans?

HVAC technicians working within New Orleans must obtain the appropriate mechanical contractor license from the city's Department of Safety and Permits. The Department currently offers two categories of licenses to interested HVAC professionals, and anyone who wishes to do HVAC-related work in the city must hold at least one of the two. The two licenses are classified as follows:

  • Class A Masters AC/ Refrigeration Contractor License
  • Class B Journeyman mechanical contractor license

To apply for these licenses, an applicant must submit the following information:

  • A passing letter from the International Code Council or a copy of the state license, if tested by the state
  • Current proof of insurance. This includes workers' compensation insurance if they have employees. Note that general liability insurance must be no less than $500,000 and workers' compensation insurance no less than the state requirement.
  • Current proof of Louisiana General Sales Tax Number from the Department of Revenue and Taxation
  • Federal ID Number
  • State of Louisiana copy of the Articles of Incorporation and Initial Report of (company name) for Class A applicants only
  • Copy of Driver's License or State Identification

Once these requirements are met, applicants can complete their license application by visiting the city's Department of Safety and Permits at

New Orleans City Hall
7th Floor
1300 Perdido Street
New Orleans, LA 701121

Always verify your prospective HVAC technician's license status by contacting the city's Department of Safety and Permits at (504) 658-7100.

What Rates Do You Charge for Your HVAC Services in New Orleans?

Professional HVAC technicians charge between $24 - $100 per hour for HVAC services in New Orleans. In most cases, the cost of these services is influenced by 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 location of the HVAC unit inside and outside the building
  • The cost of required permits and additional components like dehumidifiers and smart thermostats

We recommend you compare rates for your required HVAC services from at least three HVAC professionals in the city. In this way, you'll be able to determine the project's actual cost.

Will My HVAC Project Require a Permit in New Orleans?

A mechanical permit issued by the New Orleans Department of Safety and Permits must be obtained for any project that involves installing, replacing, or repairing any mechanical or gas-fired apparatus or equipment, such as air conditioning systems, electric or gas heaters, electric or gas furnaces or heaters, or gas lines.

To apply for a mechanical permit for HVAC projects, an applicant must download, complete, and submit an HVAC permit application form alongside the appropriate permit fees at

New Orleans City Hall
7th Floor
1300 Perdido Street
New Orleans, LA 70112

Note that only city-licensed contractors can apply for mechanical permits in New Orleans. For more information regarding HVAC-work-related permits in New Orleans, contact the Department of Safety and Permits at (504) 658-7100.

What Type of HVAC Services Do You Offer in New Orleans?

Professional HVAC technicians in New Orleans offer an extensive range of HVAC-related services, including the following:

Air Conditioner Installation:
$3,530 - $4,632
Air Conditioner Repair:
$81 - $800
Window Air Conditioner Unit Installation:
$221 - $270
Whole House Humidifier Installation:
$363 - $700
Thermostat Installation:
$123 - $210
Central Air Purifier Installation:
$929 - $1,700

Some technicians in the city offer discounts to new customers, so be sure to ask.

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

New Orleans HVAC technicians may outsource tasks that require specialized expertise or have a short deadline to subcontractors. Although this only happens sometimes, it is recommended that you find out if your preferred technician intends to outsource part of your project to subcontractors before signing any agreement. If your technician will outsource any part of your project, you should take the following steps:

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

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded New Orleans HVAC Contractor?

Mechanical contractors in New Orleans must carry general liability insurance of not less than $500,000 and additional workers' compensation insurance not less than the state requirement if they have employees. If the contractor claims to have no employees, they must provide a notarized affidavit.

So, before choosing a mechanical contractor, always ask for proof of their insurance. You can get more information about New Orleans mechanical contractor insurance requirements by calling the city's Department of Safety and Permits at (504) 658-7100.

Do You Offer Any Warranties on Your HVAC Work in New Orleans?

Most HVAC professionals in New Orleans typically provide warranties covering materials and labor. Depending on each HVAC technician, these warranties may be valid for at least a year or two. Before choosing a technician in the city, it is crucial to determine if they will provide a warranty and, if they will, its validity period. Always get written copies of any warranty offers and review their terms thoroughly before deciding whether to hire the technician.

Warranties protect you against shoddy jobs and the use of inferior materials. So, avoid technicians who refuse to provide them.

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

The New Orleans Department of Safety and Permits assists with contract issues involving city residents and mechanical contractors. Residents can file a complaint against their contractor with the department if they experience misleading or deceptive business practices. You can report bad mechanical contractors, including HVAC technicians, to the New Orleans Department of Safety and Permits by calling (504) 658-7100. However, if the incident involves contractor fraud, we recommend filing a complaint with the Orleans Parish District Attorney's Economic Crimes by calling (504) 822-2414.

Finally, If the HVAC technician you wish to report is a licensed mechanical contractor in Louisiana, you may file a complaint with the State's Licensing Board for Contractors. You can do so online or by downloading, completing, and mailing a consumer complaint form to

Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors
600 North Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802