"Local, Licensed, Insured HVAC Contractor" – This should go without saying, but ask to see their license. Hiring an unlicensed contractor can result in a fine of up to $5,000.

"State certified contractor" – A licensed contractor should be able to provide a copy of their license. If you really are skeptical about a company or its license, you can go to your state’s website for additional information regarding their license. Things to look for would include:

1. When was the license first issued? Is it the same length of time the company has been in business? If the licensure date is far less than the start date of the company, it may mean that their license was revoked and they had to have someone else in the company get a license or they had to “rent” someone’s license. 

2. Does the license holder work in the company? Companies that do not have a licensed technician will sometimes “rent” someone’s license. If a company is renting a license, you might wonder how knowledgeable their technicians are if they can’t pass the license test. How do you know if the license holder works at the company? Call the company and ask to speak to him/her.

NATE Certified – North American Technical Excellence ratings for HVAC Technicians tells you that the company’s technicians are experts in the HVACR industry. They had to pass rigorous tests to gain this certification.

"EPA Freon Certification" – Federal and state laws mandate this.