HVAC contractor license requirements in Texas.
Texas licenses HVAC through the Department of Licensing and Regulation’s Air Conditioning and Refrigeration program — a different agency than the plumbing board. Contractors hold a Class A or Class B license with endorsements for the type of work, and anyone helping them must register as a technician.
What Texas requires.
Class A Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor
The unrestricted contractor license — no size limit on the systems you can work on.
Class B Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor
Limited to cooling systems no larger than 25 tons and heating systems no larger than 1.5 million BTUs per hour.
Registered ACR Technician
Required for anyone assisting a licensed contractor with air conditioning and refrigeration maintenance or repair. Works under the contractor’s supervision.
Certified ACR Technician
A higher technician credential: two years of ACR work experience plus a department-approved certification program of 2,000 hours combining instruction and practical experience.
Getting the Class A Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor
- Be at least 18 years old
- Four years of experience under the supervision of a licensed contractor — reduced to three years if you hold Certified Technician credentials
- Both license classes carry endorsements for the work you do: Environmental Air Conditioning, Commercial Refrigeration, or Process Cooling or Heating
- Anyone assisting a licensed contractor must register with TDLR as a technician
Renewal: Contractor licenses are valid for one year from the date of issue.
The official board
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) — Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
Visit the boardVerified 2026-08 against the sources below. Licensing rules change — confirm with the board before relying on this page.
Texas HVAC licensing FAQ.
Do you need a license to do HVAC work in Texas?
Yes. Texas requires an Air Conditioning and Refrigeration contractor license from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Anyone assisting a licensed contractor with maintenance or repair also has to register with TDLR as a technician.
What is the difference between a Class A and Class B HVAC license in Texas?
Class A is unrestricted. Class B limits you to cooling systems of 25 tons or less and heating systems of 1.5 million BTUs per hour or less. Both classes carry endorsements — Environmental Air Conditioning, Commercial Refrigeration, or Process Cooling or Heating.
How much experience do you need for a Texas HVAC contractor license?
Four years of experience under a licensed contractor. If you hold Certified ACR Technician credentials, the requirement drops to three years.
Who licenses HVAC contractors in Texas?
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), through its Air Conditioning and Refrigeration program. That is a different agency from the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners, which handles plumbing.
How often do Texas HVAC licenses renew?
Annually — a contractor license is valid for one year from the date it is issued.
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