How to start · Updated May 2026
How to start an HVAC business
Starting an HVAC business requires the federal EPA Section 608 certification, a state HVAC license in most states, and roughly $5,000–$20,000 in startup costs. Solo techs typically begin with a van, gauges and recovery equipment, and insurance, balancing emergency repairs, maintenance agreements, and installs.
Startup cost
$5,000–$20,000
Licensing
Every HVAC technician who handles refrigerant must hold the federal EP…
For
Solo HVAC technicians & small crews
The steps to start an HVAC business
Get licensed and certified
Every HVAC technician who handles refrigerant must hold the federal EPA Section 608 certification, regardless of state. On top of that, roughly 36 states require a state HVAC or mechanical contractor license; the rest leave it to local jurisdictions.
Register your business and get insured
Register as an LLC or sole proprietorship, get an EIN, and open a business bank account to keep finances clean. General liability is standard and often required for licensing; add workers' comp once you hire and a bond where required.
Buy your core equipment
Plan on $5,000–$20,000 to start. Specialized tools (gauges, recovery machine, vacuum pump), a van, EPA certification, and licensing. Stocking common parts and refrigerant adds cost.
Set your prices
Repairs are billed by diagnosis-plus-parts or flat-rate; system replacements are quoted by the job; maintenance agreements create recurring revenue. HVAC technicians earn a national median of about $61,010 a year; owner-operators who sell maintenance agreements and installs can build more predictable, higher income.
Get your first customers
Maintenance agreements are the moat — sign them on every repair. Add Google Business Profile reviews, referrals from realtors and home inspectors, and seasonal tune-up promotions before summer and winter peaks.
Set up the system to run it
Use one tool to schedule jobs, send estimates and invoices, take payment, and follow up automatically — so admin doesn't eat your evenings. JobStack is the AI-powered CRM built for HVAC technicians.
What you'll need to start
- Service van
- Refrigerant gauges, recovery machine, vacuum pump
- Multimeter, leak detector, and hand tools
- Common parts (capacitors, contactors) and refrigerant
- EPA 608 certification, state license, insurance
- Phone + invoicing/CRM software
Pricing your work
Repairs are billed by diagnosis-plus-parts or flat-rate; system replacements are quoted by the job; maintenance agreements create recurring revenue. HVAC technicians earn a national median of about $61,010 a year; owner-operators who sell maintenance agreements and installs can build more predictable, higher income.
Dig into the numbers: HVAC technician pay by state, the HVAC replacement cost guide, and the free hourly rate calculator to set a rate that covers overhead and profit.
Starting an HVAC business: FAQ
How much does it cost to start an HVAC business?
What certification do I need to start an HVAC business?
How do HVAC businesses make money year-round?
Run the business from your phone.
Once the jobs come in, JobStack handles scheduling, estimates, invoicing, and AI follow-ups — the CRM built for HVAC technicians. Launching soon.
See JobStack for HVAC technicians