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Georgia requires a state-level HVAC license before you can legally install, service, or repair heating and cooling systems. The state issues a Conditioned Air Contractor license through the Construction Industry Licensing Board, and the process involves documented field experience, a two-part exam, and EPA certification. Georgia’s growing population and hot, humid summers create strong demand for HVAC services across the state.
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This guide covers every requirement, cost, and step to legally start and operate an HVAC business in Georgia, from your Conditioned Air Contractor license through business formation, insurance, and local permits.
HVAC Business Requirements in Georgia at a Glance
| Requirement | Agency | Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conditioned Air Contractor License (Class I or II) | GA Secretary of State / Construction Industry Licensing Board | $110 application + $267 exam + $100 license | 3-6 months (includes exam prep) |
| EPA Section 608 Certification | U.S. EPA | $20-$150 | Same day (after exam) |
| LLC Formation (Articles of Organization) | GA Secretary of State – Corporations Division | $100 | 3-5 business days (online) |
| Federal EIN | IRS | Free | Immediate (online) |
| General Liability Insurance | Commercial insurer | ~$1,425/year average | Same day |
| Commercial Auto Insurance | Commercial insurer | $1,500-$2,200/year | Same day |
| Workers’ Comp Insurance (3+ employees) | Commercial insurer | Varies by payroll & class code | Same day |
| County Occupation Tax Certificate | County government | $50-$400 | 1-2 weeks |
| Continuing Education (biennial) | Board-approved providers | $75-$200 | 8 hours every 2 years |
How to Start an HVAC Business in Georgia (Step by Step)
Step 1: Choose Your License Class and Meet Experience Requirements
Georgia issues Conditioned Air Contractor licenses through the Construction Industry Licensing Board, Division of Conditioned Air Contractors, under the Secretary of State. There are two license classes:
Class I – Restricted
Covers systems up to 175,000 BTU heating / 60,000 BTU (5 tons) cooling. This is primarily residential work. Experience requirement: 4 years total, broken down as:
- 2 years as lead mechanic – hands-on installation and repair work
- 1 year as service technician – must hold EPA Section 608 certification during this period
- 1 year in a supervisory role – overseeing HVAC projects
- Board-approved duct design course – must be completed before applying
Class II – Unrestricted
No size limitations on systems. Covers commercial and industrial work in addition to residential. Experience requirement: 5 years total, broken down as:
- 2 years as lead mechanic – including at least 1 year on commercial systems
- 1 year as service technician or supervisor – must hold EPA Section 608 certification
- 2 years in commercial supervisory role – overseeing commercial/industrial HVAC projects
- Board-approved duct design course – must be completed before applying
Start documenting your experience early. The Board requires detailed verification of employment history, including employer names, dates, specific roles, and scope of work performed. All experience claims must be verifiable.
Step 2: Get EPA Section 608 Certification
Federal law requires EPA Section 608 certification for anyone who purchases, handles, or disposes of refrigerants. Georgia’s Conditioned Air Contractor license also requires you to hold this certification.
- Recommended level: Universal certification (covers all equipment types)
- Exam cost: $20-$150 depending on testing provider
- Duration: Lifetime certification – does not expire, no renewal required
- 2026 update: Exam questions now include A2L (mildly flammable) refrigerants as the industry transitions away from high-GWP refrigerants
You must have your EPA 608 certification before applying for the Georgia state license, as it is required documentation for the application.
Step 3: Pass the State Licensing Exam
Georgia’s Conditioned Air Contractor exam is administered by PSI (the state’s testing vendor). Here are the details:
- Format: 120 questions in 2 parts
- Time allowed: 7 hours total
- Passing score: 70%
- Exam fee: $267
- Topics covered: HVAC systems, mechanical codes, refrigeration, duct design, load calculations, and Georgia-specific regulations
Most candidates spend 2-4 months preparing for the exam. Study materials are available from multiple exam prep providers. You can retake the exam if you do not pass on the first attempt.
Step 4: Apply for Your Conditioned Air Contractor License
Once you have your exam scores and EPA certification, submit your application through the GOALS online portal (Georgia Online Access to Licensing Services) at the Secretary of State’s office.
Application requirements:
- Application fee: $110
- License fee: $100 (paid after application is approved)
- Passing exam scores from PSI
- Proof of experience – documented work history meeting the Class I or Class II requirements
- EPA Section 608 certification – copy of your valid certificate
- Board-approved duct design course completion certificate
Agency contact:
- Address: 3920 Arkwright Rd, Suite 195, Macon, GA 31210
- Phone: (478) 207-2440
Step 5: Form Your Georgia LLC
File your Articles of Organization online with the Georgia Secretary of State – Corporations Division. Cost: $100 (online filing). Processing takes 3-5 business days.
Your LLC name must include “LLC,” “L.L.C.,” or “Limited Liability Company” and must be distinguishable from existing entities on file with the Secretary of State. Georgia requires a Registered Agent with a physical street address in the state – you can serve as your own registered agent if you have a Georgia address.
Annual Registration: Georgia LLCs must file an Annual Registration every year by April 1. The fee is $60. Failure to file can lead to administrative dissolution of your LLC.
Step 6: Get Your Federal EIN
Apply for a free Employer Identification Number at IRS.gov. You’ll receive it immediately when applying online. You need this to open a business bank account, file taxes, and hire employees.
Step 7: Get Insurance
General Liability Insurance
General liability insurance protects your HVAC business against third-party property damage and bodily injury claims. While Georgia does not mandate a specific state minimum for HVAC contractors, most commercial customers and general contractors will require proof of coverage before hiring you.
- Industry standard: $1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate
- Average cost in Georgia: ~$1,425/year
Commercial Auto Insurance
Essential for HVAC businesses – you’ll be driving to job sites daily with tools and equipment.
- Average cost in Georgia: ~$1,500-$2,200/year
- Covers service vans/trucks, tools in transit, and third-party liability
Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Georgia requires workers’ compensation insurance for businesses with 3 or more employees (including the business owner in certain structures). This is different from states like Florida that require it at 1 employee for construction trades.
- Threshold: 3 or more employees
- NCCI class codes apply based on specific work performed
- Even if you have fewer than 3 employees, carrying workers’ comp is strongly recommended for HVAC work due to the inherent risks of the trade
No state minimum, so your contracts set the number
Georgia does not mandate a specific liability minimum for HVAC contractors — which means the figure is set by whoever hires you. Commercial customers and general contractors will require proof of coverage before you are allowed on site, and the industry standard they write in is $1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate. Budget around $1,425 a year.
Commercial auto is the other essential line, since a personal policy excludes business use of a service van — and HVAC work means tools, refrigerant and equipment travelling with you.
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Step 8: Get Your County Occupation Tax Certificate and Mechanical Permits
County Occupation Tax Certificate
Georgia does not have a statewide general business license. Instead, you need an occupation tax certificate from the county (and city, if applicable) where you operate.
- Cost: $50-$400 depending on your county and business classification
- City certificate too: If you’re within an incorporated city, you’ll typically need both a county and a city occupation tax certificate
- Renewal: Annual
County Mechanical Permits
HVAC installations in Georgia require mechanical permits from the county building department. You must pull a permit before beginning installation work. Permit costs vary by county and project scope.
County Surety Bond (Some Counties)
Georgia does not require a surety bond at the state level. However, some counties may require a $10,000 surety bond filed with the county probate court before issuing a local work permit or occupation tax certificate. Check with your county government for specific requirements.
License Renewal and Continuing Education
Georgia Conditioned Air Contractor licenses must be renewed biennially (every 2 years). Here are the details:
- Renewal deadline: Before November 30 of odd years (2025, 2027, 2029, etc.)
- On-time renewal fee: $75
- Late renewal fee: $100
- Continuing education: 8 hours per renewal cycle
CE breakdown:
- 4 hours: Code changes and technical updates
- 4 hours: Business practices and management
CE courses must be taken through Board-approved providers. Complete your CE hours before the renewal deadline to avoid late fees or license lapse.
Cost to Start an HVAC Business in Georgia
Service-Only / Budget Startup
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| State Licensing Exam (PSI) | $267 | 120 questions, 2 parts, 7 hours |
| License Application Fee | $110 | One-time |
| License Fee (after approval) | $100 | One-time |
| EPA 608 Certification Exam | $20-$150 | Lifetime, no renewal |
| LLC Formation (online) | $100 | One-time |
| Federal EIN | Free | Online at IRS.gov |
| County Occupation Tax Certificate | $50-$400 | Annual renewal |
| General Liability Insurance | ~$1,425/year | $1M/$2M recommended |
| Commercial Auto Insurance | $1,500-$2,200/year | Required for service calls |
| Basic Tools & Equipment | $5,000-$10,000 | Gauges, meters, hand tools, recovery unit |
| Used Service Van | $5,000-$10,000 | Reliable work vehicle |
| Marketing / Website / Cards | $300-$1,500 | Optional at start |
| Estimated total: $10,000-$25,000 | ||
Full-Service Residential Operation
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing & Certifications | $497-$627 | Exam + application + license + EPA |
| LLC Formation + EIN + Annual Registration | $160 | $100 formation + $60 annual |
| County Occupation Tax Certificate(s) | $50-$400 | Annual |
| General Liability Insurance | ~$1,425/year | $1M/$2M recommended |
| Commercial Auto Insurance | $1,500-$2,200/year | Service fleet |
| Workers’ Comp Insurance | $2,000-$5,000/year | Required at 3+ employees |
| Professional Tools & Equipment | $10,000-$20,000 | Install-grade tools, vacuum pumps, brazing |
| Service Vehicle(s) | $10,000-$20,000 | Outfitted van or truck |
| Initial Inventory (parts/materials) | $2,000-$5,000 | Common parts, refrigerant, supplies |
| Marketing / Website / Branding | $1,000-$3,000 | Professional presence |
| Estimated total: $30,000-$55,000 | ||
Premium / Commercial-Capable Operation
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing & Certifications (Class II) | $497-$627 | Exam + application + license + EPA |
| LLC Formation + EIN + Annual Registration | $160 | $100 formation + $60 annual |
| County Occupation Tax Certificate(s) | $100-$400 | Annual, possibly multiple counties |
| General Liability Insurance ($1M/$2M) | ~$1,425/year | Required for commercial contracts |
| Commercial Auto Insurance (fleet) | $3,500-$6,000/year | Multiple vehicles |
| Workers’ Comp Insurance | $5,000-$12,000/year | Multiple employees, NCCI rated |
| Professional & Install Tools | $15,000-$30,000 | Full install capability, sheet metal tools |
| Service Fleet (2-3 vehicles) | $20,000-$40,000 | Outfitted vans/trucks |
| Initial Inventory | $5,000-$10,000 | Equipment, parts, refrigerant stock |
| Office/Warehouse Space (deposit + setup) | $3,000-$8,000 | Optional but recommended at scale |
| Marketing / Website / Branding | $2,000-$5,000 | SEO, Google Ads, vehicle wraps |
| Estimated total: $55,000-$100,000+ | ||
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Frequently Asked Questions
What license do I need for HVAC in Georgia?
You need a Conditioned Air Contractor license issued by the Georgia Secretary of State through the Construction Industry Licensing Board, Division of Conditioned Air Contractors. There are two classes: Class I (Restricted) for systems up to 175,000 BTU heating / 60,000 BTU (5 tons) cooling, primarily residential work, and Class II (Unrestricted) with no size limitations for commercial and industrial work. Class I requires 4 years of experience, and Class II requires 5 years.
How hard is the Georgia HVAC licensing exam?
The exam is administered by PSI and consists of 120 questions in 2 parts with a total time of 7 hours. You need a 70% passing score. The exam fee is $267. Topics include HVAC systems, mechanical codes, refrigeration, duct design, and load calculations. Most candidates spend 2-4 months preparing with exam-specific study materials.
Do I need EPA certification for HVAC in Georgia?
Yes. EPA Section 608 certification is federally required for anyone who purchases, handles, or disposes of refrigerants. Georgia also requires it as part of your Conditioned Air Contractor license application. Universal certification is recommended because it covers all equipment types. The exam costs $20-$150 and grants a lifetime certification with no renewal required.
How much does it cost to start an HVAC business in Georgia?
A service-only/budget startup costs approximately $10,000-$25,000, including licensing, a used service van, basic tools, and insurance. A full-service residential operation runs $30,000-$55,000 with install-grade equipment and employees. A premium commercial-capable operation with Class II license, multiple vehicles, and employees typically costs $55,000-$100,000+.
Does Georgia require a surety bond for HVAC contractors?
No state-level bond is required. However, some counties may require a $10,000 surety bond filed with the county probate court before issuing a local work permit or occupation tax certificate. Check with your county government for specific bonding requirements before you begin operations.
When do I renew my Georgia HVAC license?
Georgia Conditioned Air Contractor licenses renew biennially before November 30 of odd years. The on-time renewal fee is $75, and the late fee is $100. You must complete 8 hours of continuing education per cycle – 4 hours on code changes and 4 hours on business/management topics – through Board-approved providers.
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