How to Start an HVAC Business in New Hampshire (2026)

Last updated: February 26, 2026

Starting an HVAC business in New Hampshire has some important licensing distinctions that depend on the type of work you do. There is no single statewide “HVAC contractor license” in New Hampshire. Instead, the NH OPLC Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board licenses specific categories of mechanical work: fuel gas fitting (natural gas and propane), oil heating, and mechanical businesses providing gas, plumbing, domestic appliance, or hearth services. If you only do refrigeration and air conditioning (no gas work), you may not need a state mechanical license – but you still need EPA 608 certification for refrigerant handling. Rules Mec 300 and Mec 604 regarding initial license requirements and examination were updated effective February 13, 2026.

HVAC Business Requirements in New Hampshire at a Glance

Requirement	Agency	Cost	Timeline
Mechanical Business License (gas, plumbing, hearth, domestic appliance work)	NH OPLC Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board	Contact OPLC for current fees	Before operating; required for businesses
Fuel Gas Fitter License (individual – for gas work)	NH OPLC Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board	Contact OPLC for current fees	Required for anyone doing gas work
Oil Heating Technician License (for oil heating work)	NH OPLC Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board	Contact OPLC for current fees	Required for oil heating work
EPA 608 Certification (refrigerant handling)	EPA-approved certifying organization	$20-$60 for exam	Federal requirement; before handling refrigerants
LLC formation	NH Secretary of State	$100-$102	1-3 business days
Annual LLC report	NH Secretary of State	$100/year (due April 1)	Annual
General liability insurance	Private carrier	$1,500-$4,000/year	Before operating
Workers’ compensation (if employees)	Private carrier	Varies by payroll	Required for any employees

How to Start an HVAC Business in New Hampshire (Step by Step)

Step 1: Determine Which Mechanical Licenses Apply to Your Work

New Hampshire’s HVAC licensing is category-specific through the NH OPLC Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board. The key distinction is whether your work involves fuel gas (natural gas or propane):

Fuel gas work (natural gas, propane): State license required

• Fuel Gas Fitter License: Required for trainees, installers, and service technicians working with fuel gas systems (RSA 153-B). License levels typically include trainee (working under supervision), installer, and master. Contact OPLC for current license level requirements and fees.
• Mechanical Business Entity License: Required if your business provides gas, plumbing, domestic appliance, or hearth services. The business entity must be separately licensed even if individual technicians hold fuel gas fitter licenses.

Oil heating work: Separate license required

• Oil Heating Technician License: Required for work on oil-fired heating equipment. NH has a significant number of oil-heated homes, making this license valuable in the market.

Refrigeration/AC only (no gas work): No state mechanical license required for individuals

• General air conditioning and refrigeration work without gas connections does not appear to require a state mechanical license for individuals under current NH rules
• However, the mechanical business entity license may still apply if your business entity provides these services – verify with OPLC before assuming you are exempt
• Federal EPA 608 certification is still required for refrigerant handling regardless of state license status

Contact OPLC directly to confirm current requirements for your specific service mix:

• Email: OPLCLicensing5@oplc.nh.gov
• Address: 7 Eagle Square, Concord, NH 03301
• Website: oplc.nh.gov/mechanical-safety-and-licensing-board
• Applications: oplc.nh.gov/applications-mechanical-safety-and-licensing

Note: Rules Mec 300 (Initial License Requirements) and Mec 604 (Training and Examination Provider Approval) became effective February 13, 2026. If you applied before this date, verify your application status with OPLC.

Step 2: Obtain EPA 608 Certification

Federal law (Clean Air Act Section 608) requires certification for any technician who purchases, recovers, recycles, or reclaims regulated refrigerants. There is no federal exemption for small businesses.

• Type I: Small appliances with 5 lbs or less of refrigerant (window ACs, mini fridges)
• Type II: High-pressure refrigerants (R-22, R-410A) – most residential and light commercial HVAC
• Type III: Low-pressure refrigerants (R-11, R-123) – large chillers
• Universal: Covers all three types – recommended for full-service HVAC technicians

Take the EPA 608 exam through any EPA-approved certifying organization. Exam cost: typically $20-$60. Many trade schools, HVAC distributors, and organizations like ESCO Institute offer exams. Certification does not expire.

Step 3: Apply for NH OPLC Mechanical Licenses

Apply to the NH OPLC Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board for applicable individual and business licenses. Key steps:

1. Download applications at oplc.nh.gov/applications-mechanical-safety-and-licensing
2. Complete all required forms and gather supporting documentation (proof of training, experience hours, etc.)
3. Pay applicable fees (contact OPLC for current fee schedule)
4. Submit your application and await processing

For the most current information on license types, fees, and requirements – especially given the February 2026 rule changes – contact OPLC directly before applying.

Step 4: Form Your Business Entity

Register your HVAC business as an LLC with the NH Secretary of State at quickstart.sos.nh.gov. Formation fee: $100-$102. Annual report: $100, due April 1.

The mechanical business entity license issued by OPLC is typically issued to the business, not just an individual. Forming your LLC first will let you apply for the business license in the LLC’s name.

Step 5: Get Business Insurance

HVAC businesses face significant liability risks – gas leaks, carbon monoxide, refrigerant releases, property damage, and personal injuries. Carry adequate coverage:

• General liability: $1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate minimum. Many commercial clients and property managers require $2M.
• Commercial auto: Required if using any vehicle for business purposes. Personal auto policies do not cover business use for trade contractors.
• Workers’ compensation: Required for any NH employer with any employees. NH workers’ comp rates dropped 6.1% for 2026. Purchase from any licensed NH carrier or the NCCI assigned risk pool.
• Inland marine (tools and equipment): Covers your equipment if stolen from your vehicle or a job site.

Cost to Start an HVAC Business in New Hampshire

Item	Cost	Notes
LLC formation (Secretary of State)	$100-$102	One-time
Annual LLC report	$100/year	Due April 1
Fuel gas fitter license (individual)	Contact OPLC	Individual technician license
Mechanical business entity license	Contact OPLC	Business-level license
EPA 608 exam (Universal)	$20-$60	One-time; federal requirement
General liability insurance ($1M)	$1,500-$4,000/year	Annual
Commercial auto insurance	$1,200-$3,000/year	Annual; per vehicle
HVAC tools and equipment	$3,000-$15,000	One-time startup; varies by specialty
Service van	$15,000-$50,000+	Used or new; major startup cost
Year 1 Total (solo technician, no van)	~$6,000-$20,000	Licensing + insurance + tools

Estimated total startup cost: $6,000-$20,000+ (tools only) or $25,000-$75,000+ (including service vehicle)

Related New Hampshire Business Guides

• How to Start a Cleaning Service in New Hampshire
• How to Start a Food Truck in New Hampshire
• How to Start a Daycare in New Hampshire
• How to Start a Hair Salon in New Hampshire
• How to Start a Landscaping Business in New Hampshire
• How to Become a Private Investigator in New Hampshire

← Back to all New Hampshire business guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a state license to do HVAC work in New Hampshire?

It depends on the type of work. If you work with fuel gas systems (natural gas or propane), a fuel gas fitter license from the NH OPLC Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board is required. If your business provides gas, plumbing, domestic appliance, or hearth services, the business entity itself needs a mechanical business license. If you only do refrigeration and air conditioning work with no gas connections, individual state licensing requirements may not apply – but verify with OPLC before assuming you are exempt. Federal EPA 608 certification is required for all refrigerant handling regardless.

What is the NH OPLC Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board?

The NH Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board regulates fuel gas fitters, oil heating technicians, and mechanical business entities in New Hampshire. It is the licensing authority for most licensed HVAC work in the state. Contact: OPLCLicensing5@oplc.nh.gov; 7 Eagle Square, Concord, NH 03301. Website: oplc.nh.gov/mechanical-safety-and-licensing-board.

What is EPA 608 certification and why do I need it?

EPA Section 608 certification is a federal requirement under the Clean Air Act for anyone who purchases, recovers, recycles, or reclaims regulated refrigerants (HFCs, HCFCs, CFCs). It is required regardless of state license status. Universal EPA 608 certification (covering all refrigerant types) is recommended for full-service HVAC technicians. The exam costs $20-$60 and is offered by many EPA-approved organizations. Certification does not expire.

Do NH HVAC businesses need workers’ compensation?

Yes. NH RSA 281-A:5 requires workers’ compensation for every employer with any employees. There is no minimum employee threshold. Even one part-time helper triggers the requirement. Workers’ comp rates dropped 6.1% statewide for 2026. The NH Department of Labor oversees workers’ comp: dol.nh.gov/workers-compensation.