How to Start an HVAC Business in Delaware (2026)

Last updated: February 26, 2026

Starting an HVAC business in Delaware requires a state contractor license – specifically a Master HVACR or Master HVACR Restricted license from the Delaware Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners, administered through the Division of Professional Regulation (DPR). You must also hold an EPA Section 608 certification if your work involves refrigerants. Delaware’s licensing process involves meeting experience requirements, passing a Prometric exam, and applying through the DELPROS portal. This guide covers every requirement using official DPR sources.

HVAC Business Requirements in Delaware at a Glance

Requirement	Agency	Cost	Timeline
Master HVACR License (or Restricted)	DE Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners / DPR	$153 application fee	Weeks to months depending on experience path and exam scheduling
Prometric Exam	Prometric (Board-approved)	Varies (typically $60-$150)	Schedule after Board approves application
EPA Section 608 Certification	EPA-approved exam provider	$20-$120 depending on type and provider	Before submitting HVACR application (required for refrigeration/AC work)
Delaware Business License	Division of Revenue	$75/year	Immediate (temp) / 10 days
LLC Formation	Division of Corporations	$90	Varies
General Liability Insurance	Private insurer	Varies (typically $1,500-$5,000+/year)	Before first job
Workers’ Comp Insurance	Private insurer (required at 1+ employee)	Varies by payroll	Before hiring

How to Start an HVAC Business in Delaware (Step by Step)

Step 1: Obtain Your EPA Section 608 Certification

If your HVAC work involves purchasing, handling, or recovering refrigerants, you are required by federal law to hold an EPA Section 608 certification. For HVAC contractors in Delaware, this is also required to qualify for the Master HVACR license if your work includes Air Conditioning or Refrigeration specialties.

Type I: Small appliances (pre-charged, hermetically sealed, under 5 lbs refrigerant)
Type II: High-pressure equipment (most residential and commercial A/C)
Type III: Low-pressure equipment (large chillers)
Universal: Covers all three types – recommended for full HVAC work

Cost: $20-$120 depending on type and provider. Many HVAC training schools and trade associations offer the exam. Obtain and keep your CFC certification card – you will need to submit it with your HVACR license application.

Step 2: Choose Your License Type and Experience Pathway

Delaware offers two license types:

Master HVACR: Full license covering all HVACR work including gas piping. Recommended if you want to operate without restrictions.
Master HVACR Restricted: Limited to one specialty: Heating-Forced Air, Heating-Hydronic, Commercial Hood, Refrigeration, Air Conditioning, or Gas Piping.

Both carry the same $153 application fee. Three experience pathways to qualify:

Reciprocity: Hold a current, active HVAC license from Connecticut, Iowa, or Maryland (substantially equivalent standards). Apply by reciprocity – no exam required.
Journeyman’s Certificate + Experience: Hold a current Journeyman’s Certificate and have at least 2 years of working experience under a licensed Master HVACR after obtaining the Journeyman’s Certificate.
Apprenticeship Equivalency: Demonstrate at least 7 years of supervised HVAC work experience and pass Board-approved bypass examinations (minimum 70%, administered through Associated Builders and Contractors Delaware). This pathway is for those without a formal Journeyman’s Certificate.

Step 3: Apply Through DELPROS

Create an account and submit your Master HVACR application through the DELPROS portal at delpros.delaware.gov. Application fee: $153 (non-refundable). Include all required documentation:

EPA 608 certification card (for Refrigeration or Air Conditioning specialties)
Documentation of your experience pathway (letters from supervisors, records of Journeyman’s Certificate, or reciprocal license copy)
Government-issued ID

For questions, contact DPR at (302) 744-4500 or visit the Board’s page at dpr.delaware.gov/boards/plumbers.

Step 4: Pass the Prometric Exam

After the Board approves your application, you will receive instructions to schedule your exam with Prometric. The exam covers HVAC theory, code compliance, safety, and Delaware-specific requirements. Minimum passing score: 70%. Schedule your exam at a Prometric testing center at prometric.com. If you fail, check with the Board on retake policies and waiting periods.

Step 5: Receive Your License and Understand Renewal

Once you pass the exam, DPR issues your Master HVACR license. Key renewal information:

License expires December 31 of even years. Next renewal: December 31, 2026.
Renewal is biennial (every 2 years).
Continuing education requirements apply – verify current CE requirements with DPR at renewal time, as Regulation 5.0 was updated for 2026 renewals.
Renew through DELPROS at delpros.delaware.gov.

Step 6: Register Your Business

Form an LLC with the Division of Corporations ($90) and obtain a Delaware Business License ($75/year) at onestop.delaware.gov. If operating under a trade name (e.g., “Delaware HVAC Pros” when your LLC is “Smith HVAC LLC”), register a Trade Name with the Division of Revenue for $25.

Step 7: Get Insurance and Bonding

Delaware does not mandate a specific statewide insurance level for the HVACR license itself, but practical requirements include:

General liability insurance: Minimum $300,000 per occurrence is common for permit applications; $1,000,000 per occurrence is standard and recommended for commercial work.
Workers’ compensation: Required as soon as you hire one employee.
New Castle County: May require bonding for certain contractor work – verify with the county building permits office.

Step 8: Pull Building Permits for Each Job

Most HVAC installations and replacements in Delaware require a local building permit. Permits are issued by county or municipal building departments. Operating without required permits can result in fines, stop-work orders, and disciplinary action against your license. Always pull the required permits before starting work.

Cost to Start an HVAC Business in Delaware

Item	Cost	Notes
EPA Section 608 Certification	$20-$120	Universal certification recommended
Master HVACR License Application	$153	Non-refundable; DELPROS
Prometric Exam	$60-$150	Prometric fee; schedule after Board approval
Delaware Business License	$75/year	Division of Revenue
LLC Formation	$90	One-time; Division of Corporations
LLC Annual Franchise Tax	$300/year	Due June 1
General Liability Insurance	$1,500-$5,000+/year	$1M/occurrence recommended
Workers’ Comp (if hiring)	Varies by payroll	Required at first employee
Tools and equipment	$5,000-$20,000+	Gauges, recovery equipment, hand tools, refrigerant
Service vehicle	$15,000-$50,000+	Van or truck; commercial auto insurance required

Estimated total startup cost: $25,000-$80,000+ (vehicle and equipment are the major variables)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need to start an HVAC business in Delaware?

You need a Master HVACR or Master HVACR Restricted license from the Delaware Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners (under DPR). Apply through the DELPROS portal at delpros.delaware.gov. Application fee: $153. You must also pass a Prometric exam (minimum 70%) and meet experience requirements through one of three pathways.

Do I need an EPA 608 certification to work HVAC in Delaware?

Yes, if your work involves refrigerants. EPA Section 608 certification is a federal requirement for anyone purchasing, handling, or recovering refrigerants. It is also required to qualify for the Delaware Master HVACR license for Air Conditioning and Refrigeration specialties. Universal certification (Types I, II, and III) is recommended. Cost: $20-$120 depending on provider.

How do I qualify for a Delaware Master HVACR license without a Journeyman’s Certificate?

Use the Apprenticeship Equivalency pathway: demonstrate at least 7 years of supervised HVAC work experience and pass Board-approved bypass examinations administered through Associated Builders and Contractors Delaware (minimum 70%). Submit documentation of your experience with your DELPROS application. Contact the Board at (302) 744-4500 for current bypass exam schedules.

Does Delaware have reciprocity for HVAC licenses from other states?

Yes, but it is limited. Delaware has reciprocity agreements with Connecticut, Iowa, and Maryland. If you hold a current, active HVAC license from one of these states with substantially similar standards, you may apply by reciprocity without taking the Delaware exam. Apply through DELPROS at delpros.delaware.gov and submit a copy of your current out-of-state license.

When does a Delaware Master HVACR license expire and need renewal?

Delaware HVACR licenses expire on December 31 of even years. The next renewal deadline is December 31, 2026. Renewal is biennial. Continuing education requirements apply and were updated in Regulation 5.0 for 2026 renewals – verify current CE requirements with DPR at the time of renewal. Renew through DELPROS at delpros.delaware.gov.

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About the Author

Robert Smith has run a licensed private investigation firm for 8 years from the Florida-Georgia state line - where he learned firsthand how wildly business licensing rules differ between states just miles apart. He personally researched requirements across all 50 states and D.C., reviewing hundreds of government sources over hundreds of hours to build guides he wished existed when he started. Not a lawyer or accountant - just a business owner who has done the research so you don't have to.

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