Guide
Before you hire an HVAC contractor
In Texas the state licenses air conditioning contractors. Checking the license takes a few minutes and uses a public database.
What Texas requires
The Texas Occupations Code says a person may not engage in air conditioning and refrigeration contracting without holding a contractor license. A state license is valid throughout the state, so no city issues a second one for the trade.
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) also says anyone doing non-exempt air conditioning maintenance must be registered at least as a technician, and that non-exempt work must go through a licensed contractor with the required liability insurance.
Sources: Occupations Code section 1302.251 and the TDLR FAQ.
How to check a license
Use the TDLR license search for the air conditioning program and look the company or the license number up.
- Open the TDLR license search.
- Search by the license number the contractor gives you, or by name.
- Confirm the status is active and the name matches the company at your door.
- Ask for proof of liability insurance in writing.
What the rules say about advertising and vehicles
TDLR rules require advertising by air conditioning contracting companies to include the affiliated licensee's license number. Company vehicles must show the license number and company name in letters at least two inches high.
A contractor who cannot give you a license number is not one to hire.
Rule text: 16 Texas Administrative Code section 75.71.
Where AC Leander stands
AC Leander is not a contracting company. It does not offer, bid or perform HVAC work, and it holds no TDLR license. It lists no contractor and holds no license number out as its own. The independent contractor you reach by phone carries the license, and verifying it is your step.
Questions to ask on the call
What is your TDLR license number?
Write it down and check it.
Will you send a written scope?
It should name equipment, labor and permit work.
Who pulls the permit, if one is needed?
Ask before any work begins.
What does the warranty cover?
Parts, labor and how long, in writing.
Who will be at my house?
Ask whether the people on site hold technician registration.
If something goes wrong
TDLR takes complaints about licensed and unlicensed activity. Its complaint page is at tdlr.texas.gov/complaints, and the general TDLR phone numbers, (512) 463-6599 and (800) 803-9202 within Texas, are listed on its air conditioning contractor FAQ page.
Ready to talk to an independent HVAC contractor?
Dial the number and say what the system is doing. The call connects you with an independent contractor who serves Leander and nearby towns.