Do You Need A Permit For HVAC Replacement

Owning a home presents many challenges. Not only must you remember a maintenance schedule for all of your systems and appliances, but you must also know the important rules and regulations set by your local area. Homeowners that fail to read up on the rules and regulations, such as permit pulling can end up losing a lot of money in fees and fines. Additionally, you should ask questions at your local permit office. Do you need a permit for HVAC replacement? Whether they are new or replacements, a permit should be pulled by the contractor.

Let’s take a look below at some more details regarding what a permit is and why it is important.

What Is A Permit

Permits have various names. You can pull a building permit for HVAC replacement, which gives the homeowner or general contractor permission to conduct changes to an existing structure. A permit is pulled by the contractor conducting the work. If an existing structure is getting upgraded or changed in any manner that is permanent, a permit should be pulled. Each local municipality will dictate what items specifically require a permit. However, any HVAC installation requires a permit. Your locally licensed professional HVAC contractor should be able to pull the permit for you.

Why Do I Need A Permit

There are many reasons why a homeowner needs to pull a permit for HVAC replacement. The biggest one is to protect their investment. You never want to rely on a contractor to have all of their licenses in order. Just because you ask for them, doesn’t mean it is all up to date. Let’s take a look below at the many reasons why you should pull a permit.

• Savings – pulling a permit can actually save you money. It requires an inspection to occur before and after the job is completed. This guarantees that the job is completed correctly the first time around. The national average for a successful HVAC installation is actually just 10% of all projects.
• Ensures you protection against the contractor – if your contractor doesn’t pull the permit for you and is caught doing the work without the proper paperwork, they could lose their license. Additionally, the city can require you to remove the HVAC equipment as a precaution and you pay the bill. In some cases, the municipality will sue you if you do not adhere to their demands and charge you fees and penalties.
• Peace – once the project has been completed, the local inspector will verify that the installation was done correctly and there are no leaks. The last thing that you want is to be subjected to carbon monoxide and electrical hazards caused by lazy and poor workmanship. Avoid having corners cut on your installation and get the permit pulled.

Permits are required when new equipment is being installed. To obtain a permit, you will visit your local municipality office of building codes. Also, permits and inspections allow for your building structure or home improvement project, such as an air conditioning unit to be installed properly and ensure that its energy efficiency is met.

How Much Does It Cost

Pulling a permit to replace your air conditioner is a great idea. You will want to protect your home and your family. The permit ensures that all hook-ups were done correctly and you were charged a fair price. The national average for a municipality to charge you for an HVAC permit ranges from $250 to $500. Remember this as you call around for HVAC replacement system quotes or estimates.

New air conditioning systems with higher seer ratings can cost a lot of money. So, be prepared to spend between $5,000 and $15,000 on a new air conditioning system. Additionally, your cost will vary based on number of units needed and the size of your home.

Other Recommended Maintenance

Now that you are aware of the need for pulling a permit to replace your HVAC system, it is a good idea to read up on how long HVAC systems last. Knowing how long an HVAC system will last, can give you an idea of when to look to file for your permit. In the event that your HVAC system fails, you will be prepared and ready with an approved permit.

Next, always remember that a good maintenance plan on your HVAC unit is the best way to save money. So, before you go spending money on replacement parts and permits, read up more on how you can keep your system running smoothly. For example, if the air condition coils freeze up. You will want to know how to thaw them out. This is something that can be tried by the homeowner. If you are unsuccessful, then you will call for a service technician.

Lastly, if you aren’t sure if your HVAC unit is failing or you need someone to take a look at it, call your local home inspection team. They can conduct a 4-point inspection of your home. This is a cheaper inspection that covers your 4 key systems in the home. Having this done before you worry about pulling a permit or consulting too many HVAC service companies is a great idea.

When Do I Call A Professional

The moment that you sense an issue with your HVAC system, call on a professional. Attempting to repair or patch various parts or damages to the HVAC system will only cost you more money. Not to mention, it could cost you your life. A professionally licensed HVAC technician will install the new unit. This will be far more successful way than you would as an unlicensed homeowner. Also, have your HVAC professional come over at least twice a year for a tune-up of the unit. If you aren’t sure who to call, reach out to your local home inspection team. They can inspect the HVAC unit and recommend a reputable service technician.

Conclusion

Ensuring that your HVAC system is installed properly is key. Always ask the professionally licensed HVAC service company if they will be pulling the permit or if you need to. Make sure to let them know that you are aware of how the job should be completed. This shows the contractor that you are willing to ensure all of the rules are followed. You can quickly determine how reputable a company is or is not by asking that question. If you aren’t sure who to call, reach you to Advantage Inspections to have your HVAC system inspected during a 4-point inspection here in West Central, Florida.