C-20 · HVAC & mechanical

Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) Contractor

12205 contractors hold a California C-20 Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) Contractor license

What Does a C-20 License Cover?

Fabricates, installs, maintains, services, and repairs warm-air heating systems and water heating heat pumps, ventilating systems, air-conditioning systems, and the ducts, registers, flues, humidity and thermostatic controls and air filters in connection with these systems. Includes solar-powered HVAC systems.

Does not cover

Does not include boiler or steam heating (see C-4) or refrigeration below 50F (see C-38).

Hiring tip

HVAC systems must meet California Title 24 energy efficiency standards. Before hiring, get a load calculation for your space rather than accepting a rule-of-thumb estimate. Verify the contractor will pull a mechanical permit and that the installation will be inspected.

A California contractor license is generally required when a project costs $1,000 or more in combined labor and materials, requires a building permit, or uses additional workers. Small jobs cannot be split from a larger project to qualify for the exemption. Read the CSLB requirements.

Also in HVAC & mechanical

C-4: Boiler, Hot-Water Heating and Steam Fitting Contractor C-38: Refrigeration Contractor C-2: Insulation and Acoustical Contractor

Related Classifications

C-4: Boiler, Hot-Water Heating and Steam Fitting Contractor C-38: Refrigeration Contractor

Licensing Resources

C-20 contractors must carry workers' comp even with no employees
Deposit and payment rules for California contracts
Home improvement contract requirements
How to verify a contractor license

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