New Jersey HVAC license lookup: how to check and get a license
New Jersey HVAC license lookup: who issues HVAC contractor licenses (HVACR), how to check one online, the license types, and 3,454 plumbing, heating and air-conditioning contractors by county.
Do HVAC contractors need a license in New Jersey?
| Who licenses them | New Jersey State Board of Examiners of Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR) Contractors (Division of Consumer Affairs) |
|---|---|
| License types | Master HVACR Contractor |
| When a license is required | License required; no dollar threshold |
Master HVACR contractors must carry at least $500,000 general liability insurance and file a surety bond with the Board, and renew every two years. Refrigerant work also requires federal EPA Section 608 certification.
How do you look up an HVAC contractor's license in New Jersey?
- Ask the HVAC contractor for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the New Jersey HVAC license lookup run by HVACR.
- Search by license number first. A name search can return several people or companies with similar names.
- Check that the status is active or current, that the license type covers your job, and that the name matches the company on your contract.
- If something doesn't match, ask the HVAC contractor about it before you sign or pay a deposit, or contact HVACR.
What HVAC licenses does New Jersey issue?
- Master HVACR Contractor
How do you get a HVAC license in New Jersey?
Licenses are issued by the New Jersey State Board of Examiners of Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR) Contractors (Division of Consumer Affairs). Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official HVACR source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
How many HVAC contractors are there in New Jersey?
The Census Bureau counted 3,454 plumbing, heating and air-conditioning contractors with employees in New Jersey in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Bergen County | 430 |
|---|---|
| Ocean County | 339 |
| Monmouth County | 338 |
| Middlesex County | 277 |
| Morris County | 248 |
| Passaic County | 215 |
| Union County | 207 |
| Essex County | 200 |
What do New Jersey homes mean for heating and cooling work?
The median home in New Jersey was built in 1969, 36% of households rent and 63% of homes are single-family houses. 73% of homes heat with utility gas and 16% with electricity, and 7% with fuel oil.
How do you choose an HVAC contractor in New Jersey?
- Check the state or local mechanical or HVAC license, and ask whether the technicians hold EPA 608 certification for refrigerant work.
- For a new system, ask for a load calculation (often called Manual J) rather than a size picked from square footage.
- Ask which rebates and tax credits apply to heat pumps and high-efficiency equipment, and whether the contractor files the paperwork.
- Compare quotes on the same equipment model numbers and efficiency ratings (SEER2, HSPF2, AFUE).
- Ask what the labor warranty covers, separately from the manufacturer's parts warranty.
HVAC Contractors in other states
Sources: New Jersey licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.