Tennessee HVAC license lookup: how to check and get a license
Tennessee HVAC license lookup: who issues HVAC contractor licenses (Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (Dept. of Commerce & Insurance) for projects $25,000+; smaller jobs regulated locally), how to check one online, the license types, and 1,873 plumbing, heating and air-conditioning contractors by county.
Do HVAC contractors need a license in Tennessee?
| Who licenses them | Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (Dept. of Commerce & Insurance) for projects $25,000+; smaller jobs regulated locally |
|---|---|
| License types | Contractor license - HVAC (CMC-C), Contractor license - Full Mechanical, Plumbing & HVAC (CMC) |
| When a license is required | State contractor license required for HVAC work of $25,000 or more (prime contract, or subcontract for that portion); no state HVAC license identified for jobs under $25,000 |
For typical repair or replacement jobs under $25,000, check city/county mechanical permit and licensing rules. Anyone handling refrigerant must also hold federal EPA Section 608 certification.
How do you look up an HVAC contractor's license in Tennessee?
- Ask the HVAC contractor for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the Tennessee HVAC license lookup run by Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (Dept. of Commerce & Insurance) for projects $25,000+; smaller jobs regulated locally.
- 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 Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (Dept. of Commerce & Insurance) for projects $25,000+; smaller jobs regulated locally.
What HVAC licenses does Tennessee issue?
- Contractor license - HVAC (CMC-C)
- Contractor license - Full Mechanical, Plumbing & HVAC (CMC)
How do you get a HVAC license in Tennessee?
Licenses are issued by the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (Dept. of Commerce & Insurance) for projects $25,000+; smaller jobs regulated locally. Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (Dept. of Commerce & Insurance) for projects $25,000+; smaller jobs regulated locally source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
Which Tennessee city is the job in?
How many HVAC contractors are there in Tennessee?
The Census Bureau counted 1,873 plumbing, heating and air-conditioning contractors with employees in Tennessee in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Shelby County | 221 |
|---|---|
| Davidson County | 196 |
| Knox County | 169 |
| Hamilton County | 125 |
| Rutherford County | 90 |
| Wilson County | 61 |
| Sumner County | 61 |
| Montgomery County | 56 |
What do Tennessee homes mean for heating and cooling work?
The median home in Tennessee was built in 1986, 33% of households rent and 72% of homes are single-family houses. 31% of homes heat with utility gas and 63% with electricity.
How do you choose an HVAC contractor in Tennessee?
- 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: Tennessee licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.