Washington HVAC license lookup: how to check and get a license
Washington HVAC license lookup: who issues HVAC contractor licenses (Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I)), how to check one online, the license types, and 2,237 plumbing, heating and air-conditioning contractors by county.
Do HVAC contractors need a license in Washington?
| Who licenses them | Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) |
|---|---|
| License types | Registered Specialty or General Contractor, HVAC/Refrigeration Specialty Electrician (06A), HVAC/Refrigeration Restricted Specialty Electrician (06B) |
| When a license is required | Contractor registration required to perform construction work; electrical work on HVAC equipment requires an L&I electrician certificate |
Washington has no separate HVAC competency license: HVAC companies register with L&I as contractors (bonded and insured), and technicians doing electrical work on HVAC/refrigeration equipment need an 06A/06B specialty electrician certificate. Refrigerant work also requires federal EPA Section 608 certification.
How do you look up an HVAC contractor's license in Washington?
- Ask the HVAC contractor for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the Washington HVAC license lookup run by Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I).
- 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 Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I).
What HVAC licenses does Washington issue?
- Registered Specialty or General Contractor
- HVAC/Refrigeration Specialty Electrician (06A)
- HVAC/Refrigeration Restricted Specialty Electrician (06B)
How do you get a HVAC license in Washington?
Licenses are issued by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
Which Washington city is the job in?
How many HVAC contractors are there in Washington?
The Census Bureau counted 2,237 plumbing, heating and air-conditioning contractors with employees in Washington in 2023. The counties with the most:
| King County | 468 |
|---|---|
| Snohomish County | 325 |
| Pierce County | 271 |
| Clark County | 199 |
| Spokane County | 179 |
| Kitsap County | 87 |
| Thurston County | 76 |
| Yakima County | 70 |
What do Washington homes mean for heating and cooling work?
The median home in Washington was built in 1984, 36% of households rent and 67% of homes are single-family houses. 34% of homes heat with utility gas and 58% with electricity, and 1% with fuel oil.
How do you choose an HVAC contractor in Washington?
- 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: Washington licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.