How to Choose an AC and Heating Contractor

Start by checking your state's license and insurance rules, then confirm the contractor's license with the state agency. Anyone who services equipment containing refrigerant must hold EPA Section 608 certification. Expect a real home evaluation, written itemized estimates and a signed proposal that lists model numbers and warranty terms. In the South, a new split-system central air conditioner must meet DOE's regional SEER2 minimum.

Key facts

DOE says it is illegal for a contractor to install a central air conditioner that does not meet the regional standards in the Southeast and Southwest.
Since January 1, 2023, split-system central air conditioners installed in the Southeast must be rated at least 14.3 SEER2 below 45,000 Btu per hour and 13.8 SEER2 at or above it.
DOE notes that SEER2, HSPF2 and EER2 ratings are not directly comparable to the older SEER, HSPF and EER ratings.
EPA requires technicians who maintain, service, repair or dispose of equipment that could release ozone-depleting refrigerants to be certified under Section 608, and those credentials do not expire.
EPA bars intentionally venting refrigerants or their substitutes while maintaining, servicing, repairing or disposing of air-conditioning equipment.
Production and import of HCFC-22, the refrigerant also called R-22, ended in 2020 under EPA's phaseout schedule.
EPA says its HFC technology transitions rule does not limit the use of any existing system and that you can continue to repair your existing air conditioner or heat pump.
DOE says more than half of HVAC systems in U.S. homes are believed to perform poorly because of one or more installation issues.

What does SEER2 mean, and what minimum applies in the South?

SEER2 is the seasonal energy efficiency rating DOE began using on January 1, 2023. DOE created the new metrics because it changed its test procedure to better reflect real-world installation and use. DOE says the new ratings are not directly comparable to the old SEER numbers, so compare SEER2 to SEER2.

DOE splits the country into a North, a hot-dry Southwest and a hot-humid Southeast. The Southeast includes Texas and Florida. For split-system central air conditioners installed there on or after January 1, 2023, the minimum is:

14.3 SEER2 for units under 45,000 Btu per hour of cooling capacity.
13.8 SEER2 for units at or above 45,000 Btu per hour.

Split-system heat pumps have a national minimum of 14.3 SEER2 and 7.5 HSPF2. In the South, DOE ties the air conditioner rule to the date of installation, which it defines as connecting the refrigerant lines or electrical systems to make the unit operational. DOE says your contractor should not install a non-compliant unit in the Southeast. You can report a suspected illegal installation to DOE at EnergyEfficiencyEnforcement@doe.gov or 202-287-6997.

Why does EPA Section 608 certification matter?

Most central air conditioners and heat pumps hold refrigerant under pressure. Under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act, EPA requires technicians who maintain, service, repair or dispose of equipment that could release ozone-depleting refrigerants to be certified. EPA recognizes four types:

Type I for servicing small appliances.
Type II for high- or very high-pressure appliances, except small appliances and motor vehicle air conditioning.
Type III for low-pressure appliances.
Universal for all types of equipment.

EPA says Section 608 credentials do not expire. It also prohibits intentionally venting refrigerants during service, repair or disposal. Asking the technician which certification they hold is a fair question before anyone opens your system.

What happens to older refrigerants like R-22 and R-410A?

EPA's phaseout schedule ended production and import of HCFC-22, also called R-22, in 2020. EPA notes that some HCFC uses continue, such as servicing existing refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment.

Newer systems face a separate federal phasedown of HFC refrigerants. EPA says those restrictions apply only to new products and systems manufactured, imported or installed after the compliance dates. Its answer for consumers is direct: you can continue to repair your existing air conditioning or heat pump system, and there are no requirements to stop using equipment currently in use. Be wary of anyone who tells you federal rules force an immediate replacement of a working system.

What should a proper installation include?

DOE says more than half of HVAC systems in U.S. homes are believed to perform poorly because of installation problems. Common ones include oversized furnaces and air conditioners and poorly designed, sized or sealed ducts. DOE estimates better installation may save 18 to 36 percent for air conditioners and heat pumps.

DOE describes a quality installation as one with correctly sized, matched equipment, the proper refrigerant charge, adequate airflow and well-sealed ducts. ENERGY STAR adds that a good contractor spends real time inspecting your system and home, sizes the system to your house, insulation and windows rather than simply going bigger, and checks for duct leaks and airflow.

What should regular maintenance cover?

ENERGY STAR's maintenance checklist lists tasks a contractor should handle:

Check thermostat settings and system controls.
Tighten electrical connections and measure motor voltage and current.
Lubricate moving parts.
Check and inspect the condensate drain.
For cooling: clean the evaporator and condenser coils, check the refrigerant level and adjust if necessary, and clean and adjust blower components.
For heating: check gas or oil connections, gas pressure, burner combustion and the heat exchanger.

The one task it gives homeowners is to inspect, clean or change air filters once a month.

How do you stay safe from carbon monoxide during outages and heating season?

Gas furnaces and portable generators can produce carbon monoxide. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says to install battery-operated CO alarms, or alarms with battery backup, on every level of the home and outside sleeping areas. It says interconnected alarms are best.

CPSC also warns never to use a portable generator inside a home or garage, even with doors and windows open. Use generators outside only, at least 20 feet from the home, with the exhaust facing away.

How to choose a provider

Check your state's license and insurance requirements before you call anyone, as ENERGY STAR advises.
Verify the contractor's license on the state agency's own lookup tool, not just a card or a website badge.
Ask which EPA Section 608 certification the technician who will handle refrigerant holds.
Expect a home evaluation that looks at your house, insulation, windows, ducts and airflow, not a quote by phone.
Get written, itemized estimates from more than one contractor and compare efficiency and warranties.
Confirm a new split-system air conditioner meets the 14.3 SEER2 (under 45,000 Btu/h) or 13.8 SEER2 Southeast minimum.
Sign a written proposal that lists model numbers, schedule and warranty terms before work starts.
Ask who will pull the local permit and schedule the inspection.
Be skeptical of claims that federal refrigerant rules force you to replace a working system.
Call customer references and ask whether the job finished on time and as promised.

AC and heating guides by state and city

Questions people ask

Do I have to replace my air conditioner because of the new refrigerant rules?

No. EPA says its HFC technology transitions rule does not limit the use of any existing system, and you can continue to repair your existing air conditioner or heat pump. The restrictions apply to new products and systems after their compliance dates.

What SEER2 rating does a new air conditioner need in Texas or Florida?

Both states are in DOE's Southeast region. A split-system central air conditioner installed on or after January 1, 2023, must be at least 14.3 SEER2 if it is under 45,000 Btu per hour and 13.8 SEER2 at or above that size.

Is a SEER2 rating the same as an old SEER rating?

No. DOE says SEER2, HSPF2 and EER2 are similar to the old metrics but not directly comparable, because they come from a revised test procedure. Compare new equipment by its SEER2 rating.

Does an AC technician need a federal certification?

Yes, if they handle refrigerant. EPA requires technicians who maintain, service, repair or dispose of equipment that could release ozone-depleting refrigerants to be certified under Section 608. EPA says the credential does not expire.

Can my existing R-22 system still be serviced?

EPA's schedule ended production and import of HCFC-22 in 2020. EPA notes that some HCFC uses continue, such as servicing existing air-conditioning equipment. Ask your contractor what servicing options exist for your specific system.

How often should my system be serviced?

ENERGY STAR's checklist lists tasks for a contractor tune-up, including checking refrigerant level, cleaning coils and inspecting the condensate drain. For homeowners, it recommends inspecting, cleaning or changing air filters once a month.

What if I think my contractor installed an illegal air conditioner?

DOE says you may report it to EnergyEfficiencyEnforcement@doe.gov or 202-287-6997. You can also file a complaint with your state licensing agency.

Sources

This guide was written by our editorial team from the public sources listed above. It is general information, not legal advice; confirm licensing and terms directly with any provider.

How do you choose an AC and heating contractor you can trust?