Get Quotes from Top HVAC Contractors in St Louis, MO

Questions to Ask Before Hiring an HVAC Contractor in St. Louis

Called the "Gateway to the West," St. Louis is an eclectic city famous for several attractions, including steamboats, world-renowned cathedrals, the Gateway Arch, historical museums, a blues music scene, tasty foods and beer, and fiercely loyal sports fans. However, the weather in the city goes from a hot and humid summer to a chilly cold winter, requiring good heating and cooling systems to keep its over 293,000 residents comfortable all year round. Fortunately, with over 3,500 highly qualified HVACR specialists in the city, you can rest assured that your heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration needs will be solved satisfactorily.

Note that St. Louis HVAC contractors carry different types of licenses. Therefore, it is part of your due diligence to verify that the permit your contractor holds aligns with the work you want to do. You should also confirm the contractor's insurance coverage and the rates quoted for the job. Among other details, these factors determine your satisfaction with the finished work.

As such, it is wise to ask the following questions to ensure you pick the best hand for the job:

What Do I Need to Know Before Hiring an HVAC Contractor in St. Louis?

Your task will be finished more quickly, safely, and in compliance with local building rules, ventilation requirements, and indoor air quality if you select a certified and experienced HVAC contractor. If you have any of the following needs, it is advised that you contact a reputable St. Louis HVAC contractor:

  • HVAC system design and installation for new buildings
  • AC installation, upkeep, and repairs
  • Improved duct maintenance and indoor air quality
  • Furnace installation, maintenance, and repair
  • Updating and maintaining energy-efficient HVAC systems

Are You Licensed as an HVAC Contractor in St. Louis?

To work on any heating, ventilation, and air conditioning projects in St. Louis, contractors need a mechanical license from the St. Louis Department of Transport and Public Works. Note that HVAC licensing, in particular, is handled by the Board of Examiners for Mechanical Licensing. Depending on the kind of HVAC work, applicants can obtain either a Residential HVAC Service Installer license, a Journeyman license, or an Apprentice license.

Applicants seeking an apprentice HVAC license must pay a $10 application fee. Before applying for a journeyman HVAC license in St. Louis, applicants must have 7500 hours of experience in HVAC and pay a $45 application fee. Note that the application for licensing must be submitted in person to the office at:

Department of Transportation and Public Works
41 South Central Avenue,
6th Floor,
Clayton, MO 63105

Working without a license carries fines and, even for a first conviction, can result in a year in jail. To verify the permission of your HVAC contractor or get more information about licensing in the city, contact the St. Louis Department of Transportation and Public Works at (314) 615-7096 or visit their Clayton office.

What Rates Do You Charge for Your HVAC Services in St. Louis?

Depending on several crucial aspects, the price of HVAC services in St. Louis could vary from $110 to $937 for each visit. These components include:

  • The amount of labor required to finish the project,
  • The cost of the required permits,
  • The layout of your structure and the price of any necessary modifications
  • The kind, manufacturer, and features of the HVAC system.
  • The specifics of the type and content of the work
  • The entire cost of devices like smart thermostats and dehumidifiers

Get pricing estimates for your HVAC project from several St. Louis HVAC firms and compare them to establish the project's projected cost. Take any quote that stands out with a grain of salt. Making these comparisons also makes it much easier to spot dishonest contractors who try to scam naive clients by inflating their cost estimates.

Will My HVAC Project Require a Permit in St. Louis?

In St. Louis, the Department of Public Works Building Division controls permits. A mechanical license is necessary in the city to perform any HVAC work, including installing and repairing air conditioning systems. Note that if the project requires inspections, it can be requested using the Department's online platform. Licensed contractors must apply for a permit online or in person at the following address:

Building Division Mechanical Section
Room 425,
City Hall.
1200 Market Street
St. Louis, MO 63103
Phone: (314) 622-4800

What Type of HVAC Services Do You Offer in St. Louis?

St. Louis HVAC specialists frequently provide a wide range of services to ensure your heating and cooling systems function correctly and efficiently. These professionals often offer the following services:

Air Conditioner Installation:
$3,227.28 - $4,246.99
Air Conditioner Repair:
$75.17 - $86.07
Furnace Installation:
$700 - $3,000
Furnace Repair:
$97.45 - $130.65
Window Air Conditioning Installation:
$203.40 - $230.52
Whole House Humidifier Installation:
$333.58 - $393.24
Thermostat Installation:
$113.00 - $129.27
Central Air Purifier Installation:
$852.47 - $1,174.30

Will You Be Doing the Work, or Do You Outsource the HVAC Work in St. Louis?

Although many skilled HVAC contractors can complete HVAC work independently, they may need to delegate some tasks to other experts. This usually happens when significant projects, such as the installation of air conditioners in recently constructed or remodeled condo buildings or the complete renovation of a hotel's HVAC system, are in progress. Before choosing any St. Louis HVAC business, you must determine whether they will conduct the project themselves or outsource it to third parties.

If you are working with outside parties on your project, take the following actions to avoid any potential issues with your subcontractors in the future:

  • Verify their training, credentials, and license certificates.
  • Verify the subcontractor's bond and insurance information with the relevant insurance companies.
  • Always ask for lien waivers to shield yourself from responsibility if the HVAC contractor fails to make timely payments to the subcontractors.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded St. Louis HVAC Contractor?

Licensed contractors must carry general liability insurance of at least $500,000 for bodily injuries and property damage. St. Louis HVAC contractors working in the construction sector must carry Worker Compensation Insurance if they have one or more employees. Ensuring that your contractor has other complementary insurance coverage is also essential.

Before signing any contracts, obtaining copies of the bonds and insurance certificates from any prospective HVAC contractors is crucial, and confirm these with the appropriate insurance firms. This will effectively discourage HVAC contractors from filing false insurance claims.

Do You Offer Any Warranties on Your HVAC Work in St. Louis?

Warranties are essential when comparing HVAC providers because they give you confidence that, should something go wrong following the repair, you won't have to spend extra money mending it. Therefore, be sure that you will get a good warranty before signing any contracts with your preferred contractor. The work of the HVAC contractor is covered by these warranties, which typically run for at least one to two years. Another warranty to consider is that which covers purchased and installed goods, which last for five to ten years.

It should be noted that the pertinent documents and the HVAC contractors will determine the specific circumstances and terms of these warranties. Always ask for a written copy of the warranty and study its conditions thoroughly. Pay special attention if a contractor is reluctant to discuss warranties or states plainly that they will not be offered.

How Do I Resolve Any Issue I Have with Your HVAC Services in St. Louis?

Customers and legal businesses are shielded from unfair and unethical business practices by HVAC contractors and companies by the Missouri Attorney General's Consumer Protection Section. You can contact this office by dialing (800) 392-8222 or submitting a complaint through their online platform.