Look up the license your city issues
Colorado has no state HVAC license. Cities and counties license mechanical contractors, and each keeps its own list. In Denver, use the city's contractor license search. A Denver license also needs a supervisor certificate for the trade, held by the owner or someone on staff. Aurora has its own contractor lookup. Anywhere else, call the building department for the city on your address.
The new circuit and disconnect for an air conditioner or heat pump are electrical work. Electricians are licensed by the Colorado State Electrical Board, so ask who on the crew holds that license.
Search the company's legal name as well as the name on the truck. They are often different.
Make sure there will be a permit
Replacing a furnace, air conditioner or heat pump in Denver takes a mechanical permit, pulled by the licensed contractor. The permit brings an inspector out to look at the gas and the venting. The new circuit goes on its own electrical permit. Once it's issued, you can find the permit by your address on Denver's permit lookup. Other cities set their own rules, so ask. A bid that leaves the permit out is cheaper for a reason.
Compare the bids line by line
Totals only compare when the jobs match. Line these up:
- Model numbers for the furnace or air handler, coil, outdoor unit and thermostat
- Removal of the old equipment
- Electrical work, including any new circuit or disconnect
- Duct changes, the condensate drain and the line set
- What is excluded, and what would trigger a change order
- The labor warranty, and who registers the equipment for the parts warranty
If one bid keeps the old coil and another replaces it, you are looking at two different jobs. Ask each company why.
Ask how the size was worked out
The size should come from a load calculation for the whole house (ACCA Manual J). Ask to see it.
Then see where we work, read our reviews, or send photos for a price.
Common questions
Does Colorado license HVAC contractors?
Not at the state level. Cities and counties license mechanical contractors, so check with the building department where the house is. Electrical work is the exception: electricians are licensed by the Colorado State Electrical Board.
Who pulls the permit in Denver?
The licensed contractor doing the work. Ask whether the permit fee is in the price and who will meet the inspector.