How to Start An HVAC Company In California

How to Start an HVAC Business In California

Here is some information on how to register and start an HVAC business in the state of California.  HVAC services can include heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration, and more.  You may want to start here:  How To Start An HVAC Company Make sure you do your own thorough research, as laws change regularly.  Here are some steps you may have to take (not necessarily in order) to start your own HVAC company, along with links to more information.

Getting started- California’s official website about how to start a business in California is found here: California Business Portal

1. Register your HVAC business name.

Find out more about registering a fictitious name here: California Business Name Availability .  Your fictitious name must be registered with your county clerk.

If you need help selecting a name for your HVAC business:  HVAC Business Name Ideas

2. Select your HVAC business structure.

Sole-proprietor, LLC, Partnership, Corporation, etc.  Find out more here: California Business Entities

3.  Register your HVAC business.

After choosing your business structure, you can register your HVAC business with the state of California.  Find out more here: Register Your Business Entity

4. Open a Business Checking Account.

You will need to open a separate bank account for your HVAC business with your new business name.

5. Find out about taxes and hire an accountant.

You may want to file your own taxes if you are a small company. As you grow, it will be easier to have an accountant do the work.

More info about taxes here:

6.  Get Liability Insurance.

You will need liability insurance.  Be sure to check will multiple agents as prices and options vary.

7.  Register as a Contractor.

To become an HVAC contractor, you must apply for a contractor’s license in the state of California.  The registration application is found here: Contractors State License Board .

8. Worker’s Compensation.

The insurance agency that provided your liability insurance should be able to help with this.

9. Get Health Insurance.

Since you will be self-employed, you will need your own health insurance.  If you have employees, you will need a plan that will include their health needs also.

10. City License.

You may be required to obtain a license to operate your HVAC business in a particular locale, whether you are a resident, or not.

11. Permits and Certifications

You may need to apply for permits and have special HVAC certifications before doing work as an HVAC contractor.

12. Building Code and Inspections.

You must be aware of building codes for particular jobs, and may be subject to inspections.

13. OSHA.

Depending on how many employees you have, you may need to follow OSHA regulations.

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