Why You Should Leave Your HVAC Electrical Needs to a Licensed Electrician

A license allows an HVAC technician to perform HVAC-related activities. One of those activities is maintaining the electrical components in an HVAC. So, does that mean HVAC technicians are also electricians, or will they need a whole new license? In this post, we explore what an HVAC license means and whether or not a licensed HVAC technician can also do electrical work.

What Licenses Are Required From HVAC Technicians in Indiana?

In Indiana, HVAC specialists do not need to have a state-level license as licensing is at the discretion of the county. What’s important to note is that most counties follow a hierarchy when it comes to contractor licenses.

• Apprentice License - This can be obtained by people who want to become HVAC professionals. They must be supervised by an HVAC master or contractor.
• Journeyman License - This allows them to install and maintain HVAC systems. They must meet the minimum number of years of practical experience and education.
• Master/Contractor License - HVAC masters or contractors are HVAC experts who’ve met the minimum requirements for education and experience. They can supervise people with lower-level licenses and enter into contracts for HVAC work.

In the majority of areas, an apprentice does not need to be licensed, but they must train under the supervision of an HVAC master. Furthermore, even if there is no state-level license required for HVAC professionals, they are required to obtain the EPA 608 Basic Certification. Under the Clean Air Act, HVAC professionals must pass an EPA-approved test as they are bound to work with materials that will release refrigerants into the air.

Can HVAC Technicians Conduct Electrical Work?

So, when an HVAC tradesman is licensed, does that mean they can also do electrical work? HVAC professionals are expected to have some understanding of electrical concepts. After all, one of their tasks is to maintain the electrical components in an HVAC system, which includes the wires, controls, etc. However, bear in mind that HVAC technicians concentrate only on HVAC-related electrical concepts. So technically, they can conduct electrical work, but they will be limited by their capabilities.

Even if HVAC professionals have some training, they may not have the required – not to mention adequate – training to deal with more serious issues. In other words, while they may be able to deal with minor electrical problems, they may not have the experience to deal with complex concerns – unless, of course, they opt to pursue an electrical license apart from their HVAC license.

Hire a Licensed Electrician For Your HVAC Electrical Needs

Electrical concerns that go beyond what an HVAC technician is trained to do (such as too few outlets, overwired panels, etc.) must only be dealt with by a licensed electrician. These are the types of licenses an HVAC electrician can apply for:

• Apprentice License - This license is intended for people who want to learn the trade.
• Journeyman License - This license allows the licensee to conduct electrical work in residential and commercial properties without supervision.
• Master Electrician - This type of license allows the licensee to pull work permits from various cities and counties. They can run their own company or supervise other electricians.

That being said, it’s best to work with a company that provides both HVAC and electrical services, such as Beeson Mechanical. We work with both technicians and electricians to allow us to handle all of your HVAC concerns. In this way, you won’t have to call another company in case you require electrical services. We provide complete services to Indiana homeowners, covering installation, repair, replacement, and maintenance for both your HVAC system and the rest of your home’s electrical systems. Dial (317) 535 - 9338 to request a commitment-free quote for our services today.