HVAC licenses in
Iowa
Iowa licenses HVAC contractors statewide.
Official search run by Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board (Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing) at amanda-portal.idph.state.ia.us.
What the license should say
In Iowa you'll see one of these on an HVAC contractor's card, bid or truck:
- Master HVAC-refrigeration, hydronic or sheet metal
- Individual; plans or superintends design, installation or repair in that discipline.
- Journeyperson HVAC-refrigeration, hydronic or sheet metal
- Individual; works under a master.
- Mechanical contractor
- Business; must employ a master in each discipline it works in.
- Service technician HVAC specialty
- Individual; sublicense under an HVAC-refrigeration or mechanical license for work from the appliance shutoff valve to the appliance, including disconnecting and reconnecting it to gas piping.
Hiring a company, not a person?
A contractor license from the board; the business must employ at least one active master licensee in each discipline, carry $500,000 liability insurance and a $5,000 bond, and register as a contractor with DIAL.
Doing it yourself
Iowa Code 105.11(3) lets an owner do plumbing or mechanical work on their existing principal residence (not new construction) if it qualifies for the homestead tax credit.
Before you hire
- Contractor licensing in Iowa (small-job limits, bonds, permits)
- How to check a license in Iowa, step by step
- Before-you-hire checklist (one page, free PDF)
- File a complaint about an HVAC contractor (opens official site)
Keep this handy
We'll email you the one-page before-you-hire checklist, plus occasional tips on hiring safely.