HVAC licenses in
Massachusetts
Massachusetts licenses HVAC contractors statewide.
Official search run by Office of Public Safety and Inspections, Division of Occupational Licensure (refrigeration licenses) at mass.gov.
What the license should say
In Massachusetts you'll see one of these on an HVAC contractor's card, bid or truck:
- Refrigeration contractor
- Business license; allows a regular place of business and employing licensed refrigeration workers.
- Refrigeration technician
- Individual; required for refrigeration work of more than 10 tons in aggregate and works for a licensed refrigeration contractor.
- Master or journeyman gas fitter
- Individual licensed by the plumbing board for gas-fired heating equipment piping.
Hiring a company, not a person?
A refrigeration contractor license from the Office of Public Safety and Inspections for refrigeration and air conditioning work; gas piping requires a gas fitter license
Doing it yourself
State refrigeration licensing covers only systems of 10 tons or more and has no owner exemption (MGL c.146 ss.81 and 88); gas piping and wiring on home HVAC equipment still require a licensed gas fitter and electrician
Before you hire
- Contractor licensing in Massachusetts (small-job limits, bonds, permits)
- How to check a license in Massachusetts, 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.