Can You Buy HVAC Equipment Without a License?

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October 21, 2021

It's empowering being able to build or fix things yourself. With so many YouTube videos and DIY websites, you might think you can get parts for your HVAC unit. However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) created regulations in 2010 where you cannot buy HVAC parts and equipment, like refrigerants, yourself unless you are a licensed technician. Read on to learn more.

Can You Buy HVAC Equipment Without a License?

Refrigerant Purchasing Requirements

Refrigerant keeps cool air running through your air conditioner, which is strictly regulated. Most air conditioners have HCFC and CFC, which are toxic to the ozone layer and illegal to release into the air. Companies sell refrigerants in cylinders and drums. Homeowners can't transport these containers easily. Releasing these chemicals into the air or transporting them without a universal refrigerant license will net you huge fines.

Specialized HVAC Equipment

You have to know what you're doing when working on an HVAC unit. There are many specialized tools you'll need to work on an HVAC. The tools and equipment you'll need to fix your HVAC system will cost you thousands of dollars. After all this money, you'll only need these tools a few times. Between regulations, safety issues, and money, it's best to leave this project to a licensed HVAC professional.

HVAC Warranty

Other than regulations and safety concerns, you'll want your system under warranty as long as possible. If you don't go with an HVAC professional and perform DIY work on your HVAC, you'll void your warranty. You will have to hire licensed professionals and keep records of what happens to your HVAC to keep it under an extended warranty.

Safety Concerns

You shouldn't open up an HVAC system when you're not a trained professional. HVAC systems usually have an electrical current that's separate from the rest of your house. There are many moving parts in an HVAC unit and charged capacitors that keep everything working. Most HVAC units are in the attic, and many only have flooring in a small area.

DIY projects are an excellent way to learn new things and build stuff with your own hands. However, when it comes down to purchasing HVAC parts, please leave them to a licensed HVAC technician for repairs. Contact us at Master Mechanical to schedule an appointment with our HVAC technicians today.

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Mini-Split Installation That Exceeded Expectations

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Jake is amazing! We reached out to get a quote for a mini-split system to cool our server room, and Jake exceeded our expectations. He recommended a more cost-effective solution that has provided us with incredible results. His out-of-the-box thinking and thoughtfulness are so impressive. I had six other HVAC companies provide quotes, but Jake was the only one who made sustainable and well-considered suggestions. The office staff is also super friendly and helpful!
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Dominique Haffery

We just had Master Mechanical service our AC units before it gets too hot! This way we know they are operating efficiently! I used to be scared to pay money for these things but it truly saves money in the long run! Master Mechanical was able to come out quickly, give me a shorter window then most companies do in this trade, came right on time, communicated the whole way! They are professional and experts at their craft! Highly recommend!!!
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Eric Williams

Jake did an excellent job helping me solve a complex problem that no one else could help with - I needed a new thermostat installed for a unique 120V water chiller AC system, and all other HVAC companies refused to work on it. Jake was on time, friendly, informative, and had it done in less than an hour. Highly recommended!
Saved $1000 With a Second Opinion on AC Repair

Kris

I’m glad I called Master Mechanical for a second opinion. They saved me $1000 over the quote for the same repair from another HVAC company. They were professional on time and fixed my unit same day. They also weren’t pushing upsales. They did let me know my options, but unlike the other company, Master Mechanical didn’t try using scare tactics to get me to buy additional services. Master Mechanical will be my first choice going forward and I’ve already recommended their services to family members as well.
Repaired My Boiler Instead of Pushing an Unnecessary Replacement

Kathleen Ferraro

I am so grateful to Master Mechanical for repairing my old boiler. Danny Chee is very knowledgeable and was able to figure out the problems and repair them. Plus he is a very nice, polite person. He made sure everything was working correctly before leaving, even after 5:00. The people on the phone, Paul and a woman whose name I can't recall, are professional and helpful. I received texts and emails confirming appointments and letting me know when Danny was on his way. They could have sold me a new boiler but instead fixed the old one at a fraction of the cost. I highly recommend them and will continue to rely on them in the future.

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