Do You Need A Permit For HVAC Replacement

Being a homeowner brings many challenges. If you aren’t careful you could lose your investment. When it comes to projects that are considered large in nature and high in costs, you will want to do whatever you can to protect your investment. Always make sure that you understand your local municipalities rules and regulations. Making changes to your home or major home systems like an HVAC system could be cause for extra paperwork. In this case, you might need to file for a permit. Do you need a permit for HVAC replacement? Hire a contractor and have them pull the permit for your new or replacement HVAC system.

Let’s explore below the definition of a permit and why it is an important part of the building process.

What Is A Permit

A permit is often pulled for various additions to the home. This may be for things such as a swimming pool, fence, or porch to name a few. The purpose of it is to show that the homeowner or general contractor has permission to add on or make changes to a structure. Each town or city has specific items that require a permit and the licensed contractor will pull the permit for the homeowner. Replacing your HVAC unit or installing a brand new one will require a permit to be pulled.

Why Do I Need A Permit

A permit will protect the investment of a homeowner. We like to think that all contractors are licensed, but unfortunately, some are not or don’t keep up with their licenses. There are a few reasons why a permit should be pulled.

• Save You Money – if you pull a permit, there is an inspection before and after the job. This permit will guarantee the job is done right the first time so it doesn’t have to be done again. Unfortunately, the national average for a successful HVAC installation is only 10% of all projects.
• Protection For the Homeowner- if the contractor doesn’t pull the permit and is caught installing the HVAC unit without the paperwork, their license could be in jeopardy. Also, your town or city could require you to remove the HVAC unit at your own expense. Sometimes, the town or city will sue you if you don’t follow the rules and charge you money for fees or penalties.
• Confidence in the Installation – a local inspector will check the installation was done correctly after the project is complete. He/she will check there are no leaks as this can be detrimental to the health of your household. Carbon monoxide and electrical issues could happen if the installation was not done correctly. Pulling the permit doesn’t allow for corners to be cut which is good.

How do you get a permit? The building codes office in your town or city is where you would go. Unfortunately, not every contractor is honest so pulling the permit may be what you need to do to protect your family and investment.

How Much Does It Cost

The national average for a permit is $250-$500 and this will help you protect your home and family. It will also give you the peace of mind that all hook-ups were done correctly and you were charged a fair price for the unit. Also, call around to various companies to get estimates for your new HVAC unit or whatever you are adding to the home.

Seer ratings that are higher can cost you more. A seer rating is a seasonal energy efficiency ratio that lets you know how efficient your HVAC unit is. It is not uncommon to spend between $5000 and $15,000 on a new unit. Also, your cost will depend on the size of your home as well as the number of units you need.

Other Recommended Maintenance

One area to look at is your furnace. If your furnace shows signs of rust on the vent pipe, yellow flickering light, or moisture on the windows or walls then you may be leaking carbon monoxide. This is hazardous to the health of your household and you need to get them out of your home as soon as possible.

Consider installing a carbon monoxide detector. This can ensure that you are aware of any excess carbon monoxide levels in your home. Also, keep in mind that a carbon monoxide detector will not pick up natural gas readings. That would require a separate detection system.

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Additionally, if you really want to protect your investment, make sure that you have all of the facts regarding your home and its systems. For example, can your HVAC be covered under your homeowner’s insurance? This is important to know in the event that you need to replace your HVAC system. Saving money anywhere you can is key to a successful replacement.

When Do I Call A Professional

Are you having an issue with your HVAC system? Be sure to call on your local professional HVAC service company. They can assess the damages to your HVAC system and recommend the next steps. You might be lucky and only need a part or two replaced. However, you could also need to replace the entire unit. Replacing the unit will require you to apply for a permit with your local municipality. Be sure to have your HVAC service company pull the permit prior to conducting a replacement service on your HVAC unit. If you aren’t sure who to call, reach out to your local home inspection team. They can inspect the HVAC unit and recommend a reputable HVAC service company.

Conclusion

Allowing your HVAC service technician to not pull a permit before installing your HVAC system is not a good idea. In order to protect your investment, ask your contractor if they will be pulling the permit or if you need to. As they homeowner, you want to ensure that all rules and regulations are followed. If they are not followed, fines and fees could be incurred. Also, companies that value their reputation will pull the proper permits. Be sure to call on your local home inspection team to ensure that the job was done correctly and your HVAC system is inspected. Call on Colorado Inspection Team can check your HVAC system during a home inspection in Castle Rock, CO.