Get Quotes from Top HVAC Contractors in Boise, ID

Questions to Ask Before Hiring an HVAC Contractor in Boise

A vast green landscape, hiking trails, mountains, friendly people, and vibrant culture make Boise attractive to residents and tourists. However, the city's short summers, snowy winters, and occasional freezing temperatures may get in the way of enjoying its attractions. Fortunately, over 1,500 qualified HVACR mechanics in Boise are ready to help with any of your heating or cooling needs. Whether installing new heaters, repairing broken refrigeration units, upgrading to energy-efficient AC units, or maintaining your ducts, licensed and insured HVAC contractors in the city will deliver a satisfactory job.

However, when searching for a heating and cooling technician, do not just verify their license and insurance coverage; also consider their experience and their quote for the job. Among others, these factors will impact the final cost of the job and the level of service you receive. Therefore, it is wise that you ask the following questions before signing any contract:

What Do I Need to Know Before Hiring an HVAC Contractor in Boise?

Ensure your HVAC project is executed in strict compliance with city-wide regulations. HVAC work in Boise must comply with various mechanical codes. For example, commercial projects and all residential projects with more than two units must comply with the 2018 International Mechanical Code (Including Appendix A) and the 2018 International Fuel Gas Code (Including Appendices A, B, C, and D), while residential projects with one-or-two-family dwellings must comply with the 2018 International Residential Code (parts V, VI, and Appendices A, B, C, and D).

To avoid severe penalties resulting from code violations, we recommend hiring an HVAC technician who is licensed, experienced, and willing to comply with the applicable codes for your project. Hence, contact a licensed and experienced HVAC contractor in Boise for any HVAC project like the following:

  • Installation, repair, maintenance, and replacement of air conditioner and furnace
  • Duct cleaning and safety inspection
  • Upgrade to an energy-efficient HVAC system
  • Design and installation of a new building HVAC system

Are You Licensed as an HVAC Contractor in Boise?

Anyone who wishes to legally provide HVAC services like air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration in Boise must hold a valid license issued by the Idaho Division of Building Safety (DBS). The DBS currently issues four classes of HVAC licenses to interested persons. These licenses include the following:

  • HVAC apprentice license
  • HVAC journeyman license
  • HVAC contractor license
  • HVAC specialty license (note that there are four specialty HVAC license types: hearth license, waste oil license, fuel gas piping license, and LP gas limited heating license)

Interested persons seeking a contractor license from the DBS must meet the following requirements:

  • Pass a state-administered exam and a background check
  • Provide proof of having been working as a journeyman for at least 24 months
  • Purchase a compliance bond of $2,000
  • Pay the license fee

Once these requirements are met, applicants can obtain their HVAC contractor license by downloading, completing, and mailing an HVAC contractor application form to

Idaho Department of Building and Safety
1090 East Watertower Street
Suite 150
Meridian, ID 83642

Before hiring an HVAC contractor to work on your HVAC system, always ensure that the individual holds the appropriate license for the job. You can check whether your preferred HVAC contractor has a valid license through the DBS public record request portal. For more information concerning HVAC licensing in Boise, contact the DBS at (800)955-3044.

What Rates Do You Charge for Your HVAC Services in Boise?

The cost of an HVAC project in Boise ranges from $80 to $10,000. However, the actual cost of your HVAC project will be determined by several factors. Some of these are listed below:

  • The nature and scope of the project
  • The type, brand, and size of the HVAC system and equipment involved
  • The building layout and the location of the HVAC unit inside and outside the building
  • The cost of pulling permits, additional materials, and necessary renovations
  • The urgency and complexity of the job

To avoid getting ripped off by any fraudulent HVAC contractor trying to inflate their rates, we recommend asking at least three HVAC contractors for quotes to get a more accurate estimate.

Will My HVAC Project Require a Permit in Boise?

In Boise, you will need a mechanical permit to perform the following HVAC work:

  • Installation of any part of a heating or cooling system
  • Installation or alteration of ductwork, vent system, or chimney
  • Installation of a wood stove, fireplace insert, or gas fireplace
  • Installation, alteration, or repair of gas piping between a meter and an appliance (indoors or outdoors)
  • Installation of a fuel oil tank
  • Exhaust bath fans or dryer vents
  • Replacing furnaces

The city's Planning and Development Services Building Division issues mechanical permits to interested persons. Applicants can obtain a permit for their HVAC project online or by downloading, completing, and mailing a mechanical permit application form to

Planning and Development Services
Boise City Hall
150 North. Capitol Boulevard
P.O. Box 500
Boise, ID 83701-0500

Contact the Planning and Development Services at (208) 608-7070 for more information concerning HVAC work permits.

What Type of HVAC Services Do You Offer in Boise?

HVAC contractors in Boise offer a wide range of services to their clients. These services typically include the following:

Air Conditioner Installation:
$3,605 - $10,000
Air Conditioner Repair:
$83 - $1,000
Furnace Installation:
$3,350 - $11,000
Furnace Repair:
$80 - $1,750
Whole House Humidifier Installation:
$372- 470
Thermostat Installation:
$126- $160
Central Air Purifier Installation:
$952 - $1,600

Will You Be Doing the Work, or Do You Outsource the HVAC Work in Boise?

For larger projects with short deadlines, HVAC contractors in Boise may outsource part of your project to a third party. Therefore, before signing any agreement with a contractor, you should always ask if they will outsource any part of the project. If your HVAC contractor confirms that they will be outsourcing work, we recommend that you take the following steps:

  • Ensure the subcontractors have the necessary licenses and experience to complete their assignments.
  • Ensure that all of the subcontractors have the necessary insurance coverage.
  • Request a lien waiver to protect you from liability if the primary HVAC contractor refuses to pay the subcontractors on time.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Boise HVAC Contractor?

HVAC contractors in Boise are not required to carry general liability insurance. However, they must maintain a compliance bond of $2,000 with the Idaho Division of Building and Safety (DBS).  In addition, HVAC contractors in Boise must also carry workers' compensation insurance if they have employees. Hiring an HVAC contractor with a compliance bond and proper insurance coverage protects you from incurring any third-party liabilities like property damage or bodily injuries resulting from the work.

Therefore, before choosing a contractor to work with, always confirm their bond and insurance status. First, call the DBS at (800)955-3044 to verify if the contractor has an active compliance bond. Next, call the Idaho Industrial Commission at (208) 334-6000 to verify the contractor's workers' compensation insurance.

Do You Offer Any Warranties on Your HVAC Work in Boise?

When choosing an HVAC contractor in Boise, it is crucial to determine if they offer warranties for the service you need. Usually, reputable HVAC contractors in the city provide warranties that cover their workmanship and the parts used for a project. These warranties are typically valid for two to five years, depending on the nature of the work and the contractor involved. So, it is best to always ask your preferred contractor for a copy of any warranty policy they offer and review its terms and conditions.

A warranty protects you from poor services and the use of inferior materials. Consider it a red flag if the HVAC contractor you wish to hire refuses to offer a warranty for your project.

How Do I Resolve Any Issue I Have with Your HVAC Services in Boise?

You can file complaints regarding poor or unethical consumer services involving an HVAC contractor in Boise with the Idaho Attorney General Office's Consumer Protection Division (CPD).

Interested persons may submit their complaint with the CPD online or by completing a Consumer Complaint Form and mailing it to

OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
Consumer Protection Division
954 West Jefferson, 2nd Floor
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0010

Contact the CPD at (208) 334-2424 for inquiries on submitting consumer complaints and related assistance.