Texas HVAC Help
Source: Texas HVAC Help (texashvachelp.com), part of the Local Help Stations network (localhelpstations.com). Last updated November 2, 2026.
Texas heating and air conditioning rules from official sources: AC replacement permits by city, TDLR licenses, mini-splits, refrigerant rules and fees. Information only.
Key facts (each checked against its source)
- AC and heating contractors need a TDLR license. (source: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation)
- A person working on a building owned solely by them as their home is exempt from the license law. (source: Texas Legislature)
- TDLR says mini-splits need a licensed contractor for work done for the public. (source: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation)
- Houston requires a permit to install, repair or replace a condensing unit. (source: City of Houston, Houston Permitting Center)
- Intentionally venting refrigerant is prohibited by federal law. (source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)
Permits and licenses
- Do I need a permit to replace an AC in Texas?: City by city AC and furnace replacement permit rules in Texas.
- Do HVAC contractors need a license in Texas?: TDLR air conditioning and refrigeration licensing, homeowner exemption and penalties.
- Do mini-splits need a licensed contractor in Texas?: What Texas law and TDLR say about mini-split installs.
- Can I replace my own AC in Texas?: The Texas homeowner exemption and city homeowner mechanical permits.
- Refrigerant rules for Texas AC work: Federal Section 608 refrigerant rules that apply in Texas.
- Can an HVAC contractor do the electrical hookup in Texas?: The electrician license exemption for HVAC connections.
Costs and complaints
- HVAC permit fees in Texas cities: AC and furnace permit fees published by Texas cities.
- How to check a Texas HVAC contractor and complain: Check a license with TDLR and file a complaint.
- HVAC work that does not need a permit in Texas cities: Portable units and minor repairs Texas cities exempt.
Texas cities
- Houston
- Dallas
- San Antonio
- Austin
- Plano
- Corpus Christi
- Frisco
- El Paso
- Irving
- Round Rock
- Fort Worth
- Arlington
- Lubbock
- McKinney
All questions (FAQ) · All sources
Sources
- Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR): Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors (checked November 2, 2026)
- Texas Legislature (Texas Constitution and Statutes): Occupations Code Chapter 1302: Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors (checked November 2, 2026)
- Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR): Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Frequently Asked Questions (checked November 2, 2026)
- City of Houston, Houston Permitting Center: Condensing Unit Permit (HPWCODE1022) (checked November 2, 2026)
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Section 608 of the Clean Air Act: Stationary Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (checked November 2, 2026)
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