How to Start an HVAC Business in Georgia (2026)
Key takeaways
- EPA 608 (federal) is required everywhere, including Georgia.
- HVAC is a separately state-licensed trade: you need a Georgia Conditioned Air license (Class I or Class II) from the Georgia State Board of Conditioned Air Contractors — regardless of job size, with no small-job exemption.
- Class I is restricted to systems up to 175,000 BTU heating / 60,000 BTU cooling (residential and light commercial); Class II is unrestricted.
- Your GA LLC is filed with the Secretary of State; Georgia charges a $50 annual registration, and workers' comp is required once you reach three or more employees.
What do you need to start an HVAC business in Georgia?
Four pieces: your federal certification, your Georgia Conditioned Air license, a registered business, and insurance. The trade you already know — this is everything around it.
| Requirement | Georgia specifics |
|---|---|
| EPA 608 certification | Federally required to handle refrigerant. Depending on the type of equipment you're working on, you need either Type I, II, III or Universal. Does not expire. |
| GA Conditioned Air license | Class I (up to 175,000 BTU heating / 60,000 BTU cooling) or Class II (unrestricted), from the Georgia State Board of Conditioned Air Contractors — required for HVAC work of any size. |
| GA LLC | Articles of Organization filed with the GA Secretary of State. |
| EIN | Free from the IRS, same day. |
| Insurance | General liability; workers' comp once you have three or more employees; the license application also requires proof of insurance. |
How do you get an HVAC license in Georgia?
Georgia licenses HVAC as "conditioned air" through the Georgia State Board of Conditioned Air Contractors, part of the state Construction Industry Licensing Board. Unlike a general or residential contractor — which Georgia only requires once a job hits $2,500 — the conditioned air license is required for HVAC work of any size. Which class you need depends on the equipment you'll install.
| Class I (Restricted) | Class II (Unrestricted) | |
|---|---|---|
| Applies to | Systems up to 175,000 BTU heating / 60,000 BTU cooling (residential & light commercial) | Any size system, larger commercial installations |
| License | Conditioned Air Contractor — Class I | Conditioned Air Contractor — Class II |
| Experience | ~4 years documented HVAC experience (installation, service, supervisory) | ~5 years with commercial installation and supervisory experience |
| Exam (via PSI) | Conditioned Air trade exam, 70% to pass | Conditioned Air trade exam, 70% to pass |
| Typical fees | ~$267 exam · ~$100 application | ~$267 exam · ~$100 application |
You also need federal EPA 608 before you handle refrigerant. Note the contrast with a state like South Carolina, which sets low residential and commercial dollar tiers — Georgia licenses conditioned air statewide with no dollar threshold, so you need the license before you contract any HVAC job. You can verify any Georgia contractor license through the Secretary of State's online license lookup.
HVAC is separately licensed: Georgia's $2,500 contractor threshold applies to general and residential building work — not to HVAC. Conditioned air, electrical, plumbing, and low-voltage are all separately state-licensed regardless of job size, so there's no "under $2,500" exemption for HVAC. Get your Class I or Class II license before you bid.
Registering your HVAC business in Georgia
Once your license path is set, forming the business itself is straightforward:
- Choose and check your business name against the GA Secretary of State's records.
- The Articles of Organization — filed with the GA Secretary of State, online.
- Your registered agent (you can be your own for free, or use a service).
- Your federal tax ID (EIN) — free from the IRS — same day.
- Open a business bank account and set up bookkeeping.
- Get your local business license — Georgia cities and counties generally require an occupation tax certificate.
Georgia requires a $50 annual registration for your LLC each year, filed with the Secretary of State. And because HVAC is construction work, Georgia requires workers' compensation coverage once you have three or more employees — verify the current rule before you hire.
How much does it cost to start an HVAC business in Georgia?
| Cost | Range (GA, 2026) |
|---|---|
| GA LLC (Articles of Organization) | State filing fee (~$100) |
| GA annual registration | $50/yr |
| EIN | Free |
| EPA 608 exam | $20–$150 |
| Conditioned Air license (exam + application) | ~$367 (exam ~$267 + application ~$100) |
| General liability insurance | $500–$2,000/yr |
| Tools, vehicle, inventory, marketing, working capital | The bulk of your budget — see the full HVAC guide |
| Lean realistic total | ~$20,000–$30,000 |
The formation and licensing pieces are small; the real budget is your vehicle, tools, insurance, and working capital. For the full itemized receipt, see How to Start an HVAC Business.
Getting your first HVAC customers in Georgia
Once you're licensed and set up, your first jobs come from being findable locally — not from a big ad budget. Set up a Google Business Profile for your service area (metro Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta, Columbus, or Macon), ask every happy customer for an honest review, build relationships with local supply houses, and take on overflow or subcontract work from established Georgia HVAC companies to start. Seasonal maintenance agreements are the best way to build steady, recurring revenue through Georgia's long, hot, humid summers and cold snaps.
Before you file: Georgia licensing classes and fees can change, and city/county business-license rules vary by location. Always confirm the current requirements directly with the Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors and the Construction Industry Licensing Board (sos.ga.gov), the Georgia Secretary of State, and your local jurisdiction before you rely on any figure here.
Want it all handled — in Georgia?
You bring the HVAC skill. Trades of America gets your entire Georgia business running — business setup, banking, bookkeeping, website, phone, and marketing — so you can start taking calls in about a week and own 100% of it.
See Done-For-You HVAC Setup →Frequently asked questions
What license do you need for an HVAC business in Georgia?
Federal EPA 608, plus a Georgia Conditioned Air (HVAC) contractor license from the Georgia State Board of Conditioned Air Contractors, under the Construction Industry Licensing Board. HVAC is licensed statewide regardless of job size. Class I covers systems up to 175,000 BTU heating / 60,000 BTU cooling; Class II is unrestricted. Confirm current rules with the Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors and the Construction Industry Licensing Board.
What's involved in registering a business in Georgia?
The Articles of Organization go to the GA Secretary of State, a registered agent is named (that can be you), and the IRS issues the EIN free. You remain the applicant on every filing. Georgia charges a $50 annual registration each year, and a local city or county business license (occupation tax certificate) is generally required.
Is HVAC licensed regardless of job size in Georgia?
Yes. Georgia's $2,500 threshold applies to general and residential building work, not HVAC. Conditioned air is a separately state-licensed trade with no dollar threshold — you need your Class I or Class II license to contract HVAC work of any size, plus EPA 608 to handle refrigerant.
How long does it take to start an HVAC business in Georgia?
Once you hold EPA 608 and your Georgia Conditioned Air license, doing the setup yourself takes weeks or months, or about a week done for you when everything is run in parallel. Earning the license is the longer variable — it requires documented experience, a PSI exam, and application review.
Written by Nick Martin, founder of Trades of America, based in the Upstate of South Carolina. Last updated July 2026. Licensing classes and fees are current-2026 estimates — always verify with the Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors, the Construction Industry Licensing Board, the Georgia Secretary of State, and your local jurisdiction before filing.