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Do I need a permit to replace an AC in Texas?
Source: Texas HVAC Help (texashvachelp.com), part of the Local Help Stations network (localhelpstations.com). Last updated November 2, 2026.
Texas has no single statewide AC permit. Your city decides.
| City | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Houston | Permit required to install, repair or replace a condensing unit; 2% of valuation plus $47 plus $33.56 admin fee. | (source: City of Houston, Houston Permitting Center) checked November 2, 2026 |
| Plano | Installing or replacing a furnace or AC system needs a permit (2016 list). | (source: City of Plano Building Inspections) checked November 1, 2026 |
| Corpus Christi | Installing a new A/C unit or heat furnace needs a mechanical permit. | (source: City of Corpus Christi Development Services) checked November 1, 2026 |
| Frisco | Self service permit for replacing heating and cooling systems. | (source: City of Frisco) checked November 2, 2026 |
| Irving | Mechanical and HVAC permits need no plans. | (source: City of Irving) checked November 2, 2026 |
| Round Rock | Standalone mechanical trade permit on the Permit Portal. | (source: City of Round Rock Building Inspection) checked November 2, 2026 |
| San Antonio | The owner trade permit option is listed for residential plumbing only; mechanical permits go through licensed, registered contractors. | (source: City of San Antonio Development Services) checked November 2, 2026 |
| Fort Worth | Mechanical permit required for central heating and air conditioning systems, duct work and exhaust fans. | (source: City of Fort Worth Development Services) checked November 2, 2026 |
| Lubbock | Permit required to change out heating and cooling equipment. | (source: City of Lubbock Building Safety) checked November 2, 2026 |
Portable units are different. Austin and Corpus Christi exempt portable heating and cooling appliances. (source: City of Austin Development Services)
TDLR says contractors who install, repair or maintain air conditioning, refrigeration or heating systems must have a TDLR license, and air conditioning and refrigeration companies must employ a licensed contractor at each permanent location. (source: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation)
On this site: Do I need a permit to replace an AC in Texas? · Do HVAC contractors need a license in Texas? · Do mini-splits need a licensed contractor in Texas? · Can I replace my own AC in Texas? · Refrigerant rules for Texas AC work · HVAC permit fees in Texas cities · How to check a Texas HVAC contractor and complain · HVAC work that does not need a permit in Texas cities · Can an HVAC contractor do the electrical hookup in Texas? · Cities · FAQ · Sources
Sources
- City of Houston, Houston Permitting Center: Condensing Unit Permit (HPWCODE1022) (checked November 2, 2026)
- City of Plano Building Inspections: When Is a Permit Required? (PDF, revised 09/28/16) (checked November 1, 2026)
- City of Corpus Christi Development Services: Homeowner's Guide to Permitting (PDF) (checked November 1, 2026)
- City of Frisco: Residential Permits (checked November 2, 2026)
- City of Irving: Residential Permits (checked November 2, 2026)
- City of Round Rock Building Inspection: Homeowner Projects (checked November 2, 2026)
- City of San Antonio Development Services: MEP Trade Permit Training (PDF) (checked November 2, 2026)
- City of Fort Worth Development Services: Residential Information (checked November 2, 2026)
- City of Lubbock Building Safety: Residential Permitting (checked November 2, 2026)
- City of Austin Development Services: Work Exempt from Building Permits (checked November 1, 2026)
- Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR): Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors (checked November 2, 2026)
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