Do I need a permit to replace my AC or furnace in El Paso?

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El Paso heating and air conditioning permits and rules

Source: Texas HVAC Help (texashvachelp.com), part of the Local Help Stations network (localhelpstations.com). Last updated November 2, 2026.

Heating and air conditioning permits in El Paso

El Paso issues trade permits only to contractors licensed by the state and registered with the city (Ord. No. 18508). A homeowner may not get mechanical, electrical, plumbing, irrigation or fire systems permits unless appropriately licensed and registered. (source: City of El Paso Planning and Inspections)

A homeowner may still get a homeowner building permit with proof of ownership from the El Paso Central Appraisal District or a deed. Homeowner permits pay the same fees as a general contractor. (source: City of El Paso Planning and Inspections)

Sources differ. State licensing law exempts a property owner doing plumbing in their own homestead (Occupations Code 1301.051), a person doing air conditioning work in a building they own solely as their home (1302.053), and electrical work "not specifically regulated by a municipal ordinance" done in or on a dwelling by a person who owns and resides in it (1305.003(a)(6)). El Paso's homeowner affidavit says a homeowner may NOT obtain mechanical, electrical, plumbing, irrigation or fire systems permits unless licensed with the state and registered with the city, and that trade permits are only issued to state licensed contractors registered with the city (Ord. No. 18508). The state exemption is about licensing; the city controls its permits. Call El Paso Planning and Inspections before planning DIY trade work. (source: Texas Legislature) (source: Texas Legislature) (source: Texas Legislature) (source: City of El Paso Planning and Inspections)

Statewide rules that apply here

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)

The air conditioning and refrigeration licensing law does not apply to a person doing air conditioning and refrigeration contracting in a building owned solely by that person as the person's home (Occupations Code 1302.053). Your city can still require a permit and inspection. (source: Texas Legislature)

See AC permits in other cities, mini-split rules and checking a license.

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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 El Paso Planning and Inspections: Homeowner Affidavit for Building Permits (PDF) (checked November 2, 2026)
Texas Legislature (Texas Constitution and Statutes): Occupations Code Chapter 1301: Plumbers (checked November 2, 2026)
Texas Legislature (Texas Constitution and Statutes): Occupations Code Chapter 1302: Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors (checked November 2, 2026)
Texas Legislature (Texas Constitution and Statutes): Occupations Code Chapter 1305: Electricians (checked November 2, 2026)
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR): Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors (checked November 2, 2026)

Last updated: November 2, 2026