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Frequently asked questions

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

Do I need a permit to replace my AC in Texas?

In most Texas cities, yes. Houston requires a condensing unit permit, and Plano, Corpus Christi, Frisco and Irving list AC replacement as permitted work.

Do HVAC contractors need a license in Texas?

Yes. TDLR licenses air conditioning and refrigeration contractors. A person working on a home they own solely as their home is exempt.

Can anyone install a mini-split in Texas?

No. TDLR says a mini-split is a split system, so contracting work on one for the public needs an Air Conditioning Contractor License.

Can a homeowner replace their own AC in Texas?

State licensing law does not apply to work on a building owned solely by you as your home. Your city may still require a permit, and El Paso only issues trade permits to licensed, registered contractors.

Can I release AC refrigerant in Texas?

No. Federal Section 608 prohibits intentionally venting refrigerants during service or disposal.

How much is an AC permit in Houston?

A condensing unit permit is 2% of valuation plus $47.00, plus a $33.56 admin fee.

How do I check an HVAC license in Texas?

Use the TDLR License Search, or call (512) 463-6599 or (800) 803-9202.

Do I need a permit for a portable AC in Texas?

No in Austin and Corpus Christi, which exempt portable cooling units.

Does an AC contractor need an electrician in Texas?

Not for the equipment connections and its disconnect, which licensed AC contractors may do.

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

Houston requires a permit to install, repair or replace a condensing unit. Fee: 2% of valuation plus $47.00, plus a $33.56 admin fee. Valid 180 days.

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

A Dallas homeowner may act as the contractor on their own homestead with a Homeowner's Permit, including for mechanical work. The homeowner must attest that no one else is paid to do any part of the work.

Do I need a permit to replace my AC or furnace in San Antonio?

San Antonio's MEP trade permit training lists the owner option only under residential plumbing trade work: a property owner may get the permit for an existing residence if they personally do the work and it is their homestead. It does not list an owner option for mechanical work. Only a licensed professional registered with Development Services can apply for their own standalone trade permit, so ask Development Services before planning your own HVAC work.

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

Austin's residential mechanical permit exemptions include portable heating, ventilation and cooling units, portable evaporative coolers, replacing a minor part that does not alter approval or make equipment unsafe, and self-contained refrigeration systems with 10 pounds or less of refrigerant or motors of 1 horsepower or less.

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

Plano's permit list (revised 2016) says installing or replacing a furnace or an air conditioning system needs a permit.

Do I need a permit to replace my AC or furnace in Corpus Christi?

Corpus Christi's homeowner guide says a mechanical permit is needed to install a new A/C unit or heat furnace or duct outlets. Installing a portable HVAC appliance does not need one.

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

Frisco offers self service permits with immediate access when replacing heating and cooling systems.

Do I need a permit to replace my AC or furnace 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.

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

Irving lists mechanical and HVAC permits among those that need no plans, and a homeowner doing the work personally needs a homestead exemption on file first. Ask the city whether your job needs a permit.

Do I need a permit to replace my AC or furnace in Round Rock?

Round Rock offers standalone trade permits for homeowners whose work is limited to mechanical, electrical or plumbing systems, applied for on the city Permit Portal.

Do I need a permit to replace my AC or furnace in Fort Worth?

Fort Worth says changing, moving or repairing mechanical equipment such as a central heating and air conditioning system, duct work and exhaust fans requires a mechanical permit.

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

Arlington's FAQ says mechanical work must be inspected before it is concealed, and contractors must be registered as a business to obtain permits. Ask the city whether your AC or furnace job needs a permit.

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

Lubbock lists the change out of mechanical heating and cooling equipment as work that requires a permit.

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

McKinney's fee schedule lists a $40.00 mechanical permit fee but shows no effective date. Ask the city whether your AC or furnace job needs a permit.

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

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