How to Verify a Licensed HVAC Contractor in New Hampshire

New Hampshire licenses HVAC contractors through the NH Mechanical Licensing Board under the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (oplc.nh.gov). Before any HVAC contractor installs, services, or replaces your heating or cooling system, verify their license at oplc.nh.gov. Home improvement contractors also need a $25,000 surety bond — one of the highest in the region.

This guide covers HVAC mechanical licensing in New Hampshire, how to verify credentials, what bond is required, and what else to confirm before signing a contract.

Does New Hampshire require HVAC contractors to be licensed?

Yes. New Hampshire requires HVAC contractors to hold a valid license from the NH Mechanical Licensing Board under the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (oplc.nh.gov). The Board issues licenses to mechanical contractors and individual HVAC technicians. Performing HVAC work without the required license in New Hampshire is a violation of state law and can result in fines and stop-work orders.

New Hampshire's Mechanical Licensing Board specifically covers heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration contractors. The Board sets licensing standards, administers exams, investigates complaints, and maintains the public license database. HVAC contractors must hold active licenses and renew them on the required schedule to remain authorized to work.

New Hampshire experiences cold winters and warm summers, making HVAC systems essential year-round. The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates that space heating accounts for about 40 percent of energy use in New Hampshire homes. A properly installed system by a licensed contractor is both a safety and efficiency requirement.

What HVAC license types does New Hampshire issue?

The NH Mechanical Licensing Board issues Mechanical Contractor, Master Mechanic, Journeyman Mechanic, and Apprentice licenses for HVAC work. A Mechanical Contractor license is the business-level license for HVAC contracting companies. Master Mechanics hold the highest individual license and can supervise others, pull permits, and serve as the qualifier for a mechanical contracting business. Journeyman Mechanics perform field work under master oversight.

New Hampshire HVAC/mechanical license tiers:

• Mechanical Contractor— Business-level license for HVAC contracting companies. Requires a qualifying Master Mechanic on staff.
• Master Mechanic— Highest individual license. Can supervise, permit, and design HVAC systems.
• Journeyman Mechanic— Licensed to perform HVAC installations and repairs under master oversight.
• Apprentice— In a supervised training program. Cannot work independently.

When hiring an HVAC contractor in New Hampshire, verify both the Mechanical Contractor license for the business and the Master or Journeyman Mechanic license for the individual doing the work at oplc.nh.gov.

What bond does a New Hampshire HVAC contractor need?

New Hampshire home improvement contractors — including those performing residential HVAC work — must carry a $25,000 surety bond as a condition of their home improvement contractor registration. This is one of the highest home improvement bond requirements in New England. Beyond the bond, verify active general liability insurance (at least $300,000 for residential work) and workers' compensation coverage. Call the insurer to confirm the policy is current before any work begins.

How do I verify an HVAC contractor's license in New Hampshire?

Visit oplc.nh.gov and use the OPLC's free public license lookup. Search under the Mechanical Licensing Board by contractor name, business name, or license number. Confirm the license type (Mechanical Contractor for the business; Master or Journeyman Mechanic for the individual), the status is active, and the expiration date has not passed. New Hampshire mechanical licenses require periodic renewal.

What to verify in the license lookup:

• License type— Mechanical Contractor for the business; Master or Journeyman Mechanic for the individual.
• Status— Active. Any other status means no current authorization.
• Expiration date— Confirm the license is current before signing any contract.
• Business name— Should match the company on your contract.
• Complaint history— Review any prior disciplinary actions in the OPLC database.

Are permits required for HVAC work in New Hampshire?

Yes. Most HVAC installations in New Hampshire require a mechanical permit from the local building department. Your licensed HVAC contractor should obtain the permit before starting work. Skipping the permit can void equipment warranties, fail home sale inspections, and void homeowner's insurance coverage for HVAC-related damage. Never agree to skip the permit to save time or money.

CheckLicensed.com lets you verify any New Hampshire HVAC contractor's license for just $0.99. Confirm the NH Mechanical Licensing Board license is active at oplc.nh.gov or use CheckLicensed.com to check credentials before any heating or cooling work begins on your property.