Get Quotes from Top HVAC Contractors in Honolulu, HI

Questions to Ask Before Hiring an HVAC Contractor in Honolulu

Honolulu is a stunning island metropolis with many tourist attractions, like Waikiki Beach, Iolani Palace, and Bishop Museum. With its tropical climate, residents of this lovely city experience two distinct seasons: a hot season from May to October and a cool one from November to April. Locals and tourists rely on heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems to keep their homes comfortable throughout the year. Fortunately, Honolulu has almost 1000 highly qualified HVACR specialists ready to meet its residents' heating or cooling needs and emergencies.

HVACR contractors in Honolulu can provide a wide range of services, including installing, repairing, and upgrading all kinds of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration equipment.

However, before hiring an HVAC contractor, you should consider several factors that may determine your final cost and satisfaction with the services you receive. These factors include the contractor's experience, specialization, license, insurance coverage, and the quote he provides you for your project. As such, consider asking the following questions before committing to a contractor:

What Do I Need to Know Before Hiring an HVAC Contractor in Honolulu?

By hiring a certified and experienced HVAC contractor, your project will be finished promptly, safely, and in compliance with local building codes and ventilation and indoor air quality regulations. So, if you are facing any of the following problems, we recommend that you contact a reputable Honolulu HVAC contractor:

  • HVAC system design and installation for new buildings
  • Air conditioner installation, maintenance, and repair
  • Duct cleaning and indoor air quality improvement
  • Furnace installation
  • Furnace repair and maintenance
  • Upgrades to energy-efficient HVAC systems

Are You Licensed as an HVAC Contractor in Honolulu?

HVAC contractors in Honolulu must hold a Class C Specialty Contractor License issued by the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Contractor State Board to provide HVAC services in the city. Specifically, the C-52 Ventilating and Air Conditioning Contractor license covers most HVAC work. The scope of this license includes the following areas:

  • Warm-air heating and air cooling systems
  • Heating and cooling solar systems
  • Complete ventilating systems and complete air conditioning systems
  • Thermal and acoustic insulation necessary to maintain heat and/or sound within the systems
  • Heat pumps related to the air conditioning system
  • The license enables the holder to install or repair boiler systems and thermal fluid systems

Be aware that additional licensing may be required for certain types of works like fabricating and installing ductwork, metal flues, freestanding fireplaces, and chimneys.

In addition to meeting several criteria, like being at least 18 years old and having an EPA certification, applicants must also take and pass a state-mandated examination. To apply for a contractor license, HVAC contractors must complete and submit an application form.

Although the penalties for working without an HVAC license in Honolulu are not clearly determined, be aware that it is a criminal offense that can get you fined or even arrested.

To verify the license of your Honolulu HVAC contractor, use the DCCA PVL License Search platform.

What Rates Do You Charge for Your HVAC Services in Honolulu?

Depending on a number of factors, the price of HVAC services in Honolulu can vary from $2,900 to $14,500. These factors include the following:

  • The cost of additional appliances like dehumidifiers and smart thermostats
  • The cost of necessary permits
  • The HVAC system's kind, make, and specifications
  • The design of your building and the cost of any adjustments that may be required
  • The work's nature and specifics
  • The amount of work needed to complete the project

We advise you to get quotes for your HVAC project from several Honolulu HVAC firms and compare them to get an estimate of the project's cost. Treat each quotation that stands out from the others with caution. In addition, comparing quotes makes it easier for you to spot dishonest contractors who try to trick unsuspecting clients by inflating their rates.

Will My HVAC Project Require a Permit in Honolulu?

A building permit is required to carry out HVAC-related work in Honolulu. To get a building permit, you must provide all the required information and upload plans. Once the permit is granted, you can start the HVAC work, but ensure to call the Department of Planning and Permitting for all required inspections. Notice that you can also apply for an Instant Online Permit if you meet certain criteria.

For more information regarding HVAC permitting in Honolulu, contact the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting at

The Department of Planning and Permitting
650 South King Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: (808) 768-8220 or (808) 768-8257

What Type of HVAC Services Do You Offer in Honolulu?

HVAC contractors in Honolulu typically offer a wide range of services to ensure the effective and smooth operation of your heating and cooling systems. These professionals frequently provide the following services:

Air Conditioner Installation:
$5,915.49 - $7,784.59
Air Conditioner Repair:
$137.78 - $157.76
Furnace Installation:
$146.00 - $1,241.00
Furnace Repair:
$95.00 - $120.65
Window Air Conditioning Installation:
$372.82 - $422.54
Whole House Humidifier Installation:
$611.43 - $720.79
Thermostat Installation:
$207.13 - $236.95
Central Air Purifier Installation:
$1,562.55 - $2,152.44

Will You Be Doing the Work, or Do You Outsource the HVAC Work in Honolulu?

Although many skilled Honolulu HVAC contractors can complete projects independently, they may need to subcontract certain tasks to other experts. This is common in large projects, like installing air conditioners in newly constructed or refurbished condo buildings or completely renovating a hotel's HVAC system. Regardless of the scope of your project, before signing a contract it is vital to find out whether the Honolulu HVAC contractor you are negotiating with will manage the project themselves or outsource it.

If your HVAC contractor plans to outsource your project, follow these steps to avoid issues with the subcontractors:

  • Check their training, credentials, and licenses.
  • Verify their bond and insurance information.
  • Always ask for lien waivers to shield yourself from responsibility if the main HVAC contractor fails to make timely payments to the subcontractors.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Honolulu HVAC Contractor?

All HVAC contractors working in Honolulu must carry liability and property damage insurance, with bodily injury liability coverage of $100,000 per person and $300,000 per incident. Further required to do HVAC business in the state is $50,000 in per-occurrence property damage liability and workers' compensation insurance (if applicable).

Hence, before engaging Honolulu HVAC contractors, it is essential to get copies of their bond and insurance certificates and verify these documents with the issuing insurance companies. This will help you avoid HVAC contractors with false insurance coverage claims.

Do You Offer Any Warranties on Your HVAC Work in Honolulu?

Warranties are an essential criteria when comparing HVAC providers because they give you confidence that, if something goes wrong after a project is completed, you won't have to spend additional money to fix it. Therefore, ensure you will be offered a warranty before signing any contract. The HVAC contractor's labor and the purchased and installed materials are all covered by these warranties. The contractor's labor is typically covered for at least one to two years and the purchased and installed materials for five to ten years.

Be aware that the HVAC contractor and pertinent documentation will define the specific terms and conditions of these warranties. Always ask for a written copy of any warranty you are offered and thoroughly read its terms. Beware if a contractor is reticent about discussing warranties or explicitly states that they will not provide them.

How Do I Resolve Any Issue I Have with Your HVAC Services in Honolulu?

For unsatisfactory HVAC services, fraud, or to report unlicensed activity in Honolulu, you can file a formal complaint with the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs' Regulated Industries Complaints Office online or download, print, and mail a complaint form to the following address:

Regulated Industries Complaints Office
235 S. Beretania Street
9th Floor
Honolulu, HI 96813