Ever heard the expression, “You get what you pay for?” This definitely applies to hiring an unlicensed and uninsured contractor to work on your Clearwater home.
It can be tempting to call your handyman and cut corners when it comes to maintaining, repairing or replacing your HVAC system. However, there are several reasons why it’s important to only hire a licensed contractor, like those at Air Care, to keep your system up and running.
In case professional HVAC experience is not reason enough, read on to discover why you should never let an unlicensed contractor perform home AC repair services.
Quality AC Repairs & Parts
When comparing the estimate of a licensed and insured HVAC professional to those without credentials, it might be appealing to take the lower offer. However, what’s included in your initial AC repair quote may not be obvious.
In contrast to an unlicensed contractor, our HVAC contractors at Air Care:
- Are professionally licensed, insured and trained under the state of Florida
- Repair, install and service HVAC equipment year round
- Understand the ins and outs of all HVAC systems and brands
- Use the proper AC parts, tools, materials and chemicals (i.e., R22 freon) to repair and maintain your system
- Carry liability and worker’s compensation insurance that protects your home from damages and the contractor from injuries, if either should arise
- Are Rheem Pro Partners, which means our team is thoroughly trained, evaluated and kept accountable on Rheem HVAC products, installations, repairs and service maintenance
These qualities and qualifications are something your handyman can’t beat. Call your AC experts at Air Care today for quotes on AC repair service, maintenance or installation.
AC Repair and Replacement Under Florida Law
In Florida, it’s a criminal offense to engage in contracting work without a valid state license. Under Section 489.127, Florida Statutes, the offense of “Contracting Without a License” covers the home improvement industry, including AC repairs and installation.
Unlicensed contracting is a serious crime, and if caught, contractors can be charged a first-degree misdemeanor, with penalties of up to one year in jail or 12 months of probation, and a $1,000.00 fine1.
At Air Care, our team carries the proper Florida licensing for HVAC repair and electrical services and is EPA certified:
- State License#: CACO45902
- State Electrical License#: ET11000868
Contact us today to learn more.
AC Permit Requirements
The Florida Statute Chapter 489 requires all licensed HVAC contractors to obtain a building permit in order to install, remove or replace any AC system, as regulated by the Florida Building Code. Unlicensed contractors cannot pull permits through your local county office; only licensed contractors can.
Permits are not just a piece of paper or formality—these are serious legal requirements held by local governments across Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco counties. Having a building permit for any AC work in Tampa Bay ensures your system is:
- Properly installed and repaired
- The right size for your home
- Centrally located for airflow and ventilation
- Cooling your home efficiently
- Circulating good indoor air quality
- Providing adequate dehumidification
- Conserving energy and utility bill costs
Without a permit, you cannot guarantee that AC work is done properly to heat or cool your home. It could also end up costing you more in the long run if you are caught or decide to resell your home.
A good way to look at it is this: if a contractor doesn’t follow the law (or good business practices) in being licensed or insured, what else are they cutting corners on? If something goes wrong, it’s you who will be paying the price2.
AC Repair Liability and Safety
If a handyman or contractor isn’t licensed, it’s likely he or she isn’t insured either.
HVAC contractors who carry liability and worker’s compensation insurance, like those at Air Care, provide protection for themselves and you as the homeowner.
Liability insurance protects you in the event there are damages to your home—something your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover, unless you’ve added coverage for unlicensed “in-home” employees to your policy (which most people don’t)2. If a licensed contractor was injured on the job, worker’s compensation insurance covers the cost of their claim, and you would not be held responsible.
It never pays to cut corners. Hiring an unlicensed contractor can also lead to safety hazards and poor HVAC repair service, which is something you could ultimately be reliable for if your AC system goes awry.
Contact your licensed Clearwater AC company today.
Trust Air Care with Home AC Repairs
If there’s one thing you can count on, it’s that our licensed HVAC technicians at Air Care won’t let you down.
We pride ourselves on quality AC work and customer service, and treat Tampa Bay area homeowners as our top priority—our customer AC reviews prove it.
“I think Air Care should have as a business tag line of, “Great Service, Good People.” Everyone there is so awesome to work with, from the front desk to the technicians coming out to the do the AC repair or installation you are hiring them for. They are always excellent.” — Don K, Bellair
Give us a call today to request home AC repairs, service or get a quote on a new HVAC system installation in Pinellas, Southern Pasco and Western Hillsborough counties.
APPENDIX:
[1] Angie’s list: What are risks hiring unlicensed contractors?
[2] Hussein and Webber Florida Law: Contracting without a license
[3] Florida Statutes: 0489.127
[4] Florida Statute Chapter 489
