Get Quotes from Top HVAC Contractors in Madison, WI

Questions to Ask Before Hiring an HVAC Contractor in Madison

A stable economy, great schools and college town vibes, sporting events, festivals, museums, award-winning restaurants, and unique local shopping make Madison a great place to live or visit. While summers are warm and wet with moderate temperatures, the city's freezing, snowy, and windy winters require residents to maintain good heating equipment to ensure comfortable indoor conditions. Luckily, with over 850 qualified HVACR mechanics in Madison, you can easily find an experienced professional to service any of your heating or cooling needs immediately.

Whether installing, repairing, or upgrading heaters, heat pumps, furnaces, ACs, ducts, refrigeration units, or ventilation systems, always ensure you hire a licensed and insured HVAC contractor. It is also smart to consider the contractor's specialization and rates before signing any contract. These and other factors will determine your satisfaction with their services.

As such, you should ask the following questions to ensure you pick the best person for your project:

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

Selecting a certified and experienced HVAC contractor ensures that your project will be completed effectively, safely, and in accordance with local building codes, ventilation requirements, and indoor air quality standards. Contact a licensed contractor in Madison for dependable high-quality services if you need help with any of the following HVAC issues:

  • AC setup, maintenance, and repairs
  • Indoor air quality improvement and duct maintenance
  • Design and installation of HVAC systems in new constructions
  • installations, maintenance, and repair of furnaces
  • Update and maintenance of energy-efficient HVAC systems

Are You Licensed as an HVAC Contractor in Madison?

The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) licenses HVAC contractors in Madison. The Department regulates the installation and servicing of heating, ventilating, or air conditioning equipment.

Be aware that an HVAC license is not required for the following tasks:

  • Plumbing or electrical work necessary for installing or maintaining HVAC systems or equipment
  • Setting up or maintaining heating, ventilation, air conditioning, or refrigeration equipment in a home that belongs to the person, entity, or business and in which the person, entity, or business resides or will reside.
  • electrical or plumbing work related to installing or servicing HVAC equipment or systems

To apply for an HVAC license, applicants must pay an application fee and fill out an application form and trade payment form. The completed forms must be mailed to

P.O. Box 78780
Milwaukee, WI 53293-0780
FAX: (608) 267-0592
Phone: (608) 266-2112

There are several administrative consequences for operating without a license in Madison, including up to $2,000 in fines. To check the validity of your HVAC contractor's license, use the DSPS' Credential/License Search platform.

For more information about HVAC licenses in Madison, contact the Department of Safety and Professional Services via email or in person at

Department of Safety and Professional Services
4822 Madison Yards Way
Madison, WI 53705

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

The total cost of HVAC services in Madison might range from $4,750 to $12,495, depending on several important aspects:

  • The amount of work necessary to complete the job
  • The cost of obtaining necessary permits
  • The design of your building and the cost of any adjustments that may be required
  • The HVAC system's make and characteristics
  • The nature and specifications of the work
  • The cost of additional equipment like dehumidifiers and smart thermostats

You should obtain quotes for your HVAC project from various companies in Madison and compare them to determine the estimated cost of the project. You should be skeptical of any quote that sticks out from the rest. Making these comparisons will also allow you to identify dishonest contractors who try to defraud naive clients by Inflating their costs.

Will My HVAC Project Require a Permit in Madison?

To do HVAC work like installing central air conditioning in Madison, an HVAC permit from the Building Inspection Division of the Madison Department of Planning & Community & Economic Development is required. Permits can be obtained for a single-family home, two-unit residential, condominium, and commercial building. To obtain a permit, applicants must fill out an HVAC Permit Application and submit it to the Building Inspection office at

Madison Municipal Building,
215 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
LL Suite 017
Madison, WI 53701-2984
Phone: (608) 266-4551

What Type of HVAC Services Do You Offer in Madison?

Madison HVAC professionals routinely offer a variety of services to ensure that your heating and cooling systems operate effectively and efficiently. Some of the services that these experts often provide include the following:

Air Conditioner Installation:
$3,477.18 - $4,575.85
Air Conditioner Repair:
$80.99 - $92.73
Furnace Installation:
$707.50 - $3,056.45
Furnace Repair:
$96.45 - $141.65
Window Air Conditioning Installation:
$219.15 - $248.37
Whole House Humidifier Installation:
$359.41 - $423.69
Thermostat Installation:
$121.75 - $139.28
Central Air Purifier Installation:
$918.48 - $1,265.23

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

Even though HVAC contractors are adept at their work, they may occasionally need to consult with and request the services of other experts. This typically occurs when working on large projects, such as installing air conditioners in brand-new apartment buildings or repairing a hotel's complete HVAC system.

Regardless of your project's size, you should always check if the Madison HVAC business you are negotiating with will handle the project themselves or if they will outsource work before committing to them.

If outsourcing is confirmed for your project, follow these steps to prevent problems with the subcontractors that will get involved:

  • Verify their credentials, including their training, experience, and licensing.
  • Check their bonding and insurance status.
  • To avoid getting blamed if the main HVAC contractor doesn't pay the subcontractors on schedule, always request lien waivers.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Madison HVAC Contractor?

Although the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services does not require HVAC contractors to have insurance to qualify for a license, it is crucial to ensure that yours does. Nevertheless, Wisconsin mandates that all employers (including out-of-state ones) who have employees obtain a worker's compensation insurance policy with a company authorized to do so.

Before closing any contractual agreement with a prospective HVAC contractor, it is essential to request copies of their bond and insurance certificates and properly verify these documents with the issuing insurance company.

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

Warranties are a critical factor to consider when comparing HVAC firms because they guarantee that any problems that develop after repairs have been made will be fixed without incurring additional expenses. Thus, you should confirm that a warranty will be offered to you before signing any contract. These types of warranties often cover the HVAC contractor's work for between one and two years and the purchased or installed equipment for five to ten years.

Keep in mind that the HVAC contractor and relevant paperwork will determine the precise conditions and terms of these warranties. Hence, always request a written copy of any warranty you are offered and carefully read its terms. If a contractor hesitates to discuss warranties or makes it clear that they won't provide them, seriously consider moving forward with them.

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

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection handles complaints against HVAC contractors, such as poor services or fraudulent practices. Madison residents can file complaints with this office online or by phoning its toll-free hotline at (800) 422-7128. You may also complete a consumer complaint form and mail it to the following address:

Bureau of Consumer Protection
2811 Agriculture Drive
PO Box 8911
Madison, WI 53708-8911

You can also lodge similar complaints against HVAC contractors with the Wisconsin Department of Justice by calling (800) 998-0700 or (608) 266-1852.