New Hampshire has a rapidly changing climate that features warm summers and freezing winters. With such extreme temperatures, residents of the state rely on HVAC technicians to keep their heating, air conditioning, and ventilation systems running smoothly. The HVAC industry in New Hampshire is growing quickly, and while the state itself only issues licenses for HVAC technicians who are gasfitters or oil heaters, most localities have additional licensing requirements. Knowing how to get an HVAC license in New Hampshire is important for advancing your career in the state.
Who Needs an HVAC License?
New Hampshire does not issue HVAC licenses at the state level. However, most cities have licensing requirements for anyone who performs work on an HVAC unit. Federal requirements mandate that anyone who works with refrigerants in any capacity also hold an EPA certification.
HVAC License Types in New Hampshire
HVAC technicians in New Hampshire must obtain an HVAC license if they intend to work as an oil heater or gasfitter. You must complete various education and work experience requirements to be eligible to sit for either of these licensing exams.
Oil Heating Technician
The New Hampshire Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board oversees the licensure of oil heater technicians. This certification was developed by the New Hampshire State Fire Marshall’s Office. You must pass an exam to obtain this certification. The license fee is $50. When you submit your application, you must also show an affidavit provided by your employer proving you have completed 4,000 hours of work experience. Before you can sit for the exam, you must complete a training module that is approved by either North American Technician Excellence or the National Oilheat Research Alliance.
Fuel Service Technician
Fuel gasfitter service technicians must pass a licensing exam to receive this certification. A fuel service technician application must include a copy of your identification, an affidavit signed by your employer stating that you have fulfilled the work requirements for the exam, training, or education certificate from a board-approved school, and the licensing fee. The fee for this license is $190. There are three types of fuel service technicians:
- Fuel service trainee: This certification allows you to perform HVAC work under the supervision of a licensed technician.
- Fuel gas installation technician: You must have a minimum of 1,000 hours of work experience and 100 hours of educational training within a 60-month time frame.
- Fuel gas service technician: You must have a minimum of 2,000 hours of work experience and 140 hours of educational training within a time frame of 60 months.
New Hampshire HVAC License Requirements
To be eligible for the fuel service trainee license, you must have completed high school or earned a GED certificate and be at least 18 years old. You must pay the license fee and find a licensed technician who is willing to supervise your training. Requirements are the same for the gas heater license, but you will also need to complete a training program offered by an approved school if you want to get a fuel gas service or installation license.
Insurance Requirements
Because New Hampshire does not license HVAC technicians at the state level, there are no insurance requirements statewide to be an independent contractor If you plan to run your own HVAC company, however, you will need liability and workers’ compensation insurance. Different localities may have additional insurance requirements, so you should check with your local board to make sure you are eligible to perform HVAC work in your area. Use the tool below to request a free commercial insurance quote from our partners.
New Hampshire HVAC Licensing and Registration Fees
Licensing fees for the oil heater and fuel service certification vary. At the time of this writing, the following fees are accurate but are always subject to change:
- Fuel service trainee: $90
- Fuel gas service technician: $190
- Fuel gas installation technician: $190
- Oil heater: $50
New Hampshire HVAC License Education Requirements and Exam
You do not have to complete a training program to work as a fuel service trainee or an oil heater. Trainees work under the supervision of licensed technicians, and while oil heaters may work independently, they must hold their own licenses. You must complete an approved training course to obtain either of the fuel gasfitter technician licenses. There are many training programs available either in-person or online that can provide you with great HVAC training.
HVAC License Exam Details
The fuel gasfitter exam can be taken at the New Hampshire School of Mechanical Trades. There are two exam locations in Hampton and Manchester. You must pay an exam fee of $100 and bring the required codebooks. Exams are offered every weekday at 10 A.M.
HVAC Training Schools in New Hampshire
There are many great HVAC training programs available in New Hampshire. Some are online courses while others are in-person. Options include:
- New Hampshire School of Mechanical Trade, Hampton, New Hampshire, 608-622-6544
- Manchester Community College, Manchester, New Hampshire, 603-206-8000
- Granite State Trade School, Raymond, New Hampshire, 603-895-4444
Great HVAC training can be found both in-person and online. Use our tool below to find additional programs near you.
New Hampshire License Application
Once you have passed the licensing exam for oil heater or fuel service certification, you must apply for a license with the New Hampshire Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board. You may apply online and must submit the following documentation with your application:
- License fee
- Certification of completion for a training program
- Signed affidavit proving you have the required work experience
Registration and Permitting Requirements
If you plan to open your own HVAC company, you need to obtain a Mechanical Business Entity License. You must show proof of liability insurance and that you are in good standing with the Secretary of State’s office to be eligible for a business license. Fees vary depending upon how many employees you have, but the fees at the time of this writing are:
- Sole licensure: If you are only obtaining a license for yourself, there is no fee.
- $190 (Five or fewer employees)
- $300 (for 6 to 20 employees)
- $460 (for 20 or more employees)
Renewal Requirements
You must renew your HVAC certifications every two years to be eligible to perform heating, air conditioning, and ventilation service in New Hampshire. You must complete three hours of code training each year to be eligible for renewal. The renewal fee for an oil heater license is the same as the initial fee, $50. Fuel service technicians get a slight discount with trainee license renewals costing $80 and fuel service technician licenses costing $180. If you own an HVAC license with more than 20 employees, you also get a slight discount of $450 for license renewal.
HVAC Registered Contractor Requirements in New Hampshire
You do not need a general contractor’s license to perform HVAC work in New Hampshire. However, various localities have restrictions and require permits for large projects, so it is best to check with your municipality to ensure you are eligible for large jobs.
EPA Certification in New Hampshire
Although New Hampshire only issues HVAC licenses to technicians who work with fuel and oil, federal regulations require anyone who works with refrigerants to obtain an EPA certification under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act. The type of appliances you want to work on and the type of service you plan to perform dictate which of the following four certifications you need:
- Type I: You may perform service work on any appliance that uses five pounds or less of refrigerant.
- Type II: You work with large appliances that use more than five pounds of refrigerant.
- Type III: You may dispose of various types of refrigerants.
- Universal: You can work with any type of refrigerant in any capacity.
Each certification has an exam. The fees range from $20 to $150, but some training courses offer EPA certification as part of their teaching process. The exams vary slightly depending upon the certification, but they all cover the following core topics:
- Shipping
- Refrigeration
- Substitute refrigerants
- Substitute oils
- EPA regulations
- Clean Care Act
- Dehydration evacuation
- Ozone depletion
HVAC License New Hampshire FAQ
How Long Is My New Hampshire HVAC License Valid?
Fuel service and oil heater licenses are valid for two years. You must complete three hours of code training each year to be eligible for renewal. The fees for renewing licenses are:
- Oil heater technician: $50
- Fuel service trainee: $80
- Fuel service technician: $180
What Is the Job Outlook for HVAC Technicians in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire’s varied climate requires residents to need HVAC technicians to keep their units running smoothly and keep their homes at comfortable temperatures. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the HVAC industry will grow by 5% by 2030 nationwide. The job growth in New Hampshire is expected to be slightly higher at 7%.
Can I Use My New Hampshire HVAC License in The Other States?
A New Hampshire fuel service or oil heater license does not transfer to other states, so you will not be able to perform HVAC work outside of New Hampshire. In some states, however, your education and work experience may transfer and allow you to sit for the licensing exam in that state.
Who Can I Contact If I Have Questions?
For additional questions about HVAC licensing requirements in New Hampshire, contact the Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board. Contact your local board to ensure you meet the requirements to perform HVAC work in your municipality.
While many other states issue statewide licenses for HVAC technicians, New Hampshire does not. Licensing requirements vary among localities, so it is important to check with your city board to ensure you meet the requirements to work in your municipality. When you understand how to get an HVAC license in New Hampshire, you can prepare yourself for an exciting career in a stable and growing field.
For More License and Career Guides
To find out how to become an HVAC-R technician in another state, start here.
For information on other trades in New Hampshire, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:
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