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Choosing an HVAC Contractor in Los Angeles County

Choosing an HVAC contractor for an older home

The Census counted 70.3% of Los Angeles County housing units built before 1980 (2020–2024), so check existing ductwork and electrical capacity before you choose a system.

Updated Sources: US Census ACS

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Los Angeles County at a glance

Share of Los Angeles County housing units built before 1980
70.3%
Median year built, Los Angeles County housing units
1965
Share of occupied Los Angeles County housing units that are owner-occupied
45.9%

U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates · data as of

  • Numbers from US Census and LADBS public records
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How to compare HVAC contractors

How to compare HVAC contractors

  1. Check license status with the CSLB

    Look up the contractor's license status on the CSLB (Contractors State License Board) website. Confirm the name matches the company that will do the work.

  2. Ask about plans and permits

    Ask who prepares plans and who pulls permits with your city. Get the answer in writing so you know who is responsible for inspections.

  3. Check references and recent similar work

    Ask for references and recent jobs that are similar to yours, especially in homes of your age.

  4. Get a written contract

    The contract should list the scope, timeline, equipment, materials, and how changes are priced and approved.

  5. Agree a payment schedule tied to progress

    Tie payments to completed work and avoid paying far ahead of the work.

  6. Check older-home issues before you choose

    Ask how the builder handles the age and condition of existing ductwork, including leaks, sizing, and possible asbestos in old duct insulation. Ask about electrical panel capacity for central AC or a heat pump, venting for older furnaces, and ductless options for homes without ducts. These are things to check, not certainties for every house. For rentals, ask how the schedule will work around tenants.

  7. Keep records of changes

    Write down any change to the scope, its cost and its schedule effect, and keep copies of all signed changes and payment receipts.

Los Angeles County housing and City of Los Angeles permit activity

Los Angeles County housing and City of Los Angeles permit activity

Local numbers for Los Angeles County, each with its source and date.

Issued HVAC permits in the City of Los Angeles, last 12 months, all property types1
15,591 permits
  1. 1 LA Department of Building and Safety, Mechanical Permits Issued 2020 to Present (data.lacity.org) · data as of

Questions homeowners ask

How do I check a contractor's license status?

Look up the contractor's license status on the CSLB (Contractors State License Board) website before you sign anything. Check that the name on the license matches the company that will do the work.

What should be in the written contract?

Write down the scope of work, the timeline, the equipment and materials, and how changes are priced and approved in writing before work starts.

How should payments work?

Tie each payment to work that is finished and avoid paying far ahead of the work. Keep records of every payment and every approved change.

Who pulls the permit for an HVAC project?

Ask the builder who handles plans and permits. LADBS issued 15,591 permits for HVAC work in the City of Los Angeles in the last 12 months, so permit work is common locally, but the builder should confirm what your project needs.

What should I check in an older home before a new AC or furnace?

In Los Angeles County, 70.3% of housing units were built before 1980 (Census 2020–2024), and the median year built is 1965. Ask about existing ductwork for leaks and sizing, possible asbestos in old duct insulation, electrical panel capacity for central AC or a heat pump, and venting for older furnaces. These are things to check, not certainties for every house.

What if I own a rental home?

Among occupied Los Angeles County housing units, 45.9% are owner-occupied (Census 2020–2024), so many homes are rented. If you own a rental, ask the builder how the work can be scheduled around tenants and what the project means for your property.

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