HVAC BUSINESS LAUNCH CHECKLIST
From https://www.brix.so/start/hvac (updated 2026-10-24)
Print it, tick it off, keep it in the truck.

DAY 1

[ ] Confirm your EPA 608 certification type covers the equipment you'll service, and keep the card in the truck
[ ] Find out whether your state or city licenses HVAC contractors, and what insurance minimums come with the license
[ ] Register the business, get a free EIN, and add the license number to the truck and estimates where required
[ ] Open a supply-house account so you can buy refrigerant and parts on terms
[ ] Buy general liability, tools-and-equipment coverage and any bond your license requires
[ ] Set your diagnostic fee, after-hours rate and the price of a tune-up
[ ] Get a business phone line that rings through after hours, and decide who answers it
[ ] Write a simple refrigerant log for recovery, charging and leak repairs

MONTH 3

[ ] Build a flat-rate price book for your ten most common repairs
[ ] Sign every tune-up customer up for a maintenance agreement before you leave
[ ] Pull permits on every changeout that needs one and keep copies with the job
[ ] Register equipment warranties for each install the same week
[ ] Track first-time fix rate and callbacks per job
[ ] Text back every missed call within minutes, especially on the first hot or cold day
[ ] Line up an equipment financing option for replacement quotes

YEAR 1

[ ] Plan the shoulder seasons: fill spring and fall with tune-ups from your agreement list
[ ] Add workers' comp before your first tech or helper starts, and check that their 608 cards cover their work
[ ] Decide whether to upgrade your license class or add an endorsement for bigger jobs
[ ] Review gross profit by job type and drop the work that doesn't pay
[ ] Pay quarterly estimated taxes, and ask your accountant about expensing tools and the van
[ ] Raise service prices for the next season with notice to agreement customers

EPA 608 rules are federal; contractor licensing varies by state and city.
Check epa.gov/section608 and your state licensing board. This checklist is
not legal or tax advice.

Questions? Call or text (518) 588-1122, or book 15 minutes:
https://cal.com/ethanharris/15min