HVAC Contractor Permit Requirements in Madison, WI

1. EPA Section 608 Technician Certification

   Federal law requires all HVAC technicians who purchase or handle refrigerants to be certified under EPA Section 608 of the Clean Air Act. Certification is available in Type I (small appliances), Type II (high-pressure), Type III (low-pressure), and Universal categories. Certification is obtained through an EPA-approved testing organization such as ESCO Institute or NATE.

   Official government source

   $20–$60 (exam fee)·1–2 weeks (exam scheduling)

   $20–$60 (exam fee)

   1–2 weeks (exam scheduling)

2. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services - HVAC Contractor Registration

   A business installing or servicing HVAC equipment in Wisconsin must hold an HVAC Contractor registration from DSPS (Wis. Admin. Code SPS 305.70). The registration is applied for by the business owner, a partner or a corporate officer, and there is no state examination for the Contractor registration itself. A separate HVAC Qualifier credential exists for individuals.

   Official government source

   $160 HVAC Contractor credential fee, renewing every 4 years from the date of issuance ($200 reinstatement fee). The individual HVAC Qualifier credential is $60 on the same 4-year cycle - DSPS Trades Renewal Dates and Fees.·Not published by DSPS - initial applications are filed at license.wi.gov.

   $160 HVAC Contractor credential fee, renewing every 4 years from the date of issuance ($200 reinstatement fee). The individual HVAC Qualifier credential is $60 on the same 4-year cycle - DSPS Trades Renewal Dates and Fees.

   Not published by DSPS - initial applications are filed at license.wi.gov.

1. City of Madison - Mechanical Permit

   Madison requires a mechanical (HVAC) permit from the City of Madison Building Inspection Division for HVAC installation, with plan review and inspection.

   Official government source

   Plan review: HVAC alterations and remodeling $.03 per sq ft, $100.00 minimum (same rate for new commercial HVAC). Inspection fees for new construction and additions are per square foot by building group ($.09 Group 1, $.11 Group 2, $.06 Group 3), $25.00 minimum. In existing buildings: replacement heating equipment $25.00 (up to 100,000 BTU), $50.00 (100,001-165,000 BTU), $75.00 (165,001 BTU and greater); new or replaced air conditioning unit $25.00; ductless split system or wall pack unit $25.00.·Not published - confirm current plan review and inspection lead times with the City of Madison Development Services Center.

   Plan review: HVAC alterations and remodeling $.03 per sq ft, $100.00 minimum (same rate for new commercial HVAC). Inspection fees for new construction and additions are per square foot by building group ($.09 Group 1, $.11 Group 2, $.06 Group 3), $25.00 minimum. In existing buildings: replacement heating equipment $25.00 (up to 100,000 BTU), $50.00 (100,001-165,000 BTU), $75.00 (165,001 BTU and greater); new or replaced air conditioning unit $25.00; ductless split system or wall pack unit $25.00.

   Not published - confirm current plan review and inspection lead times with the City of Madison Development Services Center.

Official Sources

• City of Madison Building Inspection
• Wisconsin DSPS — HVAC Contractor License

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