NEW-HAMPSHIRE · hvac
Not regulated at state level
No NH statewide HVAC license; federal EPA 608 + NH gas fitter license for gas-heating work →No Statewide HVAC License
New Hampshire does not issue a statewide license for HVAC contractors or refrigeration and air-conditioning technicians. There is no state HVAC board comparable to the Electricians' Board or the Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board. A technician practicing in New Hampshire is governed by (a) federal refrigerant law, (b) the Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board's gas-fitter and domestic-appliance-technician licenses if the work involves natural gas or propane, and (c) local mechanical and building permit rules. Source: New Hampshire OPLC (https://www.oplc.nh.gov/) for the roster of state-regulated professions.
EPA 608 (Federal). Under 40 CFR Part 82, Subpart F, technicians who maintain, service, repair, or dispose of equipment that could release ozone-depleting refrigerants or their substitutes must be certified. EPA lists four types: Type I for small appliances; Type II for high- or very-high-pressure appliances except small appliances and MVACs; Type III for low-pressure appliances; and Universal for all equipment. EPA states that Section 608 technician certification credentials do not expire. Source: EPA Section 608 (https://www.epa.gov/section608/section-608-technician-certification).
NH Gas Fitter Licenses
The Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board issues Fuel Gas Fitter (natural gas and propane) and Domestic Appliance Technician licenses under RSA 153:27-a and RSA 329-A. A New Hampshire HVAC technician who installs, alters, or services gas-fired heating appliances must hold the applicable Fuel Gas Fitter license. The Gas Fitter license is not a full HVAC license and does not authorize refrigerant work without EPA 608. Continuing-education requirements include 3 hours of code update each year (6 hours per 2-year cycle) per the Board. Source: New Hampshire OPLC Mechanical Safety and Licensing Education and Certification Requirements (https://www.oplc.nh.gov/mechanical-safety-and-licensing-education-certification-requirements).
Boiler and Pressure Vessel
Boiler operators and steam plants in New Hampshire are regulated by the Department of Labor under RSA 157-A (boiler and pressure vessel safety). A Boiler Operator license may apply to large heating-plant work even where HVAC work itself is not licensed. Source: New Hampshire Department of Labor (https://www.nh.gov/labor/).
Municipal Permits
Cities and towns in New Hampshire issue mechanical permits under locally adopted building codes. Requirements and inspections for HVAC work vary by jurisdiction. Before quoting or performing HVAC work, confirm the current permit rules with the building official in the municipality where the work will occur.
Union and Non-Union Pathway
HVAC, sheet-metal, and refrigeration apprenticeships run in New Hampshire through UA-affiliated Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 131 and Local 788 (some include refrigeration and HVAC scope), Sheet Metal Workers Local 17 (regional), and non-union ABC and IEC programs. Community-college HVAC and refrigeration curricula at Manchester Community College and NHTI Concord's Community College provide coursework leading to EPA 608 certification. Presented neutrally; verify current intake with each program.
Verification Advice
Before accepting HVAC work in New Hampshire, confirm in writing: (1) EPA 608 certification matching the equipment type, (2) Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board Fuel Gas Fitter or Domestic Appliance Technician license if the work involves gas-fired heating, and (3) municipal mechanical or building permit status in the city or town of the job. Each is administered by a different authority; holding one does not cover the others.