SAMPLE: Directory preview. Listings checked against each company’s own website on October 17, 2026. Not an endorsement.

South SoundHVAC & heat pump contractors

Warning signs

HVAC red flags

A heat pump job crosses three sets of rules: contractor registration, electrical licensing and federal refrigerant rules. Each gives you something to check.

License red flags

  • No L&I contractor registration. HVAC is a registered specialty. (L&I)
  • Nobody on the crew holds an 06A or 06B certificate, and the company has no electrical contractor license, yet they plan to wire the unit. (WAC 296-46B-920) (RCW 19.28.041)
  • The HVAC tech plans to run a new branch circuit or change the panel. Neither 06A nor 06B covers that. (WAC 296-46B-920)
  • No one can show an EPA 608 card, but someone will charge or recover refrigerant. (EPA)

Permit red flags

  • "No permit needed" on an Olympia furnace or heat pump job. Olympia requires a permit for all mechanical work. (Olympia)
  • In Tacoma or Pierce County, a full system install with no permit. The exemptions cover only portable units, minor parts and small self-contained systems. (Tacoma) (Pierce County)
  • Any contractor who wants you to take out the permit. L&I lists that as a warning sign. (L&I F625-084-000)

Rebate red flags

  • A PSE rebate promised by a contractor who is not a PSE Recommended Energy Professional or Trade Ally. (PSE)
  • A Tacoma Power incentive from a contractor not on its Participating Contractor list. (Tacoma Power)

Money and paperwork

  • Cash only, a large deposit, or full payment before the work. (L&I)
  • No written contract or complete bid. (L&I)
  • A home job of $1,000 or more with no signed Notice to Customer. (RCW 18.27.114, read Oct 17, 2026)

Next

Check what each HVAC license covers, ask the hiring questions, and see the rebate guide.

Sources

We read each source on October 18, 2026. Rules and prices change, so check the linked page before you rely on a number.

  1. L&I: Register as a contractor
  2. WAC 296-46B-920, electrical specialties
  3. RCW 19.28.041, electrical contractor license and bond
  4. EPA: Section 608 technician certification requirements
  5. City of Olympia: When do I need a permit? (PDF)
  6. Tacoma Permits: What requires a permit
  7. Pierce County: Guide to work exempt from permit (PDF)
  8. L&I publication F625-084-000, What You Should Know About Hiring a Contractor (10-2024)
  9. Puget Sound Energy: Electric resistance to air-source heat pump rebate
  10. Tacoma Power: Heat pump incentives
  11. RCW 18.27.114, Notice to Customer

Written by the South Sound HVAC team. We list businesses; we do not employ, bond or insure them. Spot a mistake? Use the claim page to tell us.