Understanding Georgia HVAC regulatory oversight is essential for contractors, businesses, and homeowners navigating the Peach State's energy landscape. Georgia's climate demands reliable heating and cooling, and the state has regulated HVAC contractors since 1949. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Georgia HVAC regulations heading into 2026.
The regulatory oversight framework in Georgia affects how HVAC contractors operate, what utility rates consumers pay, and how the state's energy infrastructure develops. Whether you're an HVAC contractor seeking licensure or a business evaluating Georgia's energy market, understanding these regulatory structures is critical for success.
Georgia Public Service Commission: Primary Regulatory Oversight
The Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) serves as the primary regulatory body for Georgia's utilities. The PSC regulates electric, natural gas, and telecommunications utilities operating in the state.
The Georgia PSC consists of five commissioners elected to six-year staggered terms. The commission sets utility rates, ensures service reliability, and implements state energy policy.
Agency: Georgia Public Service Commission
Address: 244 Washington Street SW, Atlanta, GA 30334
Phone: (404) 656-4501
Consumer Affairs: 1-800-282-5813
Website: https://psc.ga.gov/
Georgia HVAC Licensing Requirements for 2026
The Georgia Secretary of State's Office through the State Construction Industry Licensing Board, Division of Conditioned Air Contractors, governs all HVAC contractor licensing in Georgia. Georgia calls HVAC contractors "Conditioned Air Contractors" and has required licensing since 1949.
Entry-level HVAC workers who are employees of licensed contractors do not need individual licenses. However, anyone who bids on, contracts for, or performs conditioned air contracting work independently must be licensed.
Primary HVAC License Types in Georgia
Class I (Restricted): Limited to systems not exceeding 175,000 BTU of heating and 60,000 BTU of cooling. Suitable for residential work.
Class II (Unrestricted): No limitations on system size. Can work on any heating and cooling equipment including large commercial systems.
Pathways to Georgia HVAC Licensure
Class I (Restricted) Requirements:
Minimum four years of documented experience consisting of: two years residential installation as lead mechanic, one year as service technician (must include EPA certification), one year of residential supervisory experience, plus completion of a board-approved heat loss/gain and duct design course (ACCA Manuals D and J).
Class II (Unrestricted) Requirements:
Minimum five years of documented experience including: two years as lead mechanic (at least one year commercial only), one year as service technician or supervisor (with EPA certification), two years commercial supervisory experience, plus board-approved residential AND commercial heat loss/gain and duct design courses.
Education Credits: An engineering technology diploma from a technical school equals two years of experience. A certificate program equals one year of experience.
HVAC License Fees and Requirements
The following requirements apply to Georgia HVAC licensing in 2026:
Age: Must be at least 18 years old
Education: High school diploma or GED required
Application Fee: $110 (submit through GOALS online portal)
Exam Fee: $267 (paid to PSI/AMP)
Passing Score: 70% or higher
EPA Certification: Type II or higher required
References: Three notarized professional references from licensed architects, professional engineers, city/county inspectors, or licensed Conditioned Air Contractors who worked directly with you.
Background Check: Required (obtain from local law enforcement)
Continuing Education: At least 4 hours annually required for license renewal.
License Renewal: Every two years by November 30th of odd-numbered years. Late renewal period December 1-31.
Agency: Georgia Secretary of State, Division of Conditioned Air Contractors
Address: 3920 Arkwright Rd., Suite 195, Macon, GA 31210
Phone: (478) 207-2440
Website: https://sos.ga.gov/conditioned-air-contractors
Reciprocal HVAC Licensing Agreements
Georgia has reciprocity agreements with Louisiana, South Carolina, and Texas for Conditioned Air Contractor licenses. Contact the Board for current reciprocity requirements and application procedures.
Directory of Georgia Electric Companies
Georgia Investor-Owned Utilities
| Company Name | Website | Utility Type |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Power | georgiapower.com | Investor-Owned |
Georgia Electric Cooperatives
| Company Name | Website | Utility Type |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia EMC (Association of 38 EMCs) | georgiaemc.com | Cooperative Association |
| Cobb EMC | cobbemc.com | Cooperative |
| Jackson EMC | jacksonemc.com | Cooperative |
| Greystone Power | greystonepower.com | Cooperative |
| Walton EMC | waltonemc.com | Cooperative |
| Coweta-Fayette EMC | utility.org | Cooperative |
| Sawnee EMC | sawnee.com | Cooperative |
| Central Georgia EMC | cgemc.com | Cooperative |
Georgia Municipal Utilities
| Company Name | Website | Utility Type |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Municipal Association | gacities.com | Municipal Association |
| Marietta Power | mariettaga.gov | Municipal |
| City of College Park | collegeparkga.com | Municipal |
| Dalton Utilities | dutil.com | Municipal |
| Crisp County Power Commission | crispcountypower.com | Municipal |
