Idaho HVAC Regulatory Oversight for 2026: Complete Guide

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Nov 11th 2025
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Understanding Idaho HVAC regulatory oversight is essential for contractors, businesses, and homeowners navigating the state's energy landscape. Idaho's regulatory environment involves multiple agencies overseeing utility rates, contractor licensing, and energy policy. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Idaho HVAC regulations heading into 2026.

The regulatory oversight framework in Idaho requires licensing at every level of HVAC work, from apprentice through contractor. Whether you're an HVAC contractor seeking licensure or a business evaluating Idaho's energy market, understanding these regulatory structures is critical for success.

Idaho Public Utilities Commission: Primary Regulatory Oversight

The Idaho Public Utilities Commission (PUC) serves as the primary regulatory body for Idaho's utilities. The PUC regulates investor-owned electric, natural gas, water, and telecommunications utilities.

The Idaho PUC consists of three commissioners appointed by the Governor with Senate confirmation. Commissioners serve six-year staggered terms. The PUC sets utility rates, ensures reliable service, and implements state energy policy.

Agency: Idaho Public Utilities Commission
Address: 11331 W. Chinden Blvd., Building 8, Suite 201-A, Boise, ID 83714
Phone: (208) 334-0300
Toll Free: 1-800-432-0369
Website: https://puc.idaho.gov/

Idaho HVAC Licensing Requirements for 2026

The Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) governs all HVAC licensing in Idaho. Idaho requires licensing at every level: apprentice registration, journeyman license, and contractor license. This is one of the most comprehensive licensing structures in the nation.

Primary HVAC License Types in Idaho

HVAC Apprentice Registration: Required before beginning any training. Allows installation, modification, extension, repair, or alteration of HVAC systems under supervision of a licensed journeyman. Valid for five years.

HVAC Journeyman License: Allows independent HVAC work under direction of a licensed contractor. Can supervise apprentices.

HVAC Contractor License: Allows unsupervised installation, maintenance, and repair of HVAC systems. Can operate a business and employ journeymen and apprentices.

Specialty Licenses: Available at apprentice, journeyman, and contractor levels for: Hearth, Fuel Gas Piping, Waste Oil Heating, and LP Limited Heating.

Pathways to Idaho HVAC Licensure

Apprentice Requirements:

Must be at least 18 (or 16 with STRAP program), employed by licensed contractor, work under journeyman supervision. Complete four-year apprenticeship with 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of classroom instruction (144 hours per year).

Journeyman Requirements:

Four years of experience as registered apprentice OR four years of HVAC education plus work under qualified journeyman. Must pass journeyman exam (120 questions, 4 hours, 70% to pass).

Contractor Requirements:

At least 24 months as licensed journeyman. Must pass contractor exam (110 questions, 4 hours, 70% to pass). Must provide $2,000 compliance bond.

HVAC License Fees and Requirements

The following fees apply to Idaho HVAC licensing in 2026:

Apprentice Registration: $10 initial, $50 renewal (every 5 years)
Journeyman Application: $35 initial, $75 renewal (annual)
Contractor Application: $35 initial, $150 renewal (annual)
Exam Fee: $100 (Pearson VUE)
Late Renewal: $110 (within one year of expiration)
Contractor Bond: $2,000 compliance bond required

Continuing Education: As of 2025, Idaho does not require continuing education for HVAC license renewals.

Exams are open-book and administered by Pearson VUE.

Agency: Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL)
Address: 11341 W. Chinden Blvd., Boise, ID 83714
Phone: (208) 334-3233
Website: https://dopl.idaho.gov/hvac/

Reciprocal HVAC Licensing Agreements

Idaho offers reciprocity to license holders from other states. Contact DOPL for current reciprocity requirements and application procedures.

Directory of Idaho Electric Companies

Idaho Investor-Owned Utilities

Company Name Website Utility Type
Idaho Power idahopower.com Investor-Owned
Avista Utilities myavista.com Investor-Owned
Rocky Mountain Power rockymountainpower.net Investor-Owned

Idaho Electric Cooperatives

Company Name Website Utility Type
Idaho Falls Power idahofallsidaho.gov Municipal
Clearwater Power Company clearwaterpower.com Cooperative
Fall River Rural Electric Cooperative fallriverelectric.com Cooperative
Idaho County Light & Power iclp.coop Cooperative
Kootenai Electric Cooperative kec.com Cooperative
Lost River Electric Cooperative lostriverelectriccooperative.com Cooperative
Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative rrelectric.com Cooperative
Salmon River Electric Cooperative srec.org Cooperative
United Electric Co-op uloelectriccoop.com Cooperative
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Frequently Asked Questions About Idaho HVAC Regulatory Oversight

  • What agency provides regulatory oversight for HVAC contractors in Idaho?

    The Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) provides regulatory oversight for all HVAC licensing. The Idaho Public Utilities Commission separately regulates utilities. Contact DOPL at (208) 334-3233 or visit dopl.idaho.gov/hvac.

  • Do I need a license to perform HVAC work in Idaho?

    Yes, Idaho requires licensing at every level of HVAC work. Apprentices must register before beginning any training or work. Journeymen must be licensed to work independently under a contractor. Contractors must be licensed to operate a business. EPA Section 608 Certification is required for refrigerant work.

  • What are the requirements for an Idaho HVAC journeyman license in 2026?

    For a journeyman license: complete a 4-year apprenticeship (8,000 hours OJT + 576 hours classroom) while registered, OR have 4 years HVAC education plus work under qualified journeyman. Pass the journeyman exam (120 questions, 4 hours, 70% to pass). Application fee is $35; exam fee is $100.

  • What are the requirements for an Idaho HVAC contractor license?

    For a contractor license: work as licensed journeyman for at least 24 months, pass contractor exam (110 questions, 4 hours, 70% to pass), provide $2,000 compliance bond. Application fee is $35; annual renewal is $150. Must maintain bond throughout licensing period.

  • Does Idaho have reciprocal HVAC licensing agreements with other states?

    Yes, Idaho offers reciprocity to license holders from other states. Requirements and procedures vary. Contact DOPL for current reciprocity agreements and application procedures.

  • What does the Idaho Public Utilities Commission regulate?

    The Idaho PUC regulates investor-owned electric, natural gas, water, and telecommunications utilities. This includes Idaho Power, Avista Utilities, and Rocky Mountain Power. The PUC sets rates and service standards but does not regulate HVAC contractor licensing or electric cooperatives.

  • What are the major electric utilities in Idaho?

    Idaho Power serves the majority of southern Idaho including Boise. Avista Utilities serves northern Idaho including the Coeur d'Alene area. Rocky Mountain Power serves eastern Idaho. Several electric cooperatives and municipal utilities serve rural and smaller communities.

  • What specialty HVAC licenses are available in Idaho?

    Idaho offers specialty licenses at apprentice, journeyman, and contractor levels for: Hearth, Fuel Gas Piping, Waste Oil Heating, and LP Limited Heating. Specialty licenses require less experience than full HVAC licenses (1-2 years depending on specialty) plus specialty education and training courses.

  • Is continuing education required for Idaho HVAC license renewal?

    As of 2025, Idaho does not require continuing education for HVAC journeyman or contractor license renewals. This differs from Idaho's electrical and plumbing trades which do have CE requirements. Licenses must be renewed annually.

  • Can I advertise HVAC services without a contractor license in Idaho?

    No. Idaho law prohibits advertising HVAC services as a contractor unless you hold an HVAC contractor or specialty contractor license. Any advertising implying HVAC services must include your contractor certificate of competency number. Violations can result in penalties.

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