Posted by BudgetHeating on Nov 13th 2025

Indiana HVAC Regulatory Oversight for 2026: Complete Guide

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Nov 13th 2025

Understanding Indiana HVAC regulatory oversight is essential for contractors, businesses, and homeowners navigating the Hoosier State's energy landscape. Like several other states, Indiana does not have statewide HVAC licensing, with requirements varying by municipality. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Indiana HVAC regulations heading into 2026.

The regulatory oversight framework in Indiana is unique because HVAC licensing requirements are set at the local level rather than statewide. Whether you're an HVAC contractor seeking to understand local requirements or a business evaluating Indiana's energy market, understanding these regulatory structures is critical for success.

Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission: Primary Regulatory Oversight

The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) serves as the primary regulatory body for Indiana's utilities. The IURC regulates investor-owned electric, natural gas, water, and steam utilities.

The Indiana IURC consists of five commissioners appointed by the Governor. Commissioners serve four-year staggered terms. The IURC sets utility rates, ensures reliable service, and implements state energy policy.

Agency: Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission
Address: 101 W. Washington Street, Suite 1500 East, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317) 232-2701
Consumer Affairs: 1-800-851-4268
Website: https://www.in.gov/iurc/

Indiana HVAC Licensing Requirements for 2026

Indiana does not have statewide HVAC licensing requirements. There is no state-level license issued for HVAC technicians or contractors. However, many local municipalities have their own licensing requirements, and federal EPA certification is required for refrigerant handling.

The state defers HVAC licensing to cities, counties, and towns. Requirements vary significantly by jurisdiction, so contractors must verify requirements in each area where they plan to work.

Local HVAC Licensing Categories

Many Indiana municipalities offer HVAC licenses in these categories:

Air Conditioning A (Unrestricted): No limitations on system size or type.

Air Conditioning B (Restricted): Limited to systems up to 25 tons cooling or 500,000 BTUs heating; boiler pressures up to 15 psig steam and 30 psig water.

Air Conditioning D (Restricted): Limited to systems up to 5 tons cooling or 300,000 BTUs heating.

Refrigeration: Commercial refrigeration systems.

High Pressure Steam: Steam systems above standard residential pressure.

Indianapolis HVAC Licensing

The Board of Heating and Cooling Examiners of Indianapolis oversees HVAC licensing. Requirements include:

Experience: Five years of industry work experience (or combination of education and experience)
References: Professional verification of experience
Examination: Prometric exam with 70% passing score
Insurance: $500,000 liability insurance
Bond: $5,000 surety bond
License Fee: Approximately $247-$400

Agency: Indianapolis Dept. of Business and Neighborhood Services
Address: 200 E. Washington St., Suite 107, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Email: contractors@indy.gov
Website: indy.gov/contractor-licenses

Other Municipal Requirements

Fort Wayne (Allen County): Similar requirements to Indianapolis, uses Prometric exam. Contact Allen County Building Department.

Evansville: Application fees range from $25 (apprentice) to $300 (contractor). Uses Ivy Tech for exam administration ($175 exam fee). Contact Evansville and Vanderburgh County Building Commission at (812) 436-7880.

Richmond: Requires 75% score on exam. Annual license fee $50. Application fee $10 plus testing agency fee.

Muncie: Requires license and surety bond for heating and cooling work.

Reciprocal HVAC Licensing Agreements

Some Indiana municipalities accept licenses from other jurisdictions. For example, Richmond accepts applicants who have scored 75%+ on the same Prometric exam in another jurisdiction with verification letter. Check with individual municipalities for reciprocity policies.

Directory of Indiana Electric Companies

Indiana Investor-Owned Utilities

Company Name Website Utility Type
Duke Energy Indiana duke-energy.com Investor-Owned
Indiana Michigan Power (AEP) indianamichiganpower.com Investor-Owned
CenterPoint Energy Indiana South centerpointenergy.com Investor-Owned
NIPSCO (NiSource) nipsco.com Investor-Owned
Indianapolis Power & Light (AES Indiana) aesindiana.com Investor-Owned

Indiana Electric Cooperatives

Company Name Website Utility Type
Indiana Electric Cooperatives indianaec.org Cooperative Association
Tipmont REMC tipmont.org Cooperative
Hendricks Power Cooperative hendrickspower.com Cooperative
Jackson County REMC jacksonremc.com Cooperative
South Central Indiana REMC sciremc.com Cooperative
Wabash Valley Power Alliance wvpa.com Cooperative (Generation)

Indiana Municipal Utilities

Company Name Website Utility Type
Indiana Municipal Power Agency impa.com Municipal Association
Richmond Power & Light richmondpower.com Municipal
Crawfordsville Electric Light & Power crawfordsvilleelectric.com Municipal
Logansport Municipal Utilities logansport-in.gov Municipal
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Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana HVAC Regulatory Oversight

  • Does Indiana require a statewide HVAC license?

    No, Indiana does not require statewide HVAC licensing. Unlike some states, there is no state-level license for HVAC technicians or contractors. Licensing requirements are set by individual cities and counties. Federal EPA Section 608 Certification is required for anyone working with refrigerants.

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

    Yes, Indianapolis requires HVAC contractors to obtain a license from the Department of Business and Neighborhood Services. Requirements include five years of experience, passing the Prometric exam (70%+), $500,000 liability insurance, $5,000 surety bond, and paying the license fee. Note: This applies to Indianapolis proper, not other Marion County cities.

  • What types of HVAC licenses are available in Indiana municipalities?

    Common license categories include: Air Conditioning A (unrestricted), Air Conditioning B (up to 25 tons/500,000 BTU), Air Conditioning D (up to 5 tons/300,000 BTU), Refrigeration, and High Pressure Steam. Specific categories vary by municipality.

  • What exams are required for Indiana HVAC licenses?

    Most Indiana municipalities use Prometric exams. The HVAC exam is typically 4 hours with 100 multiple-choice questions requiring 70% to pass. A Business and Law exam (2 hours, 50 questions) may also be required. Some cities like Evansville use Ivy Tech for exam administration.

  • What insurance is required for Indiana HVAC contractors?

    Requirements vary by municipality. Indianapolis requires $500,000 liability insurance and a $5,000 surety bond. Workers' compensation insurance is required statewide for contractors with employees. Always verify specific requirements with your local licensing authority.

  • What does the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission regulate?

    The Indiana IURC regulates investor-owned electric, natural gas, water, and steam utilities. This includes Duke Energy Indiana, AES Indiana (IPL), NIPSCO, and Indiana Michigan Power. The IURC sets rates and service standards but does not regulate HVAC contractor licensing or electric cooperatives.

  • What are the major electric utilities in Indiana?

    Major investor-owned utilities include Duke Energy Indiana, AES Indiana (Indianapolis), Indiana Michigan Power (AEP), NIPSCO (northern Indiana), and CenterPoint Energy Indiana South. Over 40 rural electric cooperatives and numerous municipal utilities also serve the state.

  • How do I become an HVAC technician in Indiana?

    Complete HVAC training through a trade school, community college (Ivy Tech is highly regarded), or apprenticeship program. Obtain EPA Section 608 Certification. Then check local municipality requirements for licensing. Most require 3-5 years of experience and passing an exam to become a licensed contractor.

  • Are there reciprocity agreements for HVAC licenses in Indiana?

    Some municipalities accept licenses from other jurisdictions. Richmond, for example, accepts applicants who passed the same Prometric exam elsewhere with 75%+ score and verification letter. There's no statewide reciprocity system, so check with each municipality where you plan to work.

  • What are the fees for HVAC licensing in Indiana?

    Fees vary widely by municipality. Examples: Indianapolis license fee approximately $247-$400. Evansville ranges from $25 (apprentice) to $300 (contractor) plus $175 exam fee. Richmond charges $50 annual license plus $10 application fee. Contact your local licensing board for exact fees.

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