Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors

Here are the public comments on general topics received during the 2012 Strategic Planning process. The comments are grouped as answers to the four questions we based our discussions on.

1. What are we doing well?
2. What can we do better?
3. If you could change one service that we provide or eliminate or amend any provision of TDLR’s statutes or rules, what would it be?
4. What major changes will occur over the next five years that will impact the way you do business and the services we provide?

Read the comments (55 kb PDF) To see the comments for each individual license program, go to that program's section on the web site.

On May 1, 2012, TDLR will begin issuing “Gold Cards” for Air Conditioning Contractors. We’re doing this in response to requests from licensees and industry professionals, so they can be more easily identified when interacting with local government officials and supply shop employees. The Gold Cards will contain the same information as our regular white cards. All new and renewal licenses for these programs will receive the new Gold Card but if you would like to order a Gold Card before your renewal, they will be available for $25 by mail beginning May 1, 2012. The white cards are still valid during the transition through May 1, 2013.

The Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors Advisory Board met April 4 in Austin. The agenda is available online. The meeting was archived and is available for viewing in RealPlayer.

Call for Subject Matter Experts – Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractors TDLR and PSI, the vendor under contract to develop and administer examinations, are seeking Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to participate in reviewing and evaluating exam content outlines, exam items and reference lists. The participation of knowledgeable SMEs ensures competency levels for HVACR Contractors and helps protect the public from dangerous construction practices. Applicants should have a broad based knowledge of the technical aspects of the profession and familiarity with the current techniques, standards, and materials. Successful applicants must be willing to sign a confidentiality agreement regarding exam content. If interested, please complete and follow the instructions on this HVACR SME application.

There will be an Air Conditioning Enforcement Task Team meeting in Houston on May 31 at 1:00 p.m.. The purpose of the meeting is to bring together industry personnel, municipal officials, and TDLR to discuss the proactive regulation and enforcement of the air conditioning program. The meeting will take place at Century A/C Supply, 10510 W. Sam Houston Parkway South, Houston, Texas 77099.

TDLR is now accepting online payment for administrative penalties.

TDLR proposes amendments to existing rules at 16 Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Chapter 75, §75.20 and §75.21, regarding the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration program.  The proposed rules are necessary to implement the changes made by House Bill 2643 to Texas Occupations Code, §1302.255.

The proposal was published in the November 25, 2011, issue of the Texas Register (36 TexReg 7955).  The Department will accept comments on the proposal until December 27, 2011.

TDLR encourages all persons interested in the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration program to review the rule proposal and submit comments.  Comments may be submitted electronically to erule.comments@license.state.tx.us.

2009 Code Editions Become Effective September 1, 2011 - Chapter 1302.101(a) of the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contracting Law requires our agency to adopt rules for the practice of air conditioning and refrigeration work. In March 2011 and in accordance with state law, the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation adopted amendments to Chapter 75.110 of the administrative rules thereby establishing the 2009 Uniform Mechanical Code and the 2009 International Mechanical Code, as "minimum standards" for air conditioning and refrigeration work in Texas covered by the Law. The rule established September 1, 2011 as the effective date.

Any non-exempt work started on or after September 1, 2011, must be installed in accordance with the 2009 Uniform Mechanical Code or the 2009 International Mechanical Code. For purposes of clarification, the "start" of air conditioning and refrigeration work is the day the air conditioning and refrigeration contractor begins installing materials or equipment within the residential or commercial building structure.

Chapter 1302.303 authorizes municipalities to adopt and enforce standards that are consistent with those established by the state; so inside the corporate limits of a municipality, air conditioning and refrigeration contractors must also abide by city permitting requirements and adhere to local ordinances.

Beginning September 1, 2011, all examinations for state air conditioning and refrigeration licenses will be based on the above referenced 2009 Codes. The air conditioning and refrigeration contracting exams are available through PSI - who has contracted with TDLR to develop, maintain, and administer our state licensing examinations. It is important for license candidates to review the Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB) which contains detailed information regarding the examinations and is vital to understanding the process.

Online and downloadable applications for Registered ACR Technician and Certified ACR Technician are now available

Survey Questionnaires for Municipal Air Conditioning Requirements - the data received from this questionnaire has been posted to show the requirements of the cities and municipalities throughout the state. We encourage you to see if you are on our list (29kb PDF).

If you have not provided the agency with your local air conditioning and refrigeration requirements, download the questionnaire here, complete the form, and forward the information to air.conditioning@license.state.tx.us.