HVAC contractors have two coverage issues that most other contractors don't: refrigerant handling and the pollution exclusion. Standard GL policies exclude pollution claims — and refrigerant, carbon monoxide, and combustion gases are classified as pollutants. An HVAC contractor who assumes their GL covers refrigerant incidents may be surprised at claim time. Getting this right matters before a claim happens, not after.
Commercial General Liability
ACORD 125 + 126
Covers bodily injury and property damage during and after HVAC work. Completed operations is significant — an improperly installed unit that causes water damage, fire, or carbon monoxide exposure can result in serious claims discovered long after installation.
Workers Compensation
ACORD 125 + 130
HVAC technicians work in attics, crawl spaces, rooftops, and mechanical rooms — all with physical hazard exposure. WC class code 5537 (sheet metal work, air conditioning installation) applies to most HVAC installation work. Service technicians may fall under a different code.
Commercial Auto
ACORD 125 + 127
HVAC companies run service vans and install crews with separate vehicles. Large HVAC equipment (rooftop units, air handlers) may require flatbed or specialty vehicles. All vehicles used for business need commercial auto coverage.
Inland Marine / Tools & Equipment
ACORD 61
Covers manifold gauges, refrigerant recovery machines, diagnostic tools, and portable equipment at job sites. High-value HVAC diagnostic equipment and refrigerant (which is expensive and regulated) should be specifically covered.
Pollution Liability
Specialty application
Refrigerant is classified as a pollutant under many GL policies. A refrigerant leak during service or installation could trigger the pollution exclusion. HVAC contractors who handle refrigerants should confirm their GL covers refrigerant-related claims or obtain a pollution endorsement.
Equipment Breakdown
ACORD 55
HVAC companies that sell and maintain service contracts on equipment they install have an interest in covering equipment breakdown — a failed unit under a service contract is the HVAC company's responsibility to repair or replace.
1
Does the company do residential, commercial, or both? What percentage of each?
2
What types of HVAC work? (Installation, service/maintenance, replacement, refrigeration, commercial chiller, industrial)
3
Does the company handle refrigerants? Which types? (R-22, R-410A, R-32, NH3/ammonia)
4
Does the company do any commercial refrigeration work (grocery stores, cold storage, food processing)?
5
Does the company offer service contracts on installed equipment?
6
Does the company do any rooftop unit installation (requires working at heights)?
7
Does the company subcontract any installation work?
8
Any prior refrigerant release, carbon monoxide, or property damage claims?
9
Does the company have EPA Section 608 certified technicians for refrigerant handling?
10
What states does the company operate in?