Licensing..............(hb)

John Felciano

in Connecticut we are heavy into licensing.A plumbing lic. takes 6 years to get (4 years as an apprentice & 2 years as a journeyman)The heating licemse takes the same.You can do both concuringly but it adds an extra two years to the apprenticeship.


The only problem,up till now, is once you have your license there was no continued education needed.A new law now requires coarses to maintain your license.It's all very new and I don't have the details yet.It takes effect in 2004 I think.

Licenses are great but it doesn't stop shody work.Complicated radiant systems seem to overwhelm some building officials who are overworked with the building boom.They are learning more about them but for the most part many don't have a clue as to what were building and just let it fly.(Maybe thats something the RPA could look at more closely)???

Their does seam to be shortage of guys here with heating licenses yet they are still installing heating systems.(Someone is pulling their permits)we need better inforcement,but overall I think our system works very well.


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heatboy

Not here.

In a post further down the Wall, Dan mentioned that not all areas have licensing for heating contractors. I live in one of those areas. You do have to have a plumbing license, but that has nothing to do with anything in the heating world, as far as I can see. While there is an abundant amount of heating work that is incorrectly installed, I wonder and seriously doubt, whether mandating a contractor to be licensed would actually improve things. What would stop a licentious contractor from doing what he wants to anyway? From what I read here, the areas that do require licensing are no better off than we are here. How do you guys in CT and MA deal with guys who are licensed, but don't do it right? Also, how do you get a heating license? Testing? Money? If testing is required, what questions are asked?

Warm Regards,

hb

"Expert in Silent Warmth"™

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keith

inspections

from the local building officials seem to be getting more uniform. It seems to me that in last five years the building departments in my area are enforcing things more consistantly. The building officials are getting more training,thanks in part to a small fraction of permit fees going to a education fund for inspectors and contractors as well.
The requirments differ depending on which classification of occupational liscense you pursue. A unlimited heating and cooling journeyman needs 2000 hours of night school and 8000 hours on the job. After that has been completed you take a test. Upon completion, pay the renewal fee every year.

Mark Hunt

Inspections and.....


a permit. In my area of NY,there are places that require a permit for heat producing appliances.

As long as it gets pulled, it automatically sets up an inspection. Most of the inspectors are really good guys. They study the installation manuals and code books. Not all, but most.

I do not have a "heating" license because there is no such thing here.

But HB is right, doesn't matter if I am licensed and the "enforcer" hasn't a clue.

Our industry seems to be stuck in the past.


Mark H

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ed wallace

liscensing

in Ma for oil heat installs the permit agency is the local fire department for gas installs its the local plumbing inspector they dont consern themselves about the systems beyond the oil burner or gas piping and yes your supposed to a liscensed plumber or oil burner tech

Mark Hunt

I gotta wonder


how long it will be before NY follows suit?

Mark H

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Frank_17

Maine

Here in Maine, sounds like Conn. You put in the time, you have to work under a master until you become one. Up here it has to be to code, if the inspectors says it isn't, you have to redo it.But it takes the HO to call in an inspector, which is rare( unless there is a major problem).
Still some shody work around but in our codes the is a "unprfessional workmanship" clause. But like i said, the only time the inspector is called is when the HO is upset( or fire or oil leak)).
some HO like quick and cheap jobs, and are very happy until they see quality work done elsewhere. then they realized that their moonlit installation or service wasn't such a good deal.
WE WILL PREVAIL!!

tim from Reed Wright

licensing

Here in Washington they just initiated a license for heating/cooling service and installers. It's ran by the L&I electrical section????? This test has about as much to do with hvac as a hole in your head. questions like how long can a person serve on the national electrical board or how many conductors can go in a conduit at a certain temp, when hvac installers can't even install conduit per the rules. I believe in licensing but come on, test people on what they should know, not what has nothing to do with any thing.

Joe at krahezfoo@aol.com

License- lie or insence?

A license to perform work in any field of endeavorcan be a good thing, if it is enforced and regulated in a fair manner. The purpose of a license is to ensure that the contractor knows what the hell he is doing, and protect the customer. In our little corner of PA., we are required to be licensed in the city; but not the county. This includes plumbing, electrical, backflow-prevention,and just recently, HVAC installation. I think the biggest joke is the CFC Certification. I have done this all my adult life, got my license; and a counterman who has no practical experience in the business; gets a license because he memorizes a test!!!!! He has no clue to what the questions that he answered mean. BIG JOKE! BIG BUCKS! If all was fair in this world, people would be licensed to do a job based on their knowledge. Those who did not know what they were doing would not be allowed to go about their business and endanger others just for profit. Inspectors would do their jobs , and not pass something for a payoff! Perfect World! I believe that in Canada, you have to have an individual license for every area of work that you perform; eg. propane gas, natural gas, plumbing, etc. A lot of people out there can do the job and don't have a license; the converse is true also. Pipe tight! Do it right! PS. Does Notre Dame still field a Football Team? Invoking the Wrath of Dan.