NAICS UNIVERSITY · Free research for insurance agents
Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors
NAICS 238220 · United States · 2022 edition
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in installing and servicing plumbing, heating, and air- conditioning equipment. Contractors in this industry may provide both parts and labor when performing work. The work performed may include new work, additions, alterations, maintenance, and repairs.
Start the review with completed operations.
For Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors, the saved research highlights completed operations, workers' compensation, third-party property damage. Confirm how these arise in the actual operation, what controls are used and whether additional services change the proposed coverage.
Questions to ask
- What is the mix of work — residential service and repair, light commercial, or new construction? What percentage of annual revenue falls into each?
- Does the contractor perform fire sprinkler or suppression system work, or is it strictly plumbing and mechanical HVAC?
- Is any design-build or design-assist scope performed — including equipment sizing, load calculations, or energy compliance documentation?
- How many employees and subcontractors are used, and does the contractor carry certificates of insurance from all subs?
- What types of vehicles are in the fleet, and do any crew members use personal vehicles for job-related travel?
- Is any work performed on high-rise, condominium, tract housing, or OCIP/CCIP wrap projects?
- Does the contractor work with refrigerants, and are EPA Section 608 certifications current for all applicable technicians?
- What is the prior loss history, particularly for completed-operations, water damage, or gas-related claims?
Activities described by this code
- Cooling tower installation
- Heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) contractors
- Duct work (e.g., cooling, dust collection, exhaust, heating, ventilation) installation
- Lawn sprinkler system installation
- Fire sprinkler system installation
- Mechanical contractors
- Fireplace, natural gas, installation
- Refrigeration system (e.g., commercial, industrial, scientific) installation
- Furnace installation
- Sewer hookup and connection, building
Other activities to examine
- Installing electrical controls for HVAC systems: 238210 — Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors
- Duct cleaning: 561790 — Other Services to Buildings and Dwellings
- Installing septic tanks and systems: 238910 — Site Preparation Contractors
- Water well drilling (except water intake wells in oil and gas fields) and water well pump and piping system installation: 237110 — Water and Sewer Line and Related Structures Construction;
- Repair and maintenance of commercial refrigeration equipment or fire extinguisher and waterless fire suppression systems, without installation: 811310 — Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment (except Automotive and Electronic) Repair and Maintenance
Census classification reference
For educational purposes only. AI-generated insurance research and automated logic can contain errors. Independently verify classification and coverage decisions.
Compare another operationInsurance operations research — draft
Plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning contractors install, replace, service, and repair water supply and drain systems, gas lines, furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, central air systems, ductwork, and related mechanical equipment in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Work ranges from routine maintenance calls and equipment replacements to ground-up mechanical installations on new construction projects. Crews typically operate at client job sites, often using a shop or warehouse as a home base for vehicles, tools, and inventory.
Questions to investigate
- What is the mix of work — residential service and repair, light commercial, or new construction? What percentage of annual revenue falls into each?
- Does the contractor perform fire sprinkler or suppression system work, or is it strictly plumbing and mechanical HVAC?
- Is any design-build or design-assist scope performed — including equipment sizing, load calculations, or energy compliance documentation?
- How many employees and subcontractors are used, and does the contractor carry certificates of insurance from all subs?
This insurance research was generated in April 2026. It has not received a complete human review. The October 12, 2026 audit checked codes and titles only, not descriptions or coverage assertions.