Indianapolis HVAC Permit

What's Required in Indianapolis

• Permit required for installation or replacement of any heating or cooling unit
• Replacement of identical water heaters (same venting/fuel) is exempt
• Manual J and S reports may be required for new system sizing
• Secondary drain pans and float switches required for all attic installations
• Contractors must be licensed with the City of Indianapolis
• Final mechanical inspection required to verify exhaust and unit safety

Do You Need a Permit to Replace an AC or Furnace in Indianapolis?

Yes. Indianapolis treats HVAC replacement as permit-required work, and that includes the common case people hope is exempt: a like-for-like swap of a furnace, AC condenser, or heat pump in the same location. Permit fees typically run $185, and the permit is issued by the Indianapolis Department of Business and Neighborhood Services. In practice your HVAC contractor pulls it as part of the job — if a bid doesn't mention the permit, ask why, because unpermitted mechanical work surfaces at home sale time and in insurance claims.

HVAC Repairs vs. Replacement: Where the Permit Line Falls

The line falls at equipment, not maintenance. Repairs that keep an existing system running — a blower motor, capacitor, control board, or a thermostat swap on existing wiring — generally don't need a permit. Replacing the equipment itself, adding or reworking ductwork, or running new gas or electrical almost always does. Refrigerant-line and coil replacements sit in the gray zone and vary by city. When the scope is unclear, describe the exact job to the Indianapolis Department of Business and Neighborhood Services before work starts; it's a five-minute call.

How to Get a HVAC Permit in Indianapolis

Frequently Asked Questions