SB427 Alabama 2013 Session

Updated Feb 25, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Gerald H. AllenSenator
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2013
Title: Heating and Air Conditioning Contractors, Board of, additonal requirements regarding system filter replacement, duct cleaning, testing duct tightness, definition of terms, fees, classroom training, Secs. 34-31-18, 34-31-20, 34-31-21, 34-31-24, 34-31-25 am'd.
Summary: SB427 would expand Alabama's heating and air conditioning regulation to include duct cleaning, duct air-tightness testing, and filter replacement, and would require classroom training for home builders and new certification/registration programs.
What This Bill Does
Renames the state board to the Board of Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors, expands its authority to regulate these practices statewide, and authorizes minimum repair and service standards. Creates new contractor categories (Certified Filter Replacement and Duct Cleaning Contractor; Duct Tightness Testing Contractor) and requires their respective certifications or registrations with annual renewals and board-approved training. Requires duct air-tightness testers to register with the board and complete approved training (HERS, BPI, or QCATV) with annual re-registration, and allows the board to discipline registrants for noncompliance; also requires four hours of training for filter replacement/duct cleaning contractors with fees and annual renewals.

Who It Affects
Group 1: Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) contractors and related businesses, who face new definitions, statewide oversight, minimum standards, and new fee and renewal requirements.
Group 2: Duct cleaning and filter replacement contractors (new certification category) and individuals/organizations involved in duct tightness testing or home-building education, who must register or certify, complete specific trainings, and participate in classroom training funded via the Alabama Home Builders Foundation.

Key Provisions
Defines terms for new regulatory categories, including Certified Filter Replacement and Duct Cleaning Contractor and Duct Tightness Testing Contractor, along with related activities like filter replacement, duct cleaning, and duct air-tightness testing.
Renames and expands the Board of Heating and Air Conditioning Contractors to the Board of Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors, with statewide authority and power to set minimum standards and discipline noncompliant contractors.
Adds a new certification/registration regime for Filter Replacement and Duct Cleaning Contractors (minimum 4 hours of board-approved training; annual renewal; nonrefundable application/renewal fees; training curriculum includes air quality, air tightness, and proper filter installation).
Creates a registration and training requirement for Duct Tightness Testing Contractors (must register, complete specified training programs, and renew annually; board may discipline for failing to test to board standards).
Imposes advertising and identification rules (certification numbers must be displayed on documentation and service vehicles; license sharing prohibited).
Provides for classroom training for home builders through the nonprofit Alabama Home Builders Foundation, with funds directed to training tools; if the foundation loses nonprofit status, funds go to the State General Fund.
Sets fee caps for certificates and renewals (not to exceed $200 for certificates; apprenticeship fees up to $50; Filter Replacement and Duct Cleaning Contractor fees up to $100; Duct Envelope Testing Contractor fees up to $100).
Effective date is the first day of the third month after passage.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Heating and Air Conditioning Contractors, Board of