Heating and Cooling Repair in Tigard, OR

Quick answer

In Tigard, the City of Tigard Building Division issues trade permits, and the city says a new air conditioner or heat pump needs both a mechanical and an electrical permit. HVAC Repair Guys repairs heating and cooling systems in Tigard homes. We track down the real problem, explain it simply, and do nothing until you approve.

Key facts

County	Washington County
HVAC permits issued by	City of Tigard Building Division, through the online Community Development Hub
Permits for a heat pump or AC	Mechanical and electrical
Outdoor unit noise limit	50 dB by day, 40 dB from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., at a neighboring home's property line
Utility lookup	Tigard's My Property tool, or check your bill
Smell gas?	Go outside first, then call 911 and, if NW Natural is your gas utility, 800-882-3377

What permits does Tigard require for a new heat pump or furnace?

A heat pump or central air conditioner needs both mechanical and electrical permits in Tigard, and the unit has to meet the maker's clearance requirements. A furnace needs a mechanical permit, plus an electrical permit if wiring work is part of the job.

The City of Tigard Building Division reviews and issues trade permits, including mechanical and electrical. The city says applications must be submitted online through its Community Development Hub, not by email or at the counter. The Hub is also where inspections get requested and permit records can be searched.

A city permit doesn't clear you with your HOA. Tigard says it does not enforce homeowners association rules, so check your association's rules before a new outdoor unit goes in.

How loud can a heat pump or AC be in Tigard?

Tigard's noise code names them directly. Running an air conditioner, heating unit, or heat pump counts as a violation if it goes over the city's sound limits.

Measured at the property line of a neighboring home: 50 dB from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
At that same spot from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.: 40 dB.
At night, sound that is plainly audible inside a neighbor's home can also break the rule.

1If your outdoor unit has gotten louder than it used to be, have it looked at. Rattles, grinding, or buzzing can point to a part that needs repair.
2If you're replacing a unit, ask where it will sit compared with your neighbors' bedroom windows.
3Weigh the maker's clearance rules and the city's noise limits together when choosing a spot.

Not sure what's wrong yet?

Start with the safe checks. Many problems are a setting, a breaker, or a filter.

Find your symptom Compare repair vs. replace

Repair first: we fix what can be fixed
You approve the price before work starts
Sources listed for outside facts

How do I find out which utilities serve my Tigard address?

Use the city's My Property tool or check your bills. Tigard says you can enter your address in My Property to see service provider details for garbage, electricity, gas, and water.

Your utilities decide which incentives you can use. Energy Trust of Oregon offers depend on being served by a participating utility, such as PGE, Pacific Power, or NW Natural. Timing matters too: Energy Trust says applications must arrive within 60 days of installation and be signed by the installing contractor. You may qualify — we'll confirm.

Has Tigard dealt with extreme heat and wildfire smoke?

Yes. Tigard's section of the Washington County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan added extreme heat as a hazard. It notes a June 2021 event when the temperature hit 108°F and cooling shelters opened, and it names people in buildings without air conditioning among the most vulnerable.

The same plan says Tigard is more likely to get smoke from fires outside the city than a fire inside it. It records heavy smoke in September 2020 and August 2021, when clean air and cooling centers were staffed for several days.

If your AC struggled last summer, get it checked in spring, before the first hot week.
Swap a dirty filter and clear leaves and debris from around the outdoor unit.
During smoke events, ask how to set your system so it recirculates indoor air.

What should a contract for a Tigard HVAC job include?

Start with a licensed contractor, then get the terms in writing. Tigard's permit pages list the Oregon CCB license search as an outside resource, and the CCB's Guide to Home Improvement Contracts says Oregon law requires a written contract once a project passes a set cost, and the guide lists that amount. The CCB suggests one for smaller jobs too.

The contractor's name, address, phone number, and CCB number.
A description of the work, the price, and when payments are due.
Your rights as a homeowner, including the right to file a complaint with the CCB.
Three required notices: the Consumer Protection Notice, the Notice of Procedure, and the Information Notice to Owner about Construction Liens.

What should I do about a gas smell or CO alarm in my Tigard home?

Leave first. Tigard's hazard plan lists carbon monoxide poisoning among the injuries winter storms can cause, and it names natural gas leaks as a hazard that can come with other events. Both call for the same first move: get outside.

1Smell rotten eggs? Go outside right away, without touching switches, phones, lighters, or flashlights.
2Across the street or next door, dial 911. NW Natural customers should report it at 800-882-3377 too, at any hour.
3CO alarm going off? Get everyone out into fresh air and call 911.
4Don't go back inside until responders clear the home.

The U.S. EPA warns never to run a portable generator inside a home, garage, crawlspace, or shed, even during an outage. Carbon monoxide can build up fast and linger for hours.

Common questions

Do I need an electrical permit to replace a heat pump in Tigard?

Yes. Tigard lists both mechanical and electrical permits for an air conditioner or heat pump. The unit also has to meet the manufacturer's clearance requirements.

Does Tigard's noise code apply to a neighbor's heat pump?

Yes. Tigard's code lists running heat pumps and air conditioners as a violation when they exceed the city's limits. That's 50 dB by day and 40 dB at night, measured at the neighboring home's property.

Can I email a permit application to the City of Tigard?

No. Tigard says applications go through its online Community Development Hub, not email or the permit counter. The Hub also handles inspection requests and invoice payments.

Does a Tigard permit mean my HOA approves the new unit?

No. The City of Tigard says it does not enforce homeowners association rules. Check with your association before placing a new outdoor unit.

How do I find my utilities for a Tigard address?

Enter your address in Tigard's My Property tool, which shows service provider details. Your bills are the final word.

Can Tigard homeowners get help fixing a failing heating system?

Income-qualified Tigard homeowners can ask about Washington County's Housing Rehabilitation program. The county lists heating systems among eligible repairs and serves the county outside Beaverton and Hillsboro. Call 503-846-8814.