238220 - Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors
When it comes to the essential services of plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning, NAICS code 238220 serves as a critical classification in the construction industry. This code identifies businesses specializing in installing, maintaining, and repairing systems that keep residential, commercial, and industrial buildings comfortable and operational. Whether it’s fixing a leaking pipe or installing a state-of-the-art HVAC system, companies under NAICS 238220 form the backbone of climate control and plumbing infrastructure.
What is NAICS Code 238220?
NAICS code 238220 is designated for Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors. This industry classification encompasses establishments primarily engaged in:
- Installing and servicing plumbing systems
- Installing heating equipment
- Installing air-conditioning systems (except window units)
- Performing maintenance, repair, and testing of these systems in buildings of all types
These contractors work across residential homes, office and commercial spaces, as well as industrial facilities to ensure proper plumbing, heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) functions.
Sector Overview: Construction
NAICS 238220 falls under the Construction sector, which involves the on-site building, repair, and installation of systems essential for modern infrastructure:
- Construction Sector: Focuses on physical construction services
- Sub-sector: Specialty trade contractors including plumbing and HVAC installation and maintenance
The contractors operating in this sector play a vital role in shaping the built environment’s comfort, sanitation, and safety standards.
Typical Business Activities Under NAICS 238220
Businesses operating within this NAICS code perform a variety of specialized tasks, including but not limited to:
- Residential plumbing services such as water heater and fixture installation
- Commercial HVAC installation and routine system maintenance
- Heating system repair and installation, including boilers, furnaces, and radiant floors
- Sewer hookups and drain system installations
- Specialized air system balancing and testing for optimal performance
Size Standard for NAICS 238220
For eligibility and classification purposes, the size standard assigned to NAICS code 238220 is:
- $19 million dollars in average annual receipts
This size standard helps determine qualification for small business programs and federal contracting opportunities.
Examples of Businesses Under NAICS Code 238220
- Residential Plumbing Services: Companies focusing on household plumbing repairs, upgrades, and installations
- Commercial HVAC Installation: Businesses installing and maintaining heating and air-conditioning systems in office buildings, retail spaces, and manufacturing plants
- Heating System Contractors: Firms specialized in installing boilers, furnaces, heat pumps, and associated components
- Mechanical Contractors: Handling complex piping and HVAC systems in large-scale industrial projects
Detailed Services Covered Under NAICS 238220
| Service Description |
|---|
| Air system balancing and testing |
| Air vent installation |
| Air-conditioning system (except window) installation |
| Bathroom plumbing fixture and sanitary ware installation |
| Blower or fan, cooling and dry heating installation |
| Boiler chipping, cleaning and scaling |
| Boiler, heating, installation |
| Central air-conditioning equipment installation |
| Central cooling equipment and piping installation |
| Central heating equipment and piping installation |
| Chilled water system installation |
| Chimney liner installation |
| Commercial freezer installation |
| Commercial refrigeration system installation |
| Cooling tower installation |
| Drain, waste and vent system installation |
| Drinking fountain installation |
| Dry heating equipment installation |
| Duct work (e.g., cooling, dust collection, exhaust, heating, ventilation) installation |
| Dust collecting and bag house equipment installation |
| Exhaust system (e.g., kitchens, industrial work areas) installation |
| Fire extinguisher installation and repair |
| Fire sprinkler system installation |
| Fireplace, natural gas, installation |
| Fuel oil burner installation |
| Furnace conversion (i.e., from one fuel to another) |
| Furnace humidifier installation |
| Furnace installation |
| Furnace, forced air, installation |
| Gas fitting contractor |
| Gas line installation, individual hookup, contractors |
| Heat pump installation |
| Heating and cooling duct work installation |
| Heating and ventilation system component installation |
| Heating boiler installation |
| Heating contractors |
| Heating equipment installation |
| Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) contractors |
| Hot water heating system installation |
| Hot water tank installation |
| Household oil storage tank installation |
| HVAC contractors |
| Hydronic heating system installation |
| Industrial process piping installation |
| Kitchen sink and hardware installation |
| Lawn sprinkler system installation |
| Mechanical contractors |
| Natural gas piping installation |
| Oil burner installation |
| Pipe fitting contractors |
| Plumbers |
| Plumbing and heating contractors |
| Plumbing contractors |
| Plumbing fixture installation |
| Process piping installation |
| Pumping system, water, installation |
| Radiant floor heating equipment installation |
| Refrigeration system installation |
| Sanitary ware installation |
| Scrubber, air purification, installation |
| Sewer hookup and connection, building |
| Sheet metal duct work installation |
| Snow melting system installation |
| Solar heating equipment installation |
| Sprinkler system, building, installation |
| Steam fitting contractors |
| Sump pump installation |
| Ventilating contractors |
| Warehouse refrigeration system installation |
| Warm air heating system installation |
| Water heater installation |
| Water meter installation |
| Water softener installation |
| Water system balancing and testing contractors |
| Waterless fire suppression system installation and repair |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does NAICS code 238220 cover?
NAICS 238220 includes businesses primarily focused on the installation, repair, and maintenance of plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
Which sector does NAICS code 238220 belong to?
It belongs to the Construction sector, specifically under specialty trade contractors.
What is the size standard for a business classified under NAICS 238220?
The size standard is $19 million in average annual receipts, which is used for small business qualification purposes.
Can businesses providing both plumbing and HVAC services fall under this code?
Yes, businesses offering combined services such as plumbing, heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning installation or repairs fall under NAICS 238220.
How can this NAICS code help businesses in government contracting?
Identifying under NAICS 238220 enables businesses to target federal contracts specific to plumbing and HVAC construction services and meet size standards for small business set-asides and certifications.
Conclusion
NAICS code 238220 is an essential classification in the construction industry for Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors. Whether you’re a contractor providing residential plumbing fixes or a company specializing in commercial HVAC systems, this NAICS code helps define your business scope. Understanding its size standards and typical activities can boost your positioning for federal contracting opportunities while clearly outlining the services your company offers.
If you operate or plan to start a business in this field, leveraging NAICS 238220 can enhance your market presence and create avenues for growth in this resilient construction sector.
Keywords: NAICS 238220, Plumbing Contractors, Heating Contractors, Air-Conditioning Contractors, HVAC Services, Construction Industry, Plumbing Installation, Heating System Repair, Commercial HVAC, Residential Plumbing Services, Federal Government Contracts
