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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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Which sector does NAICS code 238220 belong to?

It belongs to the Construction sector, specifically under specialty trade contractors.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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