NAICS 238220 - Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors
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What is NAICS 238220
NAICS code 238220 covers establishments primarily engaged in the installation, maintenance, and servicing of plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning systems. This sector includes contractors who provide both parts and labor for tasks such as new installations, additions, alterations, repairs, and routine maintenance. Businesses operating in this industry often work on residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional projects, involving complex HVAC systems, plumbing networks, and fire sprinkler installations. Government agencies frequently contract these services to ensure the proper functioning of critical infrastructure, maintain compliance with safety codes, and support energy efficiency initiatives. These contractors play a vital role in public building management, emergency response facilities, and large-scale construction projects.
Industry Classification for NAICS 238220
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in installing and servicing plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning equipment. Contractors in this industry may provide both parts and labor when performing work. The work performed may include new work, additions, alterations, maintenance, and repairs.
Illustrative Examples:
- Cooling tower installation
- Heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) contractors
- Duct work (e.g., cooling, dust collection, exhaust, heating, ventilation) installation
- Lawn sprinkler system installation
- Fire sprinkler system installation
- Mechanical contractors
- Fireplace, natural gas, installation
- Refrigeration system (e.g., commercial, industrial, scientific) installation
- Furnace installation
- Sewer hookup and connection, building
Breakdown for NAICS 238220
- Encompasses installation, maintenance, and repair of plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning equipment.
- Includes work on new construction, alterations, additions, and emergency repairs.
- Applies to residential, commercial, industrial, and government facilities.
- Typical projects involve HVAC systems, fire sprinkler installation, and ductwork.
- Size standards often allow small businesses with defined revenue thresholds.
Included Activities for NAICS 238220
- Installation of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems.
- Plumbing system installation and sewer hookups for buildings.
- Fire sprinkler system installation and maintenance.
- Ductwork fabrication and installation for air handling and exhaust.
- Cooling tower installation and servicing.
- Furnace installation and repair.
- Installation of refrigeration systems for commercial and industrial use.
- Lawn sprinkler system installation and maintenance.
Business Types for NAICS 238220
- Specialty trade contractors focused on HVAC and plumbing.
- Mechanical contractors handling integrated building systems.
- Small and medium-sized enterprises engaged in installation and repair.
- Fire protection contractors specialized in sprinkler systems.
- Facility maintenance service providers with plumbing and HVAC expertise.
Subcategories for NAICS 238220
- 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
- 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 (e.g., air registers, diffusers, filters, grilles, sound attenuators) 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 (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) 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 (e.g., commercial, industrial, scientific) installation
- Sanitary ware installation
- Scrubber, air purification, installation
- Sewer hookup and connection, building
- Sheet metal duct work installation
- Snow melting system (e.g., hot water, glycol) 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
- Waterless fire suppression system installation and repair
Government Buyers for NAICS 238220
Federal, state, and local government agencies are primary buyers of these services to support the construction, renovation, and upkeep of government-owned buildings, military facilities, hospitals, schools, and correctional institutions. Agencies such as the Department of Defense, General Services Administration, and public housing authorities require reliable plumbing and HVAC services to maintain operational readiness, environmental control, and occupant safety. Additionally, government contracts for these services may be driven by mandates to upgrade systems for energy conservation, environmental compliance, or modernization projects.
Contract Types & Procurement for NAICS 238220
Contracts under NAICS 238220 typically include fixed-price, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ), and task order contracts. Procurement methods often involve competitive sealed bidding, negotiated procurements, and small business set-asides to encourage participation from qualified contractors. Contract values can vary widely depending on project scope, from small maintenance and repair jobs to large-scale system installations or retrofitting of multiple facilities. Many government contracts also include provisions for ongoing service agreements and emergency repairs, ensuring continuity of critical infrastructure systems.
Details for NAICS 238220
Explore the hierarchy and related codes for this industry
| NAICS Code | Industry Title |
|---|---|
| 23822 | Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors |
| 2382 | Building Equipment Contractors |
| 238 | Specialty Trade Contractors |
| NAICS Code | Industry Title |
|---|---|
| 238210 | Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors |
| 238290 | Other Building Equipment Contractors |
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