Hiring an HVAC Contractor in Ontario

TSSA registration

Gas work in Ontario must be done by a contractor registered with the Technical Standards and Safety Authority, using certified gas technicians.

Refrigerant

AC and heat pump work requires certified refrigerant handling.

Permits

Ask whether the work needs a permit and who arranges it.

Load calculation

Good contractors size equipment from a heat-loss calculation.

Written quote

It should list equipment, model numbers, venting, duct work and warranty.

Rentals

Be cautious with door-to-door offers of rented equipment; read contracts carefully.

Red flags

Pressure to sign immediately, no written quote or no business address.

After the job

Keep invoices, permits and warranty papers together.

Get started

See our services and send a request.

Ask about the old equipment

A good quote says who removes the old furnace or AC, how refrigerant is recovered and what happens to an old chimney.

Warranty

Ask about both the manufacturer's parts warranty and the contractor's labour warranty, and register the equipment if required.

Rental and financing contracts

If you're offered a rental or financing plan, read the full contract, including buyout terms and what happens if you sell the house.

Local references

Ask for recent jobs nearby and, if possible, talk to those customers.

Insurance

Ask for proof of liability insurance and WSIB coverage for workers.

Clear timeline

Ask how long you'll be without heat or cooling during the swap, and whether temporary heat is available in winter.

Compare like with like

When quotes differ a lot, check whether each includes the same equipment, venting, duct work, permits and removal of the old system.

More heating and cooling guides

• Furnace Checklist Before a Windsor Winter
• Staying Comfortable in a Humid Windsor Summer
• Heat Pumps in Canada's Warmest Corner
• Heating and Cooling Older Windsor Homes
• Keeping Your Basement Comfortable
• AC Tune-Up Before a Windsor Summer