360 Heating & Cooling
HVACPickering
Checking owner claim…Phone and website on file
How to Hire a HVAC Contractor in Ontario
Hiring the right HVAC contractor in Ontario is critical — a poorly installed furnace or air conditioner can be dangerous, inefficient, and expensive to fix. Ontario requires TSSA certification for all gas work, making it one of the most regulated trades.
This selection shows 3 businesses. Confirm that a business offers what you need.
74 Degrees Heating & Air Conditioning
HVACWelland
Checking owner claim…Phone and website on file
A Plus Heating & Air Conditioning
HVACBarrie
Checking owner claim…Phone and website on file
Check the qualifications that matter for your work
Ask what qualifications, insurance and approvals are relevant to your particular job. Verify the details with the issuing organisation. Being listed here is not a licence check or an endorsement.
Open the existing verification resourceWhen to Hire a HVAC Contractor
- Your furnace is over 15 years old and repair costs are increasing
- Your energy bills have spiked without usage changes
- Rooms are unevenly heated or cooled
- Your AC takes longer to cool your home than it used to
- You hear unusual noises from your HVAC system
- You're building a new home or addition
Timeline: Furnace or AC replacement typically takes 1 day. Ductwork modifications add 1-2 days. Full HVAC system replacement for a new build takes 3-5 days.
HVAC Costs in Ontario (2026)
Furnace Replacement$3,500 — $8,000
installed
Ac Installation$3,000 — $7,000
installed
Ductwork$2,000 — $8,000
full system
Annual Maintenance$100 — $250
per visit
Prices are approximate for Ontario (CAD). Actual costs vary by city, scope, and season. Always get 3 written quotes.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- 1What is your TSSA Gas Technician Certificate number?
- 2Do you carry WSIB coverage? Can I see the clearance certificate?
- 3Will you pull all required permits for this job?
- 4What brand of equipment do you recommend and why?
- 5What is the warranty on parts AND labour?
- 6How long will the installation take?
- 7Do you offer annual maintenance plans?
Red Flags — When to Walk Away
- No TSSA number
- Won't pull permits
- Cash-only deals
- No WSIB clearance
Homeowner Checklist — Before You Hire
- Get at least 3 written quotes for comparison
- Verify WSIB clearance certificate (protects YOU from liability)
- Check Google reviews AND ask for local references
- Confirm they will pull all required permits
- Never pay more than 10-15% deposit upfront
- Get everything in writing — scope, timeline, payment schedule
- Verify their business insurance is current
- For regulated trades (electrical, plumbing, gas), verify their license number
Payment: 10-15% deposit, progress payments tied to milestones, 10% holdback until completion. Ontario's Construction Act provides a 10% holdback right on construction projects.
Best Time to Hire a HVAC Contractor
springMarch — MayRelevant
Spring is peak booking season. Contact contractors in February for the best availability.
summerJune — August
Summer is the busiest season. Prices are highest and wait times longest. Book early.
fallSeptember — November
Fall is the sweet spot — contractors are less busy, prices drop, and you prepare for winter.
winterDecember — February
Winter is off-season for exterior work. Interior renovations get the best prices and fastest timelines.
How to Verify a HVAC Contractor in Ontario
WSIB Safety Check
Free online tool to verify any contractor's WSIB coverage status.
Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)
Verify contractor WSIB coverage before hiring — protects you from liability
Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA)
Licenses HVAC, gas, propane, and fuel contractors. Verify before hiring.
Skilled Trades Ontario
Trade certification and public register. Verify compulsory trade certifications (plumber, electrician, etc.).
Consumer Beware List
Searchable list of businesses with unresolved consumer complaints in Ontario.
Frequently Asked Questions — Hiring a HVAC in Ontario
- How are listings ordered?
- Owner-claimed listings come first, then profile completeness and name. Sponsored placements are labelled and do not change the organic order.
- Does a listing mean NSO endorses a business?
- No. Check that the business offers what you need. Ask about relevant qualifications, insurance and licensing, and confirm those details with the business or issuing organisation.
- How do I compare options?
- Read the recorded business details, ask about availability and request a quote for your actual requirements. Confirm the scope and price before booking.
- What if a business is missing or its details are wrong?
- Use Add a missing business or Claim an existing listing. These are reviewed requests; they do not automatically publish a record or verify ownership.
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Ready to Find a HVAC Contractor?
Browse 334 listed hvac contractors in our directory. Read the recorded business details and confirm your requirements.