Do You Need an HVAC License in Ontario?
With a projected market value expected to reach $281.7 billion by the end of 2024, the HVAC industry is booming in Ontario. With such robust growth, the demand for skilled professionals is at an all-time high. Therefore, if you’re considering a career in heating, ventilation and air-conditioning(HVAC) in Ontario, one of the first questions you might ask is “Do you need an HVAC license in Ontario?”
The short answer is yes. HVAC technicians in Ontario are required to hold a valid license to operate legally. This ensures that professionals meet specific standards of competency and safety in their work. Whether you are installing, maintaining or repairing have systems, having the right qualification is not just advantageous but legally mandatory in Ontario.
In this blog, we will discuss the steps for getting a valid license in Ontario, the types of licensing and more.
Is Getting an HVAC License Mandatory in Ontario?
If you are still wondering, “Do you need an HVAC license in Ontario?” Well, you certainly do. The simplest reason is that it allows you to operate as an HVAC technician wherever you are in Canada. Having an HVAC license allows you to work on a variety of HVAC systems/units.Even if you operate as an apprentice, an
accreditation is still essential to help your clients legally. Having a permit also ensures that you are paid on a regular basis by both clients and companies. Their compensation is far higher than that of unauthorized HVAC professionals.
However, if you’re an employee, you will not just receive promotions but also witness an increase in your income. Having a license will also give you the chance to set up an HVAC business of your own, not just in Ontario but anywhere in Canada.People always hire a licensed HVAC expert because they possess a high level of
training and experience. Additionally, becoming a certified and competent HVAC provider begins with obtaining authorization as an HVAC expert.
Getting an HVAC Permit from the TSSA in Ontario
In order to assure competency and safety in the HVAC business, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority has enacted several strict legislations and governs the HVAC field in Ontario. To work as an HVAC professional, you must have a permit from TSSA.
The certification stands out as a testament to an HVAC company’s capabilities. It’s because the certification guarantees that the company possesses all the knowledge, techniques and skills to handle all the HVAC systems effectively and safely.
Obtaining a HVAC License: How to Do So?
By now, you’re well aware of why Do you need an HVAC license in Ontario and whether it will benefit you when you get one. However, it’s also important to know how to get this particular license. This section has a list of pointers that will guide you in acquiring the HVAC license.
Step 1: Academic Requirements
You have to obtain a Secondary School Diploma and be 18 years old right before you can start operating as an HVAC professional. In general, individuals must have a Grade 12 Mathematics Credit, but communications, business, computer engineering and physics are recommended.
Apart from being in Secondary School, you might have to attend the Vocational Institution. That way, you can receive proper knowledge about the HVAC sector. It’s also an excellent idea to attend an HVAC program or course from a Trade School in Ontario, but this is completely optional, and at times, it’s not even required.
Step 2: Apprenticeships and the Transitional Period
You will benefit from taking the pre-apprenticeship curriculum after high school, although it is entirely optional. It will help in making you an ideal candidate for a full apprenticeship. You will get the chance to gain more knowledge and also get the training for gas technicians, which is important to comprehend as an HVAC professional.
But doesn’t matter if you complete or don’t complete the pre-apprenticeship. You still have to finish the HVAC apprenticeship. This training includes in-school training of 720 hours and on-the-work training of 8,280 hours.
During the work training, you will get wages and practical work experience under the guidance of experts. This program will take you 5 years to finish.
Step 3: The Trade Certifications
Upon the completion of your apprentice course, you must pass the Certificate of Qualification assessment. This test is given by Skilled Trades Ontario, and if you pass it, you’ll receive the HVAC permit needed to launch a profession in the HVAC industry.
In addition, after passing the Certification of Qualification test, you can pursue the Red Seal Certification. It will help enhance your understanding and knowledge to become an outstanding trades expert.
Types of HVAC Licenses
In Ontario, the HVAC sector is regulated where it and all the professionals have proper licenses to ensure a competent and safe practice. Below listed are some of the primary HVAC licenses in Ontario:
Type 1: GAS Professionals [G1, G2, G3]
G1 License: This is known as the highest level of license available for all Gas technicians. With this license, you can work on all types of gas appliances with BTUH limits, including industrial settings.
G2 License: The G2 License will let you work as a gas technician independently on both commercial and residential gas devices that are below 400,000 BTUH.
G3 License: This is an entry-level license that will let you work under the direction of either a G1 or G2 professional. You can conduct various jobs related to propane and natural gas machines under the 400,000 BTUH.
Type 2: Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic
The certification of air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics is important not just in Ontario but also in other areas like Nova Scotia, Quebec, Manitoba, etc. After getting a license from Skilled Trade Ontario, you can repair, install and even replace the air conditioning and refrigeration systems.With this license, you can also
work on industrial, commercial and residential systems, which will ensure that you follow all the environmental and safety policies.
Type 3: Oil Burner Specialists (OBT1 and OBT2)
OBT1 License: This license will let you work on all the oil-burning machines, regardless of the BTUH ability.
OBT2 License: The OBT2 license will let you work on oil-burning appliances with 1 million BTUH capacity.
Scope of Work Permitted Under Each Type of License
Given below are the types of work you can perform under every HVAC license:
- OBT1 License: This particular license will let you work on all the oil-burning appliances. This includes all the big industrial units.
- OBT2 License: This license will allow you to work on oil-burning appliances with 1 million BTUH capacity.
- Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic: You can take care of the installation, repair, and servicing of the HVAC systems, which include AC units and refrigeration systems.
- G1 License: With this license, you will get an endless range of work, which includes every gas apparatus in various environments.
- G2 License: Having a G2 License will let you replace, install and even replace gas appliances that are under 400,000 BTUH.
- G3 License: This license will let you conduct replacements, servicing, and installation of gas appliances under the management of a G1 or G2 technician.
Benefits of Having an HVAC License
You will get the following benefits when you get an HVAC license in Ontario:
- Professional Development: With the HVAC License, you can opt for advanced certifications and training. This will help you grow professionally.
- Employment Opportunities: All licensed and skilled HVAC specialists will get access to a diverse range of jobs. Employers in Ontario look for licensed professionals because of their knowledge and demonstrated skills.
- Higher Pay: All licensed HVAC specialists will get a much higher salary compared to the unlicensed ones. They can also handle more lucrative and complicated projects.
- The Credibility: Having an HVAC license will enhance professional credibility. This will ensure all the clients that the HVAC specialist obeys all the safety standards while performing their job.
Importance of Adherence with Technical and Safety Standards
There are certain reasons why it is important to follow the technical and safety standards in Ontario while working as an HVAC professional:
- Regulatory Compliance: Licensed professionals can make sure that all their work meets the local codes and regulations so that they avoid all fines and legal problems.
- The Quality of Work: When you obey all the technical standards, it will ensure that all the repairs and installations are performed correctly. This will improve not only the HVAC system’s longevity but also its efficiency.
- Safety: All licensed HVAC professionals receive training and are taught to follow all the safety protocols to lessen the chances of hazards and accidents during work.
Consequences of Working With an HVAC License
When you don’t possess a proper license while working as an HVAC professional in Ontario, you might face the following outcomes:
Punishments and Lawful Implications
- Losing the Business License: All businesses that hire unlicensed HVAC professionals will lose their business license. This means they won’t be able to operate their business anymore.
- Legal Action: Clients have the full right to take legal action against all unlicensed professionals for unsafe and sub-standard work.
- Punishments and Fines: Work performed by unlicensed HVAC technicians will lead to hefty fines and penalties.
Potential Liabilities and Dangers to Public Safety
- Damage to Reputation: When you work as an unlicensed HVAC professional, it will greatly damage your reputation. This will make it difficult for you to run a business or find employment in the future.
- Problems with the Insurance: If you’re an unlicensed HVAC technician, you will not receive coverage from insurance agencies for the damages or injuries you got while working. This will lead to significant monetary damages.
- Safety Threats: Unlicensed technicians might not follow all the safety rules and regulations, which can lead to dangers like electrical fires and gas leaks.
Getting Insurance as An HVAC Contractor
You know why it’s necessary to get an HVAC permit in Ontario, but if you want to find employment as an HVAC professional, you require coverage. Because your insurance coverage will shield you from any risks and challenges, you shouldn’t underestimate it.
For every HVAC expert, property damage and injuries lurk around the corner. In Ontario, you should opt for the “commercial generality liability policy”. Doing so will keep you safe from all the 3rd party bodily harm, damage to your reputation and property-related damages.
Apart from this one, there are other specialized insurance policies available for HVAC contractors, which also include sub-insurance policies that can offer much better protection. Some of these are:
- Commercial Auto Insurance
- Worker’s Compensation or Personal Coverage
- Pollution Liability Insurance
If all these insurance policies still do not convince you, then imagine this:
When your team members get seriously hurt when lifting a heavy device, think about what might happen when a refrigeration system stops working and damages the floors of your client’s workspace or home. All these things can lead to bankruptcy, legal battles and high medical bills.
Getting insurance coverage is crucial after putting in a lot of effort to obtain an HVAC permit, as it’s a great way to honour your career in HVAC.
Conclusion
So, Do you need an HVAC license in Ontario to work as an HVAC specialist? You certainly do so. It will not just make you reliable and trusted but also enable you to work with various HVAC equipment. Companies like Smile HVAC are known for their top-notch HVAC-based solutions and services in Canada.
We understand the significance of having an HVAC license, and we make sure that all our experts have one to operate legally in this field. Apart from that, all our team members are properly insured to keep them protected from injuries and other issues.
Get to know more about us from our authorized platform https://smilehvac.ca, and if you’re planning to take up our solutions and services, ring us at (+1) 437-777-4555 this instant!
