Can a plumber also do HVAC work in Ontario?

In Ontario, plumbers and HVAC technicians require different licenses, so most plumbers cannot legally do HVAC work unless they hold additional certifications.

Here's how the licensing works in Ontario and what Ottawa homeowners need to know:

Plumbing vs HVAC Licensing Requirements

Plumbers in Ontario are licensed through the Ontario College of Trades and must complete a plumbing apprenticeship program. However, HVAC work falls under different regulatory bodies depending on the specific type of work. Gas-related HVAC work requires TSSA (Technical Standards and Safety Authority) certification, while general HVAC installation may require additional trade certifications.

For gas furnaces, boilers, or any gas appliances, the technician must hold a valid TSSA G1 (basic gas) or G2 (intermediate gas) license. You can verify any gas technician's credentials at tssa.org using their license lookup tool. This is crucial in Ottawa, where most homes rely on natural gas heating systems.

What Plumbers CAN Do

Licensed plumbers can typically handle the water supply lines to and from HVAC equipment, such as connecting water lines to boilers or handling condensate drains from air conditioning units. They can also work on radiant heating systems that use water circulation, as this falls under their plumbing expertise.

When You Need Separate Contractors

For most HVAC work in Ottawa homes - furnace installation, ductwork, air conditioning systems, or gas line connections - you'll need a properly certified HVAC contractor with the appropriate TSSA credentials. Mixing up these trades can lead to serious safety issues and insurance problems.

Verifying Credentials in Ottawa

Before hiring anyone for HVAC work, verify their credentials through TSSA's website. For plumbing work, check their status with the Ontario College of Trades. Many Ottawa contractors try to work outside their licensed scope, which puts homeowners at risk.

Permit Requirements

Both plumbing and HVAC work typically require permits through the City of Ottawa Building Code Services (613-580-2424). The contractor should pull these permits - if they suggest skipping permits, that's a major red flag.

Finding Qualified Contractors

When searching for HVAC contractors in Ottawa, look for those with proper TSSA certification, WSIB clearance, and liability insurance. The same verification process applies whether you're in Kanata, Orleans, Barrhaven, or anywhere else in the Ottawa area.

Always ask to see current licenses and insurance certificates before any work begins. A legitimate contractor will readily provide these documents and understand why you're asking for them.