Licensed AC Repair Requirements in, ON (2026) | GetAHomePro
Licensed AC Repair Requirements in Ontario (2026)
·Updated on ·9 min read· AC Repair
S
Sarah ChenLicensed HVAC Technician
Published March 6, 2026
Key Takeaway
Ontario AC repair licensing requirements 2026. 313A certification, ODP refrigerant handling, TSSA compliance, Environment Canada requirements, and verification steps.
Licensed AC Repair Requirements in Ontario (2026)
1. Quick Answer
In Ontario, residential air conditioning repair is strictly regulated. Technicians must hold a valid 313A or 313B Certificate of Qualification (CofQ) issued by Skilled Trades Ontario. Furthermore, anyone handling refrigerants must possess an Ozone Depletion Prevention (ODP) card as per Ontario Regulation 463/10. Electrical connections related to your AC unit must be performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor (LEC) registered with the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA). Hiring anyone lacking these credentials is a violation of provincial safety standards.
2. Regulatory Bodies That Govern This Trade in Ontario
Navigating the regulatory landscape of HVAC in Ontario is mandatory for every homeowner. Several distinct bodies overlap to ensure that the AC repair in your home—whether in the dense urban core of the GTA or a rural property in the Ottawa Valley—meets the highest safety thresholds.
Skilled Trades Ontario (STO): STO is the primary regulatory body responsible for the oversight of the 313A (Residential/Commercial AC) and 313B (Residential AC) trades. They manage the provincial registry of apprentices and journeypersons. You can verify a technician's standing at skilledtradesontario.ca.
Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA): The TSSA oversees the safety of pressure vessels, fuels, and refrigeration systems. Since AC units use high-pressure refrigerants, TSSA enforces safety regulations under the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000. Visit tssa.org to confirm a contractor’s registration.
Electrical Safety Authority (ESA): If your AC repair involves replacing a disconnect, wiring, or a dedicated circuit breaker, the work must comply with the . Only an LEC can perform this work. Verify at .
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Sarah Chen is an EPA 608 Universal Certified HVAC technician with 12 years of experience in heating, cooling, and ventilation systems. She has worked on over 3,000 residential installations and provides expert guidance on energy-efficient HVAC solutions.
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Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB): Mandatory for any employer with staff. WSIB provides no-fault insurance for workplace injuries. If a contractor is not registered, you may be held liable for injuries occurring on your property. Verify status at wsib.ca.
Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development: They enforce the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), ensuring that technicians operate with the required fall protection, electrical safety protocols, and PPE.
3. Licensing Levels and Certification Tiers
The HVAC trade in Ontario operates on a hierarchical structure. Understanding this tier system allows you to identify if the person working on your unit is a qualified professional or an untrained laborer.
The Certification Hierarchy
Tier
Requirements
Scope of Work
Apprentice
Registered with STO; sponsor required
Must be supervised by a licensed journeyperson; cannot work solo on refrigeration systems.
313B Journeyperson
4,500 hours experience; passed provincial exam
Certified to install and repair residential AC systems.
313A Journeyperson
9,000 hours experience; passed provincial exam
Certified for both residential and large-scale commercial HVAC/R systems.
Certified Gas Technician (G2/G3)
TSSA exam + field experience
Required if your furnace/AC system shares gas-fired components.
Apprentice Level: In Ontario, an apprentice must work under the direct supervision of a 313A or 313B certificate holder. The supervisor-to-apprentice ratio is typically 1:1 for complex HVAC tasks. If you see an apprentice working alone on your condenser unit, stop the work immediately.
Journeyperson (CofQ): This is the gold standard. A 313B holder has demonstrated proficiency in residential cooling systems. The "Red Seal" endorsement is an optional, higher-tier designation that confirms the journeyperson meets interprovincial standards, allowing them to work across Canada. Always prioritize a 313A holder for complex heat pump or multi-stage AC repairs.
Compulsory Trade Status: The HVAC trade is a "compulsory" trade in Ontario. This means it is legally illegal for an individual to perform this work for payment without the appropriate certificate issued by Skilled Trades Ontario. There is no "grandfathering" for unlicensed handymen; the law is absolute.
4. Insurance and Bonding Requirements
Homeowners often assume a "licensed" contractor is automatically insured, but this is a dangerous assumption. In the Ontario market for 2026, a reputable HVAC firm must carry specific policies to protect your investment and property.
Commercial General Liability (CGL): A minimum of $2,000,000 in CGL is the industry benchmark. This protects you against accidental damage, such as a technician dropping a ladder through your roof or flooding your basement during a drain line repair.
WSIB Coverage: Never hire a contractor without a valid "WSIB Clearance Certificate." If a contractor is injured on your roof while fixing your AC, and they are not covered, they can sue you as the property owner for damages under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Professional Liability: Useful for larger HVAC retrofits (e.g., full ductwork and system redesign), this covers errors in design or consultation.
Vehicle Insurance: Service vehicles must carry commercial insurance. If a technician uses a personal vehicle, their standard insurance policy will likely deny any claim if an accident occurs at your job site, leaving you exposed to liability.
The Risk: If a contractor lacks these, the homeowner assumes all financial risk. If they damage a refrigerant line and release chemicals, you could be liable for remediation costs under Ontario environmental regulations. Always ask for a "Certificate of Insurance" (COI) that names your address as a project site. Never take their word for it.
5. How to Verify a Contractor’s License in Ontario
Verification is a simple, three-step process that takes less than 10 minutes. Do not hire a contractor who refuses to provide their license number or business registration details.
Request Information: Ask for the contractor’s Skilled Trades Ontario Certificate Number and their TSSA Registration Number.
Verify with STO: Navigate to the Skilled Trades Ontario Public Registry. Enter the license number. It should explicitly state "313A" or "313B." If the status says "Suspended" or "Expired," do not proceed.
Verify with TSSA: Visit the TSSA's "Check a Contractor" portal. Ensure their fuel/HVAC registration is current.
Red Flags:
The contractor only provides a personal name but no business name.
They insist on cash-only pricing to avoid HST (this is a primary indicator of unlicensed work).
They cannot explain the specific OBC requirements for your AC unit's condensate drainage.
They avoid signing a contract with clear terms.
If a contractor claims they are "licensed" but refuses to provide their STO number, they are almost certainly using a fraudulent claim. In Ontario, your contractor’s license is their most valuable asset; they should be proud to share it.
6. Consequences of Hiring an Unlicensed Contractor
Hiring an unlicensed contractor in 2026 is a gamble that rarely pays off. Ontario homeowners face severe legal and financial risks.
Insurance Denials: If an unlicensed technician causes an electrical fire or refrigerant leak, your home insurance provider will almost certainly deny the claim. Clause wording in most Ontario policies specifically excludes damages caused by work performed by unlicensed individuals.
Warranty Voidance: Manufacturers like Carrier, Lennox, and Trane require proof of installation and repair by a licensed technician to keep your 10-year compressor warranty valid. If you perform a DIY repair or hire a "friend," your warranty is voided.
The "Cash Deal" Trap: By avoiding the 13% HST, you lose your paper trail. If the work is faulty, you have no legal recourse through the Consumer Protection Act.
Real-World Scenario 1: A homeowner in the Niagara region hired an unlicensed "handyman" to recharge their AC. The handyman overcharged the unit, causing the compressor to seize. The manufacturer refused the warranty replacement because the work was not documented by a 313B holder. The homeowner paid $4,200 for a new compressor out of pocket.
Real-World Scenario 2: A resident in Cottage Country had a contractor install a new unit without proper electrical inspections. During a summer heatwave, the improper wiring caused an electrical fire. The insurance company denied the $80,000 fire damage claim because the work was not permitted and was performed by an unlicensed entity.
7. Ontario-Specific Regulations and Building Code
AC installation and repair in Ontario are governed by the Ontario Building Code (OBC), specifically Section 9.32 (Ventilation) and Section 6.2 (Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning).
Permits: Most municipal bylaws in the GTA and Southwestern Ontario require a permit for major HVAC retrofits. If you are upgrading your system, your contractor must apply for this through your local building department. The fee typically ranges from $150–$300 plus HST.
Environmental Regulations: Ontario Regulation 463/10 (Ozone Depletion Prevention) strictly prohibits the venting of refrigerants. A licensed contractor must use a certified recovery machine to capture old refrigerant (e.g., R-410A or R-22). If a contractor suggests "venting" the gas to save time, report them to the Ministry of the Environment immediately.
Efficiency Standards: As of 2026, all new AC units installed in Ontario must meet minimum SEER2 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings. Your contractor must provide you with an AHRI Certificate verifying the efficiency of the matched coil and condenser unit.
Skilled Trades Ontario Act: This 2021 legislation overhauled the old College of Trades. It modernized how contractors are assessed and increased the enforcement powers regarding unauthorized practice. It is now much easier for the province to levy fines against individuals working without the 313A/B certificate.
8. How Licensing Affects Pricing
Homeowners often see a price discrepancy of 20–30% between licensed professionals and unlicensed individuals. While the lower quote is tempting, it represents a lack of overhead that directly correlates to your risk.
Cost Component
Licensed Contractor
Unlicensed "Handyman"
Labour Rate
$120–$180/hr (incl. insurance/WSIB)
$60–$90/hr
Warranty
Manufacturer/Labor included
None
Insurance
Covered by $2M+ policy
You are liable
Code Compliance
Permits and inspections included
None
For a standard AC repair in 2026, expect to pay between $450 and $1,200 (plus 13% HST) for a licensed professional, depending on parts required (e.g., capacitors, contactors, or refrigerant). The premium you pay covers the contractor’s training, the maintenance of their certification, their insurance premiums, and, most importantly, the guarantee that the work is compliant with Ontario law. You are paying for peace of mind, not just the physical labor.
9. Bottom Line
The risks of hiring an unlicensed contractor in Ontario—ranging from fire hazards and insurance denials to thousands of dollars in lost warranties—far outweigh the savings of a "cash deal." Always verify a contractor’s 313A or 313B status via the Skilled Trades Ontario registry before they touch your cooling system. Visit GetAHomePro.co to browse a marketplace of pre-verified, licensed Ontario professionals who carry the necessary insurance and credentials for your home. Stay cool, stay legal, and stay protected.