What You Need To Know

Everything you want to know about the trades and more when talking HVAC

Let’s gather all the information here in one place so you can best determine what’s important when hiring a trade to come into your home to install, repair or maintain your HVAC System. How to weigh the cost versus the long term safety and comfort in your home, the place you spend your precious time with your family and friends. Let’s look at how important air flow is for everyone, especially the elderly and the very young.

Let’s talk about what qualifies as HVAC so we are all on the same page. HVAC in a home stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. It’s the system responsible for keeping your indoor environment comfortable and healthy year-round.

Here’s a breakdown of what each part does:

Heating

Usually provided by a furnace, boiler, or heat pump.
Heats the air (with a furnace) or water (with a boiler) and distributes it through ducts, radiators, or radiant flooring.
Keeps your home warm during cold weather.

Ventilation

The process of moving and exchanging air inside your home.
Removes stale indoor air, odors, moisture, and pollutants.
Brings in fresh outdoor air and circulates it.
Can be natural (windows, vents) or mechanical (fans, duct systems, HRV/ERV units).

Air Conditioning

Uses a central AC unit, heat pump, or ductless mini-split to cool and dehumidify indoor air.
Circulates cooled air through ducts or individual indoor units.
Keeps the home comfortable in hot and humid weather.

Air Distribution System

Ductwork, vents, and filters move conditioned air around the house.
Air filters trap dust, pollen, and other particles to improve indoor air quality.

Why It Matters

Comfort: Keeps temperatures steady throughout the year.
Health: Good ventilation reduces allergens, mold, and indoor pollutants.
Efficiency: Modern HVAC systems are designed to save energy and lower utility bills.

The goal of this blog is to provide you, the homeowner with as much information, in its simplest terms so you can make the best decision when hiring someone to install, repair or maintain your HVAC equipment. We want to be transparent, we hope you see why hiring companies and technicians that specialize in HVAC and are educated and certified is the best bang for your buck. That the long term safety, comfort and reliability balance any upfront costs you may be hesitant to invest.

Below you will find the most commonly used trades to work in your home to install, repair or maintain your HVAC systems. We have broken out each trade and provided you with the details on what their education, certifications and specialization will provide you as well as what is most commonly said by the companies and technicians who don’t have the above certifications, education or specialized training and then finally we provide you with the risks associated with hiring any technician who isn’t trained, educated and specialized in HVAC so you have all the facts to come to the best decision for you and your family.

The difference between the trades:

Certified HVAC Technician:

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics is officially a compulsory, certified trade in BC since December 1, 2023.
Occupation Description: Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics install, maintain and service residential, commercial, industrial and institutional heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration units and systems. They also connect to air delivery systems, install and service hydronic and secondary refrigerant systems and associated controls. Their duties include laying out reference points for installation, assembling and installing components, installing wiring to connect components to an electric power supply and calibrating related controls. They also measure, cut, bend, thread and connect pipes to functional components and utilities. They maintain and service systems by inspecting and testing components, brazing and soldering parts to repair defective joints, adjusting and replacing worn or defective components and reassembling repaired components and systems. As part of service and commissioning, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics start-up, test, charge, adjust, calibrate, balance, measure, verify, maintain and document systems.
SkilledTradesBC BCIT - Education for a Complex World+3BCIT - Education for a Complex World+3Wikipedia+3 HRAI+2BCIT - Education for a Complex World+2 tradestrainingbc.ca
Certification is available but not technically mandatory at entry-level — however, to practice fully and legally, certification via SkilledTradesBC improves employability and compliance.
SkilledTradesBC+5Wikipedia+5tradestrainingbc.ca+5
The national Red Seal program provides a standardized benchmark across provinces, helping with mobility and recognition.

HVAC Guy - no formal education or certification - or even a plumber, gas fitter or electrician

They think their experience is better than any formal education could provide.
Doesn’t get continued training and education from manufacturers or trade schools.
Hasn’t been educated to understand the importance of airflow to maximize the air moving system in your home, a critical component of installing, repairing and maintaining HVAC systems.
Often it is a one man with a van or subcontracted by another company where they don’t have long term goals to grow as a partner with you in your home's comfort.

Bottom line: The airflow in your home deserves a trained and educated technician to install, repair and maintain the equipment. We know, firsthand how risky it can be to have carbon monoxide leak into a home, headaches turning into catastrophic outcomes very quickly.

Risks of choosing someone without proper certification or expertise:

Specialized Training and Knowledge

HVAC technicians are trained specifically in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, which combine plumbing, gas, electrical, and refrigeration elements.
Plumbers or gas fitters may understand parts of the system (like piping or gas lines) but don’t have the comprehensive training to diagnose or service HVAC equipment as a whole.
Certified HVAC techs are also required to stay updated on codes, refrigerant handling, and safety protocols that plumbers/gas fitters aren’t trained or licensed for.

Safety and Code Compliance

HVAC systems deal with gas, electricity, refrigerants, and combustion — a dangerous mix if handled incorrectly.
A certified HVAC technician knows how to ensure systems meet manufacturer specifications and local building codes, reducing risks of:
Carbon monoxide leaks
Refrigerant leaks (which are both environmental and health hazards)
Electrical fires
Work done by an uncertified person may fail inspection or void warranties.

Efficiency and Performance

HVAC techs know how to optimize system performance, ensuring your equipment runs efficiently.
Incorrect installation or repair by someone not specialized in HVAC can lead to:
Higher energy bills
Shortened equipment lifespan
Frequent breakdowns

Warranty and Insurance Protection

Most manufacturers’ warranties require installation and service to be done by a certified HVAC technician.
If you use a plumber or gas fitter and something goes wrong, the warranty may be void, and insurance may deny coverage for damages.

Long-Term Cost Savings

Hiring a plumber/gas fitter may save you a little upfront, but mistakes can be very costly:
Improper refrigerant charging can destroy a compressor (thousands of dollars).
Poor ductwork or airflow setup can cut system efficiency in half.
A certified HVAC technician does it right the first time, protecting your investment.

Safety Hazards

Electrical dangers: HVAC systems involve high-voltage wiring. Improper handling can cause shocks, fires, or explosions.
Gas leaks & carbon monoxide: Furnaces and other gas systems must be connected correctly. A poorly done job could lead to dangerous leaks and even poisoning.
Refrigerant handling: Only certified technicians can legally handle refrigerants. Mishandling can cause burns, environmental damage, or release of harmful gases.

Financial Risks

Voided warranties: Manufacturers typically require installation and service by certified professionals. Using an unqualified person can void equipment warranties.
Costly repairs: Incorrect installation often leads to breakdowns, inefficient operation, and expensive corrective work.
Insurance liability: If damage or injury occurs, insurance companies may refuse coverage if the system wasn’t serviced by a certified technician.

Performance & Comfort Issues

Improper sizing or setup: Without proper training, a technician may install equipment that’s the wrong size or incorrectly configured, leading to poor airflow, uneven heating/cooling, and reduced comfort.
Inefficiency: Incorrect installation can reduce efficiency, increasing monthly utility bills.
Reduced lifespan: Poor servicing and shortcuts can shorten the life of expensive HVAC equipment.

Legal & Regulatory Concerns

Code compliance: Certified HVAC professionals follow building codes and safety standards. Untrained individuals may cut corners, leading to violations and fines.
Permits & inspections: Many HVAC projects require permits. Non-certified installers can’t obtain them, leaving the homeowner at risk if the system is inspected later.

Bottom line: Choosing someone untrained may save a bit upfront, but it creates major safety, financial, and legal risks. Certified HVAC technicians ensure safe installation, warranty protection, efficiency, and long-term peace of mind.

Red Seal Plumber:

Red Seal Certification is a national standard of excellence for skilled trades in Canada. Once earned, it allows you to practice as a journeyperson plumber across Canada without further qualification.
SkilledTradesBC+12red-seal.ca+12North Island College+12 Job Bank tradestrainingbc.ca BC Building Trades
Occupation Description: Plumbers install, repair and maintain plumbing fixtures and systems such as water, hydronic, drain, waste and vent (DWV), low pressure steam, chemical and irrigation. They also install specialized systems such as medical gas, process piping, compressed air, water conditioners, fuel piping, sewage and water treatment, and storage and flow equipment. Plumbers interpret drawings, refer to layouts of existing services, and review applicable codes and specifications to determine work details and procedures. They locate and mark positions for fixtures, pipe connections and sleeves, and cut openings to accommodate pipe and fittings.Regulations concerning the planning, installation, maintenance and inspection of sewage treatment systems may vary by jurisdiction. Additional certification may be required in some jurisdictions to allow plumbers to plan and perform work on these systems.
Earning the Red Seal endorsement confirms you’ve met both provincial (BC) and interprovincial competency standards.

Plumber - no formal education or certification:

Common Things Uncertified or without Formal Education Plumbers Might Say

“I’ve been doing this for years—experience matters more than a license.”
They’ll emphasize hands-on experience over formal training or certification.
Reality: Certification ensures knowledge of codes, safety standards, and inspection requirements, not just experience.
“I can do the same work as a licensed plumber, just cheaper.”
They appeal to cost savings to win you over.
Reality: Lower prices may mean cutting corners, no insurance, and no accountability if problems arise.
“Licensing is just paperwork—it doesn’t mean I can’t do the job.”
They frame certification as bureaucracy.
Reality: Licenses exist to protect homeowners from unsafe or faulty work.
“I’ve done jobs like this plenty of times, and the homeowners were happy.”
They’ll bring up informal references or word-of-mouth.
Reality: Without inspections or warranty, there’s no guarantee the work actually met proper standards.
“Permits aren’t really necessary for a small job like this.”
They may downplay regulations to avoid oversight.
Reality: Even “small jobs” (like moving drains or working on gas lines) often require permits for safety reasons.
“If something goes wrong, I’ll come back and fix it for free.”
They try to build trust by promising to stand behind their work.
Reality: Without insurance or a license, you may have no recourse if they disappear, get injured, or cause damage.
Why This Matters:Plumbing ties directly into sanitation, water safety, and even gas lines. If done wrong, it can cause:
Water damage or mold growth.
Sewage backups.
Health hazards from contaminated water.
Gas leaks and explosions.

Bottom line: Uncertified plumbers often rely on reassurances, charm, and cost savings to make you feel comfortable—but the risks of hiring them are real.

Risks of choosing someone without proper certification:

Quality of Work

Certified plumbers are trained to meet industry standards and follow building codes. An uncertified plumber may lack the technical knowledge to properly install or repair systems, leading to poor workmanship, leaks, or even system failures down the line.

Safety Hazards

Plumbing involves more than just pipes — it can affect gas lines, water heaters, and backflow prevention.

Mistakes in these areas can cause:

Gas leaks (fire or explosion risks)
Water contamination (unsafe drinking water)
Flooding or major water damage

Legal and Code Compliance

Most provinces and municipalities require plumbing work to be performed by licensed or certified professionals.

If an uncertified plumber does the work:

It may not pass inspection.
You could face fines.
Future renovations or sales of the home may be complicated due to unpermitted work

Insurance and Liability Issues

If damage occurs due to uncertified work, your homeowner’s insurance may deny the claim. That means you’d be responsible for paying out of pocket for repairs to your property — or even neighboring properties if flooding spreads.

Long-Term Costs

While hiring an uncertified plumber might seem cheaper at first, poor workmanship often leads to:

Repeated repairs
Higher water bills from leaks
Needing to hire a licensed plumber later to fix the mistakes

Bottom line: Hiring a certified plumber protects you legally, financially, and ensures the work is done safely and to code.

Ticketed Gas Fitter:

Requirements (As of January 1, 2025)

This trade is now designated as a Red Seal trade in BC.SkilledTradesBC+2Education Planner BC+2 Education Planner BC technicalsafetybc.ca+12technicalsafetybc.ca+12SkilledTradesBC+12 tradestrainingbc.ca+6hpacmag.com+6SkilledTradesBC+6
Occupation Description: Gasfitters – Class B design, install, test, adjust, maintain and repair lines, appliances, equipment and accessories in various sectors. Fuels may include natural gas, manufactured gas, liquefied petroleum gas, digester gas, landfill gas, biogas or a mixture or dilution of any of these gases and Hydrogen. Appliances and equipment include those that do not exceed 400 000 Btuh (British Thermal Units per hour) or 120 kW (kilowatts) such as boilers, burners, makeup air units, furnaces, process burners, and various other gas-fired equipment.

Gas Guy - no formal education or certification:

“Gas lines are simple—just pipes and fittings, nothing complicated.”
They minimize the complexity.
Reality: Gas systems must be sealed, pressure-tested, and inspected to code. Even a tiny leak can lead to an explosion.
“I’ve done it before, and nothing bad happened.”
They rely on past luck to reassure you.
Reality: Just because nothing happened before doesn’t mean it’s safe now. One mistake could be catastrophic.
“Licensed plumbers/electricians just charge more for the same work.”
They frame licensing as a money grab.
Reality: Licensed professionals carry insurance, follow strict safety codes, and are accountable if something goes wrong.
“I can save you money and get it done faster without all the red tape.”
They present skipping permits/inspections as a benefit.
Reality: Permits and inspections exist to protect your safety and your home’s resale value.
“It’s just a quick repair—no need for a gas company or certified plumber.”
They suggest the job is too small to matter.
Reality: Even small gas leaks can cause poisoning, fires, or explosions.
“If there’s ever a problem, I’ll come back and fix it for free.”
They try to build trust with promises.
Reality: Without certification, insurance, or legal accountability, you could be left responsible for damage, injuries, or worse.
“Why This Is So Risky”
Gas leaks: Even tiny leaks can cause carbon monoxide poisoning or explosions.
Legal/insurance issues: If unlicensed work causes damage, insurance often won’t cover it.
Home value: Unpermitted gas work can fail inspection and kill a home sale.

Bottom line: If someone tells you it’s “no big deal” to work on gas without certification, that’s the biggest red flag of all. Gas work should only be done by licensed professionals for your safety.

Risks of choosing someone without proper certification:

Safety Hazards

Gas systems are highly dangerous if not installed or serviced correctly:

Gas leaks → can cause fires or explosions.
Carbon monoxide poisoning → a silent, deadly risk if appliances are improperly vented.
Improper combustion → can damage equipment and put your family at risk.

Unlicensed workers may not have the training to test for leaks, ensure proper ventilation, or handle emergencies.

Legal and Code Violations

In most provinces, it’s illegal for unlicensed individuals to perform gas work.
Work that doesn’t comply with building codes can:
Fail inspection.
Result in fines or penalties.
Force you to pay to have the work redone by a licensed professional.

Voided Warranties and Insurance Denials

Gas appliances (furnaces, water heaters, etc.) typically require licensed installation to keep the manufacturer’s warranty valid.
If a fire, explosion, or carbon monoxide leak happens because of uncertified work, your homeowner’s insurance may deny the claim, leaving you personally responsible for damages and liability.

Hidden Problems and Costly Repairs

An uncertified gas fitter may cut corners or lack the knowledge to properly size, connect, and test systems.
Problems may not show up immediately, but can lead to:
Inefficient operation (higher energy bills).
Damage to expensive appliances.
Costly future repairs when the system fails prematurely.

Risk to Family and Neighbors

Gas is not just a danger inside your home — leaks can affect your entire property and even neighboring homes.
Choosing an uncertified worker increases the risk of a catastrophic event that could endanger multiple families.

Bottom line: Hiring an uncertified or unlicensed gas fitter might seem cheaper, but the risks include serious safety hazards, legal issues, voided insurance/warranties, and long-term costs. A licensed gas fitter has the training, testing equipment, and legal authority to do the work safely and correctly.

Master (FSR) & Red Seal Electrician:

Occupational Description: Certified tradesperson specializing in the installation, maintenance, testing, and repair of electrical systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Skilled in interpreting blueprints and electrical code, troubleshooting systems, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. Recognized under the Red Seal Program for interprovincial certification, demonstrating advanced technical expertise and the ability to work across Canada.

Key Difference in Simple Terms:

Red Seal Electrician = Certification proving you are a qualified journeyperson (you can do the work).
Master Electrician (or FSR in BC) = License/endorsement that allows you to legally run jobs, pull permits, and supervise others.

Electrical Guy - no formal education or certification:

What They Might Say

“I’ve been doing electrical work for years — I just never bothered with the Red Seal.”
They try to make the experience sound like enough.
Reality: The Red Seal proves training in code compliance, safety standards, and proper installation. Without it, mistakes are far more likely.
“Certification is just government paperwork — it doesn’t mean I can’t do the job.”
They downplay the importance of credentials.
Reality: Certification is about more than paper — it’s about passing rigorous exams and being legally accountable.
“I’ve done plenty of jobs like this and the homeowners were happy.”
They rely on anecdotal evidence or word-of-mouth.
Reality: Homeowners may not know wiring is unsafe until years later (fire risk, code failures).
“Licensed electricians just charge way more for the same thing.”
They appeal to saving money.
Reality: Licensed electricians carry insurance, pull permits, and guarantee work that passes inspection.
“It’s just a small job — you don’t need a Red Seal electrician for something like this.”
They minimize the task.
Reality: Even “small jobs” (like outlets, switches, or breaker work) can cause shocks, fires, or inspection failures if not done right.
“I can get it done faster without all the red tape and permits.”
They present skipping permits as a benefit.
Reality: Unpermitted work can void insurance, cause fines, and reduce resale value.
“If anything goes wrong, I’ll come back and fix it.”
They try to reassure you with personal accountability.
Reality: Without insurance or a license, you have no legal or financial protection if damage occurs.

Why This Matters

Fire risk: Faulty wiring is one of the leading causes of house fires.
Legal/insurance risk: Unlicensed electrical work often isn’t covered if there’s a claim.
Home resale: Unpermitted work can stop a sale until fixed by a certified electrician.

Bottom line: if a handyman says you “don’t need a Red Seal” or that it’s just paperwork, that’s your sign they’re trying to talk around the risks rather than follow proper safety and legal standards.

Risks of choosing someone without proper certification:

Safety Risks

Fire hazards: Poorly installed wiring, outlets, or panels can overheat and cause electrical fires.
Electrocution risk: Mistakes can leave live wires exposed or circuits improperly grounded, putting you and your family at risk of shock.
Code violations: Non-certified work often doesn’t meet the National Electrical Code (NEC) or local safety regulations, which are designed to prevent accidents.

Financial Risks

Costly repairs: You may have to pay a licensed electrician later to redo or correct the work.
Higher insurance premiums—or no coverage: If faulty electrical work causes a fire, your home insurance may deny your claim if the work wasn’t done by a licensed professional.
Decreased home value: If you sell your home, uncertified work can fail inspection and reduce your property’s value.

Legal & Compliance Risks

Permit issues: Most electrical work requires permits and inspections. Unlicensed work may not pass inspection, delaying renovations or sales.
Fines & penalties: Some cities and states impose fines if homeowners hire unlicensed workers for regulated trades.
Liability: If an unqualified worker gets injured on your property, you could be held financially responsible.

Why Certification Matters

Certified electricians:

Have completed education and apprenticeships to understand electrical theory, safety codes, and proper installation.
Are tested on current code requirements.
Carry liability insurance to protect you if something goes wrong.
Provide documentation (permits, inspection approvals) that ensures your home stays safe and compliant.

Bottom line: Hiring someone uncertified might save money upfront, but it creates huge risks that could cost much more in the long run—in repairs, insurance denials, or even safety disasters.

This is a lot of information, we get it, but the bottom line is that if you are upgrading equipment, in need of repairs or even simple maintenance, hiring the trained, educated and certified experts will always cost you less in the end.

Do it right the first time. Don’t risk your own health, safety or peace of mind and don’t put anyone you love at risk. These trades are certified for a reason, safety is critical when it comes to dangerous gases, high voltage equipment and air flow.

The old adage, you get what you pay for is true, even in tough times, and we want you to have all the information you need to make the right decision.

At Rep-Air Heating and Cooling we hire Red Seal Certified HVAC Technicians, Master Electricians, Red Seal Plumbers, Red Seal Refrigeration Mechanics and then dispatch them to the job they are trained to do. Our owners hold multiple trade certifications and we pride ourselves on treating your homes like our own.

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