HVAC Licensing in Quebec

HVAC work in Quebec involves multiple regulatory requirements. Heating system contractors must hold an RBQ licence issued by the CMMTQ for the applicable heating or refrigeration subclass. Gas fitting is a compulsory trade requiring a certificate of qualification administered by the Ministère de l'Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale (MESS), such as ITG, TAG, or TIRP depending on the work. Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic certification is compulsory in Quebec; workers must hold a certificate of qualification such as SF-1 or SF-2 where required. Construction site work may also require CCQ competency cards. The apprenticeship typically involves 6,000 to 8,000 hours depending on the specific trade. Red Seal endorsement is available for refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics for interprovincial mobility.

Ask for the contractor's CMMTQ/RBQ licence number and verify it on the RBQ's online Licence Holders' Registry. For gas work, ask for the technician's certificate of qualification from MESS.

(1) No TSSA certification for gas work or no 313A/313D for refrigeration work (2) Quotes a new system without performing a proper heat loss/gain calculation for your home (3) Recommends significantly oversized equipment - bigger is not better for HVAC efficiency (4) No written warranty on parts and labour, or refuses to pull permits (5) High-pressure sales tactics or demands full payment before installation

(1) Do you hold the required TSSA gas technician and/or 313A refrigeration certifications? (2) Will you perform a heat loss/gain calculation to properly size the equipment? (3) What rebates am I eligible for, and will you help me apply? (4) What warranty comes with the equipment and your labour? (5) Do you offer a maintenance plan after installation?

Yes, hvacs in Quebec are expected to carry liability insurance.

The Red Seal endorsement is a nationally recognized certification that allows tradespeople to work across all Canadian provinces and territories without additional testing. A Red Seal-endorsed tradesperson has met a standardized level of competency.

In Quebec, most contractors performing construction work must hold an RBQ (Régie du bâtiment du Québec) licence. You can verify any contractor's licence on the RBQ's online Licence Holders' Registry at rbq.gouv.qc.ca. Always ask for the licence number and verify it before hiring.

Typical pricing for hvacs in Quebec ranges from $100-$200/hour. Equipment brand and efficiency rating (AFUE for furnaces, SEER for AC), home size and ductwork condition, complexity of installation, permits, whether existing ductwork needs modification, and seasonal demand. Emergency service calls (nights, weekends, holidays) carry premium rates of $250-$350+ just for the diagnostic fee. Eligible heat pumps may qualify for current Ontario rebates, with amounts varying by equipment type and program rules. These figures are planning estimates, not quotes or guarantees; request a detailed written quote before hiring.