Is Your HVAC System Up to Code? You Might Be Surprised

Are you confident that your HVAC system is up to code? If you haven’t had your system inspected lately, you could be in for an unpleasant surprise.

The Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system in your home is one of the most essential elements to maintain. Not only does it keep your home comfortable throughout the year, but it also helps to ensure the safety of you and your family. An HVAC system that isn’t up to code can be dangerous, so it’s important to make sure yours is up to date.

There are several reasons why your HVAC system may not be up to code. It could be as simple as having an older unit installed before today’s standards, and code came into play. Codes are regularly updated and revised to ensure safety and efficiency, so a system installed years ago might not meet today’s requirements.

Another common reason your HVAC system might be out of code is because of improper installation or repairs. Even a seemingly minor mistake during the installation process can put your system at risk of not meeting safety standards. This is why it’s important to only hire qualified technicians who have the proper experience and training.

Unfortunately, some operators, even in Eastern Ontario, play fast and loose with regulations, chasing quick sales instead of focusing on proper installation and maintenance. Some are fly-by-night operators, while others are simply unqualified. Here are a few things to look for when choosing a Heating and Cooling company to work in your home:

• Are they a local company? Choose a company that will care about its local reputation and be accountable to the community.
• How long the company has been in business. Choose a company with the most experience, not an inexperienced rookie.
• Is the company fully insured with WSIB? Ensure your contractor is covered by WSIB and is in good standing so that liability does not fall on you as a homeowner.
• Is the company a licenced TSSA contractor? HVAC is not a job for a handyman. The Technical Safety and Standards Authority (TSSA) oversees the fuel industry and licenced gas fitters.
• Does the company have other qualified professionals on staff? An HVAC company needs more than just a licenced gas fitter. HVAC also involves electrical work and sometimes plumbing.
• Do they subcontract their work to other companies? Make sure that the company you hire is doing the work themselves.
• How are their installers paid? Are their installers on commission? Do their installers get paid by the job instead of by the hour? This may impact the quality of work you receive and how much you are charged.
• Does the company have an excellent reputation with positive reviews? Take a minute to check out the company’s Google reviews or sites like HomeStars, where the company cannot delete negative reviews.
• Is there an HST# displayed on their invoice? Reputable companies will be registered with the CRA and remit sales tax to the government.
• Do they provide you with a detailed estimate? A contractor should always outline exactly what you’re getting for your money.
• Does the company install quality products from reputable brands with manufacturer warranties?
• Does the company send someone to inspect and measure the location for installation properly? A phone call is not enough to fully assess your needs or ensure your installation meets all clearance and code requirements.

The Importance of Your HVAC System Being Up to Code

Your HVAC system is an essential part of your home, and it’s important to make sure that it is up to code. This is especially true if you are in an area that experiences extreme temperatures, like those of us in Eastern Ontario. HVAC systems help maintain a comfortable indoor environment while saving energy and money. But they can only do so if they are properly installed and regularly maintained.

Failure to keep your HVAC system up to code can result in serious health risks for your family. Poorly maintained systems can increase the risk of fires and dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. In addition, an out-of-code system may also be inefficient, resulting in higher energy bills.

Get Your HVAC System Inspected to Make Sure It is Up to Code

At ATEL Air, we’ve seen several shady operators come and go in the towns we serve. Some are not installing HVAC equipment to code, leading to potential mechanical, efficiency, and safety issues in people’s homes. We can’t mention them by name, but we’ll bet you’ve heard of a few of them. What we can say is that it’s the extra care and attention to detail that sets ATEL Air apart from other HVAC companies.

We want our community to be safe. When you call us, we immediately perform a FREE in-home assessment to verify that everything can be installed safely and to code. Every ATEL Air installer is fully certified, and we perform our tasks to code without fail. We also measure for the right equipment so you know exactly what you need and ensure it will perform to its full life expectancy.

Need new equipment? ATEL Air is making the purchase of new HVAC equipment easy with convenient financing plans. For a limited time, enjoy 6 months with zero interest or 6 months with no payments.