Choosing the right commercial HVAC and refrigeration contractor is one of the most consequential decisions a facility manager or property owner makes. The wrong choice leads to repeated failures, inflated bills, and equipment damage.
Qualifications to Verify
- TSSA licensing for gas work (G1 or G2 as appropriate)
- Refrigerant handling certification for any refrigeration work
- WSIB coverage — verify the clearance certificate, not just their word
- Commercial general liability insurance (minimum $2M, preferably $5M)
Questions to Ask
- Do you have experience with my specific equipment type and brand?
- What is your emergency response time?
- Will I receive a written report after every service visit?
- Who will actually be doing the work — your own technicians or subcontractors?
Red Flags
- Lowest bid by a significant margin — this almost always means something is being skipped
- Reluctance to provide insurance certificates
- No written estimates or scope of work
- Pressure tactics or urgency manufacturing