Key takeaways
- Get two or three written quotes for the same kind of system.
- Ask for a heat-loss calculation, exact model numbers and what’s included.
- Check licences and insurance, and who arranges the permits.
Licences and insurance to ask about
Refrigerant handlingTechnicians who handle refrigerant in Ontario need an Ozone Depletion Prevention (ODP) card.
Electrical workElectrical work done for you must be by a Licensed Electrical Contractor, with an ESA (Electrical Safety Authority) permit.
Gas workIf the job touches your furnace or gas lines, for example a hybrid system, the technician needs a TSSA gas technician licence.
InsuranceAsk for proof of liability insurance and WSIB coverage for the crew.
We check this for you
Installers in the Heat Pump Toronto network have their licence and insurance verified before they receive any requests.
What a good quote includes
- A room-by-room heat-loss calculation (CSA F280)
- Exact brand and model numbers for the indoor and outdoor units
- Heating capacity at −15 °C and at Toronto’s design temperature
- What’s included: removal, line set, electrical, thermostat, duct work
- Which permits are needed and who arranges them
- Parts, compressor and labour warranties, in writing
- The rebate the system qualifies for, shown separately from the price
- The payment schedule and earliest install date
For a side-by-side comparison, see from quote to installation.
Red flags
- Sizing by square footage or by matching the old furnace, with no calculation
- Pressure to sign today, or a “special price” that expires tonight
- A price with the rebate already subtracted
- A model that isn’t on the NRCan qualified products list
- A large deposit long before any work is scheduled
- No written quote, cash only, or no permits
Common questions
How many quotes should I get?
Two or three is usually enough to compare scope and price without delaying your project.
Is the cheapest quote the best?
Not always. Compare cold-weather capacity, what’s included and the warranty — a lower price often leaves something out.