Hiring an HVAC company isn't something most people do often. So when the time comes, whether it's a new installation, a repair, or a full system replacement, it's not always obvious what to look for or what to ask.
The truth is, the quality of the company you hire matters just as much as the equipment they install. A great system put in by the wrong people can underperform for years. And a rushed or careless job can cost you far more than you saved on the quote.
Before you commit, here are seven questions worth asking.
1. Are You Licensed and Insured?
This is the first question, and it's non-negotiable.
In Ontario, HVAC technicians need to hold a valid refrigeration and air conditioning licence to legally work on cooling systems. Gas technicians need a G2 or G1 certification to work on furnaces and gas lines.
Insurance matters too. If something goes wrong during the job, damage to your home, an injury on site, you want to know you're protected.
A legitimate HVAC company will have no hesitation sharing this information. If the answer is vague or the question gets brushed aside, that tells you something important.
2. How Long Have You Been Operating?
Experience isn't everything, but it counts for a lot in this industry.
An HVAC company that has been operating in the GTA for several years has worked through different home types, system configurations, and seasonal challenges. They've seen what goes wrong and how to prevent it. They've built a local reputation that's worth protecting.
A newer company isn't automatically a bad choice, but longevity combined with strong reviews is a reliable signal that a company does good work consistently.
3. Can You Show Me Recent Reviews or References?
Any company can say they do great work. Reviews show you whether customers actually agree.
Look at their Google rating and read through recent reviews, not just the star count. Pay attention to how the company responds to negative feedback too. A business that handles criticism professionally says a lot about how they treat customers when things don't go perfectly.
If they have hundreds of reviews and a consistently high rating over several years, that's earned. It doesn't happen by accident.
4. Will You Do a Proper Assessment Before Recommending a System?
This one matters more than most people realise.
A trustworthy HVAC company won't just ask for your square footage and hand you a quote. They'll assess your home properly; ceiling height, insulation, window placement, sun exposure, existing ductwork, before recommending a system size and type.
This is called a load calculation, and it's the only reliable way to know what your home actually needs. Skipping it often leads to a system that's the wrong size, which affects comfort and efficiency for as long as you own it.
If a company gives you a firm recommendation without seeing your home first, ask why.
5. What Does the Quote Actually Include?
Not all quotes are built the same way, and comparing numbers without understanding what's included can lead to surprises later.
Before signing anything, ask what's covered. Does the price include all labour and materials? What about disposal of the old equipment? Is there a warranty on the installation itself, separate from the equipment warranty? Are there any additional costs that could come up during the job?
A clear, itemised quote from a company that's happy to walk you through it is a good sign. Vague pricing with a lot of conditions attached is worth questioning.
6. What Warranty Do You Offer on Parts and Labour?
Equipment warranties from manufacturers are standard. What varies significantly between companies is the labour warranty, meaning if something goes wrong with the installation itself, what does the company stand behind and for how long?
At GLORS Heating & Air Conditioning, we offer a 10-year parts and labour warranty. That's not common in this industry, and we offer it because we stand behind the quality of our work.
When you're comparing companies, ask specifically about labour coverage. It's often where the real difference lies.
7. Will Someone Be Available After the Job Is Done?
The installation is the beginning of the relationship, not the end of it.
Systems occasionally need adjustments after installation. Seasonal maintenance comes up. Questions arise. Knowing that the company you hired will actually pick up the phone after the job is done matters more than most people think about upfront.
Ask how they handle after-service support. Ask if they offer maintenance plans. A company that's interested in a long-term relationship with their customers tends to do better work, because they know they'll be hearing from you again.
Hiring an HVAC company is a decision that affects your home's comfort and your energy bills for the next 10 to 15 years. Taking an extra day to ask the right questions is well worth it.
At GLORS, we've been working with homeowners across Mississauga, Brampton, Milton, and the GTA for 17 years. We're always happy to answer any of these questions directly, because we think the right company should have nothing to hide.
GLORS Heating & Air Conditioning | 17+ Years | 4.9★ Google Rating | Mississauga · Brampton · Milton · GTA
📞 (647) 883-4051
