AC servicing and seasonal tune-ups

Service, clean and repair existing air conditioners for homes and small businesses, with yearly maintenance plans.

Engineer fitting a wall-mounted air conditioning unit in a room.
Startup costC$3k to C$12k
Monthly revenueC$1.5k to C$7.5k
Time needed8+ h/week
First incomeWeeks
  • C$3k-12k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
  • Licence or permit needed

Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.

What it is

Spring tune-ups, coil and filter cleaning, fault finding and minor repairs on existing air conditioning and heat pump systems.

Your first three steps

  1. Check your province's certification and refrigerant handling requirements for servicing, and complete any training you are missing
  2. Put together a service kit with gauges, a recovery unit, cleaning supplies and a small stock of common parts
  3. Offer early-season tune-ups to neighbours, landlords and property managers, and ask for reviews
Who pays

Homeowners, landlords, property managers and small businesses that want systems working before summer.

How it makes money

A flat fee per service visit, hourly or call-out rates for repairs, plus yearly maintenance plans that bring repeat customers.

Skills that help
  • Fault finding on cooling systems
  • Safe refrigerant handling
  • Reliable scheduling and customer communication
Watch out for
  • Provincial rules on who can work on refrigerant systems, so check your provincial regulator
  • Commercial general liability insurance, plus WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire
  • Demand peaks in late spring and summer, so plan cash flow for quiet winter months
  • Check whether a home-based business licence is needed for your municipality
  • Register for GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold

🔒 Full research report for Canada

Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.

Coming soon

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start an AC servicing business?

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on the tools and equipment you need. Also budget for commercial general liability insurance, plus WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire.

How much can an AC service technician earn?

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how many tune-ups and repairs you book. Demand peaks in late spring and summer, so plan cash flow for quieter winter months.

Do I need a licence to service air conditioners in Canada?

Check your provincial regulator for rules on who can work on refrigerant systems. Also check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence, and register for GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold.

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Photo: AlfLucio on Pixabay

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