Furnace tune-ups and repairs on evenings and weekends

Homeowners and small landlords who want a reliable local technician at a fair price.

Fixed-price tune-ups and hourly or flat-rate repairs, with repeat annual customers building a steady base.

• Provincially recognized gas or heating trade qualification
• Diagnosing common furnace and boiler faults
• Reliable scheduling around another job

• Gas and heating work is regulated, so check with your provincial regulator about whether you need your own contractor authorization or permits
• Commercial general liability insurance, and check whether your employer's cover applies (it usually will not)
• Possible conflict with your employer, so read your contract first
• Demand is heavily seasonal, with emergency calls in cold snaps that may clash with your main job
• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence

Estimates are typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the tools, test equipment, insurance and vehicle setup you already have. If you already own much of your kit, you may sit toward the lower end.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many hours you can give and how busy the season is. Demand is heavily seasonal, with the fall tune-up season usually the busiest.

Gas and heating work is regulated, so check with your provincial regulator about contractor authorization or permits. Also check commercial general liability insurance, whether your employer's cover applies, your employment contract, and any home-based business licence.