Furnace and AC service and repair
Tune up, repair and maintain furnaces, heat pumps and AC units at homes and small businesses from your own van.
- C$8k-35k
- Part-time
- Out and about
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A one-person mobile service for heating, ventilation and air conditioning: seasonal tune-ups, diagnosing faults, repairs, filter and fan work, and maintenance plans.
Your first three steps
- Confirm which trade certifications and gas or refrigerant credentials your province requires, and check yours are current
- Price a used van, core tools, gauges and a recovery machine, and get quotes for liability insurance
- Register your business, then sign up local landlords and property managers for tune-ups before the first cold snap
Who pays
Homeowners, landlords, property managers and small businesses such as shops and offices.
How it makes money
Call-out and hourly or flat-rate repair prices, plus parts mark-up. Yearly maintenance plans bring repeat visits in the quiet months.
Skills that help
- Provincially qualified HVAC or gas technician
- Fault finding and repair
- Clear, honest communication with customers
Watch out for
- Provincial certification and gas or refrigerant handling rules vary, so check with your provincial trade or safety regulator
- Commercial general liability insurance, and WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire (rules vary by province)
- Municipal permits or a home-based business licence may apply, so check with your municipality
- Work is very seasonal, with busy winters and summer cooling peaks, so plan cash flow
- Gas and carbon monoxide risks, so follow safety codes strictly
- Quebec has its own licensing and language rules, so check with the relevant bodies if you work there
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: furnace and AC service and repair
Researched with live web search for Canada: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a furnace and AC service business in Canada?
Startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $35,000 CAD, depending on your van, tools and equipment, and how much you buy upfront. These are estimates, so get your own quotes before committing.
How much can a furnace and AC repair business earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $4,000 to $16,000, depending on your area, customer mix and season. The work is very seasonal, with busy winters and summer cooling peaks, so plan your cash flow.
What licences and rules should I check to start an HVAC service business in Canada?
Check provincial certification and gas or refrigerant handling rules with your provincial trade or safety regulator. Also check municipal permits or a home-based business licence, insurance, and Quebec's licensing and language rules if you work there.
Other ways to run this business
Similar trades ideas
Subcontract bricklaying crew for builders
Lay brick on new builds and extensions as a subcontractor with a small crew.
- C$8k-35k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Tree trimming and removal crew
Climb, prune and safely take down trees for homeowners and property managers.
- C$8k-35k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Plywood delivery to job sites
Supply and deliver plywood and board to builders and joiners from a small storage space.
- C$8k-35k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Drywall subcontract crew for builders
Lead a small crew that hangs and finishes drywall for builders, renovators and general contractors.
- C$10k-35k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Mobile pump supplier for farms and cottages
Stock a van with common pumps and parts and supply farms, cottages and installers on site, with fitting advice.
- C$8k-35k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Gem cutting studio for jewellers
Run a rented workshop cutting faceted and custom stones for jewellers and private clients.
- C$8k-35k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Photo: hpgruesen on Pixabay