How to Spot a Bad HVAC Contractor
Not all HVAC contractors are created equal — and the wrong one can cost you thousands.
Whether you’re booking a simple tune-up or a full furnace install, knowing the red flags can save you from frustration and expensive mistakes.
In this guide, we’ll walk through how to spot a bad HVAC contractor, what certifications and licenses actually matter in Calgary, and the questions every homeowner should ask before signing a quote.
Not All HVAC Pros Are Created Equal
Choosing the wrong HVAC contractor can cost you more than a bad date. We're talking botched installs, voided warranties, higher bills, and unsafe equipment.
The problem? To a homeowner, everyone looks legit—they show up with a truck, some tools, and a smile. But once you know the red flags, spotting a bad contractor gets a lot easier.
The Classic Red Flags
Too-good-to-be-true pricing
If one quote is thousands less than the others, corners are being cut.
No written contract
Handshakes don't hold up when your furnace dies.
Pressure sales tactics
"Sign today or lose the deal" is a scammy move.
Vague quotes
No model numbers, no scope, just "high efficiency furnace." Nope.
Unmarked vehicles
If they won't brand their business, why trust them with yours?
Certification & Licensing Checks
In Alberta, legit HVAC contractors must have:
- Journeyman HVAC or Gasfitter ticket (or registered apprentice under supervision).
- City of Calgary business license.
- WCB (Workers' Compensation) coverage to protect you if someone's injured onsite.
- Liability insurance (ask for proof).
Pro tip: Always ask for copies—good contractors have them ready. Bad ones make excuses.
Warranty & Service Traps
Bad contractors love short warranties—they'll be gone by the time problems show up.
Watch out for:
1
No labor warranty
Standard should be at least 1 year. Parts warranties are 10 years and you should get 1 year of labor in case anything goes wrong.
2
"Manufacturer warranty only"
Sounds fine, but labor isn't covered. You'll pay $900 for a "free" blower motor install. New installs should come with at least 1 year labor.
3
No post-install support
If they don't do service calls, who's fixing your system? Watch out for tail light warranties, when you see their tail lights, the warranty is over!
Shady Install Practices
How bad contractors cut corners:
- Undersizing or oversizing equipment to move product faster.
- Not pulling permits → illegal and dangerous.
- Skipping load calculations → leads to short cycling and high bills.
- Re-using old venting or gas lines that don't meet code.
- Hiring cheap subcontractors with little training.
Result: A system that technically runs… until it fails early.
Online Reputation Check
- Google Reviews: Look for consistent complaints (poor install, no response, surprise charges).
- BBB or RenovationFind: Membership isn't perfect, but scams rarely bother.
- Referrals: Ask neighbors, family, coworkers who they've used.
Warning sign: No digital footprint. In 2025, if they're not online, they're hiding something.
Questions to Ask Before You Sign
1
What's included in the quote?
(Permits, disposal, electrical, gas work)
2
Who installs the system—your employees or subcontractors?
3
What model numbers are you quoting?
4
Do you do a Manual J load calculation?
5
What are your warranty terms (parts + labor)?
6
Can I see your license and insurance?
Good contractors answer confidently. Bad ones dance around or get defensive.
Calgary-Specific Warning Signs & Long-Term Costs
Calgary-Specific Warning Signs
- Permit dodging: Calgary requires permits for furnace/AC installs. If they say "don't worry about it," run.
- No Chinook awareness: Contractors should size and install systems knowing Calgary's crazy freeze-thaw cycles.
- Wildfire ignorance: If they don't mention upgraded filters or IAQ options, they're not thinking about local realities.
How Bad Contractors Cost You Long-Term
- Higher energy bills: Poor installs = poor efficiency.
- Frequent breakdowns: Cheap parts and rushed labor fail fast.
- Voided warranties: Missed maintenance requirements or improper installs kill coverage.
- Unsafe systems: Cracked heat exchangers or leaky gas lines are life-threatening.
Trust, But Verify
1
Signs of a Good Contractor (Green Flags)
- Transparent, detailed quotes.
- Licensed, insured, and proud to show paperwork.
- Strong online reviews and local reputation.
- Offers multiple equipment options at different price points.
- Explains everything in plain English.
2
DIY Checklist to Avoid Getting Burned
- Get 2–3 quotes minimum.
- Compare model numbers, scope, warranties.
- Ask for references or online reviews.
- Verify licensing and insurance.
- Don't be rushed—take time to compare.
- Reach out to HVACHELP.PRO if you are unsure!
The best HVAC contractors are proud of their work, transparent in their pricing, and invested in long-term relationships. The worst? They hide behind vague promises and disappear when things go wrong.
Do your homework, ask tough questions, and you'll avoid the pain (and cost) of a bad contractor.
About HVACHELP.pro
HVACHELP.pro is Calgary’s premier homeowner-focused HVAC resource. Our mission is to empower you to make confident, informed choices about your heating, cooling, and overall home comfort. We bridge the knowledge gap between homeowners and complex HVAC systems, ensuring you get the best value and safety for your investment.
Contractor Vetting
We provide clear guidelines and checklists for vetting potential HVAC contractors, helping you avoid common pitfalls and identify reputable professionals.
System Troubleshooting
From strange noises to efficiency issues, we offer practical tips and resources to help you understand and troubleshoot basic HVAC problems before calling a technician.
Simplify HVAC
Our goal is to demystify HVAC jargon, maintenance requirements, and system functionalities, making home comfort management straightforward and stress-free.
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