There are rules. And you can’t install heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) units in homes without following them. First the firm, or subcontractor if that’s the case, doing the installation needs to take out a permit issued by the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA). It needs to be licensed to work in Hamilton. Provincial law requires […]
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AC performance tips
How old is your HVAC system? The ductwork? Do you have pets? Are you good about changing your HVAC filters? In my limited experience, and observations when removing ducts, most ductwork does not get that dirty. The grills, if they’re on the floor, tend to collect dirt, pet hair, and dust, however. Vacuum out your […]
Read moreWindsor Contractor Convicted for Endangering Family
Court imposes $10,000 fine for unlawful activity In January 2014, Mr. Van Wattegham was called to service a gas furnace that had been shut off by another gas technician at a residential home in Windsor due to a crack in the heat exchanger, which poses a significant CO hazard. Mr. Van Wattegham failed to appreciate […]
Read moreToronto Man Convicted for Faulty Furnace Installation
Court imposes $4,000 fine for endangering family In October 2013, Mr. Fernando Bento installed a natural gas furnace as a favour to a friend. Although certified as a gas technician, Bento only performed occasional gas work. The installation was faulty and tripped a safety pressure switch, which is designed to automatically turn off the furnace […]
Read moreBe careful of furnace leases
Last April 1, the Ontario government passed a law to protect consumers from door-to-door sales agents trying to switch their hot water heaters to another rental supplier. Sales agents are still knocking on doors. But many have found a more lucrative pursuit than replacing water heaters. Now they’re pushing you to replace your furnace and […]
Read moreWonderful Heating-Cooling Prosecuted for Removing Safety Control
Court issues $6000 penalty In February 2014, a TSSA inspector investigated a fire at a Toronto dwelling, along with Toronto Fire Services and Enbridge Gas, and upon further investigation discovered that the HVAC contractor, Wonderful Heating and Cooling, had bypassed a safety switch on the fuel-fired furnace. Installing an air conditioner, Mr. Shaofa Li, owner/operator […]
Read moreKingston Fuels Contractor Given Jail Time for Safety Violations
Court sentences unlicensed fuels contractor to 5 days in jail In October 2015, a TSSA inspector investigated a complaint about the removal and installation of fuel-fired appliances at a Kingston residence and discovered that the work had been performed by an unlicensed fuels contractor. Upon further investigation, TSSA confirmed that Timothy Foster had been previously […]
Read moreMaintenance a key
Most of us think nothing of turning up the heat inside our homes. Gas-powered furnaces are heavily used in the United States. They work by combusting fuel to create heat. However, when not used or maintained properly, these modern marvels can actually cause a host of extremely dangerous and even fatal problems to the home […]
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