The principles of heating and cooling remain the same in any setting, but there can be significant differences in residential vs commercial HVAC jobs. It’s not only about the type of building—system complexity, required skills, and working conditions are just a few of the elements that set these two environments apart.

Trying to decide which one is right for you?

Keep reading to learn what differentiates commercial vs residential HVAC work, what skills you need in each setting, and what pros and cons come with pursuing each path.

Updated December 2022

Checking out your options for a career in the skilled trades? Considering HVAC, but not exactly sure what all is involved?

HVAC technicians and mechanics are service experts who work with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. They install and calibrate units, repair and replace parts, carry out inspections, and conduct safety testing. They work in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.

Sound interesting? Of course, every job has its upsides and downsides. Before you go ahead and sign up for HVAC training, you need a solid understanding of the main benefits and drawbacks to choosing this trade. 

Updated December 2022

The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) trade focuses on indoor climate control.

HVAC technicians install and service the systems that control temperature and air quality in all kinds of buildings, from homes and offices to grocery stores and ice rinks.

Looking to become one of them? Wondering what HVAC training is all about?

In this post, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about HVAC training in Ontario.

We explain what you need to know about apprenticeships, what’s covered in pre-apprenticeship training, what job options you’ll have after graduation, and more.

Let’s dive in.

Updated December 2022

Thinking about going into the heating and cooling trade? Wondering what the career outlook is like for HVAC technicians in Ontario?

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) techs install and service the systems that control temperature, air quality, and humidity. They’re the pros who keep indoor spaces comfortable, regardless of the weather.

So it shouldn’t be too surprising that HVAC technicians are in demand all over the province. And the need for their skills isn’t going away anytime soon.

We looked at the latest data on HVAC techs and the factors driving employment growth in this trade. Here’s what you need to know.

If you want to become a certified HVAC technician, getting an HVAC apprenticeship is your first step. HVAC technician is a regulated trade in Ontario, so completing an apprenticeship isn't optional.

It's part of a five-year process of classroom training and on-the-job learning that prepares you for certification.

You need a total of 8,280 apprenticeship hours before you can challenge the exam and become a certified journeyperson in the trade. The good news? Apprentices get paid, so you can earn while you learn.

But competing for good HVAC apprenticeship jobs isn't easy. How do you get an edge?

Updated December 2022

If you've landed here, you're considering becoming an HVAC technician and want to explore training options in your area.

By now, you've probably realized there are many HVAC schools in the Toronto area. There are certificates, courses, diplomas, pre-apprenticeship programs, online options, and more.

How do these programs differ? What exactly should you be looking for in a quality HVAC college? 

Good questions. When you consider the time and money you'll need to invest, it's worth doing the research.

Plus, getting a good foundation in training is obviously key to landing a good job (which is the whole point of going to school).

So, in this post we're laying out the seven most important qualities of a good HVAC college. These are the features to notice when you're comparing schools and choosing where to enrol.

No matter which HVAC college you end up choosing, make sure it meets these clear standards of quality and excellence.

Darren Fearnley is a 40-year veteran of the HVAC industry. He teaches the HVAC and Gas Technician program at Herzing College. 

Are you thinking of becoming an HVAC mechanic? No matter which part of the industry you’re aiming for, your path begins with a solid pre-apprenticeship program. Students with a good grounding in HVAC fundamentals have a much better chance of landing an apprenticeship—which you’ll need to get certified. 

Updated January 2023

If you look at skilled trade forums and discussion groups online, you'll often see debate over HVAC and electrician—and which career path is better. It's not that one trade is actually superior to the other. It's more that they're both very popular...so students often have a hard time deciding which path to pursue.

In this post, we're breaking down the benefits of both trades. To help you make a smart decision, we'll look at training, key skills, job outlook, and typical pros and cons of HVAC and electrician work.

In the end, it will come down to which field you're more passionate about. But we're hoping this information helps clarify a few things. Let's get started.

Updated December 2022

This is an excellent time to become an HVAC mechanic in Ontario. The latest career outlook report from the Government of Canada Job Bank shows strong demand for HVAC mechanics and technicians across the province. Several regions, including the Hamilton-Niagara Peninsula and the Stratford-Bruce Peninsula, get a full five-star rating for outlook and growth.

So, if you're considering becoming an HVAC mechanic, and want to jump in while the trade is hot, what steps should you take?

Updated December 2022

Why should you choose an HVAC career above all other trades?

Well, for starters, you're probably genuinely interested in the kind of work HVAC mechanics do.

This trade involves challenging diagnostics and problem-solving, technical installation and maintenance skills, and deep heating/cooling product knowledge.

HVAC mechanics play a vital role in our everyday lives. Where would we be without warm homes during the brutal Ontario winters? And cool spaces to retreat to during our short but notoriously intense summers?

Quality HVAC systems keep our air fresh indoors, help sanitize our hospitals, and even help preserve our natural environment.

And of course, cooling technology is essential for the food industry, where reliable refrigeration is the backbone of safe storage and shipping.

From homes to public buildings to businesses to factories—HVAC mechanics have a key part to play across many sectors of the Canadian economy.

So, what else should motivate you to seize the day and start an HVAC career this year? Take a look at four big advantages to making this trade your own.