Fuels Professional Verification
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) warns homeowners to beware of door-to-door and telemarketing salespeople selling furnaces, water heaters and energy services, wearing TSSA insignia and/or misrepresenting themselves as inspectors.
TSSA inspectors do not sell products or services and do not go door-to-door. TSSA inspectors only attend residential locations as part of an official incident investigation or at the request of homeowners. If there is any doubt about the identity of a TSSA inspector, homeowners should request to see the inspector’s Provincial Offences Officer badge or contact TSSA for verification of the inspector’s name and badge number.
Appliance Inspections and High-Pressure Sales Tactics
In addition, TSSA would like to assure Ontario residents that if someone calls or arrives at their home and says they require a furnace inspection, it is just a sales call. Residents are not obligated to comply. TSSA encourages Ontarians to select and verify their own TSSA-registered contractors to check and service furnaces and fuel-burning devices on an annual basis.
Door-to-Door Furnace and Water Heater Sales Restricted in Ontario
It is also important to note that Ontario’s Consumer Protection Act prohibits the sale of furnaces and water heaters from a door-to-door salesperson, unless the resident initiates the transaction. Some exceptions to this legislation, including instances in which there is already a contract in place, are outlined on the Consumer Protection Ontario website.
Recognizing Energy Scams
Ontarians should also be wary of businesses claiming to have approval from various levels of government, utility companies or industry associations who reach out regarding rebates and incentives. When concerned about unsolicited communication regarding energy rebates, homeowners should check the validity of the rebate directly from the source by calling the organization supposedly offering the incentive or checking its website, advises Natural Resources Canada.
Fuels Professional Verification Checklist
The Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) offers these safety tips for homeowners faced with suspicious door-to-door salespeople:
- Check to see if the individual has a well-marked vehicle.
- Ask for proper identification and a business card.
- Tell them you’ll get back in touch.
- Do your research.
- Contact them after verifying their credentials.
Any insistence that an offer is limited to that moment should set off warning bells.
Download the Fuels Professional Verification Checklist Pamphlet.
Additional Resources
- TSSA News Update: Confirming a TSSA Representative’s Identity Before Allowing Entry into Your Home
- Consumer Protection Ontario: Door-to-Door Sales and Home Service Contracts
- HRAI: Why Door-to-Door Sales are not for HVAC Equipment
- TSSA/HRAI Fuels Professional Verification Checklist
- Natural Resources Canada: How to Recognize Energy Scams
- CBC News coverage: Man Charged After Allegedly Going Door to Door Impersonating a Safety Inspector
- Toronto Police Services Constable Julie Campbell’s Awareness Video
- TSSA Fraudulent Fuels Workers Campaign Page
- TSSA Certified Technician Explainer
- TSSA/HRAI Qualified Contractor Checklist
- TSSA Registered Ontario Contractors Listing
- HRAI Canadian Qualified Contractors Member Listing
- TSSA Fraudulent Fuels Worker Reporting Links: Email Fuels Technical Services or send an anonymous email to tssa@integritycounts.ca.
- Consumer Protection Ontario: Filing a Consumer Complaint
- TSSA logo use information
Contact(s)