Under Ontario law, furnaces and fuel-fired appliances must be maintained by TSSA-registered contractors. Registered contractors are required to hire certified gas technicians who have extensive training in keeping people safe in their homes.
Uncertified gas technicians and unregistered contractors are known for performing less expensive labour with cheaper, unsafe materials.
However, fuels work can be dangerous or even deadly if it is not performed by a certified fuels professional.
Since fraudulent fuels workers are not certified by or registered with TSSA, it can be difficult to find them and track them down if you are unhappy with their work.
Their work on furnaces and other fuel-burning equipment cannot be audited for compliance with safety requirements, and TSSA cannot validate their knowledge, competency, or qualifications.
You also have no assurance that unauthorized fuel worker will comply with safety regulations, since they have already disregarded the law by working without proper certification and registration.
Ontario Consumers Share Experiences with Fraudulent Fuels Workers
To help you recognize what to watch out for, read about Ontarians’ experiences with fraudulent fuels workers.
Cutting Corners is Never Okay
Fuel-related risks in private dwellings in Ontario are among the top areas of risk overseen by TSSA, according to historical TSSA data.
Improper installation and poor work have been identified as the major contributing factors to risks related to fuels and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Hiring people who are authorized by TSSA to perform fuel-related work is essential to your safety.
Why Hire a Certified Fuels Technician?
TSSA oversees all of Ontario’s registered fuels contractors. That means a registered contractor’s work — and the work of their technicians – is subject to TSSA audits for compliance with safety requirements.
Not only can TSSA validate their knowledge, competency and qualifications, but TSSA can also substantiate their contact information so that they’re always held accountable to Ontario’s consumers.
Search our database to find a Registered Fuels Contractor near you.
How to Protect Yourself from Scammers
TSSA urges you to be on alert for door-to-door and telemarketing salespeople who try to sell you furnaces, water heaters and energy services or who say they are sending a furnace inspector to your home.
Learn more about how to protect yourself from fuels scams.