Climate Clinic: Licensing & Insurance

We receive a number of inquiries from people looking to hire trades in the area, particularly when we are fully booked or unavailable. They often ask who we would recommend.

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If someone is not certified for the trade or work they are performing in a residence other than their own home, they may not be covered by insurance. If damage occurs or a safety issue arises, they could be personally responsible for any costs or compensation, and their insurance may not provide coverage.​

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If you're hiring a tradesperson, make sure they have experience in both installations and service work. Someone who has only done one or the other may have gaps in their training and experience.

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Many technicians who start their own business have strong hands-on skills but may not have been trained in areas such as appliance sizing, duct sizing, heat loss calculations, and heat gain calculations. Without that knowledge, mistakes can happen that may lead to costly issues down the road.

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To protect yourself, ask not only for customer references but also about their previous employers and training. Confirming that they have experience in both service and installation work can help you avoid problems and give you greater confidence that the job will be done properly the first time.

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Verify their insurance coverage and make sure their policy is current. Most reputable companies carry at least $3 million in liability insurance. This is especially important if they are servicing or installing oil-fired equipment, as the risks and potential costs can be significant if something goes wrong.