Hire HVAC Technicians & Refrigeration Mechanics
HVAC and refrigeration is one of the tightest skilled-trades labour markets in Eastern Ontario. From 313A refrigeration & A/C mechanics to G2-ticketed gas technicians to sheet-metal installers, Weld Talent recruits HVAC professionals for mechanical contractors, service companies, and general contractors across Ottawa, Kingston, and the surrounding region.
What HVAC technicians do
HVAC professionals install, service, and maintain heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems for residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial buildings. The Ottawa-area market splits into install crews (sheet metal, ductwork, equipment setting) on new construction and fit-outs, and service technicians who diagnose and repair systems across a customer route. Licensed 313A and 313D mechanics, G2 / G1 gas ticketed technicians, and ODP-certified refrigeration mechanics all command premiums against base sheet-metal installer rates.
Salary ranges in Eastern Ontario
Sheet-metal installers and HVAC helpers run $22–$30/hr. Licensed 313A residential A/C mechanics earn $34–$45/hr in the Ottawa market. Commercial refrigeration mechanics with ODP and strong diagnostic skills typically run $42–$58/hr, with senior service techs on commercial routes near the top. Service-truck callout pay and after-hours rates push annual earnings well above straight hourly. Foremen on larger commercial install jobs regularly clear $55–$70/hr.
Current demand and certifications
Demand is heavy across both install and service. Sheet-metal installers are workable to source. Licensed 313A mechanics are tight, and refrigeration mechanics with commercial route experience are the scarcest segment we recruit in HVAC. G2 gas-ticketed candidates earn a premium because dual-ticket capability lets contractors flex one technician across more job types. Ottawa's hospital, institutional, and data-centre pipeline keeps service demand high year-round.
Common hiring challenges
The standard problems: resumes overstate licensing currency, service techs with strong diagnostic skills rarely apply to job boards, and refrigerant-handling certifications need verification beyond what candidates self-report. Counter-offers from existing employers are very common in HVAC — good service techs are valuable enough to a shop that owners will fight to keep them. Weld Talent verifies tickets up front, sources passive candidates through our trades network, and manages the offer-to-start window actively so hires don't get pulled back.
How Weld Talent hires HVAC technicians
Intake covers the work — install vs. service, residential vs. commercial vs. industrial, equipment types, ticket requirements, route or shop-based. We source from our HVAC network across Ottawa, Kanata, Orleans, Kingston, and Cornwall, verify ticket and ODP status, and present a 3–5 person shortlist typically inside 72 hours. We support the interview process and offer conversation, and back every placement with a 30-day replacement guarantee. Contingency only.
Common questions from employers
Yes. All licensing — 313A, 313D, G2/G1, and refrigerant-handling certifications — is verified before shortlist.
Yes. We recruit both, and we screen differently for each because the skill profiles differ.
Yes. We recruit HVAC across Ottawa, Kingston, Cornwall, Brockville, and Smiths Falls.
Install crew shortlists in 72 hours. Senior commercial refrigeration mechanics typically take 1–2 weeks.
Contingency-based, no upfront fee, 30-day replacement guarantee.
Short on HVAC techs?
Tell us the work and the tickets — we'll have vetted candidates ready to interview within the week.