Choosing a heat pump installer in Quebec: licenses, contracts, and pitfalls to avoid

A heat pump contractor must hold a valid RBQ license, the correct sub-category, and a halocarbon certification. These checks take only a few minutes and protect both your installation and your grant eligibility.

Key points

• Mandatory RBQ license : anyone who performs or oversees residential renovation work must hold one.
• Sub-category 15.10 : this authorizes work on any refrigeration system, including air conditioning.
• Halocarbon H-certificate : this is required to handle the refrigerant in a heat pump.
• At least 3 quotes : compare them based on the scope of work, not just the price.
• Door-to-door sales prohibited : a heat pump contract cannot be signed through itinerant sales.
• Complete invoice : it must display the 10-digit RBQ license number, the brand, and the BTU/h, and the application must be submitted within 9 months.

The six checks to perform before signing.

The RBQ license and the correct sub-category

In Quebec, any individual or business that performs or oversees residential renovation work must hold a license from the Régie du bâtiment du Québec. The contractor must also hold the sub-categories required for the work specified in the contract. The RBQ explains these requirements on its page for citizens.

Subcategories to know

For a heat pump, subcategory 15.10 (refrigeration contractor) authorizes work on any refrigeration system, including air conditioning. Electrical connection work falls under subcategory 16 (electricity).

For a geothermal heat pump, the installer must hold 15.1 (forced air) or 15.4 (hydronic), as well as 15.9 (small refrigeration systems) or 15.10. These rules also apply to LogisVert geothermal applications.

A turnkey service requires special attention. The contractor must hold all appropriate licenses, or a general contractor license (1.2 or 1.3) that allows them to subcontract.

Check the registries

TheThe RBQ license holder registry confirms the validity of the license. It also indicates bond claims and indemnities paid over the last 5 years. The license bond is used to compensate clients in the event of damages.

TheThe Quebec Enterprise Register validates the registration, address, date of incorporation, names of directors, and up-to-date filings. The name on the contract must match the name of the company holding the license.

Commissioning involves refrigerant: it requires a halocarbon certificate.

The halocarbon certificate

For any handling of halocarbons, the H environmental qualification certificate is mandatory. The Government of Quebec specifies the conditions. The Halocarbon Regulations classify heat pumps as refrigeration or air conditioning equipment. Therefore, only qualified individuals may install, maintain, repair, or handle their refrigerant charge.

Only individuals holding the H qualification may purchase halocarbons for the commissioning or maintenance of this equipment. Working without a valid certificate is an offense subject to a fine. The H certificate replaces the former H1, H3, and H4, which remain valid.

To obtain it, the technician completes the EnviroCompétences distance learning course and passes the exam, or completes a program at a school service center. The exam is a written, multiple-choice test. It consists of 25 questions, lasts 1 hour and requires a passing grade of 70%. No documentation or electronic devices are permitted in the room. The certificate does not require renewal.

Simply ask who will be performing the startup and whether that person holds the H certificate. A reputable contractor will answer directly.

Compare detailed quotes for the same scope of work.

Compare at least three quotes

It is recommended to request quotes from at least 3 contractors. Each must detail their understanding of your needs, the materials, the timeline, the price, payment terms, and warranties. A vague quote makes an honest comparison impossible.

Provide each contractor with the same information about your home. This ensures that the offers are for comparable work. Our guide on how to choose the right heat pump helps you define your needs. The article on the ideal capacity for your home explains why an incorrectly sized unit skews comparisons. For general estimates, check out how much a heat pump costs in Quebec.

A significant gap between two quotes warrants a question. It could stem from a different unit, omitted work, or unqualified labor.

The written contract and the deposit

Demand a detailed written contract and a schedule for the work. The residential renovation contract must specify the payment terms and the total price. This price includes labor, materials, products, transportation, insurance, subcontractors, and equipment rental.

Double-check the company name and license number before signing. The Office de la protection du consommateur also recommends paying a minimal deposit before work begins. The smaller the amount paid in advance, the less you risk if a problem arises.

The OPC's "Get information about a merchant" tool shows whether the organization has taken action against a contractor or received formal notices.

Door-to-door sales: prohibited for heat pumps

A heat pump contract cannot be entered into through itinerant sales. The same applies to air conditioners, decontamination services, or insulation. Credit or long-term rental contracts for renovations are also prohibited in itinerant sales.

A door-to-door salesperson must hold a traveling salesperson's permit, which can be verified using the OPC tool. The Consumer Protection Act requires a written contract. It provides a period of 10 days to cancel, which can be extended to up to one year in certain situations. During this period, the merchant may not provide any service or request a deposit, with some exceptions.

If a salesperson knocks on your door to get you to sign a contract for a heat pump, refuse: this type of contract cannot be entered into in this manner. Furthermore, Hydro-Québec does not conduct any telephone or door-to-door solicitation for LogisVert.

An invoice that protects your LogisVert grant

Hydro-Québec's LogisVert program offers grants for energy efficiency measures, including heat pumps. The invoice is your key document, and Hydro-Québec lists its requirements on its residential LogisVert page.

Check that the invoice includes:

• the customer's name and the installation address;
• the company name and its GST and QST numbers;
• the 10-digit RBQ license number, often found in the header or footer of the invoice;
• a description of the work and the heat pump;
• the brand and the number of BTU/h;
• the cost of the work.

Heat pumps installed on or after November 26, 2025 must be ENERGY STAR® certified to be eligible. The application must be submitted within 9 months following installation. Also, keep the device's serial number.

Confort Prestige is a member of the CMMTQ. Our grants page outlines the "up to $5,400 with the units we install".

Warning signs

Certain behaviors are a reason to slow down and verify before signing. Here are the fraud warning signs identified by official organizations:

• unsolicited contact;
• a free inspection that reveals urgent issues;
• the promise of significant savings;
• pressure to sign a high-interest financing agreement;
• multiple different companies involved in the file;
• unqualified or unauthorized subcontractors;
• the removal of your old system without compensation;
• the resale of services or accessories after the work is completed.

A single one of these red flags proves nothing. However, it warrants checking the RBQ register and the OPC tool before proceeding further.

Get a quote in your area

To get a detailed quote to compare with others, contact a contractor in your region. We serve areas including heat pump installation in Laval,in Terrebonne and in Blainville. To compare types of units, check out our wall-mounted and central heat pumps.

Frequently asked questions about choosing a heat pump installer