Quick Answer
Do you need a permit for HVAC work in Toronto? It depends. Replacing a furnace or boiler in a house? No permit needed. But installing a new HVAC system, modifying ductwork, or adding heating where there wasn't any? Yes, permit required. Fees range from $214.79–$270.64 flat for residential work (2026). Not sure? Check your project →
The Key Exemption Most Homeowners Don't Know
Here's the most important thing in this guide: replacing a furnace or boiler in a house does NOT require a building permit in Toronto.
This also applies to:
- Adding cooling systems (A/C) in a house
- Gas fireplaces
- Air cleaners and humidifiers
- Hot water tanks
These are explicit exemptions under the Ontario Building Code. Your HVAC contractor does NOT need to pull a City building permit for these replacements in a residential house.
However: Your contractor still needs to comply with TSSA (Technical Standards and Safety Authority) requirements for gas work, and ESA requirements for any electrical connections. These are separate from building permits.
Source: When Do I Need a Building Permit? — Toronto
When You DO Need an HVAC Permit
A building permit is required when:
- Installing a new HVAC system where one didn't exist
- Modifying ductwork — adding, removing, or rerouting ducts
- Adding heating/ventilation to a new space (e.g., finishing a basement, building an addition)
- Commercial HVAC — any installation or modification in commercial buildings
- Commercial kitchen exhaust systems, spray booths, and similar
- Converting from one system type to another if ductwork changes are involved (e.g., furnace to heat pump with new duct routing)
2026 HVAC Permit Fees (Residential)
All fees effective January 1, 2026.
| HVAC Work | 2026 Fee |
|---|---|
| Heating & ventilating only, no ductwork | $214.79 flat |
| Heating, ventilating & A/C (full system) | $270.64 flat |
| Boiler/furnace replacement | $214.79 flat |
| A/C unit addition | $214.79 flat |
| Add-on system / ductwork alterations | $214.79 flat |
| Commercial kitchen exhaust, spray booth | $463.95 flat |
Note: The minimum permit fee for any work in Toronto is $214.79 (2026).
Commercial HVAC
Commercial HVAC fees are calculated differently — typically $1.55–$1.91/m² depending on the type of commercial space. Much more expensive than residential flat fees.
Payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, or Amex (up to $20,000). No cheques or Interac e-Transfer.
Source: Toronto Building Permit Fees
HVAC Permit Exemptions — The Full List
For houses (single-family detached, semis, townhouses), the following do NOT require a building permit:
| Work | Permit Required? |
|---|---|
| Furnace replacement (same type) | No |
| Boiler replacement | No |
| Adding central A/C | No |
| Gas fireplace installation | No |
| Air cleaner / humidifier | No |
| Hot water tank replacement | No |
| New HVAC system (new space) | Yes |
| Ductwork modifications | Yes |
| Furnace-to-heat-pump with new ducts | Yes |
| Commercial HVAC (any) | Yes |
Important: These exemptions apply to houses specifically. If you're in a condo, apartment building, or commercial space, different rules apply.
How to Apply for an HVAC Permit
Step 1: Determine if You Actually Need One
Use the exemption list above. If your work is just a furnace replacement in a house, you're done — no permit needed. If you're modifying ductwork or installing a new system, continue.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
- Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish (updated February 16, 2026 form)
- HVAC drawings showing the system layout, duct routing, and equipment specifications
- Mechanical Schedule 1 — designer information
- Equipment specifications and sizing calculations
Step 3: Submit
Stand-alone HVAC permits for houses are often straightforward. If your HVAC work is part of a larger project (basement renovation, addition, new suite), it's included in that project's permit application.
For stand-alone submissions, email bldapplications@toronto.ca or submit through the online portal.
Step 4: Inspections
Once installed, book an inspection through Toronto Building. The inspector will verify the installation matches the approved drawings.
Skip the paperwork → Let PermitEasy handle your HVAC permit →
Common Mistakes
1. Thinking All Furnace Work Needs a Permit
It doesn't. In a house, furnace and boiler replacements are exempt. Don't let a contractor charge you for "permit fees" they didn't need to pull.
2. Not Realizing a Heat Pump Conversion May Need a Permit
Switching from a gas furnace to a heat pump is increasingly popular. If the conversion involves new or modified ductwork, that triggers a permit requirement. If you're using existing ducts unchanged, it may still be exempt — but check with Toronto Building.
3. Forgetting About Related Permits
HVAC work often connects to other permit requirements:
- Electrical: New HVAC equipment needs electrical connections — that's an ESA permit, not a City permit
- Plumbing: If you're adding hydronic heating or modifying water connections, see our plumbing permit guide
- Gas: Gas line work requires TSSA compliance
4. Commercial Owners Assuming Residential Rules Apply
Commercial HVAC is a completely different category. No exemptions, higher fees, and full mechanical drawings required. Don't assume your restaurant or office follows the same rules as your house.
What About Gas Work?
Gas furnace, boiler, and gas fireplace installations are regulated by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA), not Toronto Building. Your contractor must:
- Be a licensed gas fitter (G1 or G2)
- Tag the appliance with a TSSA compliance tag
- Ensure the installation meets the gas code
This is separate from (and in addition to) any building permit requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to replace my furnace in Toronto?
No — replacing a furnace in a house is explicitly exempt from building permit requirements in Toronto. Your HVAC contractor still needs to comply with TSSA gas regulations and ESA electrical requirements.
How much does an HVAC permit cost in Toronto?
Residential HVAC permits are flat fees: $214.79 for heating/ventilating or $270.64 for a full HVAC system (heating + ventilating + A/C). These are 2026 rates.
Do I need a permit to add central air conditioning?
For a house, no — adding cooling systems is exempt. For multi-unit residential or commercial buildings, yes.
How long does an HVAC permit take?
If part of a larger project, it follows that project's review stream. Stand-alone HVAC permits are relatively simple and can be processed within 1–3 weeks for complete applications.
Do I need a permit to install a mini-split/ductless system?
In a house, installing a cooling system (including ductless mini-splits) is generally exempt. However, if the installation involves new heating where there wasn't any, or significant electrical work, check with Toronto Building.
Ready to Sort Out Your HVAC Permit?
Most homeowners don't need an HVAC permit at all — but when you do, the fees are low and the process is straightforward. Check if your HVAC project needs a permit → or let PermitEasy handle it →.
Fees current as of January 1, 2026. Sources: When Do I Need a Building Permit?, Building Permit Fees