Does a Plumber Do Furnaces and Heating in Calgary?
Yes, and it is a credential, not a workaround. How Gasfitter Class B comes with the Red Seal ticket.
Short answer: Yes. In Alberta, the plumber apprenticeship includes Gasfitter Class B certification, which covers installing, connecting and servicing gas appliances up to 400,000 BTU. That includes the furnaces, boilers and water heaters in any normal house. Central air conditioning and ductwork are separate trades.
It is the first question almost everyone asks, and the answer is a credential rather than a workaround. Here is how it works and where it stops.
Why plumbing and gas go together in Alberta
According to the Government of Alberta's plumber trade profile, the Alberta plumber apprenticeship program includes Gasfitter Class B certification. Apprentices who complete it receive two journeyperson certificates: Plumber and Gasfitter Class B. That means the same person who runs your water lines is licensed for the gas lines and the gas-fired heat in a house.
In practice, you get one company for the pipes and the heat, and one number to call in February when the furnace quits.
Who does what?
| Work | Trade that does it |
|---|---|
| Water supply, drains, fixtures, water heaters | Plumber |
| Gas lines, furnaces, boilers, gas water heaters, fireplaces, BBQ lines, up to 400,000 BTU | Gasfitter Class B (included with an Alberta plumber's training) |
| Larger commercial and industrial gas equipment over 400,000 BTU | Gasfitter Class A |
| Hydronic heating: boilers, in-floor heat, radiators | Plumber and gasfitter |
| Central air conditioning and heat pump refrigerant work | Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic |
| New ductwork | Sheet metal worker |
The 400,000 BTU line between Class A and Class B is set out in Alberta's Gasfitter Class A profile.
What heating work can a plumber-gasfitter do in your home?
- Furnace repair, service and replacement
- Boilers and hydronic heating, including in-floor heat
- Gas and tankless water heaters
- Gas lines for ranges, fireplaces, BBQs and garage heaters
- Gas permits and inspections
Where it stops
Central air conditioning needs a separate refrigeration ticket, and new ductwork is its own trade. We do not pretend otherwise. We will point you to someone good rather than take the job.
How to check a tradesperson's certificate
Alberta has a public lookup for trade certificates through Tradesecrets. Ask for the person's full name and check it before gas work starts. Any reputable plumber will be glad you asked. Our guide to choosing a plumber has the other questions worth asking.
Gas work and permits in Calgary
In Calgary, installing, altering or adding to a gas system needs a gas permit, and homeowners cannot pull one unless they are certified gasfitters themselves. The gasfitter pulls the permit and books the inspection as part of the job.
Common questions
Can a plumber install a furnace in Alberta?
Yes, if they hold Gasfitter Class B certification, which comes with Alberta's plumber apprenticeship.
Do I need an HVAC company or a plumber for my furnace?
Either can work on a residential gas furnace if they are certified gasfitters. A plumber-gasfitter is often the simpler choice if you also have plumbing or water heater work.
Can a plumber fix my air conditioner?
Not the refrigerant side. Central air conditioning needs a refrigeration mechanic.
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