No Heat, Red Tag, Dead of Winter — What Ontario Homeowners Need to Know

Getting a red tag on your furnace or water heater is one of the most stressful things an Ontario homeowner can experience — especially in winter. The gas gets shut off, your heat stops working, and you're left scrambling. But you have more rights and options than most people realize.

What Is a Red Tag?

A red tag is an official notice placed on your gas appliance by a TSSA-licensed technician or gas utility inspector when they determine the unit is unsafe to operate. There are two types:

• Type A Red Tag — Immediate shutdown required. The appliance poses an immediate danger (gas leak, carbon monoxide risk). Gas is shut off on the spot.
• Type B Red Tag — Conditional. The appliance has a safety issue but can continue to operate temporarily while it's repaired. You have a deadline to fix it.

Common Reasons for a Red Tag

• Cracked heat exchanger — can leak carbon monoxide
• Improper venting — exhaust not properly directed outside
• Gas leak detected at the appliance
• Lack of proper combustion air supply
• Unlicensed prior installation
• Appliance too close to combustible materials

Your Rights After a Red Tag

1. Right to an explanation — the technician must explain exactly why the red tag was issued and show you the specific safety concern
2. Right to a second opinion — you can get a second TSSA-licensed technician to assess the unit before deciding on repair or replacement
3. Right to choose your repair company — the technician who issued the red tag does not have to be the one who fixes it
4. Right to documentation — request a written copy of the red tag notice with the specific reason and type clearly stated

What Happens Next?

Once the issue is repaired by a licensed technician, they complete the required paperwork and the red tag is removed. Your gas is restored. If the unit is beyond repair — which is common with older furnaces — replacement is required before gas is restored.

Can a Landlord Ignore a Red Tag?

No. In Ontario, landlords are legally required to maintain heating equipment in safe working condition. A red-tagged appliance must be repaired or replaced regardless of cost. If your landlord refuses, contact the Landlord and Tenant Board.

GT Home Services — Same-Day Red Tag Response

If your furnace has been red tagged, we offer same-day assessment and installation across Ontario. We carry Lennox and Midea furnaces in stock — most red tag replacements are completed within 24 hours of your call.

We Serve All of Ontario

GT Home Services provides emergency furnace replacement across Ontario including: