Red Tagged Furnace? TSSA Red Tag Removal, Second Opinions & Repairs
Has your furnace been red-tagged? Our TSSA-certified technicians can diagnose the issue and get your heat back on quickly and safely. Same-day service available across Mississauga, Toronto, and Brampton.
Call Now - Emergency ServiceWhat is a Red Tag?
A red tag is a warning label placed on gas equipment by a licensed technician when a safety hazard is detected. It means your equipment needs immediate attention.
Red tags are issued by TSSA (Technical Standards and Safety Authority) certified technicians to protect you and your family from potential gas-related dangers.
Got a Red Tag? Here Is What to Do Right Now
Your gas has been shut off. Do not attempt to relight any appliances. Call EcoFrost at (416) 835-4775 immediately. Our licensed technicians can usually reach you the same day and begin the clearance process right away. Need emergency HVAC service? We answer 24/7.
Your appliance is still running but must be repaired within the timeframe shown on your red tag. Do not wait. Book a furnace repair assessment now before your gas is disconnected. The deadline is written on the tag and cannot exceed 90 days, but it is often much shorter.
Types of Red Tags
Understanding the severity of your red tag helps determine the urgency of repairs.
Type A (Immediate Danger)
Gas supply is shut off immediately. Serious safety hazard requiring urgent repair.
Type B (Potential Danger)
Equipment can operate for a limited time but must be repaired within a set period.
Common Red Tag Issues
These are the most common reasons furnaces receive red tags. Our technicians can repair all of these issues. In many cases, furnace repair is enough to clear the tag and restore your heat the same day. If the furnace is beyond repair, we can also advise on furnace repair or replacement options.
If your issue involves gas piping, our team also handles gas line repair as part of the red tag clearance process.
Our Red Tag Process
Inspection
We assess the issue and confirm the hazard
Quote
Transparent pricing with no surprises
Repair
Our certified techs complete the repair
Certification
We remove the tag and restore your heat
Red Tag FAQs - Ontario & TSSA Rules
Everything you need to know about red tags in Ontario.
What is a TSSA red tag and what does it mean for my furnace?
A TSSA red tag is an official warning label placed on gas-fired equipment by a TSSA-licensed technician when a safety hazard is detected. In Ontario, the gas distributor (such as Enbridge) or a gas technician holding the appropriate certificate can issue a red tag under O. Reg. 212/01. It means your furnace cannot legally be operated until the identified hazard is repaired and cleared.
What is the difference between a Type A and Type B red tag?
A Type A red tag means an immediate danger has been found the gas supply is shut off on the spot and the equipment cannot be operated under any circumstances until repaired. A Type B red tag means there is a potential danger, but the equipment may continue operating for a limited period (until the deadline written on the notice, which cannot exceed 90 days) while the repair is arranged. Both require prompt attention from a licensed technician.
How long do I have to fix a Type B red tag in Ontario?
Under Ontario's gas regulations (O. Reg. 212/01), the notice for a Type B red tag sets the deadline to correct the condition, and that deadline cannot be more than 90 days. The person who issued the tag may set a much shorter deadline depending on the hazard. It is strongly recommended to address any red tag as quickly as possible for your family's safety.
Can I get a second opinion on a red tag?
Yes. You have the right to get a second opinion from any other TSSA-licensed gas technician. A second opinion is especially important if you suspect the original diagnosis was incorrect or if you received a recommendation to replace your entire furnace when a repair may suffice. EcoFrost provides honest, unbiased second opinions with no pressure to upsell.
Who can remove a red tag in Ontario?
Under O. Reg. 212/01, a red tag can be removed by a person holding a certificate for that purpose once the unsafe condition has been corrected. In practice, that is a licensed gas technician. The technician must complete the required repairs, verify the equipment is operating safely, and sign off on the clearance. Attempting to remove a red tag yourself or operating a Type A red-tagged appliance is illegal and extremely dangerous.
Will my red-tagged furnace definitely need to be replaced?
Not necessarily. Many red-tagged furnaces can be repaired rather than replaced particularly those tagged for issues like improper venting, a faulty gas valve, or a blocked flue. However, if your heat exchanger is cracked or the furnace is older than 20 years, replacement may be the safer and more cost-effective long-term solution. EcoFrost will always give you an honest assessment of repair vs. replace options.
Can I use my furnace while waiting for a red tag repair?
If you have a Type A red tag, no the gas supply will have been shut off and operating the furnace is illegal and dangerous. If you have a Type B red tag, you may be permitted to continue operating within the set deadline, but this depends on the specific hazard. Always follow the instructions of the licensed technician who issued the tag and contact us promptly to arrange a repair.
Does my home insurance cover red tag repairs?
Most standard home insurance policies in Ontario do not cover the cost of red tag repairs, as these are typically considered maintenance issues. However, some extended home warranty plans or equipment protection programs may include coverage. We recommend checking with your insurance provider. EcoFrost offers flexible financing options through Financeit to help cover unexpected repair costs.
Can I still use my furnace if it has a red tag in Ontario?
It depends on the type. A Type A red tag means your gas has been shut off immediately and you must not attempt to use or relight any appliances until the issue is repaired and cleared. A Type B red tag means your appliance is still running but must be fixed within the timeframe written on the tag. EcoFrost can assess your situation the same day and advise on the urgency. Call (416) 835-4775.
How long do I have to fix a red tag in Ontario?
A Type A red tag has no grace period. Your gas is disconnected immediately and must be repaired before Enbridge will reconnect. A Type B red tag gives you until the deadline written on the notice, which cannot exceed 90 days and is often much shorter. EcoFrost recommends clearing both types as quickly as possible for your family's safety and to restore full service.
Will Enbridge reconnect my gas after a red tag is cleared?
Yes. Once a licensed TSSA-certified technician completes the repair and issues a clearance certificate, Enbridge will restore your gas connection. EcoFrost handles the full clearance process and notifies Enbridge on your behalf. In most cases, reconnection happens the same day or the following day, so you are not without heat for long.
Furnace Red Tagged?
Do not wait in the cold. Call us now for same-day red tag removal service in Mississauga, Toronto, and Brampton.