Residential Heating Ventilation Contractors Association (RHVCA) was established September 4, 1968, when the Residential Sheet Metal Contractors Association was incorporated as a non-profit trade association, to represent member contractors in any matters pertaining to the residential sheet metal industry handling, erection, installation, dismantling, re­conditioning, adjustment, alteration, repairing, and servicing of sheet metal work, and of equipment such as controls, insulation, piping and refrigeration associated with ventilation, air conditioning. and warm air heating.

Members of the association employ unionized workers represented by SMART Local Union No. 285. The association’s mandate is to represent its members in any matters pertaining to the residential sheet metal contracting industry, and when necessary to negotiate on their behalf as may appear to be in the best interest of the industry; and to represent members in any matter pertain­ing to the building and construction industry.

The association is an accredited bargaining agent under the Labour Relations Act, permitted to negotiate on behalf of mem­bers in ways that reflect the best interests of residential sheet metal contracting industry. It also represents members of the association in matters pertaining to the building and construction industry in its accredited areas in the Province of Ontario.

By hiring RHVCA members, builders are assured they are getting professionals with the proper training, certification, and expertise in designing and in­stalling systems.

Member contractors involved in the high rise sector are governed by engineered mechanical drawings and specifications. They must ensure that systems they install will perform in accordance with the design criteria. They work alongside other trades and co-ordinate their installation to ensure the components fit in the allowed mechanical space.

RHVCA members are governed by the Ontario Building Code, local municipal bylaws. Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA), Tarion, the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association (SMACNA), and the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).