As a third-generation sheet metal worker and one of the original mechanical contractors to specialize in Step Code mechanical systems, Joel Patan of Patan Heating and Air Ltd. has made it his mission to be a leader in high-performance and net-zero technologies.
For his efforts, Joel is being recognized as a Top 40 recipient for his innovative and educational contributions to the HVAC industry.
Growing up, Joel was inspired by his grandfather’s and father’s dedication to the trade.
The company he owns and operates today is a continuation of his father’s legacy and proudly named after his father’s old company. Patan Heating and Air’s logo is a tribute to his grandfather’s spirit animal, bestowed by the Inuit during his work in the Northwest Territories.
Starting his career as a sheet metal worker, Joel earned his Red Seal certification, followed by becoming one of Alberta’s first Red Seal certified gas fitters.
He expanded his expertise by gaining certification in sustainable construction, and completed the Certified Energy Advising program as well as becoming a level 1 building inspector with the Building Officials Association of B.C.
As the director of HVAC for Vision Mechanical, he was able to make an impact in the local sustainable building community.
It was that experience which ultimately led Joel to achieving his life-long dream of continuing his family’s legacy in Patan Heating and Air Ltd.
His approach is to focus on his clients’ needs rather than traditional sales tactics, meaning that he works with them on their energy-efficient goals, personal design goals, and any medical conditions or allergies rather than telling the customer what they need without first identifying what they want.
Joel is also an educator and a speaker with the Canadian Home Builders Association – Central Okanagan.
He also discusses mechanical design on international podcasts like Net-Zero 2 Hero as well as being involved in high profile projects like the Eh-Frame which was a net-zero/passive house that was documented in partnership with HGTV.
But one of Joel’s most exciting projects is his development of a zero-leakage exhaust hood – a design that hasn’t been modified since it was originally created.
His project is currently in the patent stage and is poised to revolutionize the HVAC industry when building energy-efficient homes.
Joel is passionate about his family’s history, environmental sustainability, sharing knowledge with others, and being a leader not just in Penticton, but in his trade.
