Businesses located in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore or South Shore face a crucial question when it comes to upgrading or installing a commercial heating system: should they choose a heat pump or a natural gas system? At AirGreen, we work daily with property managers, small business owners, institutions, and commercial spaces as they navigate their energy transition. Thanks to our expertise in commercial HVAC, we offer an objective analysis of both options to guide each client toward the best decision based on their actual needs.
A strategic decision for today’s businesses
With rising energy costs, new environmental regulations, and a growing drive to reduce the carbon footprint of commercial buildings, the choice between a heat pump and a natural gas system is no longer just about performance—it’s a matter of energy strategy.
Each technology comes with its benefits, limitations, and specific use cases. Our role at AirGreen is to provide concrete, tailored insights so that this decision is informed and profitable over the long term.
Commercial heat pumps: electric technology with high efficiency
How it works and key benefits
A commercial heat pump captures heat from the outdoor air and transfers it inside—and can do the reverse in cooling mode. This technology is fully electric and therefore produces no combustion, making it an ideal solution for businesses focused on sustainability and indoor air quality.
Here are some of the key advantages:
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High energy efficiency (up to 400%): for every 1 kWh of electricity consumed, a heat pump can generate up to 4 kWh of heat.
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Available grants: multiple financial incentives like Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert program are offered for those switching to electric systems.
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Dual function: one device provides both heating and cooling.
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Less maintenance: no combustion means no chimney and no carbon monoxide monitoring.
Reliable brands we install
At AirGreen, we install several robust and proven models for commercial buildings:
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Fujitsu AIRSTAGE VRF
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Bosch BOVA 2.0 Commercial Series
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Gree Versati IV – air-to-water heat pumps
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Goodman commercial rooftop units
These systems are designed for various surface areas, from 2,000 sq. ft. offices to 25,000 sq. ft. warehouses, with 24,000 to 120,000 BTU capacities and very high seasonal performance ratings (SEER and HSPF).
Natural gas heating systems: consistent performance, but at what cost?
Advantages of natural gas
Natural gas heating remains popular in commercial settings due to its fast, powerful heating capacity, especially in industrial buildings or poorly insulated warehouses. Key advantages include:
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Instant power: natural gas provides quick and intense heat.
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Reliable in extreme cold: performance is unaffected by frigid temperatures.
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Often longer lifespan: with proper maintenance, gas systems can last 20–25 years.
But also several drawbacks
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Greenhouse gas emissions: natural gas is a fossil fuel.
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Rising energy costs: unlike electricity in Québec, gas prices fluctuate more significantly.
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Mandatory maintenance: annual checkups, burner cleanings, and carbon monoxide safety verifications are required.
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Limited grants: most current programs are aimed at phasing out gas heating.
Technical comparison: heat pump vs. natural gas
| Criteria | Commercial Heat Pump | Natural Gas System |
|---|---|---|
| Energy source | Electricity (renewable in Québec) | Natural gas (fossil fuel) |
| Energy efficiency (COP) | 3.0 to 4.5 | Around 0.90 to 0.95 |
| GHG emissions | None | High |
| Operating cost | Very low in Québec | Variable and often higher |
| Available grants | Yes (up to $5,000 or more) | None or very limited |
| Reversible function | Heating + cooling | Heating only |
| Maintenance | Minimal | Frequent and technical |
| Performance at -25°C | Strong with proper models (Gree, Fujitsu) | Excellent |
Real example of a commercial installation in Laval
A 4,500 sq. ft. medical centre in Laval recently contacted us to replace an aging gas system. The client was hesitant to switch to electric due to harsh winters. After a full thermal analysis, we installed a Fujitsu AIRSTAGE VR-II system, model J-IV, with 3 wall-mounted indoor units and 2 ceiling cassettes.
Results after 3 winter months:
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38% reduction in energy costs
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Increased comfort throughout all zones, with better thermostat zone control
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$4,200 LogisVert grant obtained
The full installation was completed in 4 business days with no disruption to patient services.
When is natural gas still a viable choice?
Some configurations still make natural gas relevant:
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Very poorly insulated, large-volume buildings (over 30,000 sq. ft.)
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Spaces with highly variable thermal loads (factories, greenhouses)
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Sites with insufficient electrical capacity (non-compliant panels)
In such cases, we sometimes recommend hybrid systems, combining a heat pump with a gas backup heater to optimize costs and performance.
Our recommendations by building type
For offices, retail stores, and institutions:
Heat pump without hesitation. Comfort, efficiency, grants.
For warehouses and industrial buildings:
Thermal analysis required. In 70% of cases, a high-performance heat pump is sufficient.
For off-grid buildings or those with high thermal demands:
Hybrid system recommended, pending a future electrical upgrade.
Why choose AirGreen for your commercial HVAC conversion?
At AirGreen, we don’t just sell machines—we provide tailored strategic solutions. Our building mechanics engineers, certified installers, and technical advisors work hand in hand to guarantee performance, compliance, and ROI.
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Over 250 successful commercial projects completed
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Experts in LogisVert and Transition Énergétique grants
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Full network of commercial HVAC service technicians for long-term maintenance
Conclusion: think long-term
Replacing or installing a commercial heating system is a decision with long-term financial, environmental, and operational implications. Our job is to help you make the best choice, based on your priorities and realities.
Contact us for a free evaluation of your building and a 10-year comparative simulation.
