Quebec businesses today must adapt to increasingly stringent environmental standards, particularly in the area of commercial air conditioning. At AirGreen, we see every day how crucial it is for our clients to be fully informed about these regulatory changes, ensuring their compliance while benefiting from efficient and eco-friendly HVAC installations. In this article, you will find everything you need to know to ensure your commercial air conditioning installations are compliant in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore.
New Environmental Standards for Commercial Air Conditioning in Quebec
For several years, Quebec has increased its commitment to a greener and more sustainable economy. The new environmental regulations, particularly the Environment Quality Act (EQA), specifically target commercial air conditioning installations, imposing stricter standards regarding refrigerants, energy efficiency, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Which Refrigerants are Affected?
Quebec has progressively banned refrigerants with a high Global Warming Potential (GWP), such as R-22 and R-410A, commonly used in older commercial air conditioning systems. Today, the use of more environmentally friendly refrigerants such as R-32, R-454b, and other low-impact gases is strongly encouraged, often mandatory.
These refrigerants not only provide better energy performance but also significantly reduce the environmental impact of your HVAC systems. For example, R-32 has a Global Warming Potential three times lower than R-410A while ensuring better thermal efficiency.
Importance of Energy Efficiency Under the New Regulations
Quebec’s environmental regulations now impose minimum energy efficiency standards for commercial air conditioning systems. Indeed, devices must meet high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratios (SEER), enabling businesses to save on energy costs while reducing their carbon footprint.
For instance, a commercial heat pump such as the Bosch BIVA IDS Premium R-454b achieves a SEER above 20, an exceptional performance that can result in energy savings of up to 40% compared to older systems.
How to Check if Your HVAC Installation is Compliant?
To determine whether your current installation is compliant, several key elements need verification:
1. Type of Refrigerant Used
If your system still uses refrigerants like R-22 or R-410A, it's time to consider an upgrade. Not only are these refrigerants gradually becoming illegal, but their continued use also leads to higher maintenance and refill costs as their availability declines in the market.
2. Equipment Energy Performance
Energy efficiency is at the heart of the new regulations. Your equipment must meet or exceed the performance thresholds required by Quebec regulations. Always verify the SEER, HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor), and certifications such as Energy Star, which are often required or highly recommended.
3. Mandatory Regular Maintenance
Quebec legislation now mandates regular maintenance of commercial HVAC systems, including checking for potential refrigerant leaks. Regular maintenance prevents technical failures, optimizes energy performance, and ensures your ongoing compliance.
Real-World Examples of AirGreen Interventions Ensuring Environmental Compliance
At AirGreen, we frequently assist numerous businesses in the Montreal region to ensure their commercial air conditioning systems comply with environmental standards. Here are some recent examples of successfully completed projects:
Replacement of an Obsolete Central Unit in Laval
We recently upgraded an outdated installation in Laval. The old R-410A system was replaced by a Bosch BIVA IDS Premium R-454b unit, offering significantly improved energy efficiency. This change allowed our client to realize substantial savings on their electricity bills while fully complying with new regulatory requirements.
Bringing a Commercial Installation in Longueuil Up to Environmental Standards
In Longueuil, we assisted a company that used an old R-22 air conditioning system. By installing a Fujitsu KZAH R-32 wall-mounted heat pump, this business now benefits from a high-performance, reliable system fully compliant with Quebec’s new regulations. Additionally, this installation was eligible for a provincial grant, significantly offsetting initial costs.
Practical Advice to Ensure Your Compliance
Here are some practical recommendations we offer to our commercial clients to facilitate their compliance with environmental standards:
-
Regularly audit your HVAC installations by qualified professionals like AirGreen to identify non-compliant elements or those needing urgent upgrades.
-
Plan a progressive transition to equipment using low-GWP refrigerants before new prohibitions strictly come into force.
-
Fully utilize available government grants and programs in Quebec for commercial energy renovations.
Conclusion: Are You Prepared for the New Environmental Requirements?
Quebec businesses are now subject to strict and detailed environmental regulations regarding commercial air conditioning. At AirGreen, we specialize in helping our clients achieve compliance while optimizing their installations for greater energy efficiency and minimal environmental impact.
Whether you’re located in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, or the South Shore, contact us today for a comprehensive diagnostic of your commercial air conditioning system, and benefit from tailored, efficient solutions fully compliant with Quebec’s latest environmental requirements.