A necessary shift towards greater energy efficiency and stronger environmental responsibility
In 2025, a major transformation is taking place in the world of commercial air conditioning in Montréal, as well as in surrounding areas like Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore. This shift is largely driven by the adoption of the next-generation refrigerant R-32, which is steadily replacing older refrigerants like R-410A. At AirGreen, we’re seeing growing demand for commercial air conditioning solutions that are not only more eco-friendly and efficient, but also more cost-effective in the long run.
Why is R-32 a game changer for commercial air conditioning?
A direct response to environmental challenges
R-32 has a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 675—nearly 70% lower than R-410A, which has a GWP of 2088. In a regulatory context that’s becoming increasingly strict across Québec and Canada, businesses of all sizes are looking for HVAC systems that comply with new standards while reinforcing their commitment to environmental sustainability. Embracing R-32 is part of a larger strategy to reduce carbon footprints and build greener operations.
Improved energy efficiency
Systems that use R-32 are designed to deliver higher seasonal energy efficiency (SEER and SCOP ratings). Thanks to its superior thermodynamic properties, R-32 allows commercial air conditioning units to consume less electricity while maintaining—or even exceeding—previous cooling performance. This translates into substantial savings on energy bills, especially for businesses running air conditioning systems continuously during hot months.
Easier HVAC maintenance
Since R-32 is a pure refrigerant (not a blend), it’s easier to recycle, recharge, and manage during HVAC maintenance. This reduces handling errors and simplifies service calls, which is a major advantage for commercial property managers looking for reliability and long-term performance.
Real R-32 installation examples by AirGreen in Greater Montréal
A neighborhood pharmacy in Laval: greener cooling with boosted performance
In January 2025, our team installed a Daikin R-32 commercial air conditioning system in a Laval-based pharmacy. The owner wanted to replace an outdated R-22 system that was inefficient and no longer compliant with today’s standards. We recommended a Daikin SkyAir R-32 model with 36,000 BTU, ideally suited for the shop’s floor space.
Challenge: Maintain consistent indoor comfort while cutting down on energy use during the pharmacy’s 12–16 hour daily operation window.
AirGreen’s Solution: A wall-mounted unit with optimized airflow, smart scheduling, motion detection, and an integrated outdoor sensor. The result: a 28% drop in monthly energy consumption compared to the previous setup.
An artisanal bakery in Longueuil: high performance under thermal constraints
In a Longueuil bakery, our technicians installed a Fujitsu KRL-R32 system rated at 24,000 BTU, designed to counter high thermal loads generated by industrial ovens. Despite ambient temperatures exceeding 35°C in the kitchen, the R-32 system maintained optimal comfort for both staff and customers.
Challenge: Effective temperature control in a hot, humid, and crowded environment.
AirGreen’s Solution: A dual-flow ventilation system with heat recovery paired with direct high-pressure cooling. The system proved very stable and efficient even under extreme conditions.
Grant programs available for R-32 commercial air conditioning
In 2025, several grant and incentive programs are available to encourage businesses across Québec to adopt low-impact, eco-friendly systems:
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Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert: While mainly targeted at residential properties, some eligible small businesses may qualify for financial aid if the HVAC installation significantly reduces energy consumption.
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ÉcoPerformance Program: A government-funded program supporting companies that invest in energy-efficient HVAC systems. R-32-based systems can qualify for funding under certain project conditions.
We support our clients through every step of the grant application process, providing the necessary technical documentation and ensuring project compliance.
Practical tips for choosing the right R-32 system
Assess the compatibility of your commercial space
Before any installation, we carry out a comprehensive HVAC assessment of your premises: building orientation, ceiling height, specific business operations, customer traffic patterns… All these factors are critical in selecting the right model and BTU capacity tailored to your real needs.
Stick to reputable brands
We prioritize top-tier brands like Daikin, Fujitsu, Mitsubishi Electric, and Gree, all of which offer a full range of R-32 commercial air conditioning units certified to CSA and Energy Star standards.
Plan regular maintenance from day one
Scheduling HVAC maintenance right from the start ensures your equipment lasts longer and performs optimally. We offer custom maintenance plans with annual or semi-annual checkups—ideal for businesses with specific needs (restaurants, healthcare, etc.).
Why Montréal business owners trust AirGreen
For over ten years, AirGreen has stood out through its local expertise, transparency, and custom approach. Our certified technicians are trained in the latest R-32 technologies and equipped to respond quickly across Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore.
Our services include:
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On-site technical evaluations at no charge.
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Tailor-made HVAC design suited to your commercial space.
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Fast, professional installation compliant with safety codes.
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Responsive after-sales service and thorough follow-up.
In summary: a strategic, long-term decision
Choosing a commercial R-32 air conditioning system in 2025 isn’t just a technical upgrade. It’s a strategic business move that reflects a company’s dedication to performance, sustainability, and customer comfort. At AirGreen, we’re committed to guiding our clients through this transition with professionalism, reliability, and long-term value.