Québec is Going Green: What This Means for Residential and Commercial Air Conditioning
With the current energy transition, the HVAC sector in Québec is on the brink of a fundamental shift. The Québec government, in its effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, is imposing new environmental standards that directly impact air conditioning systems installed in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore. At AirGreen, we help our clients navigate this transition with environmentally responsible, efficient, and long-lasting solutions.
These new requirements go beyond just energy efficiency: they also restrict the use of certain refrigerants, promote ultra-high-performance equipment, and determine eligibility for provincial subsidies. In this article, we’ll break down exactly what these standards mean—and how we at AirGreen have already begun integrating them into our approach.
Stricter Regulations on Refrigerants: Goodbye R-410A
One of the most notable measures is the progressive phase-out of R-410A refrigerant, long used in wall-mounted and central air conditioning systems. This potent greenhouse gas is being replaced with low global warming potential (GWP) alternatives such as R-32 and R-454B.
Why these changes matter:
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R-410A has a GWP of 2088, making it highly harmful to the environment.
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R-32, now widely used in models like the Fujitsu KZAH or Sharp ZU1 units, has a GWP of 675—three times lower.
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R-454B, found in Bosch IDS Premium systems, boasts an even lower GWP of just 466.
AirGreen has positioned itself as a leader in Montréal and the South Shore in installing units compatible with these new refrigerants, thanks to strategic partnerships with reputable manufacturers such as Fujitsu, Bosch, and Sharp.
Québec’s New Energy Efficiency Requirements
The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MERN) now requires that all installed systems exceed a minimum SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) in order to qualify for programs like Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert program.
Concrete examples:
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18,000 BTU Gree Extreme wall-mounted heat pump, recently installed in Sainte-Julie, exceeds 20 SEER, making the client eligible for a $1,704 grant.
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Bosch BIVA R-454B system, installed in a duplex in Longueuil, exceeds 21 SEER, making it one of the most efficient central systems on the market.
These standards apply to both residential systems and commercial or multi-unit buildings, encouraging property owners to consider long-term eco-responsible solutions.
AirGreen Case Studies: Quickly Adapting to New Standards
Installation in Laval – Fujitsu KZAH 18,000 BTU with R-32
In a single-family home in Laval, our client wanted to replace an old central heat pump that used now-banned R-22 refrigerant. We recommended and installed a Fujitsu KZAH wall-mounted 18,000 BTU unit, powered by R-32 and certified Energy Star. This solution led to:
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a 30% reduction in electricity consumption,
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eligibility for a $1,704 subsidy,
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enhanced acoustic comfort thanks to ultra-quiet operation.
Project in Montréal – Full Replacement for a Condo with Bosch IDS Premium
A six-unit building in Montréal’s Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie neighbourhood required a full HVAC system upgrade to meet new environmental regulations. We installed two central Bosch BIVA R-454B units, allowing for:
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zoned control of heating and cooling,
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outstanding energy efficiency (21 SEER / 10 HSPF),
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eligibility for more than $8,000 in combined subsidies.
What You Need to Know Before Replacing Your Air Conditioning System
Check the age and refrigerant used:
If your system dates back before 2010, it may use a banned or inefficient refrigerant. A HVAC diagnostic from AirGreen will let you know whether your system needs replacement to comply with current standards.
Learn about available grants:
Québec’s new standards come with support programs like LogisVert, ÉcoPerformance, and green renovation tax credits. We help you prepare your file so you can benefit fully.
Choose a certified installer:
Compliance with the new standards also depends on the quality of the HVAC installation. Our certified technicians deliver flawless, fully government-compliant installations.
AirGreen: Your HVAC Ally in This New Eco-Era
As specialists in wall-mounted, central, and multisplit air conditioning, we’ve updated our product lines to feature the most advanced and environmentally friendly technologies. We offer:
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Products exclusively compatible with R-32 or R-454B,
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Free assessments to determine whether your current system meets standards,
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Professional installations across Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and South Shore.
What We Recommend to Our Clients
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Act now: subsidies are available, but processing times are getting longer.
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Prioritize energy-efficient equipment: it ensures better ROI and long-term durability.
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Trust certified experts like AirGreen to guide you through this transition.
In Summary
Québec’s new eco-friendly air conditioning standards aren’t just a technical update—they mark a major shift in how we manage building energy. With our expertise, our carefully curated range of modern equipment, and our deep knowledge of government programs, AirGreen is your ideal partner for this transition.
We take pride in helping our clients lower their carbon footprint while enjoying optimal thermal comfort, year-round.