Home » Air Conditioning Service | Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, South Shore and North Shore » Why Could Your Air Conditioner Be Banned in Montréal by 2030?
Pourquoi votre climatiseur pourrait-il être interdit à Montréal d’ici 2030 ?
Reading time: 5'

Why Could Your Air Conditioner Be Banned in Montréal by 2030?

What Refrigerant Regulations Really Mean for Residential and Commercial Air Conditioners

The city of Montréal could soon see certain types of air conditioners disappear from residential and commercial buildings. The reason? Increasingly strict environmental regulations, particularly regarding the refrigerant gases used in HVAC systems (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning). As field experts, at AirGreen, we’re already witnessing the impact of this transition on installations, repairs, and customer choices. This is no longer a distant scenario: several popular models may quite simply be banned by 2030.

Why Are Some Air Conditioners Targeted by These New Laws?

For several years now, Canada and Québec have been adopting ambitious climate policies. Among them, the gradual reduction of high global warming potential gases—particularly HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons)—has become a top priority. These gases, found in many traditional air conditioners, are major contributors to climate change.

Air conditioners that use refrigerants like R-410A or R-22, still widely in use just a few years ago, are now in the government’s crosshairs. Their environmental impact is considered too high, and they’re being replaced by units using next-generation refrigerants like R-32 or R-454B, which are already becoming standard in the industry.

What Does This Actually Mean for Montréal Residents?

For homeowners or condo owners in Montréal, this means that a wall-mounted air conditioner or a heat pump installed before 2020 could soon become obsolete or non-compliant. Even though the ban won’t be immediate, the consequences can be significant:

  • Gradual ban on repairs: Parts for older models are becoming increasingly rare, and some refrigerants will be banned from sale.

  • End of subsidies for polluting models: Only equipment certified with low global warming potential refrigerants will be eligible for programs like Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert subsidy.

  • Mandatory replacement in the case of resale or major renovations: Several municipalities are considering restricting permits for outdated systems in renovation projects.

Real AirGreen Installations That Meet Future Standards

At AirGreen, we’ve been anticipating this shift for several years. Here are two real examples of recent installations in Montréal that fully comply with future standards:

Example 1: Installation of a FUJITSU KZAH 18,000 BTU wall-mounted heat pump using R-32 refrigerant in a single-family home in Plateau-Mont-Royal. This system replaced an old R-22 unit that was over 15 years old. The result: improved energy performance, greater comfort, and eligibility for a $1,704 LogisVert rebate.

Example 2: Replacement of an outdated central system using R-410A with a Bosch BOVA R-454B 3-Ton central heat pump in a home in Rosemont. This installation was designed to reduce the carbon footprint while providing a reliable year-round heating and cooling solution adapted to our climate.

Which Equipment Is on Track to Be Banned?

Air conditioners and heat pumps containing:

  • R-22: Already banned for refills in Canada since 2020. Typically found in systems installed before 2010.

  • R-410A: In gradual phase-out. Will no longer be allowed in new systems by 2030 according to forecasts from Natural Resources Canada.

  • High-energy consumption units: Often lacking inverter technology, noisy, and offering poor energy efficiency.

These models represent a clear risk for homeowners: high maintenance costs, unavailable parts, and difficulty selling the property with outdated HVAC systems in the medium term.

What Are the Available Alternatives Right Now?

Thankfully, many technologies are already ready to take over:

  • R-32: Used in modern wall-mounted units like the Fujitsu Aquila and Gree Charmo. Less polluting, more thermally efficient.

  • R-454B: Found in central systems like Bosch IDS Premium and Midea EVOX. A solid replacement for R-410A.

  • Inverter Technology: Real-time power modulation for superior energy efficiency.

These systems are quieter, more efficient, eligible for subsidies, and future-proof for 2030 regulations.

What Can You Do Today to Avoid a Bad Surprise?

If you have an air conditioner installed between 2008 and 2018, here are some tips to avoid being caught off guard by regulatory changes:

  1. Request a professional HVAC inspection: At AirGreen, we offer free evaluations in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore and South Shore to determine if your system is affected.

  2. Check the type of refrigerant used: You can find this information on the rating plate of your outdoor unit.

  3. Evaluate maintenance costs versus replacement: Sometimes, replacing an aging air conditioner is cheaper in the medium term than artificially extending its life.

  4. Take advantage of subsidies while they’re still available: The updated 2025 LogisVert program can cover up to 30% of the total cost of your new installation.

Why Contact AirGreen Now?

Because we’re not just installers: we are your strategic partners for comfort, budget, and the long-term value of your property. Our team knows the upcoming regulations inside and out, and our recommendations are based on dozens of real-world installations throughout Montréal and surrounding areas.

Every project we manage takes into account:

  • Tomorrow’s environmental standards.

  • The subsidies currently available in your area.

  • Your specific residential configuration.

  • And above all, your long-term comfort.

Leave a comment