RBQ certification: a legal requirement and a quality guarantee for the installation of your wall-mounted heat pump in Quebec
In a growing market like that of wall-mounted heat pumps in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore and South Shore, choosing the installer is as crucial as choosing the equipment. At AirGreen, we emphasize a fundamental point: every installer must be RBQ certified (Régie du bâtiment du Québec). This is not just an administrative detail but a legal obligation with significant consequences for safety, insurance, grants, and above all, the reliability of your HVAC installation.
Understanding RBQ certification: what it really means
The RBQ license is issued by a government body that regulates construction and installation standards in Quebec. It guarantees that the company:
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Complies with the Quebec Building Code.
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Holds the mandatory liability insurance.
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Employs competent and trained workers according to current standards.
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Legally authorized to perform residential or commercial HVAC work.
Installing a wall-mounted heat pump without this license exposes the client to legal, financial, and even structural risks.
What you risk with an uncertified RBQ installer
Despite the legal obligation, many individuals still turn to uncertified installers, often attracted by lower prices. However, the consequences can be severe:
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Grants Denied: Hydro-Québec, Chauffez Vert, and the LogisVert programs require proof of RBQ certification to unlock assistance.
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Insurance Issues: in case of damage or failure, your insurer may refuse to cover the damages if the installation was not carried out by a licensed contractor.
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Non-compliant work: poor sealing, deficient drainage, unsecured electrical connections… all defects we frequently correct at AirGreen after “wild” interventions.
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Fines and legal actions: according to the RBQ, the owner is co-responsible if they hire an unlicensed contractor.
Real example: non-compliant installation in Saint-Eustache
A client from Saint-Eustache recently contacted us after having a Gree Lomo 18,000 BTU wall-mounted heat pump installed by an installer found on social media. From the first weeks:
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The heat pump was producing excessive noise.
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The outdoor unit was not leveled.
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The drain was draining poorly, causing a basement leak.
We completely redid the installation. Result: compliance restored, performance improved, and file accepted for the LogisVert program after regularization.
How to verify if an installer is properly RBQ certified?
The process is simple and public:
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Go to the official RBQ website: https://www.rbq.gouv.qc.ca.
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Click on “Consult the license holders register.”
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Enter the company name or its RBQ number.
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Check that the license is valid and covers the subcategories 15.9.3 or 15.10, related to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.
At AirGreen, our RBQ number is always clearly displayed on our quotes, invoices, and vehicles.
Why AirGreen complies with and exceeds RBQ standards
Since our beginnings, we have made it a point of honor to comply with all current regulations, as they protect both our clients and our reputation. We even go beyond the RBQ requirements:
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All our installers are continuously trained on the latest CSA standards, CSA B52, and new technologies such as R-32 and R-454B refrigerants.
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Our work is systematically inspected internally before delivery to the client.
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We assist each client in obtaining subsidies, providing all required documents.
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We ensure complete traceability of the HVAC installation, useful in case of property resale or future claims.
Installation of a Sharp ZU1 wall-mounted heat pump in Longueuil: the example to follow
A Longueuil homeowner recently hired us to install a Sharp ZU1 12,000 BTU heat pump. He had previously been denied a subsidy because his old installation was done without a license.
AirGreen process:
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Complete evaluation of initial compliance.
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Safe removal of the old unit.
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New installation according to RBQ standards, with certificate of conformity.
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Assistance in submitting a new LogisVert application.
The customer received $1,704 in subsidies and a 20% improvement in energy performance.
What a certified RBQ installer concretely guarantees you
| Advantage | Real impact for the customer |
|---|---|
| Compliance with standards | Safety, reliability, heat pump performance |
| Access to subsidies | LogisVert, Chauffez Vert, Hydro-Québec |
| Valid insurance coverage | Protection in case of damage or defect |
| Recourse in case of dispute | You have a legal recourse if a problem arises |
| Installation warranty | Compliance with the minimum durations imposed by the RBQ |
Conclusion: a well-installed heat pump is first and foremost a legal and certified installation
At AirGreen, we believe that good equipment deserves flawless installation. And it starts with strict compliance with the Quebec Building Code standards. Hiring a certified RBQ installer means protecting your investment, your comfort, and your rights.
Before signing a contract, check the license. Ask the right questions. And demand transparency. At AirGreen, everything is clear from the start.
