Wall-Mounted Heat Pump: Why Your Installer MUST Be RBQ Certified (And How to Check)

RBQ Certification: A Legal Requirement and a Quality Guarantee for Your Wall-Mounted Heat Pump Installation in Québec

In a fast-growing market like wall-mounted heat pumps in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore, choosing your installer is just as important as choosing the equipment itself. At AirGreen, we stress one fundamental point: every installer must be RBQ certified (Régie du bâtiment du Québec). This isn’t just an administrative detail—it’s a legal requirement with serious implications for your safety, insurance, eligibility for grants, and most importantly, the reliability of your HVAC installation.

Understanding the RBQ Certification: What It Actually Means

The RBQ license is issued by a government authority that oversees construction and installation standards in Québec. It ensures that the company:

• Complies with the Québec Construction Code.

• Holds the mandatory liability insurance.

• Employs workers who are properly trained and certified.

• Is legally authorized to carry out 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 a Non-RBQ Certified Installer

Despite the legal requirement, some homeowners still turn to uncertified installers, often drawn by lower prices. However, the consequences can be severe:

• Denied grants: Hydro-Québec, Chauffez Vert, and LogisVert programs all require proof of RBQ certification before releasing funds.

• Insurance issues: In case of damage or malfunction, your insurer may refuse to cover losses if the installation wasn’t done by a licensed contractor.

• Non-compliant work: Poor sealing, faulty drainage, unsafe electrical connections… These are just some of the issues we frequently fix at AirGreen after “off-the-books” work.

• Fines and legal liability: According to the RBQ, homeowners are jointly liable if they hire an unlicensed contractor.

Real Example: Non-Compliant Installation in Saint-Eustache

A client in Saint-Eustache recently reached out to us after having a Gree Lomo 18,000 BTU wall-mounted heat pump installed by someone they found on social media. Within the first few weeks:

• The heat pump made excessive noise.

• The outdoor unit wasn’t level.

• The drainage was poor, causing a basement leak.

We completely redid the installation. The result: restored compliance, improved performance, and a successful LogisVert grant application after everything was corrected.

How to Check If an Installer Is RBQ Certified

It’s quick and public:

1. Go to the official RBQ website: https://www.rbq.gouv.qc.ca.

2. Click “Consult the license holder registry.”

3. Enter the company name or their RBQ number.

4. Verify that the license is valid and includes subcategories 15.9.3 or 15.10, which cover heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.

At AirGreen, our RBQ number is always clearly shown on our estimates, invoices, and service vehicles.

Why AirGreen Meets and Exceeds RBQ Standards

From the beginning, we’ve made it a point to follow all current regulations, because they protect both our clients and our reputation. But we go even further than the RBQ minimum:

• All our installers receive ongoing training on the latest CSA standards, CSA B52, and emerging technologies like R-32 and R-454B refrigerants.

• Our work is systematically inspected internally before handoff.

• We help every client obtain available grants by providing all required documentation.

• We ensure complete traceability of the HVAC installation, which is useful for property resale or future claims.

Installation of a Sharp ZU1 Wall-Mounted Heat Pump in Longueuil: A Model Example

A homeowner in Longueuil recently asked us to install a Sharp ZU1 12,000 BTU heat pump. He had previously been denied a grant because his old installation had been done without a license.

AirGreen’s process:

• Full compliance inspection of the existing setup.

• Safe removal of the old unit.

• New installation following RBQ standards, with a compliance certificate.

• Assistance with a new LogisVert grant application.

The client received a $1,704 subsidy and a 20% improvement in energy efficiency.

What a Certified RBQ Installer Really Guarantees You

Conclusion: A Proper Heat Pump Installation Starts with Legal and Certified Work

At AirGreen, we believe great equipment deserves flawless installation. And that starts with strict adherence to Québec’s building authority standards. Hiring an RBQ-certified installer protects your investment, your comfort, and your legal rights.

Before signing any contract, check the license. Ask the right questions. Demand transparency. At AirGreen, everything is clear from day one.