Commercial HVAC consulting: clear advice before you invest in your building
AirGreen advises businesses across Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore. With our trade knowledge, our measuring tools and our care for clients, we survey your equipment, check what regulations require and price your options. Your HVAC system becomes efficient, reliable and suited to your building.
What good HVAC advice changes in a commercial building
HVAC consulting brings three things: professional advice, an assessment of your systems and tailored solutions. The result shows up in six areas, from efficiency to compliance.
Efficiency
The right unit, at the right capacity, in the right place.
Rate G: 9.534¢/kWh beyond 15,090 kWh a monthPerformance
Zones that hold their setpoint, even at peak hours.
RSST: 20 °C for light work (Schedule IV)Lifespan
Planned maintenance pushes replacement back.
ASHRAE: 15 years for a rooftop unitOperating costs
Fewer kWh and fewer emergency calls.
Heat pump: 1 kWh paid delivers more than 1 kWh of heatRisks
Leaks, shutdowns and losses caught before they cost you.
Leak: recovery within 48 hours at 20 kW and moreCompliance
Every obligation dated, every logbook current.
6 rules cited with their sectionFour services for peak performance and long-term durability
Tap a service to see what we do, what you receive and the rule behind it.
HVAC system assessment and advice
Our team thoroughly examines your building and HVAC system, identifies areas of concern and advises you on optimizing system performance and longevity.
Benchmark: mechanical ventilation inspected and adjusted at least once a year (RSST, s. 104).
What we do
- Survey of every unit: nameplate, capacity, refrigerant, year
- Temperature and humidity readings zone by zone
- Comparison with ASHRAE median service lives
What you receive
- A prioritized list of issues
- Photos of nameplates and readings
Custom HVAC system design consulting
We work with you to understand your needs and challenges, then propose a tailored design aimed at efficiency, reliability and adaptability.
Benchmark: outside Part 9 buildings, mechanical system drawings are signed by an engineer (Engineers Act, s. 3).
What we do
- Needs analysis by zone and building constraints
- Selection of equipment, capacities and locations
- Coordination with the engineer when sealed drawings are required
What you receive
- Priced options with equipment and prices
- Spec sheets for the engineer
Upgrade and retrofit consulting
To improve performance and energy efficiency, we guide you in choosing the most suitable high-efficiency components and the most effective retrofit solutions.
Benchmark: since January 1, 2025, a new chiller in Canada uses an HFC with a GWP of 750 or less.
What we do
- Replacing end-of-life or HCFC-22 equipment
- Heat pumps, VRF and heat recovery
- Energy cost at your applicable rate
What you receive
- Repair, upgrade or replace scenarios
- Solutions efficaces incentive leads
Regulatory compliance consulting
We guide you on the regulations and standards in force so your HVAC system stays compliant, safe and efficient.
Benchmark: units of 20 kW or more need a leak test at least once a year (Q-2, r. 29, s. 22).
What we do
- Halocarbons: leak tests, labels, logbook
- Workplace ventilation and temperature (RSST)
- Large-building energy reporting in Montréal
What you receive
- A 12-month compliance calendar
- A logbook that meets section 59
Eight answers, and you know where your building stands
Each answer updates the report. Nothing is sent: the report stays on your screen until you copy it. Pre-filled example: change it
What we inspect, part by part
Tap a number on the drawing to see what we check, the median service life and the rule that applies.
- Median life
- Rule
Schematic drawing of a two-storey commercial building. ASHRAE median lives.
Every building is unique: here is how we work with you
We take the time to understand your needs, expectations and constraints, from the first consultation to post-service follow-up. Tap a step.
What we do
- We note the building type, floor area and known equipment.
- We flag the likely obligations.
- We book the visit.
What you receive
- A visit date.
- The list of useful documents.
To prepare
- The address and access.
- The name of the on-site contact.
What we do
- Survey of every unit: nameplate, capacity, refrigerant, year.
- Temperature and humidity readings zone by zone.
- Inspection of ducts, filters and air intakes.
What you receive
- Photos of nameplates and readings.
To prepare
- Access to the roof and mechanical rooms.
- The halocarbon logbook, if any.
What we do
- Comparison with ASHRAE median service life.
- Check of obligations: Q-2, r. 29, RSST, by-law 21-042.
- Energy cost at the applicable rate.
What you receive
- A prioritized list of issues.
To prepare
- The last 12 months of electricity bills.
What we do
- Priced options: repair, upgrade or replace.
- Hydro-Québec Solutions efficaces incentive leads.
- Coordination with the engineer when drawings are required.
What you receive
- The full report.
- The final offer, before any work.
To prepare
- Your constraints: budget, schedule, tenants.
What we do
- Installation by our crews (RBQ 15.8, 15.10, 16).
- Leak tests and an up-to-date logbook.
- A 12-month maintenance plan.
What you receive
- A maintenance calendar.
- A logbook that meets section 59.
To prepare
- A contact person for access.
Your equipment, its deadlines and its replacement plan
Edit the rows or add your own: alerts, a 12-month calendar and a multi-year plan update on their own. Nothing is sent. Three example rows
| Equipment | Year | Capacity (kW) | Refrigerant | Last leak test | Status | Remove |
|---|
The years left on your equipment, according to ASHRAE
Slide the install year: each bar shows how much of the median service life is used up. Half of all units outlast the median: it is a budgeting benchmark, not an end date.
| Equipment | Median life (years) |
|---|---|
| Rooftop unit (single zone) | 15 |
| Commercial air-to-air heat pump | 15 |
| Water-to-air heat pump | 19 |
| Through-the-wall unit (PTAC) | 15 |
| Water-cooled packaged unit | 15 |
| Reciprocating chiller | 20 |
| Centrifugal chiller | 23 |
| Cooling tower (galvanized) | 20 |
| Air-cooled condenser | 20 |
| Roof-mounted ventilator | 20 |
| VAV boxes | 20 |
| Electric unit heater | 13 |
| Electric motors | 18 |
| Electronic controls | 15 |
| Diffusers and grilles | 27 |
| Ductwork | 30 |
| VRF system | assessed on site |
Median service lives published by ASHRAE. VRF systems are not listed: we assess them on site.
Where your refrigerant stands against Canada's caps
Global warming potential (GWP) decides which new equipment can still be made or imported. Pick your refrigerant.
GWP computed from SOR/2016-137 (HFC-32: 675; HFC-125: 3,500) and ANSI/ASHRAE 34 compositions. HFO-1234yf adds almost nothing.
What your electric heating costs, and what a heat pump would change
Enter last winter's heating from your bills. The math uses Hydro-Québec Rate G as of April 1, 2026.
| Rate G · April 1, 2026 | Price |
|---|---|
| Energy, first 15,090 kWh of the month | 12.388¢/kWh |
| Energy, beyond | 9.534¢/kWh |
| Demand above 50 kW | $22.071/kW |
| Network access charge | $15.426/month |
Taxes extra. Demand and access charges are not included in the savings.
Six rules that apply to a commercial building in Québec
Each rule is cited with its section and the date of the version consulted. The timeline shows what changed and what is coming.
| Rule | What it requires | Who | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Halocarbons | Leak test at least once a year, no more than 15 months apart, at 20 kW and more and for chillers; leaks stopped without delay; label; logbook kept 5 years. | Owner; work by a certified person | Q-2, r. 29, s. 11, 17.1, 22, 43-44, 59-60 · current to June 1, 2026 |
| HFC and HCFC refrigerants | New chillers: GWP 750 or less since January 1, 2025. Centralized systems and condensing units: 2,200. HCFC: 5% of the 2019 allowance, 2020 to 2029. | Manufacturers and importers; owners for supply | SOR/2016-137, Sch. 1.1 and s. 55 · current to September 21, 2026 |
| CFC or HCFC equipment | Installing equipment designed for a CFC or HCFC is prohibited. CFC equipment: may not be operated since October 16, 2020. | Owner and contractor | Q-2, r. 29, s. 19 and 20 |
| Workplace ventilation and temperature | Mechanical ventilation inspected and adjusted at least once a year; capture at source; suitable temperature (e.g. 20 °C light work, 12 °C heavy work). | Employer | RSST, S-2.1, r. 13, s. 102, 104, 107-108, 116 and Sch. IV |
| Large-building energy (Montréal) | 2,000 m² or more, or 25 units or more: monthly data for the previous year reported by June 30 through ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager. | Owner | By-law 21-042 · page updated September 8, 2026 |
| Sealed drawings | Mechanical, thermal and electrical building systems: reserved to engineers, except non-industrial Part 9 buildings. | Engineer | Engineers Act, s. 3 · 2020 reform |
GWP caps in commercial refrigeration
Centralized systems and condensing units: 2,200; stand-alone units: 1,400 medium temperature, 1,500 low temperature.
HCFC-22 rationed
The HCFC allowance for refrigeration is set at 5% of 2019.
End of CFC equipment in Québec
Operating CFC refrigeration or air-conditioning equipment is prohibited.
Engineers Act modernized
Building mechanical systems reserved to engineers, outside Part 9.
Montréal adopts by-law 21-042
Annual energy reporting for large buildings.
Chillers: GWP 750
Cap for every chiller made in or imported into Canada.
New Hydro-Québec rates
Rate G: 12.388¢ and 9.534¢/kWh; $22.071 per kW above 50 kW.
Next Montréal GHG report
Montréal performance thresholds
Planned under the 2020-2030 Climate Plan, with a roadmap to zero-emission buildings by 2040.
One point of contact, even when three trades are involved
AirGreen holds RBQ subclasses 15.8 Ventilation, 15.10 Refrigeration and 16 Electrical. Tap a task to see who does it and why.
| Task | AirGreen | Engineer | Owner or manager | Licensed partner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment and nameplate survey | · | · | ||
| Priced options: repair, upgrade, replace | · | |||
| Sealed drawings and specs | · | |||
| Heat pumps, air conditioning, VRF and refrigeration | · | · | · | |
| Ventilation and air exchangers | · | · | · | |
| Equipment electrical connections | · | · | · | |
| Natural gas, boilers, hot-water heating | · | · | ||
| Leak tests and halocarbon logbook | · | · | ||
| Montréal GHG report | · | · | ||
| Solutions efficaces incentive application | · | · |
Filled circle: responsible · open circle: contributes.
Tap a row in the table.
Why businesses in the region trust us with their HVAC consulting
Choosing the right adviser matters for the comfort, efficiency, operating costs and compliance of your commercial space.
Expertise and experience
Long trade experience and deep knowledge, applied to your unique challenges and needs.
- RBQ licence 5645-9605-01: 15.8, 15.10 and 16
- Professional refrigeration technicians, from installation to after-sales service
- Environmental qualification certificate required to handle halocarbons
Customer-centric approach
Customer satisfaction is at the heart of our work, from the first consultation to post-service follow-up.
- Free on-site estimate
- Final offer before work starts: no surprises
- One point of contact, even with the engineer or a partner
Sustainable solutions
Committed to a greener future, we offer solutions that improve performance while promoting energy efficiency and sustainability.
- Heat pumps and heat recovery
- Lower-GWP refrigerants
- Solutions efficaces incentive leads
Serving businesses across Greater Montréal
AirGreen offers complete, reliable and customized commercial HVAC solutions in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore. Our office is in Montréal; our showroom is in Boucherville.
Every building type has its weak spots
Pick yours: see what we look at first, the rules that apply and a case to read.
- Temperature gaps between zones and meeting rooms
- Too little fresh air, stale air by late afternoon
- Duct balancing and thermostat settings
- Balance between hood exhaust and make-up air
- Kitchen heat spilling into the dining room
- Discreet units in the dining room
- Heat loss at busy entrances
- Warm air stuck under high ceilings
- Display windows and lighting adding heat
- Large volumes and dock doors
- Heat- or humidity-sensitive goods
- Physical work stations in the cold
- Capture of vapours at the source
- Recirculated air and concentrations
- Natural ventilation openings
- Year-round cooling
- Redundancy in case of shutdown
- Controlled humidity
- Corridor and common-area ventilation
- Shared rooftop equipment
- Energy data to report
Six myths about HVAC regulations
Answer, then read the section that settles it. 0 / 6
A 25 kW rooftop unit only needs a leak test if it leaks.
New equipment designed for R-22 can still be installed in Québec.
Since 2025, a new chiller cannot be made in or imported into Canada with an HFC above GWP 750.
An HVAC contractor can sign the mechanical drawings of a five-storey office building.
Workplace mechanical ventilation must be inspected and adjusted at least once a year.
In Montréal, a 2,500 m² commercial building reports its energy use by June 30.
Eight documents that shorten the mandate
Check what you already have. Whatever is missing, we rebuild on site.
The answers building managers ask us for most
No question matches. Write to sales@airgreen.ca and we will answer that one too.
A trusted partner, from the first advice to a system that runs smoothly
With AirGreen, someone owns the efficiency and longevity of your commercial HVAC system. We do not just promise comfort and efficiency: we make sure it runs smoothly and at its best. Contact our team for a free on-site quote.
- Regulation respecting halocarbons, CQLR c. Q-2, r. 29 (LégisQuébec, current to June 1, 2026)
- Ozone-depleting Substances and Halocarbon Alternatives Regulations, SOR/2016-137, Schedules 1 (Table 4) and 1.1 (Justice Canada, current to September 21, 2026)
- Regulation respecting occupational health and safety, CQLR c. S-2.1, r. 13; Schedule IV per CCOHS fact sheet of February 18, 2025
- City of Montréal, By-law 21-042 on GHG disclosure and rating for large buildings (page updated September 8, 2026)
- Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec, "Understanding Bill 29": Engineers Act, s. 3
- Hydro-Québec, Electricity rates effective April 1, 2026, Rate G
- ASHRAE, median service life of HVAC equipment (table published by ASHRAE)
- ANSI/ASHRAE 34: composition of R-410A and R-454B blends; GWP computed from SOR/2016-137
Amounts shown are estimates; only the responsible bodies confirm the support granted and the obligations that apply to your building.