How fast can you respond to a commercial HVAC emergency in Calgary?

Next Air responds to commercial HVAC emergencies in Calgary within 1–2 hours. Our service trucks are stocked with the most common parts so most problems are fixed on the first visit, minimizing costly downtime for your business. We offer 24/7 emergency service — call (587) 329-8603 any time.

What does commercial HVAC maintenance include?

Our commercial HVAC maintenance service includes a full inspection and cleaning of all system components: refrigerant level checks, coil cleaning, filter replacement, electrical component testing, lubrication of moving parts, thermostat calibration, gas burner inspection, and safety testing. Regular maintenance prevents expensive breakdowns, improves energy efficiency, and extends the life of your equipment.

How much does commercial HVAC maintenance cost in Calgary?

Commercial HVAC maintenance costs in Calgary vary based on the number and type of units, building size, and service frequency. Per-visit costs typically range from $200–$500, while annual maintenance contracts for commercial properties generally range from $1,000 to $10,000+ per year depending on system complexity. Next Air offers customized maintenance plans — contact us for a free quote.

How often should commercial HVAC systems be serviced in Calgary?

Most commercial HVAC systems in Calgary should be serviced at least twice a year — ideally in spring and fall before peak seasons. Systems with air filters (such as rooftop units and make-up air units) should receive a minimum of 3–4 service visits per year. Given Calgary's extreme winters and temperature swings, more frequent maintenance helps prevent costly cold-weather breakdowns.

How long does a commercial rooftop HVAC unit (RTU) last?

With proper maintenance, a commercial rooftop unit (RTU) typically lasts 15–20 years. In Calgary's harsh climate — including severe winters and Chinook temperature swings — units that are poorly maintained may fail sooner. Regular maintenance by certified technicians is the single biggest factor in extending RTU lifespan. If your unit is over 15 years old and experiencing frequent breakdowns or rising energy costs, it may be time to consider replacement.

How do I know if my commercial rooftop unit needs repair or replacement?

Signs that your commercial RTU may need repair or replacement include: frequent breakdowns, rising energy bills, inconsistent temperatures throughout your building, unusual noises or smells, and age over 15 years. A general rule: if repair costs exceed 30–40% of the cost of a new unit, replacement is usually the better investment. Next Air will inspect your system and give you an honest recommendation.

How much does it cost to install a commercial rooftop HVAC unit in Calgary?

Commercial rooftop unit (RTU) installation in Calgary typically costs between $8,000 and $25,000+ CAD per unit, depending on size (tonnage), system complexity, crane requirements, ductwork changes, and permit fees. City of Calgary mechanical and gas permits are required and are handled by our licensed technicians. Contact Next Air for a free site assessment and installation quote.

Do you service commercial refrigeration systems in Calgary?

Yes, Next Air services all types of commercial refrigeration equipment throughout Calgary. Our technicians are experienced with walk-in coolers and freezers, refrigerated display cases, ice machines, and industrial refrigeration systems. We serve restaurants, grocery stores, food service businesses, and more — keeping products safely refrigerated and your operations running.

What are the benefits of a commercial HVAC maintenance contract?

A commercial HVAC maintenance contract provides: priority emergency service, reduced risk of unexpected breakdowns, lower long-term repair costs, improved energy efficiency, extended equipment lifespan, and predictable budgeting. Businesses on maintenance contracts with Next Air also receive detailed service reports after every visit, making it easier to plan capital expenditures and track system health.

Why should I choose a commercial-only HVAC company instead of a residential contractor?

Commercial HVAC systems are significantly more complex than residential units — they handle larger loads, more complex ventilation requirements, and stricter building codes. Next Air focuses 100% on commercial and industrial HVAC, meaning our technicians are specifically trained on commercial equipment like rooftop units, make-up air systems, tube heaters, and commercial refrigeration. Residential HVAC companies often lack the expertise and equipment for commercial-scale systems.

How much can Calgary businesses save with energy-efficient commercial HVAC?

Most Calgary businesses save 15–30% on energy costs after upgrading to high-efficiency HVAC equipment or getting proper maintenance from Next Air. Calgary's long heating season and frequent temperature extremes make energy-efficient systems especially valuable here — they recover faster after Chinooks, maintain more consistent temperatures, and use significantly less energy during deep freezes. We provide a free energy assessment to show you the exact savings potential.

Do you offer 24/7 commercial HVAC emergency service in Calgary?

Yes. Next Air provides 24/7 emergency commercial HVAC service throughout Calgary and surrounding areas including Airdrie, Cochrane, Okotoks, and Chestermere. Call us any time at (587) 329-8603. Our response target for emergencies is 1–2 hours, and our trucks are stocked with common parts to resolve most issues on the first visit.

What commercial HVAC brands do you install and service?

Next Air installs and services all major commercial HVAC brands including Carrier, Lennox, Daikin, Mitsubishi, York, Bryant, Rheem, Reznor, Modine, Calcana, Schwank, Roberts Gordon, Keeprite, Heil, Coleman, Fujitsu, Allied, and Payne. Our technicians are trained across all brands and can perform warranty repairs on all major commercial equipment.

What commercial heating services does Next Air offer in Calgary?

Next Air offers a full range of commercial heating services in Calgary including: commercial furnace installation and repair, unit and tube heaters, commercial radiant heating, commercial heat pumps, exhaust fans, and make-up air units. We service all major brands and provide installation, repair, and preventative maintenance for all heating equipment types.

What areas near Calgary does Next Air serve?

Next Air provides commercial HVAC services throughout the Calgary area and surrounding communities, including Airdrie, Canmore, Okotoks, Cochrane, High River, Strathmore, Bragg Creek, Chestermere, Langdon, Didsbury, and De Winton. Call (587) 329-8603 to confirm service availability in your specific location.

What permits are required for commercial HVAC installation in Calgary?

The City of Calgary requires mechanical and gas permits for commercial HVAC installations, including rooftop unit replacements. Permit fees can range from $500 to $2,000+ depending on project scope. As a licensed commercial HVAC contractor, Next Air handles all permit applications and ensures every installation meets Calgary building codes and Alberta safety standards.

How long does a commercial HVAC installation take?

Most commercial HVAC installations in Calgary take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks depending on system size and complexity. A straightforward rooftop unit replacement can often be completed in 2–5 days, while larger projects involving new ductwork, crane lifts, or full system design may take longer. Next Air works around your schedule to minimize business disruption and provides a clear timeline after a site visit.

Is it worth upgrading an older commercial HVAC system in Calgary?

In most cases, yes. Older commercial HVAC systems — especially those 15+ years old — are significantly less efficient than modern units and are more expensive to run and repair. In Calgary's climate, newer systems handle extreme cold more effectively, recover faster from Chinook temperature swings, and offer smart controls for better energy management. Most Calgary businesses recoup upgrade costs through energy savings within a few years.

What is a make-up air unit and does my commercial building need one?

A make-up air unit (MAU) replaces air that is exhausted from a commercial building — such as through kitchen exhaust fans, industrial ventilation, or bathroom fans. Without proper make-up air, negative pressure can cause heating issues, back-drafting of combustion appliances, poor indoor air quality, and drafts. Many commercial buildings in Calgary — especially restaurants, warehouses, and industrial facilities — require make-up air units to meet ventilation code requirements. Next Air can assess your building's needs and install or service commercial make-up air systems.

How do I choose the right commercial HVAC contractor in Calgary?

When choosing a commercial HVAC contractor in Calgary, look for: a contractor who specializes in commercial systems (not just residential), licensed and insured technicians, experience with your specific equipment type and brands, transparent upfront pricing, detailed service reports, strong local reviews, and 24/7 emergency availability. Next Air focuses exclusively on commercial and industrial HVAC, serving businesses across Calgary with certified technicians who know local building codes and Alberta's climate demands.

Reznor Makeup Air Units in Calgary: Everything You Need to Know About MUA Systems

If your Calgary commercial kitchen, manufacturing plant, spray booth, or industrial facility exhausts large volumes of air, you need a makeup air unit (MUA) to replace it — and failing to do so correctly creates dangerous negative pressure, code violations, and serious energy inefficiency.
NextAir.ca specializes in Reznor makeup air unit supply, design, and installation across Calgary. In this complete guide, we explain what makeup air units do, why they’re critical, and how to choose the right Reznor model for your facility.

What Is a Makeup Air Unit and Why Does Your Calgary Building Need One?

A makeup air unit (also called a replacement air unit or fresh air handler) replaces the conditioned air that is exhausted from a building by ventilation fans, commercial kitchen hoods, industrial exhaust systems, or spray booths. In Calgary’s cold winters, this replacement air must be heated to maintain comfortable interior temperatures and prevent negative pressure problems.
Negative pressure in a building — caused by exhausting more air than is supplied — creates serious problems including:

Back-drafting of combustion appliances (furnaces, boilers, unit heaters) — a significant carbon monoxide risk in Calgary’s winter when buildings are sealed tight
Difficulty opening exterior doors, creating safety hazards and fire code violations
Uncomfortable drafts and cold spots near building openings
Reduced efficiency of exhaust systems — hoods and fans can’t pull adequate air flow when fighting negative pressure
Potential code violations with Alberta building and fire safety regulations

How Reznor Makeup Air Units Work

A Reznor MUA unit draws fresh outside air, heats it with gas-fired heat exchangers, and delivers it into the space at a controlled temperature and volume. In Calgary’s climate, this typically means heating outside air from temperatures as low as -40°C to delivery temperatures between 13°C and 21°C depending on the application.
Key components include:

Gas burner assembly with modulating heat output matched to outdoor temperature
High-efficiency heat exchanger for maximum energy transfer
Variable-speed supply fan for precise airflow control
Controls and sensors for temperature, airflow, and building pressure balancing
Optional energy recovery ventilators (ERV) for additional efficiency in Calgary’s cold climate

Top Reznor Makeup Air Units Available Through NextAir

Reznor MACH Series — High-Capacity MUA

The MACH Series is engineered for large-volume makeup air applications in Calgary industrial facilities, distribution centres, and manufacturing plants. With capacities up to hundreds of thousands of BTU, the MACH Series handles even the most demanding exhaust replacement requirements.

Reznor WATTMASTER-Controlled MUA Units

Reznor makeup air units with integrated Wattmaster controls provide sophisticated modulation and building pressure management. These are the preferred choice for Calgary facilities where tight pressure control is critical, such as pharmaceutical manufacturing, clean rooms, or facilities with multiple exhaust zones.

Reznor RPB Series — Rooftop Packaged MUA

For Calgary facilities where indoor equipment space is limited, the RPB Series packages the entire makeup air system into a rooftop unit. This eliminates interior space requirements and simplifies installation in existing buildings — a common scenario in Calgary’s dense industrial parks.

Industries in Calgary That Require Makeup Air Units

Commercial restaurants and institutional kitchens: Every commercial kitchen exhaust hood requires replacement air. Calgary’s building code requires makeup air for kitchen exhaust exceeding certain volumes.
Automotive paint and body shops: Spray booths require precisely balanced makeup air to ensure correct paint application and safe solvent vapour dilution.
Industrial manufacturing and fabrication: Welding fumes, dust collection, and process exhaust all create negative pressure that MUA units correct.
Cannabis production facilities: Regulated air exchange and pressure balancing are critical for licensed Calgary cannabis producers.
Breweries and food processing: Sanitation-related exhaust and process ventilation create significant makeup air requirements.

Makeup Air Unit Sizing: What NextAir Considers for Calgary Projects

Properly sizing a makeup air unit requires detailed engineering analysis. At NextAir, our design process includes:

Total exhaust air volume calculation (CFM) from all exhaust fans, hoods, and ventilation equipment
Winter design temperature analysis based on Calgary’s ASHRAE climate data
Building pressure balancing requirements and infiltration analysis
Gas supply capacity verification at your Calgary utility connection
Discharge location planning for optimal air distribution and occupant comfort
Alberta Safety Codes review for permit compliance

Frequently Asked Questions — Reznor Makeup Air Units Calgary

Is a makeup air unit required by the Alberta building code?

Yes, in most cases. Alberta’s Building Code requires makeup air whenever exhaust rates exceed the natural infiltration capacity of the building. Commercial kitchens, spray booths, and industrial exhaust systems virtually always require a dedicated makeup air system. NextAir’s team ensures all installations are fully code-compliant.

Can I add a makeup air unit to an existing building in Calgary?

Absolutely. This is one of the most common projects we handle at NextAir — retrofitting makeup air units into existing Calgary commercial and industrial facilities where exhaust problems have developed or where occupancy changes have increased exhaust requirements.

How is a makeup air unit different from a rooftop unit?

A rooftop unit (RTU) provides conditioned air for space heating and cooling and recirculates interior air. A makeup air unit specifically handles 100% outside air to replace exhausted air. Some facilities need both; NextAir can design integrated systems that coordinate MUA and RTU operation for optimal efficiency.

What is the typical cost of a Reznor makeup air unit in Calgary?

Costs vary widely depending on airflow capacity, heat output, controls complexity, and installation requirements. Contact NextAir for a detailed quote specific to your Calgary facility — we provide transparent, itemized proposals for all MUA projects.