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.

What Is a Commercial Rooftop Unit — and Why Do Most Calgary Buildings Use One?

A rooftop unit (RTU) is a fully self-contained commercial HVAC system — heating, cooling, and ventilation housed in a single weatherproof cabinet, installed on the building’s roof. Unlike split systems that separate indoor and outdoor components, an RTU keeps everything above the roofline, freeing up interior mechanical space and simplifying service access.
RTUs dominate Calgary’s commercial HVAC landscape in retail, office, and light industrial sectors. Drive through any Calgary strip mall, medical building, or suburban office park and you’ll see rooftop units on virtually every building. They’re the backbone of Calgary commercial climate control — and in 2026, Lennox makes the best ones.

New to Lennox commercial systems? Start here: nextair.ca/lennox-commercial-hvac-calgary/

Why Lennox RTUs Outperform the Competition in Calgary's Climate

Engineered for -40°C

Lennox commercial RTUs are factory-built with cold-weather packages that maintain full rated heating output at temperatures as low as -40°C. Calgary regularly hits these extremes in January and February — and when it does, undertested equipment from competing brands either derates its output or fails entirely. Lennox doesn’t.

2026 SEER2 Compliance & Beyond

Canada’s updated minimum efficiency standards now require SEER2 ratings on all new commercial equipment. Lennox’s 2026 commercial RTU lineup not only meets the new SEER2 minimums — the Energence® series significantly exceeds them, delivering efficiency gains that translate to thousands in annual utility savings on Calgary’s energy rates.

iComfort S30 Commercial Controls

The 2026 Lennox RTU lineup integrates with Lennox’s updated iComfort S30 commercial platform, enabling precise multi-zone scheduling, demand-controlled ventilation, remote diagnostics, and Building Automation System (BAS) integration — all from a single control interface.

Serviceability-First Design

Every 2026 Lennox RTU features single-side service access — all major components reachable from one panel. In Calgary, where technician labour rates have continued rising through 2025–2026, this design saves real money on every service call.

2026 Lennox Commercial RTU Product Line Comparison

Lennox Energence® Series — Premium Efficiency

The top-tier commercial RTU from Lennox, available 7.5 to 25 tons. The 2026 Energence achieves up to 19 SEER2 cooling efficiency and 82% AFUE heating — the highest ratings in its class. Full iComfort integration, advanced economizer, and Energy Star certification. Best for new construction and full replacements where maximum energy ROI is the priority.

Lennox Landmark® Series — Retrofit Champion

Designed specifically for replacement applications, the 2026 Landmark is engineered to match the footprint of most existing rooftop units from all major brands — Carrier, Trane, York, and older Lennox units — minimizing curb modification and reducing installation costs significantly. Available 7.5 to 25 tons. The first choice for Calgary RTU replacements.

Lennox Xion® Series — High-Efficiency Value

The Xion hits the sweet spot between performance and price. Strong efficiency ratings, cold-weather engineered, and full iComfort compatibility make the Xion Next Air’s most commonly specified RTU for mid-tier commercial replacements in 2026.

Lennox Raider® Series — Reliable Workhorse

For cost-sensitive applications where proven performance matters more than premium efficiency ratings, the Raider delivers Lennox’s cold-weather reliability at the most accessible price point. Best suited for buildings with modest energy budgets and shorter ownership horizons.

Compare energy savings across models: nextair.ca/blog/energy-efficient-commercial-hvac-calgary/

How to Properly Size a Lennox RTU for Your Calgary Building

RTU sizing is where many Calgary commercial HVAC projects go wrong. An oversized unit short-cycles, creating humidity problems and premature mechanical wear. An undersized unit runs continuously and still can’t meet comfort targets on Calgary’s hottest or coldest days.
Next Air performs full Manual N commercial load calculations on every RTU project — never rule-of-thumb estimates. Our 2026 calculations incorporate:

Building envelope details — insulation values, glazing ratios, infiltration rates
Occupancy patterns and internal heat loads — equipment, lighting, people
Calgary climate design data — current heating and cooling design conditions
ASHRAE 62.1 2022 ventilation requirements
Alberta Building Code 2024 compliance

Lennox RTU Installation in Calgary: What to Expect

Rooftop Survey: Structural capacity check, crane access evaluation, electrical and gas supply review.
Equipment Procurement: We source genuine Lennox RTUs through authorized distribution — factory-original equipment, full warranty intact.
Curb & Adapter Work: For retrofits, we fabricate or source adapter curbs to match your existing roof opening — minimizing roofing disruption and cost.
Crane Coordination: Full logistics planning for RTU placement — neighbour clearances, utility lines, parking lot access.
Certified Connections: Licensed electricians and gas fitters complete all utility hookups to 2024 Alberta Building Code.
Full Commissioning: We test every operating mode — cooling, heating, economizer, ventilation — before sign-off.
Documentation: Complete installation records and Lennox warranty registration provided.

RTU Replacement in Calgary: Key 2026 Considerations

Replacing an aging rooftop unit in 2026? Plan for these factors:

- Lead Times: Standard Lennox RTUs currently have 4–8 week lead times from order. Emergency replacement stock may be available — call Next Air first.
- New SEER2 Standards: Replacement units must meet Canada’s updated 2025 SEER2 minimums. Next Air handles all compliance documentation.
- Electrical Capacity: 2026 high-efficiency units sometimes draw different amperage than 15-year-old equipment. Panel capacity review is part of every Next Air assessment.
- Refrigerant Transition: R-22 equipment can no longer be recharged in Canada. R-410A units are also being phased toward R-454B. Next Air advises on the best transition path for your building.
- Controls Upgrade: Pairing a new Lennox RTU with iComfort S30 controls at installation time maximizes efficiency and avoids a second mobilization cost later.

Due for regular maintenance post-install? Read our complete checklist: nextair.ca/blog/commercial-hvac-maintenance-calgary/

Available Lennox RTU Incentives in 2026

Lennox is currently running commercial incentive programs on qualifying Energence® and Xion® rooftop unit purchases. Alberta utility providers including ENMAX and ATCO may also offer energy efficiency rebates for commercial RTU upgrades meeting SEER2 thresholds.
Next Air identifies and applies all available incentives during the project planning stage — ask our team for a current incentive summary when you book your assessment.