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.

Rooftop Units in Calgary: Complete RTU Guide for Commercial & Industrial Buildings

Commercial rooftop units (RTUs) are the backbone of heating and cooling for thousands of Calgary office buildings, retail centres, schools, and industrial facilities. They’re self-contained, located out of the occupied space, and designed to handle Calgary’s demanding heating and cooling requirements within a single, roof-mounted package.
NextAir.ca is one of Calgary’s leading commercial HVAC contractors specializing in rooftop unit supply, installation, replacement, and preventive maintenance. This guide covers everything you need to know about RTUs in Calgary’s climate.

What Is a Rooftop Unit (RTU)?

A rooftop unit is a packaged HVAC system mounted on the roof of a commercial or industrial building. It houses all major components — gas-fired heat exchanger, DX cooling coil, compressor, condenser, supply fan, economizer, and controls — in a single weatherproof cabinet. Ductwork connects the unit to the interior space below.
RTUs are the preferred heating and cooling solution for:

Single-story and low-rise commercial buildings across Calgary
Retail strip malls and big-box stores throughout the city
Calgary office buildings and medical clinics
Light industrial facilities requiring both heating and cooling
Schools, recreational facilities, and municipal buildings

Why RTUs Are Particularly Well-Suited for Calgary's Climate

Extreme Cold Performance

Calgary’s winters regularly push temperatures below -30°C, and quality RTUs designed for Canadian climates include features like low-ambient kits that allow reliable cooling operation in shoulder seasons, enhanced heating capacity for cold-start conditions, and insulated cabinets that prevent heat loss and condensation in frigid temperatures.

Chinook Adaptability

Calgary’s famous chinook winds create rapid temperature swings — sometimes 20°C within hours. Modern RTUs with modulating heat and variable-speed fans respond to these swings far more efficiently than older single-stage units, maintaining indoor comfort without energy waste.

Economizer for Free Cooling

Calgary’s cool spring and fall seasons offer excellent economizer opportunities. RTUs equipped with air-side economizers can provide free cooling using outside air when temperatures are favourable — significantly reducing annual cooling energy costs for Calgary facilities.

RTU Capacity Ranges and Applications at NextAir

Light Commercial RTUs (2–10 Tons)

Ideal for Calgary small retail stores, restaurants, medical offices, and professional services offices. NextAir supplies and installs units in this range from leading manufacturers, properly sized for the specific occupancy, envelope, and internal loads of your building.

Commercial RTUs (10–50 Tons)

The workhorse of Calgary’s commercial HVAC market, mid-range RTUs serve everything from mid-size office buildings to grocery stores and healthcare facilities. Proper zoning design and controls integration are critical at this scale, and NextAir’s engineering team handles full project design and installation.

Large Commercial / Industrial RTUs (50+ Tons)

Large RTUs serve Calgary’s industrial facilities, big-box retail, institutional buildings, and campus settings. These units often require custom configuration, dedicated curbing, structural roof assessments, and sophisticated controls integration — all services NextAir provides.

Key Features to Look For in a Calgary RTU

High-efficiency gas heat exchangers rated for Canada’s cold climate requirements
Variable frequency drives (VFDs) on supply fans for reduced energy consumption and precise airflow control
Integrated economizer with enthalpy control for Calgary’s mixed humid/dry climate
Low-ambient cooling capability for Calgary’s cold spring and fall seasons
Two-stage or modulating heating for efficient operation during milder Calgary winter days
MERV-rated filtration options for Calgary’s dust and wildfire smoke conditions
BACnet or LON communications for integration with building automation systems

RTU Replacement vs. Repair: How NextAir Helps Calgary Businesses Decide

One of the most common questions we receive from Calgary facility managers is whether to repair an aging RTU or invest in a replacement. Key factors include:

Age: RTUs older than 15–20 years are typically candidates for replacement, especially as efficiency standards and refrigerant regulations have significantly advanced.
Refrigerant type: Units still running on R-22 refrigerant face increasing service costs and supply constraints. NextAir can assess whether retrofitting or replacement makes more economic sense.
Repair frequency: If you’ve had two or more significant repairs in recent years, a NextAir technician will help you conduct a lifecycle cost analysis to determine the replacement ROI.
Energy costs: Modern high-efficiency RTUs can reduce energy consumption by 20–40% compared to units from the early 2000s — a significant annual saving for Calgary facilities with high energy costs.

Frequently Asked Questions — Rooftop Units Calgary

How long does a commercial RTU last in Calgary's climate?

With proper preventive maintenance, a quality commercial RTU should last 15–25 years in Calgary’s climate. Units that are poorly maintained or undersized for the application often fail significantly earlier. NextAir offers preventive maintenance contracts designed to maximize your RTU lifespan.

What does RTU installation involve in Calgary?

Installation includes structural roof assessment, custom curb fabrication or supply, crane lift for larger units, ductwork connection, gas piping, electrical wiring, refrigerant commissioning, and controls setup. NextAir manages the entire process including permits from the City of Calgary.

Can NextAir replace just the RTU without replacing the ductwork?

In many cases, yes. If existing ductwork is in good condition and appropriately sized for the new unit, we can simply connect the new RTU. Our technicians inspect the existing duct system as part of the replacement assessment process.

Do you service RTUs from brands other than Reznor?

Yes. NextAir’s service team is experienced with all major commercial RTU brands including Carrier, Trane, Lennox, York, Daikin, and more. We can service, repair, and maintain any RTU brand installed in your Calgary facility.