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.

Commercial Refrigeration in Calgary: Complete Maintenance Guide for Restaurants & Food Service

Your walk-in cooler stops cooling at 2 PM on a Saturday. It’s 75°F inside and climbing. You have $2,000 in food at risk. Your kitchen can’t function. You lose the weekend’s revenue.
This happens to Calgary restaurants more than you’d think. And most of the time, it’s preventable.
Commercial refrigeration isn’t the same as your home fridge. The equipment is larger, the stakes are higher, and the consequences of failure are immediate: Food spoils, customers leave, health inspectors show up.
This guide covers everything you need to know about maintaining commercial refrigeration so failure doesn’t happen to you.

Why Commercial Refrigeration Requires Different Maintenance Than Standard HVAC

Your commercial refrigeration system shares some principles with standard HVAC, but it’s fundamentally different:
Different refrigerants: Standard HVAC might use R-410A. Refrigeration uses R-404A, R-507, or other blends. Different pressure ratings. Different service protocols.
Precision temperature requirements: HVAC maintains comfort (±5°F is acceptable). Refrigeration maintains food safety (±2°F is critical). Walk-in cooler at 40°F is safe. At 42°F, bacteria starts multiplying. At 50°F, food spoils.
Compressor cycling: Refrigeration compressors cycle on/off frequently (10-15 minute cycles). HVAC compressors run longer cycles. Frequent cycling creates different wear patterns.
Defrost cycles: Refrigeration has automatic defrost cycles to manage frost buildup. These cycles are critical. If they fail, coils ice up and cooling stops.
Health/safety regulations: HVAC failures are inconvenient. Refrigeration failures are health code violations. Your food can’t be served. Your facility can be shut down.

Equipment You Need to Know

Walk-In Coolers

Typical temperature: 35-40°F
Common sizes: 4×4, 6×8, 8×10, 10×12+ sq ft
Compressor type: Usually scroll or rotary compressor
Typical lifespan: 12-15 years with proper maintenance
Maintenance: Monthly inspections, quarterly professional service
Common failure: Door seal leaks (causes loss of cooling)

Display Cases

Typical temperature: 32-38°F
Open-front or closed-door designs
Usually multiple compressors per location
Higher visibility = higher maintenance (dust accumulation)
Common failure: Evaporator coil freezing

Reach-In Refrigerators (Commercial Grade)

Typical temperature: 38-42°F (coolers) or 32-36°F (freezers)
Staff-only access (behind counter)
More compact than walk-in
Common failure: Thermostat malfunction

Ice Machines

Cube, flake, or nugget ice
Requires precise water supply control
Common failure: Water supply clogging, compressor overwork
Sanitation critical (ice is food product)

Industrial Freezer Systems

Temperature: -4°F or below
Large capacity
Commercial-grade heavy-duty compressors
Highest reliability requirements

Monthly Commercial Refrigeration Maintenance Checklist

Visual Inspection (Every Week)

Door seals: No gaps, no visible damage, good compression
Evaporator/condenser coils: No visible frost (except during defrost cycle)
Compressor: No unusual vibration or noise
Refrigerant lines: No visible oil residue (sign of leak)
Temperature display: Reading accurately vs. actual temperature (use separate thermometer)
Defrost cycle: Should run automatically (if equipped)

Monthly Professional Tasks

Temperature verification: Digital thermometer confirms display accuracy
Door seal inspection: Magnetic seals holding properly
Condenser coil cleaning: Remove dust buildup (impacts efficiency)
Compressor oil level: Check (if accessible on unit)
Electrical connections: No corrosion or loose wires
Frost buildup assessment: Normal or excessive?
Refrigerant pressure check: Within manufacturer specs
System startup test: Ensure all components activate correctly

Cost Estimate

Monthly inspection: $100-200
Quarterly deep cleaning: $300-500
Annual maintenance contract: $1,200-1,800

Seasonal Preparation Guide

Spring (March-May)

After winter shutdown/reduced use:

System startup verification
Coil cleaning (winter dust accumulation)
Door seal replacement (if needed)
Defrost cycle testing

Summer (June-August)

High-load season:

Weekly filter checks (if equipped)
Bi-weekly coil inspection (summer dust)
Temperature monitoring (system under stress)
Extra monitoring for failures

Fall (September-November)

Preparation for heavy holiday season:

Complete system inspection
Compressor capacity test (can it handle peak load?)
Door seal renewal
Backup system identification (if one cooler fails)

Winter (December-February)

Holiday season peak demand:

Monthly professional inspections (yes, monthly)
Temperature monitoring every shift
Document any unusual behavior
Backup equipment on standby

Health & Safety Compliance (Calgary)

Calgary Health Authority Requirements

Food facilities must maintain:

Cooler/freezer temperatures documented daily
Temperature logs available for inspection
Accurate thermometers (verified annually)
Backup power for critical refrigeration
System maintenance records

Temperature Logging

Manual: Written log sheet (old school, but compliant)
Digital: Automatic temperature monitoring with alerts
Recommended: Digital monitoring with alert if temp rises above 42°F

Documentation Importance

If a customer gets food poisoning traced to your facility:

Temperature logs are your defense
Maintenance records prove you maintained the system
Without documentation: Liability exposure

Cost-Benefit: Preventative Maintenance vs Emergency Replacement

Preventative Maintenance Scenario

Annual service contracts: $1,500-2,000
Monthly inspections: $100-200 × 12 = $1,200-2,400
Occasional repairs (early detection): $400-800/year
Total annual cost: $3,100-5,200

Result: Equipment operates reliably for 15+ years. No emergency closures. No lost food. No business interruption.

Emergency Failure Scenario

Walk-in cooler failure: $8,000-12,000 replacement
Lost food inventory: $1,000-3,000
Lost business (closure for 3-5 days): $5,000-15,000
Potential health violation fine: $500-2,000
Reputation damage: Incalculable
Total cost of single failure: $14,500-32,000

One emergency failure = 3-8 years of preventative maintenance cost

Real Calgary Restaurant Example

The Client: Mid-size casual restaurant, Southwest Calgary
The Problem: Walk-in cooler operated for 8 years with minimal maintenance
What happened:

Door seal slowly degraded
Compressor overworked to compensate
Defrost cycle failed (undetected)
Coils froze over
System shutdown

Discovery: Saturday 1 PM (peak lunch service)
Emergency Response:

Immediate service call (emergency rate): $250 diagnostic
Problem diagnosis: Defrost cycle failure, ice blockage, compressor stress
Solution: Replace defrost control, clean coils, compressor inspection
Cost: $3,200
Downtime: 4 hours (worst part of lunch service lost)
Food loss: $1,500
Business interruption: $4,000

Total cost: $8,950
Prevention: If quarterly maintenance had been in place:

Defrost cycle would have been tested
Door seal degradation would have been caught
Problem would have cost $800 to fix 6 months earlier

Lesson: $1,500/year in preventative maintenance vs $8,950 emergency cost.

Conclusion: Your Refrigeration is Too Important to Ignore

Your walk-in cooler, freezer, and display cases are the heart of your food service operation. When they fail, your business stops.
Preventative maintenance is cheap insurance.
Book Free Refrigeration System Audit Or call 587-329-8603 for service.