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.

Infrared vs. Forced-Air Heating for Calgary Warehouses & Industrial Buildings: Which Is Right for You?

If you’re heating a Calgary warehouse, manufacturing facility, auto shop, hangar, or large industrial space, you’ve likely faced the choice: infrared radiant heating or forced-air unit heaters? It’s one of the most impactful HVAC decisions you’ll make — affecting your comfort, your energy bills, your installation costs, and how your space actually feels to work in.
At Next Air, we install and service both systems. We carry the industry’s leading infrared brands — Reznor, Modine, Calcana, Schwank, and Roberts Gordon — along with top forced-air commercial heaters from Lennox, Carrier, York, and more. This guide gives you an unbiased comparison based on real experience in Calgary’s demanding climate.

How Each System Works

Infrared Radiant Heating

Infrared heaters work the same way the sun warms you on a cold day — by radiating energy that heats objects and people directly, without warming the air in between. Gas-fired infrared tube heaters are the most common type for Calgary industrial spaces. See our commercial radiant heating page and unit & tube heaters page for the full range of systems available.

Forced-Air (Unit Heater) Systems

Forced-air unit heaters work by burning gas and blowing the resulting warm air into the space using a fan. They can be ceiling-hung or wall-mounted, and range from compact cabinet units to large commercial gas-fired units with outputs over 400,000 BTU/hr.

Head-to-Head Comparison for Calgary Warehouses

Energy Efficiency

Infrared heating has a significant efficiency advantage in large, poorly insulated, or high-ceiling Calgary industrial buildings. Because infrared heats occupants and surfaces directly, it doesn’t waste energy warming air that stratifies at the ceiling or escapes when a dock door opens. In spaces with frequent large door openings, infrared systems use 30–50% less energy than forced-air equivalents. Pair this with our commercial energy saving upgrades assessment for maximum ROI.

Comfort

Most workers in Calgary warehouses prefer infrared heat. The reason: infrared heats you, not just the air around you. Workers moving through a cold warehouse feel warm under infrared panels even if the ambient air temperature is lower than what a forced-air thermostat would target.

Installation Cost

Forced-air unit heaters typically have lower upfront installation costs. Our commercial system design & installation team can provide detailed cost comparisons for your specific building — including operating cost projections over 5 and 10 years.

Maintenance Requirements

Infrared tube heaters are generally lower maintenance — fewer moving parts than forced-air systems (no blower motors, no belts). The main maintenance tasks are burner cleaning, tube inspection, and reflector cleaning, all covered under our commercial regular maintenance plans.

Calgary-Specific Considerations

For Calgary specifically, infrared heating wins on several fronts:

Dock doors: Calgary warehouses often have multiple large dock doors that open frequently even in winter. Infrared’s direct heating of surfaces and people is far less affected by air infiltration than forced-air systems.
Stratification: Heat rises. In a 24-foot Calgary warehouse ceiling, forced-air systems can create a temperature differential of 10°C or more between floor level and ceiling — wasting significant energy. Infrared radiates downward directly where occupants work.
Frost and freeze protection: Infrared heats the floor and equipment surfaces, providing better frost protection for floor-level equipment, plumbing, and stored goods.

NEXT AIR'S RECOMMENDATION

For most Calgary warehouses, manufacturing facilities, auto shops, and hangars: infrared radiant heating (tube heaters or high-intensity units) is the better long-term choice. For office areas, showrooms, and enclosed retail within a larger facility: forced-air unit heaters or packaged systems often perform better. Many Calgary facilities use both.

Infrared Brands Next Air Supplies and Services in Calgary

Reznor Commercial Heating — North America’s most trusted commercial and industrial infrared brand. Excellent cold-weather reliability and parts availability.
Modine Commercial Heating — Heavy-duty infrared and unit heaters engineered for demanding industrial environments.
Calcana Infrared Heating — A Canadian-owned brand with products specifically designed for Alberta’s climate extremes.
Schwank Infrared Heating — German-engineered precision infrared systems. Industry leader for warehouses, car dealerships, and large open spaces.
Roberts Gordon Commercial Heating — High-quality North American-made infrared tube and radiant heaters.

Get Expert Advice for Your Calgary Facility

The right heating system depends on your building’s size, ceiling height, insulation level, occupancy patterns, and budget. Next Air provides free on-site assessments for Calgary commercial and industrial facilities. Our commercial system design & installation team measures your space, reviews your energy bills, and recommends the system that will perform best for your specific situation.
Call 587-329-8603 or contact us online to schedule your free facility assessment.