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 vs. Modine vs. Schwank: Which Unit Heater is Right for Your Calgary Business?

When it comes to commercial heating in Calgary, three brand names consistently rise to the top of the conversation: Reznor, Modine, and Schwank. Each has built a strong reputation in the Canadian market, and each brings distinct strengths to the table. But which one is right for your facility?
At Next Air, we install and service all three brands across Calgary’s commercial and industrial sector. We’re not here to push one brand over another — we’re here to help you make the best decision for your specific space, budget, and heating requirements. Here’s our honest head-to-head comparison.

Internal Link: View all unit and tube heater services at Next Air

Brand Overview

Reznor — The Commercial Forced-Air Specialist

Reznor has over 130 years of HVAC manufacturing history and is one of the most recognized names in North American commercial heating. Their unit heater lineup is built specifically for commercial and industrial applications, offering a wide BTU range, high efficiency, and a reputation for bulletproof reliability in demanding environments.

Internal Link: Explore Reznor commercial heating at Next Air

Modine — The Commercial-to-Residential Crossover

Modine’s Hot Dawg series is arguably the most recognizable gas unit heater brand in Canada and the U.S. Strong build quality, straightforward installation, and wide availability make Modine a popular choice across a broad spectrum of applications — from residential garages to commercial warehouses. Modine has over a century of industrial heritage.

Internal Link: Explore Modine commercial heating at Next Air

Schwank — The Infrared Radiant Specialist

Schwank is a German-engineered brand with a strong North American commercial presence, specializing in infrared radiant tube heaters. Unlike Reznor and Modine’s forced-air unit heaters, Schwank systems heat objects and people directly through radiant energy rather than warming the air first — a fundamentally different heating approach that excels in specific applications.

Internal Link: Explore Schwank infrared heating at Next Air

Head-to-Head Comparison: Key Factors

Heating Technology

Reznor and Modine are both forced-air unit heaters: they burn gas, heat air through a heat exchanger, and a blower fan distributes that warm air throughout the space. Schwank is a radiant infrared heater: it uses a heated tube to emit radiant energy, warming surfaces and occupants directly without circulating air.
For Calgary applications: forced-air unit heaters (Reznor, Modine) excel in well-insulated spaces where air retention is good. Schwank radiant heaters excel in spaces with frequent door openings, drafts, or very high ceilings — such as loading docks, open-bay automotive facilities, and large hangars.

Efficiency

Reznor’s top UDXC models achieve up to 93% unit efficiency. Modine’s Hot Dawg series operates at 80–93% efficiency depending on the model. Schwank’s radiant systems can deliver effective heating at lower energy consumption in their optimal environments because radiant heat isn’t lost to air movement — though direct BTU-to-BTU comparisons between technologies require professional energy modelling.

BTU Range & Scalability

Reznor: 30,000 – 400,000 BTU. Modine: 30,000 – 300,000 BTU. Schwank radiant: varies by configuration. For very large Calgary industrial facilities, Reznor’s broader BTU range and industrial scale give it an edge. For standard commercial applications, all three brands cover the typical range.

Best Applications in Calgary

Reznor: Warehouses, distribution centres, manufacturing plants, large auto shops, aviation hangars. Best for enclosed, insulated commercial/industrial spaces with consistent occupancy. Modine: Auto shops, light manufacturing, agricultural buildings, smaller commercial facilities. Strong where budget-to-performance ratio is a priority and spaces are moderate in size. Schwank: Loading docks, open bays, auto dealerships with overhead doors, large open spaces with frequent air infiltration. Excels where forced-air systems lose efficiency due to air loss.

Installation Complexity

All three brands require certified gas fitter installation in Alberta. Reznor and Modine forced-air units have similar installation profiles. Schwank radiant systems require precise placement engineering and tube-run planning for optimal heat distribution, making professional installation even more critical.

Internal Link: Book a commercial HVAC system design consultation

Warranty

Reznor: 5-year parts, 10-year heat exchanger. Modine: typically 2–5 years parts depending on model. Schwank: varies by product line. Reznor’s 10-year heat exchanger warranty represents a strong long-term value proposition for Calgary businesses making a capital investment in commercial heating.

Parts & Service Availability in Calgary

All three brands have good parts availability through commercial HVAC distributors in Calgary. Next Air stocks and services all three, ensuring rapid response when repairs or parts are needed.

Which Brand Should You Choose?

Choose Reznor If:

You need commercial-scale BTU output (100,000+ BTU)
Your facility is well-insulated and enclosed
You want the strongest warranty in the category
You have a large warehouse or manufacturing environment
Long-term efficiency and documented energy savings are priorities

Choose Modine If:

You have a smaller to mid-size commercial space (under 8,000 sq ft)
Budget is a primary consideration and you want proven reliability
You have a garage, workshop, or light commercial application

Choose Schwank If:

Your space has frequent door openings or high air infiltration
You need heating in very high-ceiling spaces (30+ ft)
You operate a loading dock, open-bay auto facility, or hangar
You want radiant comfort heating without air movement

Can You Combine Technologies?

Yes — and in many Calgary commercial facilities, the best solution is a hybrid approach. A warehouse might use Reznor UDXC unit heaters for the main storage floor while using Schwank radiant heaters at the loading dock bays. Next Air’s commercial system designers can engineer a hybrid solution that maximizes comfort and efficiency across your entire facility.

Internal Link: Learn about commercial radiant heating solutions

FAQ: Reznor vs. Modine vs. Schwank (People Also Ask)

Q: Is Reznor better than Modine for Calgary warehouses?

For large commercial warehouses in Calgary, Reznor’s UDXC series has an edge due to its wider BTU range, 10-year heat exchanger warranty, and TCORE2 heat exchanger technology. For smaller commercial spaces, Modine is a strong, cost-effective alternative. Next Air can help you determine the right fit for your specific facility.

Q: What is the difference between Reznor and Schwank heaters?

Reznor makes forced-air unit heaters that warm air and distribute it with a fan. Schwank makes radiant infrared tube heaters that warm objects and people directly through radiant energy. The best choice depends on your space geometry, door configuration, and ceiling height.

Q: Are Schwank heaters more efficient than Reznor?

In environments with high air infiltration (frequent door openings, drafty spaces, very high ceilings), Schwank radiant heaters can be more effective because radiant heat isn’t lost to air movement. In enclosed, well-insulated spaces, Reznor’s high-efficiency forced-air units are very competitive. A proper energy assessment is the best way to determine which technology suits your facility.

Q: Which brand has better service support in Calgary?

Next Air services all three brands — Reznor, Modine, and Schwank — across Calgary. Our technicians are trained on all three product lines, and we maintain parts inventory for rapid repair response.

Not sure which brand is right for your Calgary facility? Next Air offers free commercial heating assessments. Call (587) 329-8603 or visit nextair.ca.

Internal Link: Emergency commercial heater repair — 24/7 Calgary
Internal Link: Commercial maintenance plans — protect your investment