Quebec HVAC Guide

HVAC Services in Quebec: Heat Pumps, Furnaces & Air Conditioning

Quebec electricity is affordable, but winters are long and deep. Compare heat pump, furnace and AC options, understand current incentives, and see what to ask before accepting a quote. Compare equipment costs, check the incentive rules, then request local quotes.
Official program links
RBQ licence checklist
Sourced 2026 cost ranges
Free no-obligation quotes
Hydro-Québec

Hydro-Québec Efficiency: Dual-Fuel (Bi-Énergie) Options

A dual-fuel (bi-énergie) system pairs an electric heat pump with a fuel furnace or boiler. The heat pump runs in most weather, and the fuel backup takes over in deep cold.
Rate DT (dual energy): check these conditions
1
Electricity must be the main heat source. A fuel-main system does not meet this condition.
2
Outdoor-temperature sensor and automatic switching: the system must switch between electricity and fuel by outdoor temperature. Your contractor should confirm compliance with Hydro-Québec’s eligibility requirements.
3
Fuel mode can heat alone: the two sources never run at the same time.
4
Contract: Rate D, DP or DM, with a dual-energy meter.
5
Off-grid systems, such as those on the Îles-de-la-Madeleine or in Nunavik, are not eligible.
Rate DT (dual energy): check these conditions
Pricing depends on outdoor temperature, not clock time. Below the cold-weather threshold (−12 °C or −15 °C, depending on region), electricity is billed at the higher price.
Mild winters produce more savings, and very cold winters produce less. Compare your yearly bill under the standard rate and Rate DT before you decide. You can also compare fuel costs in our furnace fuel type price comparison.
Official source: Hydro-Québec, how Rate DT works →
Incentives 2026

Quebec Heat Pump Rebates and Incentives (2026)

A dual-fuel (bi-énergie) system pairs an electric heat pump with a fuel furnace or boiler. The heat pump runs in most weather, and the fuel backup takes over in deep cold.

1. Hydro-Québec LogisVert (Active: current program)

This is currently the main program. It offers rebates in two categories:
Current program
LogisVert: Standard Category

$50

per 1,000 BTU/h (at −8 °C)
Note: since 26 November 2025, only ENERGY STAR certified models qualify for this category.
Current program
LogisVert: Enhanced Category

$120

per 1,000 BTU/h (at −8 °C)
A larger subsidy for Cold Climate certified heat pumps, designed for extreme cold.
Official source: Hydro-Québec, LogisVert →
Before you apply
1
Off-grid systems, such as those on the Îles-de-la-Madeleine or in Nunavik, are not eligible.
2
Confirm your installation date against the terms in effect that day.
3
Keep the invoice and the equipment specification sheet.
4
Follow the current application steps on Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert page.
Dual-fuel: the official page does not say whether a fuel-main bi-énergie system qualifies. Confirm with Hydro-Québec first.
Example: how the LogisVert amount is calculated
The amount is the rate times the heat pump’s capacity in thousands of BTU/h. Hypothetical capacities at −8 °C, for illustration only. Not a guaranteed rebate.
Hypothetical capacity at −8 °CStandard ($50 per 1,000 BTU/h)Enhanced ($120 per 1,000 BTU/h)
24,000 BTU/h$1,200$2,880
36,000 BTU/h$1,800$4,320
48,000 BTU/h$2,400$5,760
ENERGY STAR or Cold Climate certification alone does not guarantee eligibility. The exact model and the current program conditions must qualify. Check Hydro-Québec before you rely on any figure.

2. Chauffez Vert: Quebec Government (Closed)

Closed
Assistance for replacing oil or propane heating ended completely on 31 March 2026. The deadline to submit supporting documents was 30 June 2026, so no new applications are accepted.
Official source: quebec.ca, Chauffez vert →
Cost Guide 2026

Heat Pump Installation Cost in Quebec: 2026 Prices and Extra Costs

The ranges below cover a typical central, ducted air-to-air heat pump installed in an existing home. They include equipment, installation labour and standard electrical work. The total across the three home sizes is about $6,000 to $13,500, the same range used in the FAQ.
Home size (approx.)Typical installed range (CAD)
1,000 to 1,500 sq ft (24,000 BTU/h)$6,000 – $8,500
1,500 to 2,000 sq ft (36,000 BTU/h)$8,000 – $10,500
2,000 to 3,000 sq ft (48,000 BTU/h)$10,000 – $13,500
Extra costs, not included above: duct modifications $1,500 to $3,000, and a new electrical panel $500 to $1,500 if needed. Source: Soumission Rénovation, central heat pump installation price guide (French), last modified 31 July 2026. These are planning estimates, not quotes.
What the ranges include and exclude:
  • Included: equipment (indoor evaporator, controls) and skilled labour, including startup. Prices assume an existing, suitable duct system; the source does not price new duct installation.
  • Extra, not in the ranges: electrical panel upgrade $500 to $1,500 (if the panel is full); duct modifications $1,500 to $3,000 (if ducts are too restrictive); roof or reinforced-wall mounting (no figure given).
  • Not addressed by the source: taxes, removal of the old system, and permits. Ask each contractor to price these separately.
About home size: the size bands are a rough guide only. They assume standard insulation. The capacity your home needs depends on a heat-load calculation, not square footage alone.
Central ducted vs ductless vs multi-zone: the costs for ductless and multi-zone systems are not in the source we have checked, so we do not publish a price for them here. Qualitatively: a central ducted system uses existing ducts; a ductless unit needs only a wall-mounted indoor head per room, which suits homes without ducts; a multi-zone system uses one outdoor unit for several indoor heads, and its cost depends on the number of zones.
Climate

Quebec Winters: Which System Handles the Cold

Quebec is not one climate. Local design temperature, insulation, windows, your existing system and your electricity bill all change the right choice.

Cold-climate heat pump

A strong option when the home is reasonably insulated and you want electricity as the main heat source. ENERGY STAR Cold Climate models also qualify for the higher LogisVert amount.

When backup heat may be needed

In the coldest regions, in homes with a weak building envelope, or where the design temperature is very low. Backup can be a fuel furnace (dual-fuel) or electric heat.

Performance at low temperatures

A heat pump delivers less heat as outdoor temperature falls. Cold-climate models hold more of their output in the cold. Ask for the capacity at your design temperature, not only the peak rating.

Ductless mini-splits

Suit homes with baseboards and no ducts, single rooms and additions.

Size from a heat load calculation

Use your local design temperature. An oversized unit cycles on and off and loses efficiency.
Furnace & AC

Furnace & Air Conditioning in Quebec

Many Quebec homes keep a furnace or add central AC. Compare these options before you request quotes, and browse furnace prices and guides.

Furnace replacement

Check the fuel type, existing ducts and the capacity your home needs. Since 31 December 2023, new oil-fired heating appliances cannot be installed in Quebec. Ask whether a new furnace can pair with a heat pump as a dual-fuel system.

Central AC installation

Central AC needs ducts. Ask for cooling capacity matched to the home’s heat loss, and check whether duct condition needs work first.

Heat pump vs separate AC

A heat pump provides both heating and cooling. Compare it with a separate AC and furnace before you buy both.

Ductless cooling

Ductless units suit single rooms, additions and homes without ducts.
Licensing

Quebec HVAC Contractor Licensing: RBQ Requirements and Oil Heating Rules

Quebec construction and heating work is licensed by the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ). Check the licence before you sign.
1

Get the licence number

Ask for the RBQ licence number on the quote.
2

Search the register

Search the number or the company name on the RBQ licence register. The RBQ also explains the check on its licence verification page.
3

Check the licence class

Confirm the listed categories cover the work quoted, such as heating, gas or electrical.
4

Match the details

Confirm the business name, enterprise number and qualified representatives match the quote.

Licence details to verify

Licence number and business name must match the quote and the contract.
Licence class and subcategories must cover the exact work, such as heat pump installation or gas work.
Qualified representatives listed on the licence should be the people who will do the work.
Surety and claims: the licence is what gives you access to a financial guarantee if a dispute arises. An unlicensed contractor may leave you without that protection.

Quote comparison table

Ask each contractor to fill in the same fields so the quotes can be compared line by line.
ItemContractor AContractor BContractor C
Equipment model (indoor and outdoor)   
Capacity (BTU/h) at design temperature   
Efficiency rating and ENERGY STAR status   
Labour   
Electrical work (panel, circuits)   
Duct work and removal of old system   
Permits and taxes   
Warranty (parts and labour)   
Total price   

Oil heating rules and paperwork

Oil heating rules
Since 31 December 2023, installing an oil-fired heating appliance, replacing one with a fossil-fuel appliance, and major repairs are prohibited. Only maintenance and minor repairs are allowed. The official page does not say that existing oil systems must be removed. Official source: quebec.ca
Paperwork
  • Heating contractors must file a mandatory declaration for conversions. Ask for a copy.
  • Ask whether your municipality requires a permit for the job.
Choose a Contractor

How to Choose an HVAC Contractor in Quebec

Compare at least three written quotes, and check that each one covers the same equipment and scope. Browse our contractor directory to start your comparison.

Verify the RBQ licence

Use the licence checklist above. Confirm the class covers the proposed work.

Compare equipment specifications

Review model numbers, capacity, efficiency ratings and warranty terms.

Ask how the system will be sized

Request a heat load calculation based on your home and local winter design conditions.

Review installation costs

Check whether electrical upgrades, duct changes, removal, permits and taxes are included.

Confirm incentive eligibility

Verify current program requirements with the program administrator before you sign.
Choose a Contractor

How to Choose an HVAC Contractor in Quebec

Compare at least three written quotes, and check that each one covers the same equipment and scope. Browse our contractor directory to start your comparison.

Electrical panel capacity

An older panel may need an upgrade before a heat pump can be added.

Heat load & system type

A central, multi-split or single-zone system changes both equipment and labour.

Removing the old heating

Pulling out baseboards, an oil furnace or a tank adds time and disposal.

Ductwork

Existing ducts keep costs down. New ducts in a home without them add a lot.

Location & access

Remote sites and difficult access add travel time and scheduling delays.

Rebate paperwork

Heat load reports and invoices that meet program rules take extra time to prepare.
Free Tools

Free HVAC Calculators for Quebec Homes

Estimate heat pump and furnace costs and running expenses before you contact any contractor. See all free calculators.
Heat pump calculators
Heat Pump Installation Cost →
Heat Pump Operating Cost →
Heat Pump Size (BTU) →
Heat Pump Savings →
Furnace calculators
Furnace Installation Cost →
Furnace Operating Cost →
Furnace Size (BTU) →
Furnace Repair or Replace Quiz →
Quebec Climate Zones

Choosing an HVAC System by Region in Quebec

We do not yet publish dedicated city pages for these areas. Instead, here is how the right system changes across Quebec’s climate zones.

Southern Quebec

Montérégie, Eastern Townships and the Montreal area have milder winters. A heat pump often covers most or all of the heating season. Compare a standard heat pump with a cold-climate model before you buy.

Central and Laurentian regions

Longer, colder winters are common. A cold-climate heat pump is a strong option for well-insulated homes. Ask the contractor how the unit performs at your local design temperature, and whether backup heat is needed.

Northern and remote regions

Very cold winters and limited service access often call for backup heating. Compare a dual-fuel system with an electric-only option, and check Hydro-Québec’s Rate DT rules for your location.
Brands

HVAC Brands Covered for Quebec Homes

Heat pump manufacturers in Canada and the furnace brands Quebec homeowners compare most.

Quebec HVAC Questions

How much does a central heat pump cost in Quebec?
Typically $6,000 to $13,500 installed, across the three common home sizes. The range covers equipment and standard installation. Panel and duct work are extra.
Is LogisVert still available?
Yes. It pays $50 per 1,000 BTU/h at −8 °C for ENERGY STAR certified heat pumps, and $120 per 1,000 BTU/h for ENERGY STAR Cold Climate models. Only certified models qualify, so check the model before you buy.
Is Chauffez Vert still available?
No. The oil and propane conversion component ended on 31 March 2026.
Does a dual-fuel system get cheaper electricity?
Only if it meets Rate DT conditions, including electricity as the main heat source. A fuel-main system does not qualify. Compare your bill under both rates with Hydro-Québec.
Do I need a cold-climate heat pump?
Not always. It is a strong option in cold regions and well-insulated homes. Where design temperatures are very low, you may need backup heat. Get a heat load calculation first.
Central or ductless: which should I choose?
Central systems use ducts and suit homes that already have them. Ductless units suit homes with baseboards and no ducts, and single rooms or additions.
What should I ask before accepting a quote?
Ask for the RBQ licence number, the exact model and its ENERGY STAR status, a heat load calculation, a line-by-line scope (panel, ducts, removal, permits, taxes), and the warranty terms.
How do I check a Quebec HVAC contractor?
Check the RBQ licence status and class on the RBQ register, then compare written quotes.

Ready to Compare Quebec HVAC Quotes?

Compare the costs, check the incentive rules, then request quotes from RBQ-licensed contractors.
Free, no-obligation. Incentive amounts depend on your installation date. Confirm on the official pages.