Quebec's HVAC shortlist begins with language and electricity. Seven in ten households heat with electricity, Hydro-Québec's grant program makes heat pumps the central replacement conversation, and provincial language law requires French to lead in commercial advertising. So before any item from our services menu can work, your website, Business Profile and ads must be built French-first. After that, the strongest items are dated heat-pump grant pages, replacement campaigns and the review flow.
The Quebec market and its buyers
Short answer: an electric-heated market where heat pumps are the main upgrade. Electricity was the main heating energy for 70% of Quebec homes in 2023, far ahead of natural gas (5%) and wood (4%), per Statistics Canada. Most buyers are moving from baseboards or electric furnaces toward heat pumps, or replacing an older heat pump.
The largest markets are Montréal, Québec City, Laval, Gatineau, Longueuil, Sherbrooke, Lévis and Saguenay. Gatineau companies also sit next to the Ottawa market, which brings Ontario competitors into the same searches.
Seasonality: a long, snowy heating season
Short answer: heating dominates, especially outside the St. Lawrence lowlands. Quebec's winters are cold and snowy, and the season is longer away from the river valley. Summer cooling demand gives heat pumps a second selling point.
- Replacement campaigns can run in two windows: spring, when owners think about cooling, and late summer, before heating season.
- Grant content works year-round, since the decision is driven by cost as much as by season.
Language rules that shape marketing
Short answer: French must lead. Quebec's language charter, as amended by Bill 96, says French has to dominate your ads and outdoor signs. From June 1, 2025, an English trademark or business name shown on the outside of a building needs French wording with it, and any website or social account aimed at Quebec buyers has to offer French. The OQLF explains what this means for businesses.
For marketing, that means French service pages, a French Business Profile description, French ad copy and French review replies. We plan this structure from the start; final French copy should be written or checked by a qualified French-language professional. This is context, not legal advice.
Regulators to know in Quebec
Short answer: the RBQ for contractor licensing, the CCQ for worker competency. Linked for context only.
- The Régie du bâtiment du Québec licenses anyone who carries out construction work for others, with subclasses covering trades such as gas, plumbing and electrical.
- The Commission de la construction du Québec manages competency certification for construction workers.
- The CNESST covers workplace health and safety, and the Office de la protection du consommateur covers consumer protection.
Quebec programs as of October 2026
Short answer: LogisVert is the anchor, Rénoclimat changed, and Chauffez vert closed.
- LogisVert: Hydro-Québec grants pay by heating capacity measured at -8°C: $50 per 1,000 BTU/h for an ENERGY STAR heat pump, or $120 for a cold-climate model, capped at $6,700, with separate support for geothermal and other measures. Hydro-Québec has noted the federal rebate due in 2027 and says LogisVert requests are being processed normally.
- Rénoclimat: from October 1, 2026, the pre-retrofit evaluation became optional (with aid up to $500) and new caps apply; participants under the old rules must finish by March 31, 2027, per the province's notice.
- Chauffez vert: closed to applications after March 31, 2026.
- Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program: a June 2026 agreement funds upgrades for about 25,000 lower- and median-income households; the Quebec delivery program's name wasn't yet confirmed.
Menu picks for a Quebec HVAC company
Short answer: French foundations, grant accuracy, then heat-pump demand.
| Priority | Menu items | Why in Quebec |
|---|---|---|
| Start now | French-first website, service pages and Business Profile | Required for Quebec customers and expected by them |
| Start now | LogisVert grant pages with dates and links | Grants anchor most heat-pump decisions |
| Add next | Heat-pump replacement campaigns, quote follow-up | Electric-heat homes are the core audience |
| Add next | Review flow with French replies | Builds trust in crowded metros |
| Usually wait | Oil and propane conversion campaigns | Chauffez vert has closed; revisit when federal rebates launch |
See our rebate marketing service for how we keep grant pages accurate, and the pricing page for plans.
Frequently asked questions
Do our website and ads have to be in French?
For Quebec customers, the Charter of the French Language as amended by Bill 96 requires French to be clearly predominant in commercial advertising, and websites and social content aimed at Quebec customers must be available in French. Other languages can appear too. The OQLF explains the rules for businesses.
What heat-pump grants exist in Quebec?
As of October 2026, Hydro-Québec's LogisVert program offered grants for ENERGY STAR heat pumps, with higher amounts for cold-climate units, up to $6,700, plus support for geothermal systems. Confirm current amounts with Hydro-Québec before quoting.
Is Chauffez vert still available?
No. Quebec's Chauffez vert aid for replacing oil or propane heating stopped accepting applications after March 31, 2026.
Who licenses HVAC contractors in Quebec?
The Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) licenses contractors who carry out construction work for others, and the Commission de la construction du Québec handles competency certification for construction workers. Ask them directly about your own situation.
Sources
- Statistics Canada Table 38-10-0286-01: Primary heating systems and energy (2023) (2026-10-22)
- Régie du bâtiment du Québec (2026-10-22)
- Hydro-Québec: LogisVert Efficient Homes Program (2026-10-22)
- Gouvernement du Québec: Rénoclimat changes and flood adaptation (2026-10-22)
- Gouvernement du Québec: Chauffez vert (2026-10-22)
- OQLF: Francisation des entreprises (2026-10-22)