Quebec adds six-year warranty for new heat pumps and ACs
Quebec's new statutory warranty on air conditioners and heat pumps took effect 5 October 2026. Here is what it may mean for project costs.
Quebec has introduced a six-year statutory warranty for new air conditioners and heat pumps sold or leased to consumers. It applies to long-term contracts signed on or after 5 October 2026. If you live elsewhere in Canada, nothing changes for you directly. If you are in Quebec and planning cooling or heating work, it is worth knowing what has shifted.
What happened
According to https://news.brgbuildingsolutions.com/, amendments to Quebec's Consumer Protection Act and its regulations came into effect on 5 October 2026. They create a six-year "Warranty of Good Working Order" for new air conditioners and heat pumps. The rules were set out under Bill 29 and cover units sold or leased to consumers under long-term contracts entered into on or after that date.
The same report says the change matters to manufacturers, wholesalers and contractors serving Quebec's residential heating and cooling market. It also says the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) has spoken with Quebec's consumer protection office to clarify how the rules apply to installed systems. According to HRAI, several implementation questions are still open, and the association is continuing to seek answers.
What we do not know yet
The source does not say how the warranty will be priced into equipment or installation, who carries the cost, or how it applies to a unit that is installed rather than simply sold. We will not guess at those details. Until the open questions are settled, treat any claim about exact price effects with caution.
What it could mean for project costs
Our figures are before GST/HST and are not Quebec-specific. They show the typical spend on the projects the rule touches.
- Ducted heat pump: typically $12,000, with a usual range of $9,350 – $15,600. See our [heat pump cost guide](Heat pump installation).
- Ductless mini-split air conditioning (three rooms): typically $9,950, with a usual range of $7,800 – $13,000. See our [air conditioning cost guide](Ductless mini-split).
Here is how the options compare for heat pumps:
| Material | Typical | Usual range | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ductless multi-zone (whole home) | $10,900 | $8,450 – $14,100 | – |
| Ducted air-source heat pump | $12,000 | $9,350 – $15,600 | – |
| Dual-fuel hybrid (keeps gas furnace) | $13,000 | $10,100 – $16,900 | – |
Any longer warranty obligation is a cost somebody has to absorb. It could show up in equipment pricing, in contractor terms, or in how installers structure their work. Whether it does, and by how much, is not yet known. We calculate our figures from labour hours × local rates plus materials, checked against market prices and real quotes. We will update them if quotes in Quebec start to move.
What to do if you are buying in Quebec
- Ask for the warranty in writing. Have the contractor state which warranty applies to the equipment and to the installation, and who handles a claim.
- Check the contract date. The rule applies to contracts entered into on or after 5 October 2026, so the signing date matters.
- Compare quotes line by line. Equipment, labour, venting or ductwork, and any warranty terms should each be itemised. Our "is my quote fair" tool lets you check a quote against typical costs.
- Use licensed trades. Electrical and refrigeration work needs licensed trades, and usually a permit.
Outside Quebec
The rule is a Quebec consumer-protection measure, so it does not apply in other provinces. Even so, a long warranty on a heat pump or air conditioner is a fair thing to ask any installer about. Ask what the manufacturer covers, what the installer covers, and for how long.
Federal incentives are also worth checking before you commit. The Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program offered up to $10,000, or up to $25,000 where co-delivered with the province, for oil-heated homes. Applications closed on 31 July 2026 in Alberta, Manitoba, the Northwest Territories, Quebec and Saskatchewan. The Greener Homes Grant and Loan are also closed.
If you are weighing a heat pump against a new furnace, see our [furnace replacement guide](Furnace replacement) for the comparison.