Water-based air conditioning

 

How does a water-based air conditioning unit work? By connecting to a public network or a nearby water source. Unlike a conventional air conditioning system, which operates using an air conditioner or a reversible heat pump, water air conditioning uses water sources to operate. Replacing your water-based air conditioning unit can help limit our consumption of drinking water. 

The city of Montreal prohibits the installation of air conditioning, refrigeration, cooling, heating devices, generators or any building mechanical devices using water from the aqueduct, in the residential sector as well as in industries, businesses and institutions. In accordance with the requirement of the Quebec government’s drinking water conservation strategy, the City of Montreal has put two regulations into effect:

  • Regulation 13-023 targets devices in the residential sector of the City of Montreal;
  • Regulation RCG 13-011 targets devices installed in the industrial, commercial and institutional (ICI) sector on the island of Montreal.

Are you a homeowner in Montreal that has an air conditioning or cooling device that uses drinking water? As of January 1, 2018, you should have replaced it with an air conditioner, heat pump or other compliant system. It is recommended to contact our team to learn about alternative solutions that comply with the regulations.

 

The refusal to comply with the regulations is punishable by a fine!

If it is an industry, a business or an institution :

  • For a first offence, the fine varies between $ 200 and $ 500;
  • For any subsequent offence, the fine varies between $ 500 and $ 2,000.

If it is an industry, a business or an institution:

  • For a first offence, the fine varies between $ 400 and $ 1000;
  • For any subsequent offence, the fine varies between $ 500 and $ 4,000.

It is important to know which devices are considered to comply with the regulations. Although the deadline of January 1, 2018, has been set, it is estimated that thousands of businesses, institutions and residences still operate these obsolete devices. Knowing that each unit can use 10,000 litres of water per day, this can represent several tens of millions of cubic metres of drinking water that the City of Montreal must produce and distribute for this sole purpose! In addition, since this water is directly discharged into the sewer, it reduces its capacity to absorb the large volumes of rainwater.

In conclusion, Lysair and the refrigeration and air conditioning industry will therefore have an important role to play in order to offer technological solutions adapted to each situation. You can consult the city’s website for more information on the regulations. 

Let’s work together to reduce the waste of drinking water and maintain the ecological balance! To make an appointment or for more information, contact us!