Canair
Canair is a private Quebec residential HVAC brand owned by Groupe Deschênes, selling mini-split and central heat pumps manufactured in China and distributed exclusively in Quebec by subsidiary Descair through authorized contractors, with all products eligible for federal and provincial home retrofit grants.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded-
- HeadquartersMontréal, Canada
- Headcount—
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Canair does
Canair is a privately held brand of residential heat pumps and air conditioners owned by Quebec-based distribution conglomerate Groupe Deschênes Inc. and distributed exclusively in Quebec by its subsidiary Descair, which has operated as an HVAC wholesaler since 1971. The product portfolio consists of wall-mounted mini-split ductless heat pumps (C22, C28, 4C22, 4C28 series, including single-zone and up-to-6-zone multizone configurations) and central heating and cooling systems (CDH and 4CDH, side discharge, 1.5T to 5T capacities). All units are manufactured in China by what the company describes as the world's number one air treatment equipment provider, with products selected by Descair against defined criteria for Quebec's climate; the lineup centers on inverter variable-speed technology, A2L refrigerant leakage detection, copper coil TU1 construction, outdoor heat cables, cold draft prevention, self-cleaning, and optional Wi-Fi connectivity.
The business model is hardware sales through a B2B2C authorized-dealer channel: Quebec homeowners obtain quotes via the Canair website or by contacting authorized HVAC contractors, who handle sizing, installation, and grant paperwork. Pricing is not publicly disclosed and is quote-based. Revenue streams are the sale of mini-split and central HVAC systems, plus optional extended warranty coverage (up to 10 years on compressor, parts, and labor on certain models). The entire product set is positioned to qualify for the Canada Greener Homes Grant (up to $5,400 per household) and Quebec provincial programs (Rénoclimat, Novoclimat, Chauffez vert, Hydro-Québec aid up to $1,000), which the company treats as a top-of-funnel demand driver. The sole served geography is Quebec, the sole served segment is residential, and the sole end customer is the Quebec homeowner; all other activities (manufacturing, distribution, brand) are channel or supply-side functions rather than distinct customer-facing businesses.
Canair has no disclosed headcount, revenue, funding rounds, patents, certifications, management team, M&A, or AI/ML capabilities, and the website is operated by the parent company rather than an independent legal entity dedicated to the brand. Operating status is active and the brand is currently being marketed with refreshed 2025 product collateral, but the company's analytics surface is thin and any growth, profitability, or strategic direction beyond the current Quebec residential channel cannot be derived from the supplied data.
Canair firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Canair
- Legal name
- Groupe Deschênes Inc.
- Website
- https://canair.com
- Company type
- Private
- Operating status
- Operating
- Short description
- Canair is a private Quebec residential HVAC brand owned by Groupe Deschênes, selling mini-split and central heat pumps manufactured in China and distributed exclusively in Quebec by subsidiary Descair through authorized contractors, with all products eligible for federal and provincial home retrofit grants.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Canair industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Residential HVAC Equipment
- NAICS
- Air-Conditioning and Warm Air Heating Equipment and Commercial and Industrial Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturing (333415)
- SIC
- Air-Cond & Warm Air Heatg Equip & Comm & Indl Refrig Equip (3585), Steam & Air-Conditioning Supply (4961)
- akta.pro industry
- Chillers & Cooling Plant EquipmentIndustrials, Manufacturing & Construction/Industrial Machinery & Heavy Equipment/Refrigeration, HVAC & Thermal Equipment
Keywords
Where Canair is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Montréal
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Canair business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Heat Pump Sales: Revenue generated from the sale of mini-split ductless heat pumps and wall-mounted air conditioning units to Quebec homeowners through authorized dealers and contractors.
- Central Air System Sales: Revenue from the sale of central heating and cooling systems (CDH and 4CDH models) for whole-home climate control.
- Extended Warranty: Additional warranty coverage sold separately - up to 10 years for compressor and parts, and 10 years for labour on certain models.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels3 records
Canair product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Canair is a brand of residential heat pumps and air conditioners specifically designed for Quebec's climate. The portfolio includes wall-mounted mini-split ductless heat pumps (C22, C28, 4C22, 4C28 series) and central heating and cooling systems (CDH and 4CDH series). Products are manufactured in China by the world's leading air treatment equipment provider and distributed exclusively in Quebec by Descair, a subsidiary of Groupe Deschênes established since 1971. All products are subsidizable under the Canada Greener Homes Grant and Quebec provincial incentive programs.
Product overview
Canair is a brand of heat pumps and air conditioners specifically designed for Quebec's climate, manufactured in China by the world's number one air treatment equipment provider and distributed exclusively in Quebec by Descair, a subsidiary of Groupe Deschênes established since 1971. The product portfolio consists of wall-mounted mini-split ductless heat pumps (C22, C28, 4C22, 4C28 series) and central heating and cooling systems (CDH and 4CDH series). The C22 and 4C22 series offer single-zone configurations, while the C28 and 4C28 series provide both single-zone and multizone capabilities (up to 6 zones). The central systems handle whole-home heating and cooling through existing ductwork. All products feature inverter technology, Wi-Fi connectivity (optional), and qualify for Quebec government grants including Canada Greener Homes Grant (up to $5,400) and provincial programs (up to $1,000). The products are subsidizable under Quebec government programs.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- 4C22: Single Zone Mini-Split Ductless Heat Pump series
- 4C28
- C22
- C28
- CDH
- 4CDH
Products and services
- CANAIR 4C22 (Single Zone Mini-Split Ductless Heat Pump) Wall-mounted single zone mini-split ductless heat pump for Quebec homeowners, available in 09HP and 12HP capacity variants with 115V or 230V options. Includes Quiet Mode, Self-Cleaning, Turbo Mode, Automatic Startup, Cold Draft Prevention, optional Wi-Fi, Follow Me Function, and Compact & Flexible design. Eligible for Quebec government grants.
- CANAIR 4C28 (Multizone Mini-Split Ductless Heat Pump) Wall-mounted mini-split ductless heat pump for Quebec homeowners, available in single-zone and multizone configurations of 3-6 zones. Features A2L Refrigerant Leakage Detection, Copper Coil TU1, Integrated Multifunction Board, Outdoor Heat Cables, and Built-In Shutoff Valve (multizone models). Eligible for Quebec government grants.
- CANAIR C22 (Single Zone Mini-Split Ductless Heat Pump and Air Conditioner) Wall-mounted single zone mini-split ductless heat pump and air conditioner for Quebec homeowners, available in 09HP to 24HP sizes with 115V or 230V options. Includes Quiet Mode, Self-Cleaning, Turbo Mode, Automatic Startup, Cold Draft Prevention, optional Wi-Fi, Follow Me Function, Compact & Flexible design, and sturdy construction. Eligible for Quebec government grants.
- CANAIR C28 (Single Zone and Multizone Mini-Split Ductless Heat Pump, Indoor Unit Only) Wall-mounted single zone and multizone (2-5 zone) mini-split ductless heat pump (indoor unit only) for Quebec homeowners, available in 06HP to 36HP sizes. Features Quiet Mode, Self-Cleaning, Turbo Mode, Automatic Startup, Cold Draft Prevention, optional Wi-Fi, Follow Me Function, Energy Efficient operation, and sturdy construction. Designated a top seller. Eligible for Quebec government grants.
- Canair Central Heating and Cooling System (CDH) Side-discharge central heating and cooling system for whole-home climate control in Quebec, available in 1.5T to 5T capacities. Features Quiet Mode, Self-Cleaning, Turbo Mode, Automatic Startup, Cold Draft Prevention, Follow Me Function, optional Wi-Fi, Energy Efficient operation, and Easy Maintenance. Designated a top seller. Eligible for Quebec government grants.
- Canair Central Heating and Cooling System (4CDH) Advanced side-discharge central heating and cooling system for whole-home climate control in Quebec, available in 1.5T to 5T capacities. Features Quiet Mode, Self-Cleaning, Turbo Mode, Automatic Startup, Cold Draft Prevention, Follow Me Function, optional Wi-Fi, Energy Efficient operation, Easy Maintenance, Outdoor Heat Cables, and A2L Refrigerant Leakage Detection. Eligible for Quebec government grants.
Quantifiable outcome
- Uses one-third the electricity of traditional baseboard electric heaters
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Canair
Customer profileSegments1 record
Ideal customer profiles1 record
Canair technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature8 records
Canair partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.
- DescaircoreDescair is a Quebec-based family business established since 1971 and subsidiary of Groupe Deschênes. It is the exclusive distributor of Canair products in Quebec, providing homes throughout Quebec with optimal, energy-efficient indoor temperature control solutions. Descair specializes in wholesale distribution of high-quality HVAC systems and parts at competitive market prices.
- Groupe DeschênescoreGroupe Deschênes is the parent company of Descair. The Canair website is operated and managed by Groupe Deschênes Inc. and its subsidiaries or affiliated companies. Groupe Deschênes is a Quebec-based family business that operates across Canada in the distribution of plumbing, heating, refrigeration, and electrical products.
- Unnamed Chinese Manufacturer (World's #1 Air Treatment Equipment Provider)coreCanair heat pumps are manufactured in China by the world's number one air treatment equipment provider. Each product is carefully chosen by Descair based on well-defined selection criteria for the Quebec market. The manufacturer specializes in producing HVAC equipment meeting Canadian standards.
- Canada Greener Homes GrantcoreIntroduced in 2021 by the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Canada Greener Homes Grant allows Quebec homeowners to receive up to $5,400 in incentives for heat pump retrofits. This federal program significantly reduces customer acquisition costs and drives adoption of Canair products.
- Rénoclimat, Novoclimat, Chauffez vert ProgramsmajorQuebec provincial incentive programs including Rénoclimat, Novoclimat, and Chauffez vert, along with Hydro-Quebec's financial aid program, can help Quebec homeowners with installation costs of a heat pump (up to $1,000 additional).
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Canair competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Daikin: Global HVAC leader with strong residential ductless heat pump presence in Canada (Daikin Fit, Aurora). Competes directly with Canair on inverter mini-splits and cold-climate performance in the Quebec retrofit channel.
- Midea Group: Major Chinese HVAC manufacturer with global residential heat pump and ductless mini-split offerings. Comparable as a potential alternate OEM and direct competitor brand in the same product category serving Canadian and North American residential customers.
- Fujitsu General: Established ductless mini-split heat pump brand widely distributed in North America (Halcyon line). Directly comparable product offering and competitive positioning to Canair in residential heating/cooling retrofits.
- Gree Electric Appliances: World's largest residential air conditioning and heat pump manufacturer; most likely the unnamed Chinese OEM producing Canair's units. Directly comparable as the upstream supplier of the same mini-split and central HVAC technology sold under the Canair brand.
- Mitsubishi Electric (HVAC Division): Leading ductless mini-split heat pump brand in North America with cold-climate product lines (e.g., MSZ-FH, H2i). Competes head-to-head with Canair in Quebec residential retrofits and shares the ductless inverter-driven product category.
Broad incumbents
- Lennox International: Established HVAC manufacturer with strong North American residential presence (Dave Lennox Signature Collection, heat pump lines). Competes with Canair in residential retrofits as an incumbent with broader category coverage.
- Carrier Global: One of the largest HVAC incumbents globally with broad residential heat pump, central AC, and ducted system portfolios. Competes with Canair in Quebec residential installations but as part of a much wider product and service portfolio.
- Trane Technologies: Major North American HVAC manufacturer with residential heat pump lines (XL series, RunTru). Overlaps with Canair's residential heating/cooling offering but operates as a broad incumbent across commercial and residential categories.
- Goodman Manufacturing (Daikin subsidiary): Large-volume residential HVAC manufacturer now part of Daikin, offering competitively priced heat pumps and central air systems in North America. Competes with Canair on price-sensitive residential replacement and new construction projects.
Regional players
- Napoleon Products: Canadian-headquartered manufacturer of fireplaces, HVAC, and heating products with strong Canadian dealer relationships. Comparable as a Canada-based residential HVAC/heating brand competing in overlapping dealer channels and customer segments.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights5 records
Customer concentration
Canair social profiles
Digital presenceCanair financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Canair leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Canair funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Canair M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Canair
What does Canair do?
Canair is a brand of residential heat pumps and air conditioners specifically designed for Quebec's climate. The portfolio includes wall-mounted mini-split ductless heat pumps (C22, C28, 4C22, 4C28 series) and central heating and cooling systems (CDH and 4CDH series). Products are manufactured in China by the world's leading air treatment equipment provider and distributed exclusively in Quebec by Descair, a subsidiary of Groupe Deschênes established since 1971. All products are subsidizable under the Canada Greener Homes Grant and Quebec provincial incentive programs.
Is Canair a public or private company?
Canair is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Canair founded?
Canair was founded in -1.
Where is Canair based?
Canair is headquartered in Montréal, Canada, in the North America region.
How does Canair make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Heat Pump Sales are the primary driver. The others are central Air System Sales and extended Warranty.
Who are Canair's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Daikin, Midea Group, Fujitsu General, Gree Electric Appliances and Mitsubishi Electric (HVAC Division). Broad incumbents are Lennox International, Carrier Global, Trane Technologies and Goodman Manufacturing (Daikin subsidiary). Napoleon Products is listed as a regional player.
Does Canair have an API?
No public API is recorded for Canair.
What industry is Canair in?
Canair's product category is Residential HVAC Equipment. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAHAKAE, Chillers & Cooling Plant Equipment. Its NAICS code is 333415 and its SIC code is 3585.