HVAC System
Consistent Comfort in Every Climate
The Demers HVAC system is an intentionally engineered, high-performance climate solution designed to deliver consistent, zone-balanced comfort for EMS crews and patients, no matter the environment. From extreme heat to subzero cold, it is built to reliably regulate the care module, allowing you to stay focused and patients to remain comfortable throughout transport.
Developed with direct feedback from EMS professionals, this system is specifically designed for the patient compartment to address the real challenges of ambulance climate control. To further support operations across the U.S., we offer four (4) HVAC package options tailored to regional climate conditions. Details can be found in our HVAC System Configuration Guide.
Designed for How You Work in the Field
Standard ambulance HVAC systems aren’t built to handle the realities responders face in the field. You move in and out of the vehicle frequently, operate in constantly changing environments, and often work in full PPE, all while your patient depends on a comfortable, controlled care module.
Common challenges with traditional HVAC systems include:
- Inconsistent temperatures and hot or cold zones
- Limited airflow reaching you and your patient
- Reduced performance in extreme heat or cold
- Integration with OEM platforms not designed for the ambulance module
Our HVAC system was intentionally designed to address these issues by focusing on how you actually work. It supports long, physically demanding shifts, high-stress calls that require focus and endurance, and frequent door openings without sacrificing interior temperature control.
Every component, from airflow strategy to insulation and system configuration, is selected to help you stay comfortable, maintain focus, and deliver consistent patient care, even when outside conditions are unpredictable.
Engineered for Your Environment
Our HVAC system is engineered as a high-capacity, independent solution designed specifically for the patient compartment, rather than adapted from OEM platforms. Purpose-built airflow strategies and a plenum-based, ducted air delivery system provide consistent airflow throughout the module while reducing pressure loss. A separate heat blower further improves heating efficiency and performance, particularly in extreme climates.
How it Benefits You
- Maintains stable interior temperatures by eliminating hot and cold zones during transport
- Reduces heat gain in hot environments and limits heat loss in cold conditions
- Creates a more comfortable, controlled patient care environment for both patients and crews
- Supports long-term reliability with proven components designed for extended duty cycles
- Simplifies service and maintenance, reducing downtime and helping control lifecycle costs
- Allows quick, intuitive temperature and airflow adjustments through the Multiplex Management Center (MMC) without disrupting patient care
This approach to HVAC, including its configurations, airflow strategy, insulation integration, and system architecture, is engineered in-house and exclusive to our ambulances. It reflects our continued focus on innovation that supports real-world EMS operations.
Options for Every Climate
In addition to the core HVAC system, we offer four (4) HVAC package options designed to match the climate conditions found across different regions of the United States. From moderate environments to extreme heat or cold, each package builds on the same purpose-built foundation to deliver the cooling, heating, and airflow performance your operation requires.
Explore the available HVAC packages to find the configuration best suited to your region and response demands.
Answers to Common Questions About Our HVAC System
This section addresses common questions about our HVAC system, including its design, performance in extreme conditions, testing, and long-term support. These answers are intended to help you and other decision-makers in your department better understand how the system supports real-world operations.
How is the Demers HVAC system different from other ambulance HVAC systems?
Unlike systems adapted from automotive platforms, our HVAC system is specifically engineered for the patient compartment. It features independent high-capacity options, purpose-built airflow strategies, a plenum-based ducting system, and a separate heat blower for improved efficiency and performance.
What is included in the core HVAC system versus the HVAC packages?
The core HVAC system provides the foundational climate architecture, including advanced airflow design, ducting, controls, and integration with insulation and the patient module. The four (4) HVAC package options build on this foundation, adding capacity and performance features tailored to specific regional climate demands, from moderate environments to extreme heat or cold.
What is the difference between each HVAC package option?
Our four (4) HVAC package configurations are tailored to different climate needs and performance expectations:
- Standard Package: A basic system that ties into the OEM cooling loop and uses a standard 30,000 Btu/h evaporator with ducted outlets. It is designed for milder climates and provides dependable everyday performance.
- Advanced Package: Builds on the Standard by adding an auxiliary condenser while still tied to the OEM cooling loop. This increases cooling capacity and helps improve performance in hotter conditions.
- Premium Package: Uses an independent compressor and condenser for greater cooling and airflow capacity, reducing reliance on OEM systems and improving performance in more demanding environments.
- Arctic Range Package: Designed for extreme conditions and extended high-heat environments, this package includes enhanced components such as dual evaporators, higher-capacity condensers, and strategic airflow distribution to reach and maintain ideal temperatures quickly and efficiently.
Each package builds on the same carefully engineered climate architecture while increasing capacity and performance, so you can select the level of temperature control best suited to your operating environment.
We encourage you to review our HVAC System Configuration Guide for more details.
Is this HVAC system exclusive to Demers ambulances?
Yes. The Demers HVAC system, including its configurations, airflow strategy, insulation integration, and overall architecture, is engineered in-house and exclusive to our ambulances.
Was the Demers HVAC system tested?
Yes. Our HVAC system was validated using the AMD 012 test developed by the National Truck Equipment Association Ambulance Manufacturers Division. This standardized test measures how effectively the system can cool the patient compartment, including its ability to reduce interior temperatures from extreme heat conditions and maintain a stable, comfortable environment. The test also confirms insulation performance and ensures consistent, repeatable results.
How does the system perform in extreme heat or cold?
Regionally optimized HVAC packages, combined with insulation options ranging from R4 to R14, help the system perform reliably in environments ranging from desert heat to subzero temperatures by reducing heat gain and limiting heat loss.
Can crews easily control the HVAC system during transport?
Yes. The HVAC system is controlled through the MMC multiplex electrical system, with ergonomically positioned controls that allow quick temperature and airflow adjustments without disrupting patient care or workflow.
How does the HVAC system hold up over time, and how is it serviced?
The HVAC system is designed with proven components built for long duty cycles and a simplified, service-friendly architecture. If service is needed, OEM parts and knowledgeable technical support are available through our authorized dealer network, helping ensure consistent performance throughout the life of the ambulance.