Wall-mounted air conditioners, although increasingly common in homes and businesses throughout Greater Montréal, still generate a fair amount of misconceptions. At AirGreen, our hands-on experience, combined with a recent in-depth study based on our installations across Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore and South Shore, allowed us to identify and dismantle five major myths surrounding wall-mounted air conditioners. This article is designed to inform you with precision while immersing you in the real-world scope of our HVAC projects.
Expertise forged in the field
For several years now, we’ve been carrying out wall-mounted air conditioner installations throughout the greater Montréal region. This study, conducted between June 2023 and February 2024, was based on over 250 projects carried out in single-family homes, condos, duplexes, and commercial spaces. Thanks to real data and customer feedback, we were able to identify persistent beliefs that still hold some households back from choosing a solution that is both effective and energy-efficient.
Myth #1: “Wall-mounted air conditioners aren’t powerful enough to cool an entire home”
Reality: It all comes down to BTUs, layout, and expert planning
This is by far the most common myth. Yet we’ve installed 18,000 to 24,000 BTU wall-mounted units in homes of over 1,500 square feet in Rosemont, Laval-des-Rapides, and Boucherville, with more than satisfactory results. The key lies in:
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A professional heat load calculation.
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Choosing the right model (Fujitsu, Gree, Sharp, or Bosch, for example).
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A strategic installation, allowing proper airflow.
For instance, in a century-old home in Villeray, the installation of a Gree Extreme 24,000 BTU wall-mounted heat pump successfully cooled both the ground floor and the upper level, providing consistent and quiet comfort.
Myth #2: “Wall-mounted air conditioners use too much electricity”
Reality: Today’s models are extremely energy-efficient
New-generation wall-mounted air conditioners, especially those we install like the FUJITSU KZAH R-32 or the Bosch BIVA IDS Premium R-454b, are equipped with inverter compressors that adapt their output to the actual needs. This allows:
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Up to 40% lower energy use compared to a window unit.
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A SEER rating exceeding 20, depending on the model.
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Eligibility for LogisVert subsidies from Hydro-Québec, reducing upfront costs.
In Sainte-Thérèse, a couple saw their electricity bill drop by 17% after replacing three portable AC units with a high-efficiency Fujitsu wall-mounted unit.
Myth #3: “Installing a wall-mounted air conditioner is complicated and invasive”
Reality: One day is all it takes — no major work needed
Thanks to our precise approach, our installations are usually completed in under 6 hours, with:
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Minimal drilling (just a 3-inch hole through the exterior wall).
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Discreet design with pipe covers painted to match the façade.
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No structural modifications, even in older buildings.
In a heritage building in Saint-Lambert, we installed a Sharp ZU1 15,000 BTU wall-mounted heat pump without altering the exterior aesthetic, coordinating all work with the condo board.
Myth #4: “A wall-mounted air conditioner is only useful in summer”
Reality: Wall-mounted heat pumps provide heat even at -30°C
Many modern wall-mounted AC units are in fact heat pumps, offering high-performance heating even in winter. In Terrebonne, a customer replaced his old oil system with a Gree Sapphire 18,000 BTU wall-mounted heat pump, gaining:
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Stable heating down to -25°C.
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A dramatic drop in heating costs.
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Eligibility for a $1,704 LogisVert grant.
Our data shows that 72% of clients during winter 2023 used their wall-mounted units to heat their entire homes, significantly reducing their reliance on baseboard heaters.
Myth #5: “Wall-mounted air conditioners are noisy and unattractive”
Reality: Quiet, sleek, and expertly integrated
The models we recommend — including the Gree Extreme, Fujitsu KZAH, and Sharp ZU1 — are among the quietest on the market, with sound levels as low as 19 dB.
Furthermore:
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The indoor units are compact, modern, and available in several finishes.
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The outdoor units are discreet, often installed on anti-vibration mounts and painted to blend into the exterior.
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When properly installed, they can be nearly invisible, like the Fujitsu heat pump installed by our team in Outremont, without affecting the aesthetics of the landscaped backyard.
Testimonial: A real-life example from a family in Brossard
Mrs. L. contacted us after an intense heatwave. She assumed that only a central heat pump could meet her needs. After a free thermal assessment, we suggested a Bosch 24,000 BTU wall-mounted heat pump, installed in the central area of her home. The result:
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A steady 22°C throughout the house.
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No disruptive noise during her baby’s naps.
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No changes required to her electrical system, thanks to our certified electrician partner.
The importance of choosing a certified installer
Behind every great machine, there must be a qualified HVAC installer. At AirGreen, each installation includes:
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A complete thermal analysis.
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Support with grants (Hydro-Québec, LogisVert, etc.).
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Personalized follow-up, even after installation.
Our expertise covers the entire Greater Montréal Area, including the North Shore and South Shore, with a dedicated team for each sector.
In conclusion: Move past the myths and breathe easier
Wall-mounted air conditioners are far more than just summer comfort devices. Today, they offer complete, economical, quiet, and high-performance solutions, perfectly suited for Québec’s climate.
At AirGreen, we bring our expertise to every client with tailored installations, meticulous attention to detail, and recognized HVAC knowledge across the metropolitan region.