Behind the enticing promises: the real risks of unbranded wall-mounted air conditioners sold online
At AirGreen, we’re often called in to repair or replace wall-mounted air conditioners that customers purchased online, drawn by flashy deals and tempting technical descriptions. Unfortunately, what seems like a good bargain often hides a series of nasty surprises: poor performance, early breakdowns, no replacement parts available, or even disqualification from certain government grants.
In this article, we pull back the curtain on what many online sellers won’t tell you about unbranded or obscure-brand wall-mounted air conditioners, and explain why it’s essential to work with a certified professional like AirGreen serving Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore.
The illusion of a “good deal”: why rock-bottom prices lead to future costs
Low-end equipment with unstable performance
Most unbranded or directly imported units from Asia are not designed to meet the strict standards of the Québec market. These systems often use low-quality components, especially in the compressor, circuit board, or indoor fan. The result? Frequent failures, poor energy efficiency, and a much shorter lifespan compared to trusted models like Gree, Fujitsu, Sharp, Bosch, or Tosot—all of which we install at AirGreen.
Lack of CSA certification
Many of the air conditioners purchased online are not CSA-certified, a non-negotiable requirement for installation in Québec. Without this certification, no reputable HVAC installer will agree to install the unit, and in the event of an accident, your insurance may deny coverage.
Non-existent after-sales service: when there’s no one to fix it
No replacement parts available
When an unbranded wall-mounted unit breaks down, reality hits hard: there are no replacement parts available in Canada. Even basic components like a fan motor or control board can be impossible to source. At AirGreen, we get monthly calls from frustrated customers asking if we can “save” a unit they bought online — but often the only solution is a full replacement, sometimes barely one or two years after the original purchase.
No certified technician network
Reliable brands like Fujitsu, Bosch, and Gree rely on a broad network of trained and certified installers. That guarantees fast, safe, and code-compliant service. On the other hand, unknown brands offer no local support. If a repair is even possible, it will need to be improvised—without any guarantee of success or durability.
The illusion of savings: a cheap air conditioner that ends up costing more
Government grants refused
Financial assistance programs like Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert program require certified, energy-efficient equipment from recognized manufacturers. By purchasing an unbranded wall-mounted air conditioner online, you risk losing out on hundreds or even thousands of dollars in subsidies.
Poor energy performance
A low SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) means higher electricity consumption. A cheap device can easily triple your electricity costs during heat waves. In contrast, the models we install at AirGreen often have SEER ratings above 22, delivering optimal comfort and long-term energy savings.
Real-life testimonials: costly mistakes we fix regularly
Example 1: Montréal (Villeray)
A client ordered a 12,000 BTU wall-mounted air conditioner from an unknown brand online, attracted by the $899 price. After only 18 months, the unit stopped working. No technical support was available. We were called in to assess the problem, but the main control board was defective and impossible to find. The result: full replacement with a Gree Lomo+ 12,000 BTU unit, installation included and eligible for a $1,150 government grant.
Example 2: Longueuil (Saint-Hubert)
A homeowner had a handyman install a wall-mounted air conditioner bought from a Chinese online platform. A few months later, a refrigerant leak (R410A) caused a major breakdown. No local technician wanted to get involved. At AirGreen, we secured the system, removed the faulty unit, and installed a Fujitsu KZAH 15,000 BTU R-32, a quiet, high-performance, Energy Star-certified unit.
What to check before buying a wall-mounted air conditioner?
1. The brand
Stick to trusted manufacturers known for reliability, such as Gree, Bosch, Fujitsu, Sharp, Lennox, or Tosot. These are the brands we recommend and regularly install throughout Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore.
2. Certifications
Make sure the product has CSA, Energy Star, and AHRI certifications. These ensure that the system is approved for the Québec market, energy-efficient, and eligible for subsidies.
3. Local service
Make sure there’s a network of technicians in your area who can handle installation, maintenance, and repairs. At AirGreen, we serve the entire Greater Montréal region, and our technicians are trained to meet the highest HVAC industry standards.
Why choose AirGreen: our commitment to long-term comfort
At AirGreen, we don’t just sell and install wall-mounted air conditioners — we support our clients at every stage: from choosing the right unit to post-installation technical support. We prioritize reliable, durable, certified brands and ensure every job is completed cleanly, safely, and in full compliance with the strictest industry standards.
Avoid nasty surprises and make sure your investment is smart, durable, and safe by working with a professional team that understands Québec’s climate and the specific demands of the local HVAC market.
Conclusion: The unbranded wall-mounted air conditioner is a false economy
Buying a wall-mounted air conditioner online may seem tempting, but it often means sacrificing quality, safety, and peace of mind just to save a few dollars. Choosing a wall-mounted unit should be strategic and based on solid, informed criteria.
At AirGreen, we’re here to advise you, support you, and ensure lasting comfort with certified, high-performing HVAC solutions that are tailored to your real-world needs.