These Small Adjustments and Technologies You Often Overlook Can Have a Huge Impact on Your Comfort… and Your Wallet
At AirGreen, we know that many homeowners and building managers in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore are constantly looking for practical ways to reduce their energy consumption while maintaining a high level of comfort during the hottest months of the year. However, many overlook the fact that their wall-mounted air conditioner, often seen as just a cooling device, is packed with advanced features that can result in substantial savings.
We’re here to guide you through these little-known features that we frequently encounter during our HVAC installations and maintenance, illustrated by real-world examples from our projects at AirGreen.
The Importance of Smart Set Point Temperature
One of the most common mistakes we observe during our visits, whether at homes or businesses, is setting the temperature too low. Many people set their wall-mounted air conditioner to 18°C, thinking it will cool the room faster. In reality, this needlessly increases energy consumption, without speeding up the cooling process.
Recent models like the Fujitsu KZAH R-32 or Gree Lomo or Sapphire are designed to operate more efficiently at stable temperatures, around 24-25°C. During a recent installation in Saint-Lambert, a client followed our advice to set the unit to 25°C during the day and 26°C at night. The result was a 12% reduction in their monthly electricity bill.
ECO Mode and Low Consumption Operation
Many of our clients are unaware of the ECO mode, available on most high-end wall-mounted air conditioners like the Gree Extrême or Sharp ZU1. This mode allows the unit to run at reduced power, gradually adjusting the temperature without sudden changes.
During an installation in Laval, in a new condo, we set the ECO mode to operate during Hydro-Québec's off-peak hours. Combined with a smart timer, this simple setup helped our client reduce energy consumption by over 18% in the summer.
Presence Detection and Automatic Airflow Adjustment
Certain recent models like the Fujitsu KZAH R-32 or the Tosot Aura feature motion detection technology. When no one is detected in the room for a certain period, the unit automatically slows down or temporarily shuts off, resuming its operation as soon as someone enters.
This type of feature is especially useful for offices, living rooms, or bedrooms that are rarely occupied. At a recent installation in Blainville, a commercial client managing a small physiotherapy clinic was able to reduce their energy costs by 20% by activating this feature in less-frequented areas.
Advanced Scheduling Features
Too many clients still leave their air conditioners running all day, even when they’re not home. However, most units installed by AirGreen come with weekly timers or smartphone app syncing capabilities.
We recently installed a Gree Lomo 12,000 BTU wall-mounted air conditioner in a single-family home in Longueuil. Thanks to the Gree+ app, the client can schedule the unit to turn on 30 minutes before returning home, while preventing it from running unnecessarily during the day.
"I Feel" Mode: Precise Adjustment Based on the Actual Ambient Temperature
On models like the Gree Sapphire, the remote control acts as a remote temperature sensor. This means the air conditioner adjusts its performance based on the temperature where you are, not where the unit is mounted on the wall.
During an installation in Brossard, a client complained of feeling too cold in the living room but too warm in the dining room, despite the space being open. By activating the "I Feel" function, we optimized thermal comfort without increasing energy consumption.
Advanced Filtration and Regular Maintenance for Optimal Performance
Regular HVAC maintenance is often underestimated, but it’s an essential lever for maintaining high energy efficiency. Dirty filters, clogged coils, or poor air circulation can increase consumption by up to 25%.
At AirGreen, we always include a full cleaning and performance check in our seasonal maintenance visits. In Laval, a client noticed their Gree air conditioner was losing power. After a thorough filter cleaning and a calibrated restart, performance was restored, and their consumption returned to normal.
Compatibility with Subsidy Programs
Did you know that several of the wall-mounted air conditioners installed by AirGreen are eligible for Hydro-Québec's LogisVert subsidies? Not only does this help offset the initial cost, but it also allows access to more efficient and eco-friendly units with cutting-edge technologies.
For example, the Gree Extrême 18,000 BTU wall-mounted air conditioners are eligible for subsidies of up to $1,704, particularly for primary residences on the South Shore.
Recap of Little-Known Features That Save You Money
Here’s a quick overview of the features to start using today:
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ECO Mode for reduced consumption
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Motion Detection for intelligent management
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Advanced Scheduling based on your habits
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"I Feel" Sensor for targeted comfort
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Regular HVAC Maintenance to avoid overconsumption
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Stable Temperature Around 24-25°C
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Eligibility for LogisVert Subsidies
Why Choose AirGreen to Optimize Your Energy Efficiency?
At AirGreen, we don’t just install wall-mounted air conditioners. We advise, program, and optimize every installation based on your specific needs, whether you’re in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, or the South Shore.
Our personalized approach, based on years of HVAC expertise, allows us to maximize the energy efficiency of every installation. Whether you are a residential homeowner, a property manager, or a business owner, we have a solution that will save you money in the long run.
Need Advice on Your Wall-Mounted Air Conditioner?
Contact our team today for a free HVAC audit, or to schedule an installation, maintenance, or optimization of your existing system. Together, let’s make comfort and savings go hand in hand.