In-Depth Study on the Energy Efficiency of Wall-Mounted Air Conditioners in Two Major Québec Cities
Québec summers are becoming increasingly intense year after year, and residents of Montréal and Laval alike are seeking efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions to cool their homes. In this article, we dive into a local and concrete comparison of the energy efficiency of wall-mounted air conditioners installed by our team at AirGreen, highlighting climate conditions, installation specifics, performance of popular models, and actual savings observed.
Why Compare Montréal and Laval for Wall-Mounted Air Conditioning?
These two neighboring cities share similar climates but differ significantly in urban density, building types, average thermal insulation, and household energy consumption. As experts in wall-mounted air conditioner installation in Montréal and Laval, we’ve observed that these factors greatly influence the performance of HVAC systems.
Our Methodology: A Field-Based Analysis
At AirGreen, we don’t just sell and install wall-mounted air conditioning systems—we also ensure their HVAC maintenance and analyze performance season after season. For this article, we compared 20 recent installations (10 in Montréal and 10 in Laval), covering various brands: Fujitsu, Gree, Sharp, Daikin. We evaluated the following factors:
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Actual energy consumption over a 3-month period (June to August)
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Customer satisfaction rates
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Cooling speed
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Perceived thermal comfort
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Grant eligibility (Hydro-Québec LogisVert program)
Montréal: Denser Environment, Greater Technical Challenges
Wall-Mounted Air Conditioners in High-Density Urban Areas
In Montréal, our installations often take place in apartment buildings, condos, or townhouses. These urban environments come with specific challenges: limited access for outdoor units, an abundance of shared walls limiting airflow, and increased sun exposure depending on orientation.
Case Study in Outremont: Sharp ZU1 18,000 BTU
We installed a Sharp ZU1 18,000 BTU unit in a renovated triplex in Outremont. Despite space constraints for the outdoor unit, our team optimized the placement to ensure constant airflow. Results after 3 months:
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Average consumption: 680 kWh
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Temperature maintained at 23°C across 110 m² with minimal fluctuation
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Satisfaction rate: 9.5/10
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LogisVert Grant: $1,704 successfully applied
Summary of Montréal Trends
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Slightly higher consumption due to typically poorer building insulation.
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Installation challenges offset by AirGreen’s expertise in optimizing HVAC installations in urban settings.
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Average electricity bill savings: 27% compared to window AC units.
Laval: Residential Conditions Favoring Energy Optimization
Wall-Mounted Units in More Spacious Residential Areas
In Laval’s suburban neighborhoods, installations are often more straightforward with better flexibility for outdoor unit placement. Single-family homes usually offer better insulation, and sun exposure is more predictable.
Case Study in Fabreville: Fujitsu KZAH 12,000 BTU
We recently installed a Fujitsu KZAH R-32 12,000 BTU unit in a 95 m² bungalow. Thanks to its northwest exposure and the home’s excellent insulation, performance was outstanding:
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Average consumption: 460 kWh
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Temperature remained stable at 22.5°C in all main rooms
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Customer satisfaction rate: 10/10
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Grant obtained: $1,408
Summary of Laval Performance
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Overall better performance due to higher-quality building envelope.
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Faster and less expensive installations thanks to direct access to electrical panels and exterior walls.
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Average electricity bill savings: 35% compared to an old oil-based central system.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Montréal vs Laval – Wall-Mounted AC
| Indicator | Montréal (average) | Laval (average) |
|---|---|---|
| Consumption (3 months) | 625 kWh | 485 kWh |
| Customer satisfaction | 9.3 / 10 | 9.8 / 10 |
| Average grant | $1,704 | $1,576 |
| Energy savings | 27% | 35% |
| Installation time | 1.5 days | 1 day |
Top-Performing Models in Both Cities
Top 3 Models in Montréal
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Sharp ZU1 18,000 BTU – Ideal for multi-level dwellings
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Daikin MXL Series 15,000 BTU – Quiet, very reliable in dense environments
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Gree Lomo 12,000 BTU – Great value, compact size
Top 3 Models in Laval
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Fujitsu KZAH R-32 12,000 BTU – Excellent energy efficiency
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Gree Extreme 18,000 BTU – Optimal thermal stability
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Sharp ZU1 12,000 BTU – Versatile, sleek design
Practical Tips for Choosing the Right Wall-Mounted AC
What to Consider Based on Your Area:
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In Montréal, go for a unit with high static pressure if you live in a dense building.
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In Laval, choose an energy-efficient wall-mounted heat pump if your home is well insulated.
Mistakes to Avoid:
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Ignoring the sun exposure of main rooms.
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Choosing an underpowered unit just to save money.
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Forgetting to check Hydro-Québec LogisVert grant eligibility.
AirGreen Expertise: At the Heart of Local Energy Performance
Whether you’re in Montréal or Laval, our team customizes every wall-mounted HVAC installation based on your building, energy usage, and comfort goals. We guide you toward the best model, identify available grants, and ensure professional, prompt installation backed by reliable after-sales support.
Conclusion: Different Performances, One Shared Goal—Efficiency
This local study demonstrates that the actual performance of a wall-mounted air conditioner is strongly influenced by residential context, model selection, and quality of installation. At AirGreen, we optimize all three to ensure our clients get the best comfort at the best cost across Montréal, Laval, and throughout the North Shore and South Shore.