Behind the Walls: What Many Wall-Mounted AC Installers Won’t Tell You
In Longueuil, like elsewhere on the South Shore of Montreal, the demand for wall-mounted air conditioner installations has surged in recent years. But with that popularity came a wave of shady contractors. At AirGreen, we’ve been called in multiple times to fix dangerous work done by other companies—especially when it comes to electrical safety.
In this article, we’re exposing some alarming practices we’ve observed in the field. Our goal is clear: protect our clients by revealing what many installers overlook, and show just how critical it is to ensure certified, code-compliant electrical work from the start.
Case Study: Fixing a Botched Wall-Mounted AC Installation in Longueuil
We were recently contacted by a couple in Longueuil who had a Gree Lomo 12,000 BTU wall-mounted air conditioner installed by a contractor found on an online platform. Less than two weeks after the installation, they noticed intermittent power cuts, a plastic burning smell, and frequent breaker trips.
When we arrived, the findings were crystal clear:
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Connected directly to a standard 15A wall outlet, no dedicated breaker
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No high-intensity certified cabling
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No grounding
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Zero compliance with the Quebec Electrical Code
In short, a real fire hazard. We immediately disconnected the unit to prevent danger and carried out a full electrical reinstall, following the requirements of the CMEQ (Corporation of Master Electricians of Quebec).
Electrical Safety: What the Law Requires (That Some Installers Willfully Ignore)
A wall-mounted air conditioner, especially those over 9,000 BTU, must be:
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Wired on a dedicated 220V circuit, with a separate breaker
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Protected against overloads through a direct line from the main panel
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Installed with certified wiring, typically NMD-90 type
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Properly grounded without exception
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Installed by a licensed electrician with a valid RBQ license
These are not suggestions — they’re mandatory. Yet we regularly see rushed jobs, done without permits, often undocumented.
Why Some Installers “Cut Corners”
Here’s what clients usually tell us after they’ve had questionable installations:
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Low prices: uncertified companies offer “all-in” discount packages
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Quick turnaround: jobs done in 2 hours, no inspection, no testing
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Customer unaware of electrical requirements
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No detailed invoice listing the compliance components
These shortcuts compromise the safety of your home, the lifespan of your AC, and your eligibility for government grants.
How AirGreen Guarantees Safe and Compliant Installations
Every wall-mounted AC installation by AirGreen follows a strict protocol:
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Full on-site assessment of the existing electrical setup
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Planning of a dedicated circuit, verifying panel capacity
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Work done by a CMEQ-certified master electrician
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Secure wiring, including breaker, compliant cabling, and junction box
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Voltage and grounding tests performed
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A certificate of compliance provided to every client
We accept zero compromises on safety, even when clients request a fast or budget install. At AirGreen, we prioritize transparency, long-term durability, and full regulatory compliance.
Client Testimonial: “We Almost Lost Everything Over $300 in Savings”
"We wanted to save some money, so we went with an installer we found online. We paid $300 less. But two weeks later, we almost caused a fire. Thank you to AirGreen for redoing everything properly. The difference is night and day."
— The Martel Family, Longueuil
Signs Your Electrical Installation Isn’t Compliant
If you recently had a wall-mounted air conditioner installed, watch for these red flags:
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Breaker trips frequently
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Unit gets unusually hot or smells burnt
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No visible electrical box
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Power cable looks thin or poorly fixed
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No compliance certificate was issued
In any of these cases, contact a professional immediately.
Legal and Practical Consequences of a Non-Compliant Installation
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Insurance may deny your claim in case of fire or damage
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Ineligibility for LogisVert or RénoClimat grants
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Manufacturer warranty may be voided
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Legal liability falls on the homeowner in case of accident
What you save short term could cost you big in the long run.
AirGreen: A Responsible HVAC Leader in Longueuil
At AirGreen, we believe that a good HVAC system is not just about high performance. It’s about making responsible decisions—starting with the installation. We work in Longueuil, Saint-Hubert, Boucherville, and all across the South Shore, ensuring:
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Safe and compliant installs
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Energy-efficient systems
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Grant-eligible installations
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Long-lasting results
Every job is certified, documented, and carefully followed up.
Our Tips for Choosing the Right Wall-Mounted AC Installer
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Ask for a valid RBQ and CMEQ license
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Refuse any install without a preliminary site visit
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Request a detailed written quote
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Check customer reviews on trusted platforms
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Ask specific questions about electrical compliance
Don’t let your safety come down to luck.
