Buying a used wall-mounted air conditioner can seem appealing for those looking to save money on their residential air conditioning system. However, this choice can quickly turn into a real nightmare if not handled properly. At AirGreen, we frequently help clients in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore and the South Shore, who reach out to us after a bad experience with a second-hand unit. Here’s a real, detailed story that illustrates why investing in a new wall-mounted air conditioner, installed by certified professionals, is always the best long-term option.
A deal too good to be true: the promises of a used wall-mounted air conditioner
A resident of Longueuil, whom we’ll call Marc, recently contacted us after buying a wall-mounted air conditioner of an unknown brand on a peer-to-peer sales platform. The unit, listed for only $500, included an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, and even the promise that the system still worked perfectly.
Tempted by the price, Marc went ahead with the purchase—without any technical check or maintenance history. He then hired an independent installer who, according to him, “knew HVAC.” At that point, Marc believed he had made a smart move.
An improvised installation with costly consequences
From the very beginning, signs of malfunction began to appear: strange noises, extremely poor cooling performance, error messages on the remote… In reality, the outdoor unit was over 12 years old, the refrigerant was no longer up to code, and the indoor unit came from a different model, making the two units incompatible. Worse still, the wiring had not been done according to Quebec’s electrical safety codes.
After just two weeks of use, the system stopped working. The installer was no longer answering calls. That’s when Marc reached out to us.
AirGreen’s professional diagnosis: an irreversible situation
Upon arriving at the site, our certified HVAC installation team conducted a full assessment of the system. Our technicians discovered:
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A non-compliant installation (minimum distance for the outdoor unit not respected)
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A major refrigerant leak due to poorly soldered connections
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No proper drainage line, leading to water buildup in the indoor unit
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An outdated model using a now-banned refrigerant (R-22)
The verdict was clear: the entire system had to be removed. No parts were salvageable. Marc had not only lost the $500 from the initial purchase, but also the $400 paid to the uncertified installer.
A long-term solution: installation of a brand-new Fujitsu wall-mounted air conditioner
After assessing his needs, we recommended installing a Fujitsu LMAS 12,000 BTU wall-mounted air conditioner, a model known for its energy efficiency, fast cooling performance, and compatibility with the Hydro-Québec LogisVert program. The unit uses R-32 refrigerant, which is more eco-friendly and significantly more efficient than older models.
Our team carried out:
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Complete removal of the previous installation
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Clean installation of both the indoor and outdoor units
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CSA-compliant electrical connection
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System vacuuming and R-32 refrigerant charging
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Full commissioning and testing
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A detailed walk-through of the system for Marc
In less than a day, Marc was enjoying optimal comfort, with no noise, no odor, and significantly lower energy use. He also received a $700 rebate through the LogisVert program, reducing the total cost of the installation.
What we take away from this experience
The dangers of buying a used wall-mounted air conditioner
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Incompatible components: even within the same brand, different product generations may not work together.
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No warranty: used products typically don’t come with a manufacturer’s warranty.
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Non-compliant installation: work done by uncertified individuals can lead to electrical hazards and major system failures.
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Ineligible for rebates: government incentives like LogisVert are only available for new, compliant installations.
The importance of a certified HVAC installer
At AirGreen, we are certified to work with top wall-mounted air conditioner brands like Fujitsu, Gree, Sharp, Senville, Daikin, and more. We comply with the Canadian Electrical Code, ensure safe installations, and guarantee optimal system performance.
Why trust AirGreen?
We operate daily throughout Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore, providing installations, maintenance, and repairs of HVAC systems. Our approach is based on:
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A custom thermal needs assessment for every space
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Recommending the optimal model based on your budget and lifestyle
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Professional and long-lasting installation that meets the highest standards
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Access to available rebates in Quebec, including Hydro-Québec’s programs
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A responsive after-sales service and a dedicated team focused on your comfort
Expert advice: how to avoid unpleasant surprises
Always ask for:
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The original proof of purchase and the unit’s manufacturing year
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The system’s maintenance history
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A written warranty, even if limited
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Installation by a certified RBQ technician with a refrigeration license
Avoid:
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"Buddy deals" or under-the-table installations
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Buying air conditioners that are no longer supported by manufacturers
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Systems using banned refrigerants like R-22
Conclusion: A valuable lesson... and a happy ending
Marc learned the hard way that a used wall-mounted air conditioner can come with many hidden pitfalls. Thanks to our intervention, he now has a reliable, energy-efficient, high-performing system installed to the highest standards.
At AirGreen, our mission is to prevent these situations by guiding every customer with professionalism, transparency, and expertise. If you're considering buying or replacing a wall-mounted air conditioner, don’t take the risk—work with a certified, experienced team.
Contact us today for a free evaluation and enjoy long-term comfort with total peace of mind.