When a central system is required to deliver comfort, it is not enough to simply install "a machine". All the performance (and a large part of the silence) depends on the quality of the ducts , the transitions , the sealing and the maintenance access .
On this residential construction site in Ahuntsic-Cartierville , our AirGreen team was called in to upgrade the interior section of a central system: fabrication and installation of a plenum (plenum) / distribution box in galvanized sheet metal, integration into the existing network, and proper preparation for an Elios central heat pump (residential range, inverter technology).
What we see (and what it reveals) about the installation
The photo shows a large vertical sheet metal section ( supply plenum or return air box type, depending on the configuration), assembled on site, with:
-
Sealed joints (HVAC aluminum tape) to reduce air leaks
-
Clear transitions between sections (to limit turbulence and noise)
-
Installation in a narrow passageway (typical of a basement/utility room) requires precision, planning, and future access.
-
Base placed on the ground with clearance: important for stability , vibration , and maintenance.
This is exactly the kind of “invisible” detail that makes the difference between a system that heats well… and a system that heats well without whistling , without losses , and without overconsumption .
Machine type: Elios central heat pump (residential)
Here, we are clearly in a central HVAC logic: the house is supplied via sheathed ducts , with an air handler and a distribution network.
Even if the outdoor unit is not visible, this type of plenum is typically associated with:
-
a central heat pump (heating + air conditioning), or
-
a hybrid system with electrical resistance (as appropriate)
For this project, we selected a residential-grade Elios central heat pump , consistent with the most frequent needs in Montreal: approximately 24,000 BTU (≈ 2 tonnes) for a single-family home or a well-compartmentalized duplex (sizing always validated on site: area, insulation, orientation, infiltrations, etc.).
Why plenum and duct sealing are crucial in Montreal
In winter, when demand soars, the slightest leak in the network becomes a “hole in your wallet”:
-
Loss of warm air in unheated areas (basement, crawl space, utility rooms)
-
Unstable static pressure : the machine is under strain, the flow rate becomes irregular.
-
Noise : whistling, vibrations, metallic clanging
-
Uneven comfort : some rooms overheat, others remain lukewarm.
Our approach at AirGreen is simple: a high-performing central system starts with a clean, airtight, and balanced network .
Key steps in our AirGreen intervention
1) Preparation and securing of the technical area
In a narrow passage, the environment (access, walls, floor) is protected and the assembly order is planned. A poorly sequenced plenum can lead to having to dismantle, recut, or force the parts (which often results in leaks and noise).
2) Fabrication / adjustment of the plenum chamber
We adapt the sheet metal to the actual constraints:
-
dimensions of existing conduits
-
available height
-
alignment with the air manager
-
maintaining future access to the filter/panels
3) Sealing of joints
All critical connections are sealed to minimize losses. Result:
-
best useful throughput
-
less dust vacuumed from unfinished areas
-
better efficiency (and often a better feeling of comfort)
4) Noise and vibration reduction
A well-designed network is also a quieter network:
-
clean alignment
-
Transitions avoiding “aggressive” angles
-
mechanical stability (no sheet metal that "works" with each cycle)
5) Commissioning and validation (according to complete configuration)
For a central heat pump, the aim is a clear technical basis:
-
coherent airflow (target CFM)
-
static pressure control
-
validation of heating/air conditioning, and condensate drainage if applicable
Common mistakes to avoid (and which are costly)
-
Underestimating the impact of leaks : even a small gap can cause actual performance to drop.
-
Narrowing a section too abruptly increases pressure, noise, and strains the fan.
-
Neglecting access to the filter : complicated maintenance = delayed maintenance = reduced efficiency.
-
Forcing a conduit through instead of integrating it : a forced network often ends up vibrating, leaking or becoming misaligned.
Expected result for the client (Ahuntsic-Cartierville)
After this type of fix/installation, here's what people actually notice:
-
more stable temperature from one room to another
-
Smoother start/stop (especially with the inverter)
-
less noise in the grilles
-
improved heating sensation in cold weather
-
a cleaner and easier-to-maintain system
Why choose AirGreen for an Elios central heat pump in Greater Montreal
Because you can't treat a central system like a simple plug-in box. In Montreal, Laval, on the North Shore and the South Shore, the reality of homes (renovations, technical basements, old networks, tight access) demands:
-
a team that manufactures and adjusts cleanly on site
-
real attention to sealing and pressure
-
an installation designed to last… and to be easily maintained