An economical, eco-friendly, and high-performance solution winning over homes in Montréal and surrounding areas
In a region like Montréal, where winters are long, harsh, and often unpredictable, maintaining thermal comfort in a home while keeping energy consumption under control is a constant challenge. That’s where dual-energy heating comes in—an ingenious, high-performance, and sustainable solution. At AirGreen, we are proud to help residents of Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore install dual-energy heating systems that combine comfort, savings, and environmental responsibility.
What is Dual-Energy Heating?
Dual-energy heating, also known as bi-energy, is based on the use of two complementary energy sources: typically, electricity (via a heat pump) and a fossil fuel such as oil or natural gas. One or the other system kicks in depending on the outdoor temperature, thanks to an automatic switching device.
How It Works
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When the outdoor temperature is above -12 °C (or another threshold based on local policies), the heat pump becomes the primary heating source. It’s more economical and uses clean energy: electricity.
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When the temperature drops below that threshold, the system automatically switches to oil or gas heating, which performs better in extreme cold to maintain consistent comfort.
This smart approach allows for optimized energy use while benefiting from preferential dual-energy rates offered by Hydro-Québec.
Why Choose Bi-Energy Heating for Your Home?
The main advantage of dual-energy heating lies in its ability to significantly reduce heating costs without sacrificing comfort.
1. Substantial Savings
Thanks to Hydro-Québec’s dual-energy rate, homes that adopt a dual-energy heating system enjoy a preferential electricity rate for heating, as long as the outdoor temperature stays above the switch-over point. This can represent up to 30% in savings on your annual energy bill.
2. Optimized Heating Efficiency
Modern heat pumps, such as models from Fujitsu, Gree, or Bosch, perform exceptionally well even at very low temperatures (down to -25 °C for some units). When combined with a gas or oil system, you get the best of both worlds: efficient electric heating during mild weather and robust fossil fuel heating during deep winter.
3. A Smaller Carbon Footprint
By prioritizing a renewable and clean energy source for most of the year, you help reduce greenhouse gas emissions while also extending the life of your oil or gas heating system.
Real-World Example: Dual-Energy Installation in Saint-Lambert (South Shore)
We recently completed a dual-energy system installation in a single-family home in Saint-Lambert, located on the South Shore of Montréal. The homeowner wanted to replace their old oil heating system with a more energy-efficient solution, without entirely removing their still-functional boiler.
Our AirGreen Solution
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Fujitsu Airstage KX Series R-32 central heat pump, high-performance, 36,000 BTU, ENERGY STAR® certified
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Existing natural gas boiler retained and integrated into the system
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Smart controller to automatically switch based on outdoor temperature
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Switch-over point set to -12 °C, in accordance with Hydro-Québec guidelines
Challenges and Solutions
The main technical challenge was integrating both heating sources into the existing forced-air distribution system. Our certified technicians designed a custom plenum to accommodate both units without compromising airflow efficiency. The result: a comfortable home, an invisible system, and optimized energy use.
Available Grants and Financial Incentives
Projects involving a transition to bi-energy heating are supported by several programs, including:
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Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert: up to $5,000 in assistance for replacing an oil system with a high-efficiency heat pump.
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Rénoclimat: energy assessments before and after the work, potentially leading to additional credits.
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Discounts from Énergir when integrating natural gas into the system.
At AirGreen, we help every client with analyzing and submitting all required paperwork, ensuring they get the most out of available financial assistance.
Our Tips for a Successful Dual-Energy Project
1. Choose the Right Heat Pump
Go for a reputable brand (Fujitsu, Bosch, Gree, etc.) with capacity suited to your square footage and proven cold-weather performance.
2. Keep Your System Well Maintained
Schedule a complete HVAC maintenance at least once a year: check the heat pump, clean the ducts, inspect the boiler.
3. Work With Local Experts
A certified installer familiar with local subsidies and the Québec climate standards is essential. At AirGreen, we’ve completed hundreds of dual-energy installations in areas like Rosemère, Boucherville, Laval, Anjou, and Repentigny.
Why Trust AirGreen?
We bring together our field experience, HVAC expertise, and deep understanding of the unique climate and regulatory environment of Greater Montréal to offer you a turnkey installation service that’s reliable and built to last.
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Certified RBQ and TEQ technicians
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Responsive and human after-sales service
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Free personalized assessment
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Up to 12-year warranties on our products
Conclusion: Choose Dual-Energy Heating, Invest in Your Comfort
Dual-energy heating is one of the best options today for improving your home's energy efficiency while maintaining optimal comfort through Québec’s harsh winters. Thanks to our expertise, high-quality products, and full-service support, AirGreen is your trusted partner for making the switch to smart, cost-effective heating.