Heating your home efficiently in Montreal isn’t just about choosing the right heat pump or heating system. One of the most costly — and yet still far too common — mistakes is trying to heat a poorly insulated house, which leads to energy loss, skyrocketing bills, and uneven thermal comfort. At AirGreen, we regularly encounter this situation, and we know just how much it can compromise the performance of even a high-end HVAC system. Let’s take a closer look at why this mistake is so critical, how to avoid it, and most importantly, how we, as experts in HVAC in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore, guide our clients to fix it for good.
A Poorly Insulated Home: A Constant Energy Leak
The Direct Impact on Your Heat Pump’s Performance
When a home is poorly insulated — drafty walls, poorly insulated attic, old windows — the heat generated by your heating system continuously escapes. The result? Your central heat pump or wall-mounted unit is working overtime to maintain the desired temperature. This leads to:
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Excessive energy consumption
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Premature wear and tear on HVAC equipment
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Inconsistent temperatures from room to room
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And heating bills that soar, especially during Montreal’s bitter winters
Even the best units on the market — like the Bosch BIVA IDS Premium heat pump, the Goodman R-32 system, or the Fujitsu KZAH R-32 — will underperform without a properly insulated thermal envelope.
AirGreen Case Study: A Striking Example in Ahuntsic, Montreal
A client in Ahuntsic reached out after having a high-end wall-mounted heat pump installed by another contractor in a 1960s-era home. Despite the investment, they noticed little improvement in comfort and no reduction in their electric bill. During our inspection, we quickly found major air leaks in the attic and lack of insulation in exterior walls.
We conducted a full thermal evaluation and, in collaboration with a building envelope specialist, recommended targeted insulation upgrades. The result: after completing the insulation work and recalibrating the HVAC system, the client cut their bill by 38% while significantly improving their comfort.
Why Is This Mistake So Common?
Misinformation and Misleading Sales Promises
Many homeowners mistakenly believe that installing a high-performance heat pump is all it takes to fix comfort or energy issues. Unfortunately, some HVAC installers don’t take the time to assess the home’s thermal envelope and rely solely on equipment specs. That’s a strategic mistake.
At AirGreen, we believe that an HVAC system, no matter how advanced, can’t make up for a poorly insulated home. That’s why every project starts with an in-depth analysis that considers:
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The building’s structure
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Solar orientation
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Construction materials
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Household energy use habits
Our Recommendations to Avoid This Mistake
1. Thermal Evaluation BEFORE Installation
Before installing a central heating system or wall-mounted heat pump, request a complete energy analysis. This identifies air leaks, thermal bridges, and priority zones for insulation.
2. Prioritize the Thermal Envelope
Before investing in a new system, start by:
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Insulating the attic (the #1 area of heat loss)
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Sealing windows and doors
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Installing weather stripping
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Adding or improving insulation in walls or basement
3. Choose a Heat Pump That’s Truly Right for You
Once your home is properly insulated, the unit’s size, BTU rating, SEER/HSPF, and technical specs should match your needs. For example:
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Fujitsu KZAH R-32 18,000 BTU: excellent for medium-sized homes with good insulation
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Bosch BIVA IDS Premium R-454b: ideal for large properties with top seasonal efficiency
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Goodman R-32 central air handler: great for ducted systems with properly sealed vents
The Essential Role of a Competent HVAC Installer
At AirGreen, our team of HVAC installation experts in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore always ensures that installation conditions maximize the system’s performance. That includes:
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Accurate thermal load calculations
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Air distribution analysis throughout the home
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Guidance on government rebates like Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert program
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And long-term support (maintenance, optimization, after-sales service)
Government Grants: A Key Incentive for Doing the Right Work
Since poor insulation is one of the biggest obstacles to energy efficiency, several government programs support insulation upgrades either in tandem with or prior to HVAC upgrades. For instance:
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Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert: generous rebates for high-efficiency, properly installed heat pumps
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Chauffez Vert: financial aid to replace combustion-based systems with efficient electric alternatives
Bottom Line: Good Insulation Is the Foundation
Installing a high-performance HVAC system is essential — but it only works if your home is properly insulated. Ignoring this reality leads to discomfort, rising costs, and a system that wears out too quickly.
At AirGreen, we believe a successful project starts with a complete and accurate assessment, followed by an installation that’s perfectly suited to your home’s unique characteristics.