When a well-designed HVAC solution transforms the profitability of an entire building
On the North Shore of Montréal, in a residential area of Blainville, an 18-unit condo building built in the early 2000s was facing a major challenge: skyrocketing collective heating costs, uneven comfort distribution, and growing dissatisfaction among condo owners. In 2025, the condo board made a strategic decision: to entrust AirGreen with the complete study and modernization of their central heating system. One year later, the results speak for themselves: heating costs were reduced by 67%.
A strategic HVAC retrofit project on the North Shore
The building was originally equipped with a hot water heating system powered by a central electric boiler, inefficient, energy-hungry, and poorly adapted to the real needs of residents. AirGreen’s technical team proposed a conversion to a centralized hybrid solution using Lennox Varix VRF heat pumps (R-454B refrigerant), combined with connected indoor units for each condo.
Key installation steps and technical configuration
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In-depth thermal study of heat loss for each unit
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Installation of 3 Lennox VRF Varix 36-ton R-454B heat pumps, covering the entire building
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Replacement of all convectors with LENNOX M1WD 9000 BTU cassette units (components by Samsung)
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Setup of a centralized control system, with individual zone control for each unit
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Integration of an energy management software enabling remote performance monitoring
The project lasted 8 weeks, including all mechanical, electrical, and coordination work with residents to minimize service interruptions.
Tangible results and a fast return on investment
The savings generated by this new centralized and intelligent HVAC system were substantial:
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Annual heating cost reduced from $29,000 to $9,300
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Eligibility for a LogisVert grant of $41,400 for the entire project
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Estimated return on investment in less than 5 years
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Increase in property value: one owner sold her unit with a 17% price gain
Restored comfort for all residents
One of the project's primary goals was to ensure even thermal comfort in all units year-round. Thanks to the high-quality LENNOX indoor units and zone-by-zone settings, residents finally enjoyed stable indoor temperatures, without overheating or cold drafts.
Ms. Dubois, a 3rd-floor resident, shared:
"Before, my condo was always freezing in winter and unbearable in summer. Since the new installation, I haven’t had to touch the thermostat. It’s quiet, accurate, and finally comfortable."
Why projects like this are becoming common on the North Shore
Buildings constructed between 1990 and 2010 on the North Shore offer massive potential for energy retrofits. Condo boards are often dealing with:
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Aging boilers, with expensive breakdowns
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No individual temperature control, creating tension among owners
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Unpredictable energy bills, hard to budget
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Reduced market appeal, especially to energy-conscious buyers
AirGreen is frequently called on to work in buildings in Laval, Blainville, Terrebonne, Mirabel, and Boisbriand, delivering turnkey solutions, eligible for government assistance programs, and designed for simplified management by condo boards.
The common mistakes we avoided on this project
This type of retrofit requires deep HVAC expertise, and certain errors can lead to costly consequences:
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Choosing an undersized heat pump, leading to short cycles and premature wear
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Neglecting duct insulation, which severely impacts system efficiency
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Installing noisy or non-residential-grade indoor units
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Failing to calibrate static pressure settings in shared ventilation networks
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Not including a centralized energy management system, essential in condo settings
AirGreen’s expertise serving condo buildings
Our approach is based on comprehensive support, from the initial assessment through long-term maintenance:
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Detailed technical study and quote, free and without obligation
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Coordination with the condo board’s engineers, and support with grant applications
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Installation by certified HVAC technicians, trained for multi-unit building projects
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Post-installation follow-up with performance reports and yearly maintenance visits
A concrete example of collective energy efficiency
This project on the North Shore proves that it is indeed possible to modernize an entire building, achieving:
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Substantial energy savings, without sacrificing comfort
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Immediate property value increase
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A real reduction in carbon footprint
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A more attractive building for future buyers and renters
At AirGreen, we firmly believe that intelligent collective heating is the key to the energy future of Québec’s condo buildings.