Optimizing Thermal Insulation: A Crucial Lever to Reduce Your Heating Bill in Longueuil
At AirGreen, we’re regularly called for residential and commercial heating projects in Longueuil, where the HVAC systems are perfectly sized, professionally installed, yet utility bills remain surprisingly high. More often than not, the root cause lies in inadequate or poorly planned thermal insulation. Even worse, some common mistakes can double your energy consumption, especially during the harsh winters we experience on the South Shore.
In this article, we’ll walk you through 5 critical insulation mistakes we frequently encounter during our inspections or heat pump installations, each one having a direct impact on your home's or building’s energy efficiency in Longueuil.
Poor Attic Insulation: An Invisible Energy Drain
The attic is one of the first places where heat escapes. Yet, in many homes we’ve visited in Longueuil, we’ve seen attic insulation that’s either missing, too thin, or unevenly spread. This creates major vertical heat loss, forcing your HVAC heating system to run constantly just to maintain comfort.
AirGreen Tip: During a recent central heat pump installation – Bosch BOVA 36,000 BTU – in a single-family home in Longueuil, we also conducted a thermographic attic scan. The homeowner had added blown-in insulation themselves but had missed several critical zones. By upgrading to R-50 standard insulation levels, they saw a nearly 35% drop in energy usage the following month.
Air Leaks Around Windows and Doors: The Silent Culprit
Even with a modern heating system, air leaks around doors and windows can completely undermine your energy efficiency efforts. These infiltrations are often caused by aging or improperly applied caulking—or worse, no caulking at all.
What we observed in Longueuil: During an HVAC service call at a home in Old Longueuil, our team used a differential pressure sensor to identify that the main heat loss came from three ground-floor windows. After resealing them, thermal comfort improved dramatically, with a more stable room temperature and an 18% drop in the electricity bill the very next month.
Inadequate Basement Wall Insulation: The Overlooked Source
Foundation walls are often ignored during renovations. Poor basement insulation leads to massive heat transfers, especially in older Longueuil homes built before 1980. That means your heating system ends up working overtime, particularly during cold spells.
At AirGreen, we recently installed a central heat pump – Gree Flexx 48,000 BTU – in a multi-generational home in Saint-Hubert. Despite the power of the system, the owners complained of cold floors. Our thermal analysis revealed poor insulation in the basement’s concrete walls. After upgrading to high-performance rigid foam insulation, comfort was restored and energy use dropped by 22%.
Thermal Bridges Around Wood or Metal Structural Elements
Thermal bridges are spots where heat escapes more quickly due to insulation gaps. They often occur at wall corners, around metal beams, or where different construction materials meet. These structural weak points create localized cold drafts and force your ductless or central heat pump to overcompensate.
A recent example in Greenfield Park: During an installation of a Fujitsu Airstage V-II central system, we mapped out heat loss along the party walls of a duplex. Numerous thermal bridges were causing over 40% excess energy usage during the previous winter. By optimizing the building envelope, the HVAC system’s efficiency dramatically improved.
Using the Wrong Insulation Materials for Longueuil’s Climate
Some insulation materials are simply unsuited to the climate conditions of the Montérégie region. For instance, low-density foam or unprotected mineral wool can lose effectiveness over time, especially with exposure to moisture.
In a condo in Old Longueuil, insulation was originally done with EPS panels that had become ineffective after five years. When replacing their wall-mounted Gree Sapphire 18,000 BTU heat pump, we recommended upgrading to closed-cell spray foam insulation. The result: better heat retention and stable indoor temperatures, even at -20°C.
AirGreen’s Expertise for Optimized Heating in Longueuil
As HVAC specialists serving Longueuil, we know that the efficiency of a heating system isn’t just about the brand or model you install. Smart, thorough thermal insulation is essential for allowing your system to perform at its best while maximizing your energy savings.
Whether we’re working with a Fujitsu wall-mounted unit, a Bosch central system, or a Gree installation, we always conduct a full assessment of the building’s thermal environment. This holistic approach sets us apart and helps our clients avoid the mistakes that lead to sky-high heating bills.
Practical Tips from AirGreen for Longueuil and the South Shore
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Have your entire building envelope inspected by trained professionals.
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Avoid temporary or one-size-fits-all solutions when it comes to insulation.
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Plan for a thermographic scan when installing a new heating system.
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Partner with a local HVAC expert, well-established in Longueuil and familiar with the region’s climate and architectural specifics.
Conclusion: Avoid Mistakes, Achieve Lasting Savings
At AirGreen, we believe a great heating system starts with great insulation. That’s why, on every project, we go beyond just mechanical installation to offer a complete and sustainable solution. Avoid costly mistakes, enhance your comfort, and trust your HVAC project to a team that’s committed, experienced, and local to Longueuil.
Contact us today for a personalized consultation or energy diagnostic. Together, let’s make your space comfortable and energy-efficient—winter after winter.