Substantial savings, increased comfort, and a reduced environmental footprint—that’s what proper thermal insulation can truly offer your HVAC heating system. At AirGreen, we see it every winter with our customers across Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore and South Shore: investing in insulation is often just as important—if not more so—than investing in a high-performance heat pump. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the critical link between energy efficiency and insulation, and how a well-insulated home allows you to get the most out of your HVAC setup.
The direct connection between insulation and heating performance
Your heat pump or central heating system could be one of the most efficient models on the market—whether it’s a Fujitsu, Goodman, Bosch, or Gree—but if it’s installed in a poorly insulated building, its performance will suffer dramatically. The warm air it generates will quickly escape through the walls, roof, or windows, forcing your system to work harder to maintain a steady indoor temperature. The result? High energy bills and premature wear on your equipment.
Case study: A poorly insulated home in Longueuil
During a recent service call in Longueuil, our AirGreen team was contacted for a common complaint: a 36,000 BTU central heat pump (Bosch model BOVA-36HDN1-M18M) seemed to be underperforming. The client had installed the unit less than two years ago and noticed a drastic increase in electricity bills since the previous winter. After a thorough analysis, we discovered that the attic had virtually no insulation, and the north-facing wall was almost entirely bare.
We recommended a complete insulation upgrade (blown-in cellulose in the attic and rigid foam boards on the exterior walls), which resulted in a more than 35% reduction in the system's energy consumption during the coldest months. Thanks to this synergy between insulation and HVAC, the client now enjoys optimal comfort with far more economical operation.
Why is insulation so critical in Québec’s climate?
Winters in Montréal and surrounding regions are long and harsh. Extreme temperature swings make energy efficiency even more essential. A poorly insulated home loses on average 25 to 30% of its heat through the roof, 15 to 25% through the walls, and up to 30% through windows and air leaks.
High-performance insulation:
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Reduces heat loss.
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Lowers the number of times your heat pump kicks on.
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Extends the lifespan of your HVAC system.
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Improves indoor temperature consistency.
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Cuts heating costs by up to 50% in some cases.
The impact on grants and return on investment
Another undeniable advantage? Better insulation makes you eligible for more grant programs, like Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert program or various municipal initiatives. When AirGreen prepares a central heat pump installation project, we always check if improving insulation can optimize the return on investment.
For instance, in a project completed in Boisbriand on the North Shore, adding a layer of rigid insulation to the exterior walls allowed the client to qualify for a $5,000 tax credit that applied to both the HVAC and insulation work combined.
How AirGreen supports you in this process
At AirGreen, we don’t just sell heating systems—we design comprehensive and sustainable HVAC solutions. During every estimate visit, our team evaluates:
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The current level of insulation (using thermal imaging, attic and wall inspections).
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Air leak points.
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The performance of windows and doors.
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The home’s orientation and most vulnerable zones.
We partner with experts in thermal insulation to deliver turnkey projects that include: heat pump installation, attic insulation, caulking, and air sealing improvements.
Choosing the right combination: insulation + efficient unit
The overall efficiency of an HVAC project depends on the combination of a high-performance unit and an optimized building envelope. Here are a few examples of systems we've installed where performance was significantly enhanced by better insulation:
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Fujitsu KZAH R-32 18,000 BTU wall-mounted heat pump in Sainte-Julie: installed alongside spray foam insulation in the basement. Heating costs dropped by 40%.
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Goodman R-32 48,000 BTU central heat pump in Laval: project paired with cellulose attic insulation. Notable improvement in temperature stability throughout the home.
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Bosch BIVA IDS Premium R-454b in Candiac: the client had upgraded the exterior air barrier, allowing for exceptional heating performance even at -25°C.
Practical tips to maximize your HVAC project
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Always assess your insulation before choosing a unit.
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Prioritize insulation upgrades in attics and exterior walls.
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Avoid single-pane windows, which significantly hinder performance.
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Make sure your ventilation ducts are properly insulated, especially in unheated areas.
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Work with certified HVAC professionals like AirGreen, who integrate this strategy into every project.
Conclusion: A strategic and long-term investment
A well-insulated home means a more efficient heat pump, lower energy consumption, and increased comfort all year round. At AirGreen, our approach stands out through this holistic view of energy performance. We never install a heat pump without analyzing the environment it will operate in. It’s this professionalism, attention to detail, and constant pursuit of efficiency that make us a trusted partner in HVAC across Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, and South Shore.
Planning a heating project this winter? Let’s talk. Insulation might just be your best ally.