Montréal, a Breeding Ground for Heating and Cooling Misconceptions
At AirGreen, we provide weekly HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) installations, maintenance, and repair services throughout Montréal. Over the years, we’ve noticed that many homeowners and building managers share persistent — and often incorrect — beliefs about how HVAC systems work, how efficient they are, or how they should be maintained.
In this article, we shine a light on the most stubborn HVAC myths we frequently encounter across Montréal. For each myth, we provide a clear explanation based on AirGreen’s field experience, helping you make smarter decisions when it comes to comfort and energy efficiency.
Myth #1: A heat pump doesn’t work when it’s really cold in Montréal
False.
This myth often comes up with clients who are hesitant to replace their old furnace with a wall-mounted or central heat pump. While it’s true that years ago, heat pumps struggled to produce heat below -10°C, today’s models like the Fujitsu KZAH R-32, the Bosch BOVA, or the Gree Extreme perform efficiently down to -30°C, and sometimes even colder depending on the system.
AirGreen regularly installs this type of equipment in neighbourhoods like Plateau-Mont-Royal, Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, or Rosemont, and our clients enjoy stable indoor temperatures even during Montréal’s extreme January cold.
Myth #2: Closing vents in unused rooms helps you save energy
False… and risky.
This idea might seem logical at first, but it disrupts the airflow your HVAC system was designed for. Closing vents increases pressure in the ductwork, forcing your system’s blower to work harder and wearing out components prematurely.
It also creates uneven temperatures, raises the risk of condensation in the ducts, and can lead to mold growth, especially in older Montréal homes where insulation may be inconsistent.
Myth #3: A new HVAC system doesn’t need maintenance
False.
Even brand new, an HVAC system needs servicing from the first year. Filters clog up quickly, especially in Montréal where urban dust, pet hair, and pollen build up fast. A dirty filter can cut a system’s efficiency in half, or even cause overheating.
At AirGreen, we recommend:
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Cleaning filters every 2 to 3 months
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Annual professional servicing, including pressure checks, coil cleaning, and thermostat calibration
We often service downtown condos or Villeray duplexes where new systems are already showing early signs of stress due to a lack of regular maintenance.
Myth #4: Bigger means better
False.
An oversized HVAC system leads to short cycling (frequent on-off operation), which increases energy consumption, shortens the compressor’s lifespan, and prevents proper dehumidification in summer.
At AirGreen, we always perform a precise load calculation before recommending equipment. In Montréal, it’s common to find 1,200 sq. ft. homes with 36,000 BTU heat pumps… when a properly insulated home would only need an 18,000 BTU system.
Myth #5: HVAC systems use more electricity than baseboard heaters
False.
Actually, the opposite is true. A high-efficiency heat pump uses about three times less energy than standard electric baseboard heating to produce the same amount of heat. Plus, it delivers two-in-one performance: heating in winter, cooling in summer.
Take the example of a family in Notre-Dame-de-Grâce: after replacing 10 electric baseboards with a 36,000 BTU Goodman R-32 central heat pump, their annual Hydro-Québec bill dropped by 40%, all while enjoying better year-round comfort.
Testimonials from Our Montréal Clients: Real-World Insights
“I thought my old oil furnace was more reliable than a heat pump, but the AirGreen team proved me wrong. My home stays warm even at -25°C, and I qualified for a rebate!”
— Mr. Lapointe, Ahuntsic
“The AirGreen technician explained why closing the vents in my guest room was a bad idea. Since reopening them, my energy bill has gone down.”
— Ms. Bélanger, Côte-des-Neiges
These testimonials show that education is key. That’s what sets our team apart: we don’t just install and sell — we guide every client in understanding their HVAC system.
Smart Habits for Montréal Homeowners
To avoid falling into common traps, here are a few best practices we recommend to all our clients:
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Always have your system properly sized before purchase
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Schedule annual maintenance, even for a newer unit
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Choose Energy Star-certified equipment, which may qualify for rebates
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Ask the advice of a certified, experienced local HVAC contractor
In Montréal, every building is unique: triplexes, condos, century-old homes… which means a customized approach is essential, not generic advice.
Conclusion: Knowing Fact from Fiction Helps You Make the Right Choice
In the world of HVAC in Montréal, false beliefs spread quickly. Yet, making smart technical and economic decisions requires rigour, reliable information, and a trusted partner.
At AirGreen, we debunk myths one by one with hands-on experience, accurate tools, and a proven track record of successful installations across every neighbourhood in the city.
Still unsure about your HVAC system or planning a new project in Montréal? Contact AirGreen for a free evaluation and clear, no-nonsense guidance.