A Costly Initial Decision: The Impact of a Poor Heating Choice on One Family’s Comfort and Finances
At AirGreen, we frequently assist families faced with challenging decisions regarding their heating systems. Recently, we helped a family living on the North Shore of Montréal, specifically in Blainville, who deeply regretted not installing a hybrid heating system—a combination of an efficient heat pump and an auxiliary furnace—from the very beginning.
Through their story, discover why choosing a hybrid heating system can be critical and how you can avoid costly mistakes.
The Initial Choice: A Heat Pump Alone, Without a Complementary System
The Larivière family, consisting of four members, initially chose to install a standard Gree wall-mounted heat pump with a capacity of 18,000 BTU, known for its energy efficiency and eligibility for generous government subsidies in Montréal and the North Shore.
However, to limit their initial expenses, they opted not to invest in complementary heating solutions such as an electric furnace or a natural gas system.
The Difficult First Winter: Limitations of a Single Heat Pump in Extreme Climates
During their first winter following the HVAC installation, the Larivière family quickly experienced the limitations of relying solely on a heat pump, particularly when temperatures dropped below -15°C, which occurs frequently in Blainville and on the North Shore:
-
Significant loss of efficiency: The heat pump constantly ran at full capacity, drastically increasing electricity consumption without providing sufficient heating comfort.
-
Insufficient comfort during extreme cold: The indoor temperature struggled to exceed 17°C in some rooms despite being set at 22°C.
-
Unexpected rise in energy costs: The family quickly noticed a substantial increase in their electricity bills, nullifying the savings initially anticipated.
AirGreen’s Solution: Adding a High-Performance Hybrid Heating System
Alarmed by this uncomfortable and costly situation, the Larivière family reached out to us for a quick and effective solution. After thoroughly analyzing their needs and existing installation, we recommended implementing a hybrid heating system consisting of:
-
A Bosch Inverter IDS Premium central heat pump rated at 36,000 BTU.
-
An electric auxiliary furnace from Stelpro, offering quick and efficient heating during extremely cold periods.
This type of hybrid system, eligible for financial support through the Chauffez vert program, guarantees optimal comfort and energy cost management even during harsh winters in Montréal and the North Shore.
Specific Challenges Faced During the Complementary Installation
Adding a complementary system to an existing home presented several unique technical challenges:
-
Limited installation space: We had to carefully position the electric furnace to respect space constraints while ensuring optimal access for HVAC maintenance.
-
Compatibility with the existing system: Precise technical integration was required to ensure full compatibility between the new hybrid system and the existing heat pump.
-
Reduced timelines to avoid prolonged discomfort: Given the extreme cold, our technical team had to intervene rapidly and efficiently, completing the installation within just 48 hours.
Immediate Results: Restored Thermal Comfort and Verified Energy Savings
Upon activating the hybrid system, the Larivière family immediately noticed a significant improvement:
-
Stable and comfortable indoor temperature: The house quickly returned to a consistent 22°C, even on extremely cold days.
-
Significant drop in energy consumption: Thanks to the hybrid heating system, the monthly electricity bill dropped by nearly 30% compared to the previous winter.
-
Improved peace of mind: The family no longer fears intense cold spells, as the hybrid system automatically kicks in whenever outdoor temperatures become too low.
Lessons Learned: How to Avoid Similar Mistakes
This experience provided valuable lessons we share with future clients in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, and both shores:
-
Do not underestimate Québec’s climate: A heat pump alone isn't always enough to ensure optimal thermal comfort in extreme climates.
-
Invest in a hybrid system from the start: The slightly higher initial cost is more than offset by the energy savings achieved from the very first years of usage.
-
Consult HVAC experts: An in-depth assessment by experienced professionals helps avoid unpleasant surprises due to unsuitable initial choices.
Why Trust AirGreen for Your Hybrid Heating System?
At AirGreen, our expertise in HVAC installation and maintenance in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore makes us the ideal partner for your hybrid heating projects:
-
Personalized, tailored advice: We precisely assess your actual needs to offer the most suitable HVAC solutions.
-
Fast and efficient interventions: We guarantee professional, swift installations without major inconveniences.
-
Privileged access to available subsidies: Our team assists you with administrative procedures to easily obtain available subsidies (Chauffez vert, Rénoclimat).
Conclusion: The Importance of Making an Informed Initial Choice
The regret experienced by the Larivière family in Blainville perfectly illustrates the importance of making the right initial choices. A properly sized hybrid system is an ideal solution for the demanding climatic conditions of Greater Montréal.
At AirGreen, we firmly believe our professional approach, insightful advice, and technical expertise will help you avoid similar situations while ensuring lasting and economical comfort.
Make the winning choice of hybrid heating right now with AirGreen, your HVAC specialist in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, and South Shore.