Adapting to a Home Without Central Heating in the Middle of a Harsh Montreal Winter
In a city like Montreal, where winters can be harsh and unpredictable, living without central heating isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s a serious challenge. Yet that’s exactly what a family in the Rosemont neighborhood experienced for a full week after their old oil-based central system broke down. This ordeal led the family to contact our team at AirGreen, and to rediscover just how essential a reliable, modern, and energy-efficient HVAC system is.
A Central Heating Failure in the Heart of Winter: A Critical Situation Unfolds
When Mrs. L. called us on a Monday morning in January, the thermometer read -21°C. Her voice was filled with urgency: their old oil furnace, more than 20 years old, had suddenly stopped working. The home, a typical two-story property in Rosemont, had no wood stove or backup system. In other words, the entire house was without heat.
For the first few days, the family tried to manage with portable electric heaters. But these were neither sufficient nor safe enough to maintain a comfortable temperature, especially with a three-year-old child in the home. Indoor temperatures barely reached 15°C during the day and dropped to 12°C at night. This situation quickly showed how vital a high-performing HVAC system is in our climate.
On-Site Diagnosis: Assessment, Advice, and a Quick Decision
Our team arrived the same day to carry out a full evaluation of the existing HVAC installation. The verdict: the furnace was beyond repair. We advised against investing in the repair of such an outdated and energy-hungry system. Instead, we proposed a more efficient and government-subsidized central heating solution, perfectly suited for the home: a Bosch BOVA 36,000 BTU central heat pump with inverter motor, using the new R-454B refrigerant, which is more eco-friendly.
Why Choose a Bosch Central Heat Pump?
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Inverter technology for stable and consistent performance.
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High heating capacity even at -25°C, ideal for Montreal’s climate.
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Noticeable reduction in energy bills compared to oil.
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Eligible for Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert program, offering up to $6,600 in grants for this type of installation.
This heat pump delivers a seasonal efficiency (SEER) of over 20 and a HSPF higher than 10, making it one of the best choices for residential heating on the South Shore and North Shore.
Fast, Optimized Installation Despite Winter Constraints
We knew that every day without heat posed risks to the family. That’s why we mobilized a specialized team for a complete installation in under 48 hours.
There were several technical challenges:
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Limited access to the basement for removing the old indoor unit.
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Integrating the new heat pump with the existing ductwork while respecting static pressure standards.
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Installing the new outdoor unit on wall-mounted brackets with anti-freeze protection and optimal clearance for frost.
We also installed a smart wall-mounted control system, compatible with Nest and Ecobee thermostats, allowing room-by-room remote temperature management.
The Results: A Warm Home, A Relieved Family
The day after the installation, the house maintained a steady indoor temperature of 21°C, with stable performance even during a -26°C night. The family told us they had never felt so comfortable at home—even when the oil system was still working.
Energy usage dropped by 35% based on early readings, and they already received confirmation of their LogisVert grant eligibility.
Lessons Learned: The Real Cost of Waiting Too Long
This story underscores an essential truth: waiting for your central heating system to fail before acting can have serious consequences. Breakdowns in winter can endanger health, damage plumbing (due to freezing), and result in higher emergency repair costs.
At AirGreen, we encourage all homeowners in Greater Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore, to have their HVAC systems inspected and maintained each fall, and to plan replacements BEFORE the end of the system’s service life.
What We Offer at AirGreen
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Installation of central heat pumps (Bosch, Lennox, Goodman, Trane, Fujitsu, etc.)
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Conversion of oil systems to eco-friendly solutions
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Preventive maintenance and emergency HVAC repairs
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Complete assistance in securing LogisVert grants
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Personalized advice based on your home layout, sun exposure, and real occupant needs
Why Choose AirGreen?
We’re more than just installers. We’re experts in thermal comfort. Every home is unique, and we tailor our solutions with precision. This case is a clear example: a rapid, well-planned, subsidized installation that truly matched the realities of living in Montreal.
Trust our expertise for your HVAC projects, whether heating, cooling, or ventilation. Your comfort is our priority.