Buying a Home in Montréal? The 5 Things to Check About the Air Conditioning System Before You Buy

More Than Just a Detail: Why the Air Conditioning System Matters When Buying Real Estate in Montréal

Buying a property in Montréal, whether in a lively neighborhood like the Plateau or a quieter residential area like Ahuntsic, involves many criteria: location, square footage, insulation, roofing… but the air conditioning system is often overlooked — and that’s a mistake. At AirGreen, we know that the quality, age, and maintenance of the AC system can significantly impact thermal comfort, energy bills, and even future maintenance costs. Here are the 5 essential checks to make before signing a purchase agreement.

1. Identify the Type of Air Conditioning System in Place

First and foremost, it’s crucial to know what kind of AC unit is installed in the property:

• Wall-mounted air conditioner (ductless heat pump): popular in condos and small homes. Compact and typically energy-efficient.

• Central system with ductwork: ideal for larger homes. Offers uniform comfort but requires rigorous maintenance.

• Multi-zone system: allows for independent temperature control per zone. More expensive, but highly efficient.

• Portable or window unit: often a temporary solution. A sign that the property might need an HVAC system upgrade.

At AirGreen, we frequently perform preventive inspections on properties in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the South Shore and the North Shore, to assess the performance of the existing installation and advise the buyer accordingly.

2. Check the Age and Energy Efficiency of the System

An air conditioner or heat pump over 10 years old might still be running, but its energy efficiency is likely outdated. It’s important to:

• Ask for the year the system was installed.

• Check the technical labels to find the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) or HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor).

• Confirm whether the unit complies with new energy standards, including the use of eco-friendly refrigerants like R-32 or R-454B (used by Bosch and Goodman).

💡 Real-life example: During the inspection of a duplex in Rosemont, our team found an old central system using R-22, a refrigerant now banned in Canada. Replacing it with a Bosch BIVA IDS Premium heat pump using R-454B allowed the new homeowners to benefit from LogisVert grants and cut their annual energy costs by 28%.

3. Inspect the System's Cleanliness and Maintenance History

Even a high-performance system can hide major issues if poorly maintained. During your visit, pay attention to:

• The condition of the outdoor unit (dirt, rust, obstructions).

• The state of filters, coils, and ducts.

• Any unusual noises when the system starts up.

Always ask the seller for:

• The system’s maintenance log.

• Service invoices from the last 3 to 5 years.

• The date of the last professional cleaning (often carried out by companies like AirGreen).

In a home visited in Longueuil, our experts found heavy buildup inside a wall-mounted Sharp ZU1 24,000 BTU system. A full cleaning was negotiated before the purchase, saving the future owners an unexpected $450 expense.

4. Confirm Compliance with Current Standards and Available Grants

New buyers in Montréal may be eligible for several government grants if they need to replace or upgrade their AC system:

• Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert Program: up to $2,172 for energy-efficient models.

• Chauffez Vert: for replacing oil-based systems.

• Municipal tax credits in certain South Shore cities.

But to qualify, the system must meet specific criteria:

• ENERGY STAR certification.

• Use of an eco-friendly refrigerant.

• Installation by a certified contractor (like AirGreen).

5. Anticipate Replacement or Upgrade Costs

Even if the current system appears functional, it's smart to anticipate replacement costs in the medium term:

At AirGreen, we offer pre-purchase diagnostics to help buyers negotiate a better property price if HVAC costs are on the horizon. Our reports include technical recommendations, clear estimates, and eco-efficient solutions tailored to the building.

How AirGreen Supports Homebuyers in Montréal

We’ve helped dozens of future homeowners throughout their HVAC verification process. Here are a few examples:

• Montréal (Villeray): replacement of an outdated wall-mounted unit with a Fujitsu KZAH 12,000 BTU R-32, eligible for a $1,704 grant.

• Laval (Chomedey): full audit of a central system before purchase, resulting in a $7,000 price renegotiation in the buyer’s favor.

• Brossard (South Shore): upgrade from a portable unit to a GOODMAN R-32 central heat pump, with custom ductwork installation.

Our team specializes in residential and commercial HVAC evaluations, installations, maintenance, and replacements across Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore. We always work in the client’s best interest — especially during a first-time home purchase.

Practical Tips for Future Homeowners

• Hire a certified professional to assess the state of the air conditioning system before you buy.

• Always check for available grants if you plan to upgrade.

• Opt for newer systems using R-32 or R-454B refrigerants, which are durable and eco-friendly.

• Don’t overlook future maintenance costs or potential upgrades.

Trust AirGreen for Your Next Property Purchase

At AirGreen, we put our HVAC expertise in both residential and commercial sectors at the service of future buyers. Our approach includes:

• A complete analysis of the existing system.

• Tailored recommendations.

• Professional installation certified by major government programs.

Before signing your purchase agreement, make sure your future property’s air conditioning system meets expectations. For inspections, quotes, or new installations, contact us today.