When summer settles into Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the South Shore or the North Shore, it spares no one. Extreme heat waves, often accompanied by high humidity, make daily life uncomfortable, even unbearable, without an effective cooling solution. So, in the face of this heatwave, many people ask themselves the same question every year: should you rely on a simple fan or invest in a real wall-mounted air conditioner? At AirGreen, our expertise in HVAC solutions allows us to guide you with precision, technical insight, and practical advice on this subject.
Understanding the fundamental difference between a fan and an air conditioner
Before anything else, it’s important to clearly distinguish between these two appliances.
The fan: an illusion of coolness
A fan does not actually cool the indoor air, it simply moves air around to create a feeling of coolness. This might be enough in the short term in a well-ventilated room, but once temperatures climb over 30°C, its effectiveness becomes very limited—especially in poorly insulated homes.
The air conditioner: a long-term comfort solution
A wall-mounted air conditioner or a wall-mounted heat pump system removes heat from inside the home and releases it outside, effectively lowering the actual temperature of the room. This process, far more advanced than that of a fan, allows you to maintain a stable, comfortable, and safe temperature, even during extreme heat events.
Why an air conditioner is essential during a heatwave
A direct impact on health
During heatwaves, seniors, young children, and individuals with cardiac or respiratory conditions are especially vulnerable. A high-performance air conditioner can maintain indoor temperatures below 25°C, reducing the risks of heatstroke, dehydration, or worsening of chronic health issues.
Better sleep quality
Excessive heat severely disrupts sleep quality. By keeping the bedroom cool and consistently comfortable, a wall-mounted air conditioner promotes restorative rest, which is essential for well-being and productivity.
Humidity control
Unlike fans, a well-designed HVAC system also helps to regulate indoor humidity. This prevents the growth of mold and dust mites and improves air quality — a major benefit for allergy and asthma sufferers.
Real example: wall-mounted air conditioner installation in Longueuil during a heatwave
This summer, our AirGreen team was called to help a family in Longueuil, whose wall-mounted air conditioner broke down in the middle of a heatwave. We promptly replaced it with a 12,000 BTU Fujitsu KZAH R-32 wall-mounted air conditioner, a quiet, high-performing, and energy-efficient unit. The result: comfort restored in less than a day, even cooling across all rooms, and a significant drop in humidity. The clients also benefited from a Hydro-Québec LogisVert grant, which substantially reduced their installation cost.
Decision criteria: fan or wall-mounted air conditioner?
| Criteria | Fan | Wall-mounted Air Conditioner |
|---|---|---|
| Actually lowers temperature | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Reduces humidity | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Long-term energy savings | ❌ Low efficiency | ✅ ENERGY STAR models available |
| Noise level | ✅ Generally quiet | ✅ Modern wall units are also very quiet |
| Available grants | ❌ None | ✅ Up to $2,000 in government grants |
| Comfort during a heatwave | ❌ Very limited | ✅ Optimal even in +35°C temperatures |
The technology behind comfort: modern wall-mounted air conditioners
Wall-mounted heat pumps: two-in-one functionality
Many of the wall-mounted air conditioners installed by AirGreen are actually wall-mounted heat pumps, capable of cooling in the summer and heating in the winter. This versatile option is particularly advantageous for Quebec homes.
Eco-friendly refrigerant gas
New models like the Fujitsu KZAH R-32 use R-32 refrigerant, which is more environmentally friendly than older refrigerants. This choice helps to reduce CO₂ emissions while improving energy efficiency.
Energy efficiency and available grants
Certified ENERGY STAR, many models we install are eligible for government grants (LogisVert, Rénoclimat, etc.) of up to $2,000. It’s a great way to maximize comfort without breaking the bank.
AirGreen’s recommendation: why a wall-mounted air conditioner is your best bet this summer
At AirGreen, we consistently recommend wall-mounted air conditioners or wall-mounted heat pumps to anyone seeking steady comfort and energy efficiency, especially during increasingly frequent heatwaves in Montreal and its surrounding areas. A fan may serve as a temporary fix, but it is not a reliable solution for coping with extreme heat.
Practical tips before choosing your HVAC solution
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Evaluate the surface area to be cooled: the larger the room, the higher the required BTUs.
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Ensure proper insulation: a high-performance unit loses efficiency in a poorly insulated home.
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Request a professional quote: at AirGreen, our experts assess your needs and recommend the optimal system.
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Take advantage of available grants: we help you save the most through government rebate programs.
Fast, clean, and professional installation: our commitment
AirGreen offers over 15 years of experience in residential and commercial HVAC installation across Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore. Our certified installers work cleanly, efficiently, and with great attention to detail. During a heatwave, our emergency service ensures fast installation, often within 72 hours.
Conclusion: during a heatwave, the choice is clear
It’s not just about comfort — it’s about quality of life and health. A fan can help in a pinch, but only a modern wall-mounted air conditioner, properly installed by professionals, will offer you cooling, peace of mind, and energy efficiency when the heat becomes overwhelming. Trust AirGreen, your reliable partner in HVAC across the Greater Montreal Area.