Saving energy at home often starts with simple yet strategic actions. And yet, many households across Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore lose kilowatt-hours every day due to a poorly maintained or improperly installed wall-mounted air conditioner. At AirGreen, we’ve made it our mission to track down energy waste. In this article, we share how to identify and fix energy losses linked to your residential cooling system, with real-world examples from our service calls in the field.
Why is your air conditioner using more energy than it should?
It’s important to understand that even the most efficient units can become energy hogs if they’re poorly used or have installation flaws. Whether it’s a wall-mounted heat pump, a central air conditioner, or even a portable unit, these systems can drive up your electricity costs if common mistakes aren’t addressed early on.
Here are the most common causes we uncover during our customer visits:
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Clogged filters restricting airflow
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Air leaks in ducts or around the wall unit
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Units improperly sized for the room’s square footage
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Poor thermostat programming or no zoning system
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Insufficient home insulation
Case study: a misconfigured setup in Laval
Not long ago, we received a call from a client in Laval who was experiencing a sharp spike in their summer electricity bills. Their system—a relatively new 18,000 BTU wall-mounted heat pump by Gree—was struggling to maintain consistent comfort.
After a thorough diagnostic, our technicians uncovered several sources of energy waste:
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The indoor unit was poorly positioned, blowing directly against a sun-exposed wall
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Air leaks around the unit caused by deteriorated caulking were letting in hot air
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The thermostat was miscalibrated, causing overly frequent cycles
With a strategic repositioning, precise thermostat recalibration, and airtight caulking, we boosted the system’s energy efficiency by 25%.
Signs your air conditioner is leaking energy
There are several tell-tale signs that your HVAC system may be losing efficiency. Keep an eye out for the following:
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Unusual noises during operation
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Uneven temperatures from room to room
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Weak airflow or air not as cool as expected
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Excess condensation or moisture around the unit
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Higher energy bills without increased usage
These signs should never be ignored. A professional HVAC maintenance appointment, like the ones we regularly carry out in Montreal, Longueuil, or Repentigny, can catch and prevent such issues.
The importance of regular maintenance
Filter cleaning, coil cleaning, and electrical connection checks should be done at least once a year—ideally in spring before peak season. At AirGreen, we offer comprehensive maintenance packages that include:
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Complete inspection of indoor and outdoor units
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Airflow measurement
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Refrigerant pressure check
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Thermal loss evaluation
When needed, we replace worn components and recommend modernization solutions that may qualify for Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert grants—like when we installed a Fujitsu KZAH R-32 wall-mounted air conditioner in Brossard, eligible for a $1,860 credit.
Best practices to avoid energy waste
Here are some simple yet highly effective steps we recommend to all our clients:
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Close blinds or curtains during peak sunlight hours
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Turn off units when rooms are unoccupied
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Use a smart thermostat, programmable to your lifestyle
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Set optimal temperatures: 24–25°C is sufficient in summer
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Ventilate your home in the morning or evening without overusing the A/C
Tailored solutions by AirGreen
Our approach goes beyond installation and maintenance. We perform a complete home analysis to propose a customized solution. Whether you live in a condo in Ville-Marie, a century-old home in Vieux-Longueuil, or a single-family house in Terrebonne, we adapt every project to your specific needs.
We also take into account:
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Available government rebates
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Your annual energy budget
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Equipment durability
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Your home’s orientation and insulation
Each recommendation is grounded in real data and our on-the-ground experience, built from hundreds of successful installations across Greater Montreal.
The result: lasting comfort and savings
Thanks to our targeted interventions, our clients quickly see lower energy bills and increased thermal comfort. Even better: by avoiding overuse, you extend the lifespan of your HVAC equipment while contributing to a more eco-friendly lifestyle.
Why choose AirGreen for your energy-saving upgrades?
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Certified expertise in air conditioner and heat pump installation and maintenance
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Fast response service in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore
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Guidance on available grants
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Transparent, reliable service, backed by strong customer reviews
Our technicians don’t just install. They guide, repair, and optimize. With AirGreen, you’re not just cooling your home—you’re investing in sustainable, energy-efficient comfort.
