Why Managing Humidity Is Essential When Installing a Wall-Mounted Air Conditioner in Montréal
When people think about installing a wall-mounted air conditioner in Montréal, the first concern is usually temperature. However, a far lesser-known but equally important reality is indoor humidity management. At AirGreen, we know that controlling humidity plays a crucial role in comfort, health, and even energy efficiency. In a city where summers are often muggy and humid, neglecting this factor can lead to unpleasant and costly consequences.
Understanding Humidity in the Context of Montréal and the South Shore / North Shore
Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, and the entire North Shore and South Shore regions experience humid heatwaves every summer. These conditions affect how wall-mounted air conditioners operate. An air conditioner doesn’t just cool the air—it also removes some moisture, but not always enough if the unit is poorly sized, improperly maintained, or if the environment presents specific challenges.
At AirGreen, we’ve seen through countless installations in neighborhoods like Villeray, Ahuntsic, Sainte-Dorothée in Laval, and even Saint-Lambert on the South Shore, that excess humidity is one of the main causes of poor performance and perceived discomfort, even with a high-quality system.
The Consequences of Poor Humidity Control
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Persistent discomfort: A room that’s air-conditioned but still too humid feels heavy and prevents the body from cooling naturally through sweat evaporation.
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Mold growth: Humidity levels above 60% create a perfect environment for mold, which can damage walls, furniture, and pose respiratory health risks.
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Premature wear on the air conditioner: Constant humidity load increases stress on the compressor and shortens the lifespan of your wall-mounted air conditioner.
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Lower energy efficiency: The unit works harder for less output, driving up your electricity bill.
Sizing and Selection: The Secret to Controlling Humidity
Too often, a wall-mounted air conditioner is chosen solely based on square footage. But factors like ambient humidity, insulation, sun exposure, number of occupants, and layout of the building must also be analyzed. At AirGreen, every HVAC installation begins with a full diagnostic. We recently installed a Gree Lomo 12,000 BTU in a Longueuil condo where the main issue was humidity due to a south-facing orientation and glass walls. Thanks to a carefully chosen unit with intelligent dehumidification control, the client immediately noticed a significant improvement in comfort.
Wall-Mounted Air Conditioner vs. Dehumidifier: Should You Combine Them?
In some cases, an auxiliary dehumidifier can complement the action of the wall-mounted air conditioner, especially in older basements in Laval or poorly ventilated units on the North Shore. That said, we always prioritize integrated solutions: several newer models, like the Fujitsu KZAH R-32 or the Bosch BIVA IDS, offer advanced dehumidification modes, effective even at low fan speeds.
HVAC Maintenance: A Powerful Weapon Against Excess Moisture
A clogged wall-mounted air conditioner will no longer dehumidify properly. Filters, coils, and drain pans must be cleaned regularly to prevent stagnant water buildup—a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and mold. At AirGreen, we recommend a full HVAC maintenance at least once a year, like we recently performed for a client in Boisbriand whose Sharp ZU1 18,000 BTU was no longer draining water properly. After our intervention: indoor humidity dropped back to 48% and foul odors disappeared.
Practical Tips for Better Humidity Control with Your Air Conditioner
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Choose a model with automatic humidity control.
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Avoid oversizing your unit: a system that’s too powerful cools too quickly without having time to dehumidify.
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Ensure proper airflow throughout the home.
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Schedule regular maintenance with a professional like AirGreen.
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Monitor indoor humidity levels with a hygrometer (ideally between 40% and 50%).
Why Choose AirGreen for an Air Conditioning Installation in Montréal?
Our team doesn’t just mount a unit on the wall. We analyze, anticipate, advise—and most importantly, we stay available after the installation. In every project, whether in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, on the South Shore or North Shore, we focus on long-term comfort, energy savings, and healthy indoor air quality. We recently installed a Zephyr wall-mounted heat pump in a century-old home in the Plateau-Mont-Royal with 3.5-meter ceilings—a major airflow and humidity challenge. The result: no mold, consistent comfort, and a loyal customer.
Humidity Should Never Be an Afterthought in Your HVAC Project
Cooling is not enough. You need to cool smart. And that starts with a deep understanding of indoor humidity. At AirGreen, our expertise goes far beyond just installing a wall-mounted air conditioner: we work with you to make every installation a solution that’s truly adapted to your reality.