The Most Common Air Conditioning Mistakes in Longueuil: A Technician Shares His Stories
Avoidable Failures, Lessons Learned, and AirGreen Solutions in Longueuil
Working as an HVAC technician in the Longueuil area has allowed me to closely witness the most costly and memorable air conditioning mistakes. In some cases, these mistakes could have been avoided with a simple professional intervention, but they also serve as a reminder of why it is crucial to entrust your installation to certified experts. Today, I’m sharing some of these experiences, along with the solutions we’ve provided through AirGreen, to help you avoid similar mishaps.
Mistake 1: A wall-mounted heat pump too small for a Longueuil home
During an intervention in a bungalow located in the Vieux-Longueuil neighborhood, I encountered a typical problem that many wall-mounted air conditioning installations face: an undersized unit. The client opted for a wall-mounted heat pump with 12,000 BTU, thinking it would suffice for a 1,500-square-foot house. Unfortunately, the system’s capacity was too small to handle the intense heat of the Québec summer.
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Issue: The house remained hot and humid even with the air conditioner running.
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Cost for the client: An unusually high electricity bill, approximately 40% higher than usual.
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Solution from AirGreen: We replaced the system with an 18,000 BTU Fujitsu wall-mounted heat pump, perfectly suited for the size of the house, and we also applied for the LogisVert program, allowing the client to recover part of the investment.
Mistake 2: A wall-mounted air conditioner poorly installed in Longueuil
Another memorable incident took place in an 800-square-foot apartment, where a wall-mounted air conditioner had been installed by an owner who thought he could save money by hiring a friend. Although well-intentioned, the friend did not take the proper measurements or follow HVAC installation standards.
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Issue: The air conditioner was installed near a window, leading to reduced efficiency due to direct sun exposure. Moreover, the condensate drainage was poorly configured, causing water leakage inside the wall.
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Cost for the client: Water damage to the wall, with mold affecting the apartment’s structure.
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Solution from AirGreen: We repositioned the unit in a more appropriate location, corrected the drainage, and performed a full system check, followed by an annual maintenance contract to prevent future issues.
Mistake 3: Choosing the wrong refrigerant type
One of our clients in the Saint-Hubert area, a restaurant owner, had installed an air conditioner with R-22 refrigerant, which is now obsolete due to environmental regulations and high replacement costs. During our visit, we discovered that the system was constantly leaking, leading to high energy consumption and complete inefficiency.
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Issue: Refrigerant leak, requiring frequent recharges, and R-22 refrigerant is increasingly difficult to find, making repairs extremely expensive.
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Cost for the client: Increased energy costs by nearly 30%, and continuous repairs.
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Solution from AirGreen: We installed a wall-mounted air conditioner with R-32 refrigerant, more environmentally friendly, cost-effective in the long run, and eligible for government grants for low-impact systems.
Mistake 4: Not considering the building layout in Longueuil
During an installation in a multi-story building, one of the clients chose to have a climatisation system installed without considering the internal layout. The air conditioner was placed on a central wall, without assessing the orientation of the different rooms in the building.
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Issue: The system could not adequately cool the rooms at the back of the house, and the cold air was directed straight into the living room, leading to temperature conflicts in different rooms.
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Cost for the client: Minimal comfort, with constant complaints from family members.
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Solution from AirGreen: We carried out a complete reassessment of the house layout and installed a multi-zone system allowing temperature control in each room independently, thus improving overall comfort.
Why Choose AirGreen: Local Expertise for Your Installations in Longueuil
At AirGreen, we fully understand the unique challenges of each building type in Longueuil. Our installations are carried out by certified professionals, following all local safety and energy efficiency standards.
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Custom installations: We offer solutions tailored to your specific needs, whether it’s a wall-mounted air conditioner, a heat pump, or a centralized system.
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Eco-friendly solutions: We prioritize systems using modern refrigerants like R-32, which are more efficient and environmentally friendly.
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Personalized maintenance: After installation, we ensure follow-up with a regular maintenance plan to guarantee the longevity and efficiency of your equipment.
Mistakes to Avoid for a Successful Air Conditioning System
Here are some practical tips to avoid common mistakes:
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Don’t choose an air conditioner that’s too small or too large for the available space.
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Always check refrigerant compatibility and opt for eco-friendly systems.
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Don’t neglect annual maintenance, even if your system seems to be working fine.
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Hire a certified professional for installation and maintenance.
Is your home or business in Longueuil ready for the summer heat?
Contact AirGreen for a free evaluation and discover how we can provide you with a custom HVAC solution tailored to your needs.