Comfort vs Energy Savings: How to Keep Your Home Cool Without Feeling Guilty About Your Power Bill

Balancing comfort and energy efficiency: a challenge met by our air conditioning solutions in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore and South Shore

At AirGreen, we know that a Quebec summer can be just as demanding as our winters. And when temperatures rise, staying cool becomes a top priority. But staying comfortable should never come at the expense of your wallet—or the environment. That’s why we put our expertise to work for people who want to cool their home the smart way, without seeing their electricity bill skyrocket.

In this article, we’ll show you how we help our clients strike the perfect balance between high-performance air conditioning and controlled energy consumption thanks to optimized HVAC installations, high-efficiency certified equipment, and a tailored approach designed for every residential property in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore.

Understanding the impact of air conditioning on your energy bill

Using a wall-mounted air conditioner or a heat pump can represent a major chunk of your summer electricity consumption—especially if the unit is poorly sized, poorly maintained, or simply outdated. And yet, with the right practices and properly selected equipment, it’s possible to cut energy use by 30 to 50%, all while significantly improving indoor comfort.

What influences your energy consumption?

Several factors play a role in how much energy your air conditioning system uses:

• The energy efficiency rating of the unit (SEER, HSPF, ENERGY STAR rating)

• Your home’s insulation

• The location of the indoor units

• Routine system maintenance

• Occupant behavior (thermostat usage, open windows, etc.)

That’s why every project we take on at AirGreen begins with a full assessment of the customer’s needs and the property’s characteristics.

Case study: Installation of a GREE wall-mounted heat pump in Laval

Recently, we installed a GREE Extreme 18,000 BTU wall-mounted heat pump in a Laval bungalow, home to a family of four. Their old air conditioner was noisy, inefficient, and resulted in monthly bills of over $200 during the heat waves.

Challenges encountered

• Partial attic insulation

• Poor airflow in the basement

• Excessive consumption during peak periods

Our solutions

• Replacing the old system with a GREE Extreme R410A heat pump, known for its exceptional energy efficiency (SEER up to 38)

• Installing the indoor unit in a central location for better airflow distribution

• Adding a smart thermostat for precise cooling cycle control

• Programming the unit to run outside of peak electricity hours

Result: a 46% reduction in electricity use in the first month alone, and more consistent temperature throughout the home.

Why choose a heat pump instead of a traditional air conditioner?

Unlike a regular wall-mounted AC, the wall-mounted heat pump offers reversible functionality, meaning it can cool in summer and heat in winter. It’s ideal for Quebec’s highly variable climate.

At AirGreen, we often recommend models like:

• Fujitsu KZAH R-32: ultra-quiet, perfect for bedrooms

• Gree Extreme: ideal for large open areas or cathedral ceilings

• Bosch BIVA IDS Premium R-454B: a central system with inverter compressor, perfect for larger homes

All of these systems are eligible for attractive government grants (LogisVert, Chauffez Vert, etc.), which can reach up to $2,172, depending on the model and your location.

Best practices to maximize energy savings

Here are a few tips we share with clients during our service calls in Montréal and the surrounding areas:

1. Have your HVAC system serviced annually: filters, coils, and fans must be cleaned.

2. Use a programmable thermostat to avoid unnecessary cooling when no one’s home.

3. Improve insulation in the attic and windows: this reduces heat gain.

4. Don’t block airflow with curtains, furniture, or closed doors.

5. Choose the right-sized unit: too small and it overworks, too big and it creates humidity issues.

Tailored installation: our AirGreen promise

Whether we’re on the South Shore, in Longueuil or Sainte-Julie, or on the North Shore in Blainville or Repentigny, every installation we perform is tailored to the specific needs of the building and its occupants. We don’t just install a unit—we deliver a complete energy strategy.

Case study #2: Duplex in Montréal (Rosemont)

In this project, two families shared a single outdated central air conditioning system. We recommended two Gree Lomo wall-mounted heat pumps, one per floor, each with independent controls.

The advantages:

• Energy independence for each family

• Quick installation without major renovations

• Significant savings thanks to dual eligibility for grants

Available grants in 2025

Financial assistance programs like Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert make it easier to afford a high-efficiency HVAC system. We guide every client through the grant application process, ensuring the chosen system is fully certified and eligible.

Why choose AirGreen?

• Certified, experienced team in residential and commercial HVAC

• Fast, personalized after-sales service

• Quick response time throughout Greater Montréal

• Transparent and honest advice: we always prioritize our client’s best interest

Conclusion: a responsible and sustainable choice

Choosing smart air conditioning means prioritizing comfort, energy savings, and the planet. At AirGreen, we support you at every step—from equipment selection to installation, including grant support. Our installations in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the South Shore and the North Shore reflect our daily commitment to making eco-efficient comfort accessible to all.