More Than a Summer Luxury: Air Conditioning as a Priority for Homeowners on the North Shore
When becoming a first-time homeowner on the North Shore of Montréal, a wide range of questions naturally arise—especially when it comes to indoor comfort and energy efficiency. Among the most frequently raised concerns is residential air conditioning. At AirGreen, we assist hundreds of customers each year as they navigate the process of installing, maintaining, or upgrading their wall-mounted or central air conditioning systems. Today, we’re answering the most common questions we receive from new homeowners in the region.
Why is air conditioning essential on the North Shore?
Quebec summers often bring intense heat waves, especially in July and August, when temperatures regularly rise above 30°C (86°F). On the North Shore, single-family homes and bungalows—often built with materials like brick or vinyl—tend to store heat easily. A wall-mounted heat pump or a central air conditioner not only cools the indoor air, but also improves quality of life and sleep, while increasing your property’s value.
What type of system is best: wall-mounted or central?
The answer depends on several factors:
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Size of the home
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Room layout
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Age of the building
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Whether or not air ducts are present
A wall-mounted air conditioner, such as the Gree Lomo, Senville LETO, or Fujitsu KZAH, is perfect for homes without existing ducts or for smaller to mid-sized homes. These units are energy efficient, easy to install, and eligible for grants such as LogisVert.
On the other hand, a central system—like the Goodman R-32 or Bosch BIVA IDS Premium R-454B—is ideal for larger homes or new constructions. It provides even cooling across all rooms.
What are the most recommended models for wall-mounted units?
At AirGreen, we recommend specific models based on each customer’s needs:
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Fujitsu KZAH R-32 (up to 23 SEER): quiet, compact, ideal for bedrooms.
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Gree Extreme or Gree Lomo: very popular on the North Shore for their performance and reliability.
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Senville LETO: a great value for new homeowners working within a reasonable budget.
All of these models are eligible for grants, especially those with SEER ratings over 17.
Are there grants available for purchasing and installing an air conditioner?
Yes, and they’re both numerous and generous. Here are the main ones:
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Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert Program: up to $2,172 for certain wall-mounted or central heat pumps.
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RénoClimat: financial aid based on improving a home’s energy efficiency.
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Municipal grants: certain cities on the North Shore, such as Blainville, Terrebonne, or Laval, offer additional financial assistance.
Our experts at AirGreen handle all the paperwork for these programs to ensure you receive the maximum financial support available.
What’s the typical installation time?
For a wall-mounted heat pump, the full installation (including drilling, wall bracket, electrical hookups, and system startup) generally takes between 4 and 6 hours. For a central unit, the process is longer (1 to 2 days) as it may involve ductwork, the installation of an electric or gas furnace, and full system calibration.
Does AirGreen offer warranties?
Absolutely. All our systems are covered by a 10-year manufacturer warranty (parts and compressor), and our installations are backed by our 12-month labor warranty. We also offer custom HVAC maintenance plans to extend the lifespan of your systems.
What problems are common after purchasing?
Although rare, here are a few challenges we’ve occasionally seen:
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Undersized BTU output for the space (e.g., too small for a cathedral-ceiling living room)
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Poor placement of the wall unit (often from non-certified installers)
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Unusual noises after a few weeks (typically due to improper wall mount stabilization)
Thanks to our HVAC installation expertise on the North Shore, we prevent these issues early on through a comprehensive technical assessment of the building before each project.
What’s the difference between an air conditioner and a heat pump?
An air conditioner only cools the air, while a heat pump offers a reversible function: it cools in summer and heats in winter. For new homeowners looking to maximize energy savings, the heat pump is by far the most strategic option—especially when paired with a smart thermostat.
What advice would you give to new homeowners on the North Shore?
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Don’t underestimate your energy needs—it’s better to slightly oversize than come up short.
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Have your electrical panel inspected before any installation.
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Choose well-known brands to avoid early repairs.
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Hire local, certified installers like AirGreen.
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Plan your installation in spring or fall, when schedules are less busy and lead times are shorter.
AirGreen installation: real-life example in Blainville
Recently, a young couple of first-time homeowners in Blainville contacted us to install an 18,000 BTU Fujitsu KZAH wall-mounted heat pump in their open-concept home. The main challenge? A 16-foot cathedral ceiling in the living room and a mezzanine upstairs. We recommended the ideal wall placement and used a special ladder to complete the high-wall installation more than 12 feet up. The result: optimal comfort throughout every zone—even the highest areas—and eligibility for $2,172 in grants.
Why choose AirGreen?
At AirGreen, we’re more than just installers. We are a trusted partner for hundreds of homeowners across the North Shore, Laval, Montréal, Longueuil, and the South Shore. With our highly qualified technical team, customer-centered approach, and total transparency, we guarantee a stress-free experience from start to finish.