A Concrete Answer to Québec’s Energy and Environmental Challenges
On Montréal’s South Shore, air conditioning habits are changing. The traditional wall-mounted AC unit, while still common, is starting to lose ground to a smarter, greener, and above all, better-adapted solution for current energy challenges: hybrid air conditioning, also known as dual-energy systems. At AirGreen, we’re seeing a growing adoption of these systems, especially in cities like Brossard, Saint-Lambert, Longueuil, and Chambly. And for good reason: this type of HVAC installation combines performance, energy efficiency, and a significant reduction in carbon footprint.
A Real Example: A Dual-Energy Project in Boucherville
One of our recent projects illustrates this trend perfectly. The owner of a 1980s bungalow in Boucherville wanted to replace his old oil furnace and install an efficient air conditioning system for summer. After a full evaluation, we opted for a MIDEA EVOX G3 3-ton central heat pump, paired with a variable-speed electric furnace, while keeping his existing forced-air ductwork.
The results were immediate:
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Year-round thermal comfort
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35% reduction in energy consumption
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Eligibility for a $5,000 LogisVert grant
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Complete elimination of oil usage
The entire system was installed in just 3 days, with no service disruption for the family.
What Is a Hybrid Air Conditioning System?
A hybrid air conditioning system combines a high-efficiency electric heat pump with a backup heating unit, such as a natural gas or electric furnace. Its strength lies in its ability to automatically switch between energy sources based on the outdoor temperature and whichever is most cost-effective at that moment.
The benefits are numerous:
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Maximum energy savings
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Reduced wear and tear on each unit
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Lower greenhouse gas emissions
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Stable indoor comfort
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Access to significant provincial grants
Why This Shift Is Accelerating on the South Shore
Several factors explain the rapid adoption of hybrid systems in areas like Montérégie:
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Aging housing stock: many homes already have ductwork, making it easy to install central HVAC systems
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Rising fossil fuel prices, including oil and natural gas
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Growing environmental awareness among residents
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Attractive financial incentives, especially from Hydro-Québec and Énergir
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Improved reliability of modern heat pumps, even at -25°C
At AirGreen, we’ve seen requests for dual-energy conversions double in under two years on the South Shore.
Which Models Does AirGreen Recommend for These Installations?
Here are the systems most commonly installed by our teams:
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MIDEA EVOX G3 | 2 to 5 tons: Inverter technology, quiet, cold-climate certified, eligible for grants
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Bosch BOVA | High-efficiency central heat pump: advanced modulation, perfectly compatible with electric furnaces
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Goodman R-32 | Central heat pump: excellent performance-to-price ratio, ideal for tighter budgets
All these systems are compatible with smart controls (Wi-Fi, connected thermostats) and offer a return on investment within 3 to 5 years depending on usage.
Mistakes to Avoid When Switching to Dual-Energy
Switching to hybrid air conditioning is a strategic investment. Here are the pitfalls to avoid:
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Skipping the home’s thermal analysis: every case is different, and over- or under-sizing affects energy savings
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Keeping an outdated furnace that’s incompatible with the new heat pump
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Hiring a non-certified contractor who doesn’t follow dual-energy safety protocols (dual-threshold thermostats, specific breakers, etc.)
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Ignoring available grants due to paperwork mistakes or failure to meet technical criteria
AirGreen’s Key Role in This Transition
At AirGreen, we play a central role in the energy transition on the South Shore. Our teams are trained to:
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Provide a free in-home energy assessment
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Build a complete grant application file
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Ensure a certified HVAC installation, clean and fast
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Offer post-installation support, including annual maintenance
Our expertise is built on over 15 years of experience with heat pumps, with more than 2,000 successful installations throughout Greater Montréal.
Conclusion: A Greener AC System Is Already on the Way
Hybrid air conditioning is not a trend—it’s a collective choice. It’s the intersection of technology, energy efficiency, and environmental responsibility. As needs evolve and mindsets shift, this solution is naturally establishing itself on the South Shore.
At AirGreen, we’re proud to be at the forefront of this evolution, offering systems that genuinely meet the expectations of today’s homeowners.