Small changes, big impact: how to master your air conditioning during heatwaves
During heatwaves in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, on the South Shore or the North Shore, your air conditioner becomes an essential ally in maintaining indoor comfort. However, heavy usage can quickly drive up your electricity bill and overwork your system. At AirGreen, we help homeowners and business owners every day to optimize their energy consumption while ensuring maximum performance from their HVAC system. Here’s our exclusive guide—based on countless wall-mounted and central AC installations—to cool your space efficiently without overconsuming.
Properly adjusting your heat pump or wall-mounted air conditioner
One of the most common mistakes we see during our visits in Montréal and surrounding areas is improper thermostat settings. Many clients believe that drastically lowering the temperature (e.g., 18°C / 64°F) will cool the space faster. In reality, this just overworks the unit without improving cooling speed.
AirGreen Tip:
Set your air conditioner to 24–25°C (75–77°F)—a comfortable and optimal temperature to maintain a pleasant atmosphere while easing the load on your compressor. If your unit is programmable, use scheduling features to adjust the temperature based on your habits.
Make use of natural and nighttime ventilation
There’s no need to run your Gree, Fujitsu or Sharp ZU1 wall-mounted AC continuously if the outside air is cooler—especially in the evening. In many of our heat pump installations in Laval and Longueuil, we often recommend taking advantage of natural airflow when outdoor temperatures permit.
Recommendation:
Open windows early in the morning or late at night, especially if you live near the North Shore or close to a body of water. Temporarily shut off the air conditioning during these periods to save energy.
Regular maintenance matters: a clean unit uses less energy
A dirty air conditioner has to work harder to deliver the same result. At AirGreen, we routinely carry out HVAC maintenance in neighborhoods like Anjou, Brossard or Terrebonne. The results are clear: simply cleaning the filters and the outdoor unit can reduce consumption by more than 15%.
Maintenance checklist:
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Indoor filters: clean them every 2 to 3 weeks during summer.
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Outdoor condenser: remove debris, leaves, and dust, and make sure airflow is not blocked.
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Drain pipe: a clogged heat pump loses efficiency and increases humidity.
We offer full maintenance services for wall-mounted air conditioners from Fujitsu, Gree, Zephyr, Tosot and Bosch.
Use curtains and blinds smartly
In Longueuil and across the South Shore, homes with large, south-facing windows are often subject to intense solar heat. During the installation of a Bosch BIVA IDS Premium central heat pump, a client in Saint-Lambert told us he noticed a significant drop in indoor temperature simply by closing his blinds during peak sun hours.
Pro tip:
Close opaque curtains or reflective blinds between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., especially on sun-exposed sides. This reduces passive heat gain, lowering the amount of heat your HVAC system has to handle.
Choose a system that fits your space: avoid oversizing
Too often, we encounter oversized AC systems, especially in single-family homes in Boisbriand or Boucherville. These units consume more energy, turn on and off too often, and never complete optimal cycles.
What we do at AirGreen:
Before every installation of a 12,000 BTU wall-mounted AC or a 36,000 BTU central heat pump, we conduct a complete thermal analysis of the property. This ensures proper sizing, minimal energy use, and maximum comfort.
Go for a multi-zone system for smarter cooling
A client in Beaconsfield, equipped with a Gree Extreme multi-zone system, was able to cool three separate rooms using just one outdoor unit. The result: he only cools the rooms in use, significantly reducing his power bill.
Why this makes sense:
Multi-zone systems are ideal for multi-level homes or small buildings. You only cool where it’s needed. At AirGreen, we install multi-zone systems that qualify for LogisVert grants, reducing your upfront cost by up to $1,860.
Take advantage of available grants
In Sainte-Julie and Oka, many of our clients saw their installation costs drop thanks to LogisVert. A resident in Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac received a $2,172 rebate for a 15,000 BTU Sharp ZU1 wall-mounted heat pump.
Good to know:
AirGreen helps you apply for grants. We’ll help you choose an eligible model (Fujitsu, Gree, Bosch, etc.) and handle all the paperwork for you.
Bonus tip: the often-overlooked dry mode
When it’s extremely hot, humidity makes everything feel worse. In Dry mode, your AC can reduce moisture without excessive cooling, making your space feel fresher while cutting back on energy use.
Why choose AirGreen to optimize your air conditioning?
Because we’re more than just installers. We’re HVAC experts serving Montréal and the surrounding area, with a deep understanding of local needs. Every wall-mounted AC, central heat pump or mini split is installed with technical precision, personalized service, and expertise built on hundreds of successful projects.
We offer:
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Free energy audits
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Personalized recommendations
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Certified, grant-eligible products
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Flawless after-sales service
Final thoughts
By following these practical tips—smart settings, regular maintenance, passive strategies, proper product selection, and professional support from AirGreen—you can enjoy cool air all summer long while significantly cutting your energy costs.
At AirGreen, we’re here to help you get the most out of your summer, in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, on the South Shore and the North Shore, with HVAC solutions that are efficient, economical, and sustainable.