When poor HVAC installation turns a simple hot summer into a domestic nightmare
This summer’s heatwave in Montréal left a mark — but for some residents, it also exposed major weaknesses in their air conditioning system. Among them, Marc-André, a homeowner from Rosemont, experienced something many underestimate: a wall-mounted air conditioner that was poorly chosen, poorly installed, and completely unsuited to his building. What follows is an eye-opening account of what can happen when a cooling system fails, and how AirGreen provided the expertise to restore comfort, efficiency, and peace of mind.
An online-purchased air conditioner… without any technical evaluation
In May, Marc-André decided to buy an 18,000 BTU wall-mounted air conditioner from a lesser-known brand on a popular e-commerce site. Attracted by the price and fast delivery, he hired a “professional” from a classified ads site to do the install. There was no thermal audit, no precise needs analysis — the unit was installed in half a day.
But as soon as summer began, the problems piled up:
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The unit produced constant vibration noise
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Indoor temperature never dropped below 27°C
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Excess condensation seeped into the walls, leading to damp stains
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His electricity bill skyrocketed by June
Classic symptoms of a non-professional installation
When our team arrived for an inspection, the AirGreen diagnostic was clear:
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The unit was oversized for the space, causing short, inefficient cycles
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Condensate drainage wasn’t routed correctly, leading to moisture trapped in the walls
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The electrical connection was undersized, creating a risk of failure
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The outdoor unit was vibrating against the wall, with no anti-vibration support
Conclusion: A $2,000 unit not only failed to perform — it caused over $4,000 in damage in less than two months.
AirGreen’s response: restoring summer peace of mind
Our team proposed a full, customized solution:
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Removal of the faulty system
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Installation of a GREE Charmo R32 Wall-Mounted Heat Pump | 12,000 BTU, perfectly sized for the space and exposure
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Implementation of an anti-vibration wall bracket and an angled exterior drainage system
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Connection to a dedicated electrical circuit with a separate breaker
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Smart programming to modulate temperature based on time of day and sunlight
The entire job was completed in under 48 hours, with no disruption to the homeowner’s daily routine.
The immediate results observed by Marc-André
Just one week after installation, the benefits were undeniable:
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Indoor temperature stabilized at 23°C, even during 34°C heatwaves
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30% reduction in electricity consumption
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Vibration noise completely eliminated
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Gradual drying of the moisture-affected walls
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Received a $1,704 LogisVert grant
“I thought I was getting a good deal. In the end, it was AirGreen that saved my summer. Their team was quick, honest, and explained everything clearly. Now I sleep cool — and worry-free.” – Marc-André
What this case reveals about HVAC issues in Montréal
Marc-André’s experience is unfortunately not unique. Here are key takeaways for homeowners in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore:
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Even the best air conditioner is useless without proper installation
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BTU capacity must always be calculated through a serious thermal assessment
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Drainage, insulation, ventilation, and power supply are critical and often overlooked
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Poor installation leads to higher energy use, reduced equipment lifespan, and voided warranties
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Government grants like LogisVert are only available when certified installers are used
Why choose AirGreen?
At AirGreen, every HVAC installation follows a strict protocol:
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Comprehensive building evaluation (square footage, orientation, insulation)
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Recommendation of units from top brands (Fujitsu, Gree, Bosch, Lennox…)
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Safe installation in line with building codes and electrical standards
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Assistance with grant and tax credit applications
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Fast, transparent service focused on your long-term comfort
Conclusion: A reliable air conditioning system always starts with real expertise
A hot summer can quickly turn into a thermal nightmare if your cooling system can’t keep up. Marc-André’s story shows how a poor decision can ruin an entire season — and how a well-designed HVAC installation can completely change the game.
Avoid the unpleasant surprises. Contact AirGreen today.