Understanding the Real Impact of Air Conditioning on Your Energy Consumption
At AirGreen, we understand that concerns about the energy consumption of wall-mounted air conditioners and heat pumps are at the heart of many homeowners’ decisions in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore and the South Shore. A widespread belief suggests that installing an air conditioning system could lead to a drastic increase in your electricity bill. But is that really true? Let’s untangle the myths from the realities together.
Myth #1: Air Conditioning Is Always Energy-Hungry
One of the most persistent myths is that wall-mounted air conditioners or heat pumps consume an excessive amount of electricity, regardless of the model or how they’re used. In reality, it all depends on the type of unit installed, its energy efficiency, your home’s insulation, and your usage habits.
For instance, at AirGreen, we regularly install high-efficiency wall-mounted air conditioners, such as the Gree Lomo, Fujitsu KZ, or Bosch Climate 5000 models, equipped with inverter technology. These units adjust their output based on the ambient temperature, which allows them to reduce energy consumption by up to 30% compared to older or non-inverter models.
Reality: New Technologies Optimize Consumption
The modern heat pump and air conditioning models installed by our team in Montréal and surrounding areas are designed to be extremely efficient. Their SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) and HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) ratings often exceed minimum standards, resulting in significant savings on your annual energy bill.
Let’s take a concrete example: a homeowner in Longueuil recently contacted AirGreen to install a Gree Lomo 12,000 BTU wall-mounted air conditioner, Energy Star certified. Before installation, their summer bill hovered around $150 per month. After installation, the bill remained stable or even dropped by 10%, thanks to a consistent indoor temperature and precise control via a smart remote.
Myth #2: It’s Better to Open Windows Than Use an Air Conditioner
Another myth is the belief that leaving windows open to enjoy a natural breeze is more economical. However, this method exposes your home to humidity, outdoor pollution, and temperature fluctuations, which can make your indoor space uncomfortable and force other systems (like heating or dehumidification) to work harder.
Reality: Properly Used Air Conditioning Is More Efficient
When used correctly, wall-mounted air conditioning can maintain a stable temperature while avoiding electricity overloads. Here are a few tips we recommend to our clients:
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Set your unit to operate at fixed times (especially at night or during the hottest hours).
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Keep doors and windows closed to maximize efficiency.
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Regularly service your unit: a dirty filter or clogged coil can increase consumption by up to 15%.
At AirGreen, we offer HVAC maintenance services in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, and South Shore, including filter cleaning, gas checks, and system calibration. This allows your unit to run at peak performance, year after year.
Myth #3: Air Conditioners Aren’t Eligible for Grants
Many people believe that only heat pumps qualify for government subsidies. While heat pumps are indeed favored in some programs, several high-efficiency wall-mounted air conditioners are also eligible for financial incentives, especially through Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert program.
AirGreen helps its clients verify their eligibility for grants, whether it's a Gree, Fujitsu, or Bosch unit. For example, a resident on the North Shore who opted for a Fujitsu 18,000 BTU KZAH R-32 heat pump was able to receive a $1,704 subsidy, which covered a significant portion of the installation cost.
Reality: Investing in Air Conditioning Is Often Worthwhile
A properly installed HVAC system can not only reduce your electricity bills, but also increase your property’s value and enhance your daily comfort.
Here are some real examples of installations completed by AirGreen:
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Montréal (Rosemont): Installation of a Fujitsu 15,000 BTU wall-mounted air conditioner, summer energy use reduced by 12%.
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Laval (Sainte-Rose): Installation of a Gree Extreme 18,000 BTU wall-mounted heat pump, 20% drop in total energy bill thanks to the efficient heating mode in winter.
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Brossard (South Shore): Replaced an older system with a Bosch Climate 5000, estimated 25% reduction in energy use according to Hydro-Québec data.
Practical Tips to Avoid Surprises on Your Bill
1. Choose a Model That Fits Your Needs
An oversized or undersized air conditioner will consume more electricity than a properly sized unit. At AirGreen, we conduct a custom heat load evaluation before any installation to ensure optimal performance.
2. Regularly Service Your Unit
A well-maintained unit runs better and uses less energy. We recommend a full HVAC maintenance service at least once a year.
3. Use Smart Features
New models often offer remote control via a mobile app, “Eco” modes, and programmable timers. These tools are very effective in managing your energy use.
4. Improve Your Home’s Insulation
Good insulation lowers the thermal load, allowing your air conditioner to run less while maintaining a comfortable temperature.
Conclusion: The Real Cost of Well-Planned Air Conditioning
No, air conditioning doesn’t make your electricity bill skyrocket — as long as you make the right choices. By choosing an efficient model, suited to your needs, properly maintained, and installed by certified professionals like those at AirGreen, you can even lower your overall energy costs while increasing comfort, summer and winter.
At AirGreen, we install every air conditioning system as if it were for our own home. We optimize every step: from unit selection to installation, including adjustments and support for grants.
Do You Have an Air Conditioning Project? Let’s Talk.
We operate throughout Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore, with a personalized approach, high-performance equipment, and flawless installation quality.