A large number of households in Longueuil, Brossard, Saint-Lambert, Candiac, and other municipalities across the South Shore are investing in wall-mounted or central heat pumps in hopes of improving indoor comfort while reducing energy bills. Yet, one alarming statistic keeps surfacing from our field experience: nearly 75% of heat pumps installed on the South Shore show major issues within the first 12 months after installation. Why? What are the common mistakes, root causes, and how can you avoid them? At AirGreen, we’re sharing our in-depth analysis based on hundreds of service calls in the region.
Poor HVAC Installation: The #1 Risk Factor
Uncertified or Inexperienced Installers
We all too often see homeowners choosing contractors offering rock-bottom prices without checking their certifications, experience, or references. The result: non-compliant HVAC installations, and sometimes even dangerous setups.
In a recent callout to Saint-Hubert, we had to completely uninstall a unit that was poorly mounted, with refrigerant lines left fully exposed to outdoor elements and no insulation whatsoever. This caused a thermal performance drop with the first freeze.
Improper Mounting and Poor Drainage Management
An outdoor unit placed directly on the ground or facing the wrong direction is far more vulnerable to water infiltration, excessive vibrations, and snow accumulation.
At AirGreen, we always install elevated stands, properly leveled and winterproof, while ensuring efficient condensate drainage, even in harsh winter conditions.
Choosing the Wrong HVAC Equipment
Models Not Designed for the Québec Climate
Many budget heat pumps sold online or through general distributors are not designed to perform efficiently at -20 °C or below.
At AirGreen, we only recommend models that are tested and proven to withstand Québec’s harsh winters, such as:
-
Fujitsu KZAH 18,000 BTU – excellent performance at -26 °C
-
Gree Extreme 24,000 BTU – outstanding heating stability
-
Sharp ZU1 – quiet operation with top-tier energy efficiency
All these units are eligible for Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert rebates, making them far more affordable for our customers.
Incorrect Sizing of the Heat Pump
Installing a heat pump that is either too large or too small leads to short cycling, premature wear, and uncomfortable indoor temperatures.
At AirGreen, we always conduct a precise heat load calculation based on square footage, insulation quality, sun exposure, and the specific heating and cooling needs of each household.
Lack of HVAC Maintenance: Another Critical Factor
What We Too Often Find in the Field
After only a few months of use, filters are clogged, coils are dirty, the outdoor unit is covered with leaves and debris… Yet, no maintenance plan has ever been scheduled.
A poorly maintained heat pump uses more power, heats inefficiently, makes excessive noise, and is much more likely to break down.
Our Recommendations for the South Shore
-
A full HVAC cleaning service every year
-
Refrigerant level checks
-
Compressor performance inspections
-
Preventive maintenance before every winter season
Our specialized HVAC cleaning service in Greater Montreal includes all of these, with a detailed performance report provided to the customer.
Real Case: Reworking an Installation in Brossard
A client from Brossard contacted us after the winter of 2024. Her heat pump, installed just a year prior by a "low-cost" contractor, stopped heating below -5 °C. Even worse, it was noisy and consuming excessive electricity.
Our technicians diagnosed the following:
-
No vacuum test performed during installation
-
Electrical connections exposed to moisture
-
Zero insulation on refrigerant lines
-
Incompatible model (not NEEP certified)
We replaced the unit with a Gree Extreme 18,000 BTU, which qualified her for a $1,704 LogisVert rebate, and installed it according to our strict standards. Three months later, we followed up with a complete HVAC cleaning. The result: optimal performance even at -23 °C.
Top Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Heat Pump on the South Shore
-
Choosing Based Only on Price
-
A rock-bottom price often hides inexperience or sub-contracted, unverified work.
-
-
Ignoring the Regional Climate Specifics
-
The South Shore experiences major weather swings – make sure the unit is certified for cold Canadian climates.
-
-
Skipping Regular Maintenance
-
Without annual HVAC cleaning, your heat pump’s lifespan can drop by 30 to 50%.
-
-
Missing Out on Available Grants
-
By choosing a certified unit and a qualified installer, you can save up to $5,000 in rebates.
-
What AirGreen Offers on the South Shore
-
Comprehensive home climate needs analysis
-
Professional HVAC installation that meets all standards
-
Custom annual HVAC maintenance plans
-
Full support for securing Hydro-Québec subsidies
-
Deep cleaning service for air conditioners, ducts, and heat pumps
We serve Longueuil, Brossard, Saint-Bruno, La Prairie, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, and the entire South Shore. With a certified, trained, and experienced team, we guarantee a reliable and long-lasting installation that will keep your home comfortable for years.
Conclusion: Invest Smart for Long-Term Comfort
Across the South Shore, too many heat pumps fail prematurely due to poor installation, inadequate sizing, or lack of maintenance. At AirGreen, our approach is built on rigorous diagnostics, climate-suitable equipment, professional installation, and continuous follow-up. That’s what makes all the difference between a heat pump that becomes a headache, and one that delivers consistent, reliable comfort for years to come.
Living on the South Shore and having HVAC issues? Contact our team for a free inspection and benefit from our expertise in installation, cleaning, and heat pump maintenance in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, and South Shore.