Are indoor units installed in the attic or roof space acceptable?

Are indoor units installed in the attic or roof space acceptable?

A common question among homeowners wishing to install a wall-mounted or central heat pump is the location of the indoor units . More specifically: is a unit installed in an attic or roof space eligible for the LogisVert grant offered by Hydro-Québec ? At AirGreen, an expert HVAC company in Montreal , we regularly receive this question, particularly during complex installations on the North Shore , in Laval , Longueuil or on the South Shore . In this article, we shed light on this subject by directly relying on the criteria of the LogisVert program.

Understanding LogisVert requirements: what exactly the guide says

The LogisVert Residential Participation Guide published by Hydro-Québec (version 1.3 of January 2025) is explicit on this subject: “The installation of indoor units, including the air distribution system, outside the isolated areas of the house, i.e. outside the habitable spaces (e.g. in the attic or in the roof space) is not admissible .”

In other words, indoor units installed in an attic or roof space are automatically excluded from the grant , even if all other criteria are met.

This is due to reasons of energy efficiency , thermal comfort and especially the risks of condensation, loss of performance or air leaks when a unit is installed in an unconditioned or poorly insulated space.

Why this rule? The importance of well-defined living spaces.

The LogisVert program insists that subsidized equipment contributes to improving comfort and reducing energy consumption in a sustainable and efficient manner. This implies that:

• The indoor unit must be installed inside the insulated volume of the house (living room, bedrooms, living areas).

• Attics, lofts or roof spaces are considered unconditioned and therefore unsuitable for this type of equipment.

• A unit installed in these areas would be exposed to extreme temperatures , making the system ineffective in both winter and summer .

Concrete examples from our field experience at AirGreen

Project in Sainte-Dorothée, Laval: Installation avoided in an attic

We recently advised a client in Laval who wanted to install a Gree Extreme 18,000 BTU wall-mounted heat pump with the indoor unit hidden in the attic for aesthetic reasons. After inspection, we had to relocate the unit to the living room , as an attic installation would have made the installation ineligible for the $1,704 LogisVert grant . Thanks to our transparent approach, the client received the full grant while still benefiting from optimal efficiency.

Project in Saint-Bruno, South Shore: Optimization of the placement of wall units

In another project on the South Shore , a homeowner wanted to maximize the privacy of the units by installing them in the attic of a bungalow. We proposed a Fujitsu KZAH 24,000 BTU short duct system , with the unit installed in an insulated closet inside the thermal envelope of the house , which allowed us to remain compliant with LogisVert criteria while respecting the client's expectations.

Risks associated with installation in the attic or roof space

Here is why Hydro-Québec prohibits this type of installation as part of LogisVert:

• Risk of freezing or overheating of the unit, impairing operation.

• Loss of energy efficiency , therefore contradicting the objective of the program.

• Increased complexity for maintenance or repairs.

• Possibility of mold or moisture around the unit.

• Unable to validate compliance during an inspection visit.

What if you're running out of wall or ceiling space?

Don't panic! At AirGreen, we have several compliant and optimized solutions:

• Mini-ducts (low-static units) installed in technical closets or insulated false ceilings.

• Vertical wall units suitable for small spaces (Fujitsu, Sharp, Gree).

• Central heat pumps with ducted distribution, for discreet comfort.

Each solution is designed to meet grant standards , optimize energy efficiency and ensure 4-season comfort for your home in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil or on the North Shore/South Shore .

How does AirGreen guarantee eligibility for the LogisVert subsidy?

Here is our approach to each project :

1. Free in-home technical assessment , including verification of insulation and unit positioning.

2. Selection of the correct certified product on the LogisVert list (with AHRI number).

3. Installation by an RBQ and CMMTQ certified team , with detailed invoices.

4. Support in the grant application , including photos, proof of purchase and submission of documents on the portal www.logisvert.ca .

5. Follow-up until complete approval and receipt of the check.

AirGreen Recommendations to Avoid Grant Refusal

• Never install an indoor unit in an attic or loft , even if it is insulated.

• Make sure each unit is visible, accessible and located in a living area.

• Work with a certified contractor , recognized by the Régie du bâtiment du Québec.

• Request a preliminary inspection before installation.

• Keep all detailed invoices , including RBQ number, installation description and proof of eligible product.

In summary: the essentials to remember

• Indoor units installed in an attic or roof space are not eligible for the LogisVert subsidy.

• The units must be installed in an isolated living space .

• AirGreen supports you from A to Z to choose the best configuration while maximizing the subsidy .

• Thanks to our expertise, you avoid errors and benefit from a high-performance, sustainable and subsidized system .

Trust AirGreen for your eligible HVAC installations

At AirGreen, we're more than just installers. We're your partners for sustainable, energy-efficient, and subsidized comfort, throughout Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore . Contact us today to schedule a free evaluation and ensure your HVAC project is fully compliant with LogisVert requirements.