What is the difference between an efficient heat pump and a high-efficiency heat pump in the program?

A distinction worth a lot: understanding the difference between an ENERGY STAR heat pump and an ENERGY STAR cold-climate heat pump in the LogisVert program

At AirGreen, we know that choosing the right heating and cooling system is more than just selecting a powerful or quiet unit. It's a strategic decision that can impact your comfort, energy savings, and even your eligibility for LogisVert subsidies offered by Hydro-Québec. One of the questions we often receive from our customers in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore is: What is the real difference between an efficient heat pump and a high-efficiency heat pump under the LogisVert program?

In this article, we'll walk you through the technical criteria , grant amounts , installation requirements , and, most importantly, the strategic decisions you need to make based on your situation. We'll also share concrete examples of our recent installations to better illustrate the tangible benefits of each option.

The two main categories of eligible heat pumps

The LogisVert program clearly distinguishes two levels of equipment for wall-mounted or central heat pumps :

ENERGY STAR certified heat pump

• Eligible for the LogisVert program alone (without additional work).

• Can be wall-mounted (mini-split) or central (bi-block).

• Must be ENERGY STAR certified (AHRI or ENERGY STAR number on the invoice).

• Must be new , purchased in Quebec , and installed by an RBQ certified company .

• Grant: $50 per 1,000 BTU/h at -8 °C (e.g. $900 for 18,000 BTU/h at -8 °C).

ENERGY STAR cold-climate heat pump

• Must be ENERGY STAR certified and of the “cold climate” type. No air sealing is required.

• Outdoor unit of at least 12,000 BTU/h (rated cooling capacity).

• Must be new, bought from a Québec retailer and installed by a company holding the appropriate RBQ licences.

• Grant amount: $120 per 1,000 BTU/h at -8 °C.

• Can reach over $2,172 for a 15,000 BTU unit , depending on the case.

LogisVert subsidy: a difference in logic in the approach

The LogisVert program rewards performance in extreme cold: the grant is calculated on the heating capacity at -8 °C, and the rate rises from $50 to $120 for a “cold climate” model. Building airtightness is still useful, but air sealing is subsidized separately, with roof insulation ($1,500).

On the other hand, a standard ENERGY STAR heat pump remains eligible at a lower rate ($50 per 1,000 BTU/h at -8 °C). It is an option for a tighter budget.

Case study: Oka, AirGreen installation of a SHARP ZU1 15,000 BTU heat pump

In a home in Oka, our team installed a 15,000 BTU SHARP ZU1 wall-mounted heat pump, a model that performs well in extreme cold. Complete air sealing work was also done (exterior doors, windows, electrical outlets, attic hatch). The LogisVert grant obtained was $2,172 (at the rate then in effect).

The client had initially considered an entry-level model, but after looking at the condition of the home’s thermal envelope, we recommended a model that performs better at -8 °C, combined with air sealing. The return on investment turned out higher, with better heating performance in winter and greater comfort.

Other installation: Gree Extreme 24,000 BTU heat pump in Brossard

In Brossard, another client only wanted to install a wall-mounted air conditioner with a heat pump function. The model chosen — a Gree Extrême 24,000 BTU — was eligible without any additional work. The grant obtained was $1,860, nearly 30% of the total installation cost.

This project demonstrates that it is entirely possible to optimize financial aid even without carrying out additional work , provided that the device is chosen carefully.

Financial bonus: combination of measures

If you combine the heat pump with other eligible measures (e.g., heat pump dryer, induction cooktop), a 5% bonus is applied to the total amount of subsidies. This strategy is particularly interesting in the context of overall renovations .

For example, in Sainte-Julie , a customer combined:

• A high-efficiency 18,000 BTU heat pump ,

• Caulking work,

• Installing an induction cooker .

She received an enhanced grant of $2,144 + $250 + 5% ≈ $2,514.

Tips for making the right choice

When a standard ENERGY STAR heat pump may be enough:

• You are looking for the lowest purchase cost.

• Your house is already well insulated.

• You are aiming for a quick and easy installation .

• You are replacing an old air conditioner or a faulty heat pump.

When to choose an ENERGY STAR cold-climate heat pump:

• You want efficient heating even in extreme cold.

• You want to maximize the overall energy efficiency of the home.

• You wish to benefit from a higher subsidy .

• You are in the process of complete or planned renovation .

AirGreen: your partner to maximize your subsidies

As certified HVAC experts in Quebec, we take care of:

• Selecting the right model according to your budget.

• The performance or coordination of caulking work .

• Production of compliant documents required by Hydro-Québec (invoices with RBQ number, photo evidence, AHRI numbers, etc.).

• Support in the LogisVert portal to avoid errors that block financing.

Deadline to be respected

The application to LogisVert must be submitted within 9 months of the heat pump installation . In the case of a combined project, the deadline begins from the first measurement taken .

Parts required for the heat pump:

• Invoice with:

  • Invoice number and date

  • Installation date

  • Customer name and address

  • Installer's RBQ license number

  • AHRI system number

  • Full description of the equipment

• Photo of the exterior nameplate

In summary: choosing smarter means saving more money.

The LogisVert program offers major opportunities for homeowners who want to invest in a high-performance, durable HVAC system. At AirGreen, we make sure every heat pump we install, whether ENERGY STAR or ENERGY STAR cold climate, is eligible for the best grants. We support you at every step, from choosing the equipment to receiving your financial assistance.

For a turnkey project, contact us today: our experts travel throughout Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore .