Heat pump in a heated garage: eligible or not for the LogisVert subsidy?
Understanding the nuances of LogisVert subsidies for non-standard installations
At AirGreen , we regularly receive specific questions regarding the eligibility conditions for the LogisVert grant , particularly when homeowners want to install a heat pump in a heated garage . This situation raises a complex issue: even though the garage is heated, is it considered a habitable space according to Hydro-Québec's criteria? Here is a complete and rigorous analysis of this case, based on our expertise in heat pump installation in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore and South Shore .
Definition of an eligible space: Hydro-Québec's criteria
To be eligible for a grant under the LogisVert – Efficient Housing program, a heat pump must be installed in a residential dwelling that is habitable year-round and powered by a recognized electrical system .
However, according to the LogisVert Participant's Guide (January 2025 version) , a specific criterion excludes certain spaces:
"Replacing an appliance in an unheated area or outside the insulated envelope of the dwelling (e.g., attic, crawl space, uninsulated garage) is not eligible."
This means that the area where the heat pump is installed must be part of the insulated envelope of the home and be considered a primary living space, not a secondary addition.
Heated garage: special case or direct exclusion?
A heated garage , even if it benefits from a heat input via a heat pump or another heating system, does not automatically meet Hydro-Québec's requirements , except in two very specific cases:
1. The garage is integrated and insulated
If the garage is fully insulated , integrated into the house (therefore included in the thermal envelope) and is used as a living space (e.g., office, training room), it could be considered eligible . However, this requires strict validation on a case-by-case basis by Hydro-Québec.
2. There is a direct thermal link with the living space
If the indoor unit of the wall-mounted heat pump serves both the garage and an adjacent habitable space (e.g., family room, kitchen), the project may be partially eligible . Again, clear documentary evidence (plans, photos, detailed invoices) is required when applying for the grant.
The risk of inadmissibility: beware of costly mistakes
Many customers have installed wall-mounted heat pumps in their garages with the goal of turning them into a heated workshop or frost-free warehouse. However, installing them solely in the garage, without serving an adjacent living space , automatically renders the application ineligible for the LogisVert grant.
At AirGreen, we have already refused or modified certain projects in Laval and Longueuil, precisely to prevent our clients from losing access to subsidies worth several hundred, or even thousands of dollars.
Case study: corrected installation in Sainte-Thérèse (North Shore)
A client wanted to install a Gree Extreme 12,000 BTU wall-mounted heat pump in their recently insulated, heated double garage. After a site visit, our technician determined that the wall separating the garage from the living room could accommodate an indoor unit facing both areas.
Result: We installed the unit so that it partially served the living room , with a through heat flow. This solution allowed the client to obtain $1,344 in grant funding , because the system served a space considered habitable according to LogisVert criteria.
Necessary evidence to be attached to the request
Here are the key documents required by Hydro-Québec in all cases:
-
Purchase and installation invoice detailing the model, power (BTU), HRI number , date and name of the installer.
-
Photo of the outdoor unit nameplate (model + serial number).
-
Proof of ownership (municipal tax bill or bill of sale).
-
Photo of the final installation in a clearly habitable space.
-
RBQ Contractor License (AirGreen has all required accreditations).
AirGreen Recommendations: Be Strategic
Don't let a design detail deprive you of a grant! Before installing a heat pump in a garage, here's what we recommend:
-
Assess the actual use of the room : is it a living space or just a utility space?
-
Insulate the garage perfectly and connect it thermally to the rest of the house.
-
Opt for a multi-zone unit , one head of which could serve the garage and the other an interior room.
-
Use a certified installer who knows the LogisVert program criteria.
At AirGreen, we validate each project based on the program's actual eligibility criteria . We always prioritize a transparent, rigorous, and optimized approach to ensure you access to maximum financial assistance .
Why trust AirGreen?
As HVAC experts in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore and South Shore , we support our clients in every step: evaluation, installation, documentation, grant applications, technical follow-up . Our team has in-depth knowledge of the LogisVert program and other provincial and federal aid.
Every year, we handle dozens of projects incorporating heated garages , and we know exactly how to maximize energy efficiency while optimizing financial returns for our clients.
Conclusion: the right project in the right area
Yes , it is possible for a heat pump installed in a heated garage to be covered by the LogisVert grant , but only if the garage meets certain specific criteria for insulation, use and thermal integration. When in doubt, trust the experts: we will support you from the design stage of the project until you receive your grant .
