The Crucial Importance of Choosing the Right Multi-Zone Heat Pump for South Shore Homes
In the residential HVAC world, every decision matters. A multi-zone heat pump, when properly selected and professionally installed, can completely transform the comfort of a home while reducing energy bills. But as we recently witnessed during a service call in Boucherville, on the South Shore of Montréal, a poor decision can lead to significant discomfort, unexpected expenses, and a level of dissatisfaction that we at AirGreen are committed to correcting—and preventing.
A Real Case: An Installation Unsuitable for the Building's Real Needs
The owners of a renovated triplex in Boucherville recently contacted our team after months of frustration with their HVAC system. Initially attracted by a low price offered by a general contractor, they had opted for a cheap multi-zone heat pump from a generic brand, supposedly designed to serve three floors using a single outdoor unit and three indoor wall-mounted heads.
Problems quickly emerged after installation:
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Inconsistent temperatures between zones (one floor freezing, another overheating).
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Unusual noises coming from the wall units.
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Abnormally high electricity consumption, with no actual gain in comfort.
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No eligibility for Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert subsidies, since the installed product wasn’t listed among certified models.
AirGreen’s Diagnosis: Poor Sizing and a Bad Brand Choice
From our very first visit, our technician noted several critical issues:
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The 24,000 BTU outdoor unit was not powerful enough to meet the simultaneous demand of all three zones.
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The indoor wall units were poorly positioned, obstructing airflow in some rooms.
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The system was not compatible with intelligent multi-zone control, making it impossible to program each zone independently.
Our Solution: A Tailored, High-Performance, Subsidy-Eligible Installation
We recommended a proven system: the GREE Multi+ Extreme multi-zone heat pump, a reliable brand well-known for its performance in Québec winters. The model we selected:
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A 36,000 BTU outdoor unit with Inverter technology, R32 refrigerant, and high energy efficiency ratings (SEER 21 / HSPF 11).
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Three indoor GREE Livo+ wall-mounted heads, each sized specifically for the volume of the room it served (9,000 BTU, 12,000 BTU, and 18,000 BTU).
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Smart Wi-Fi control for each zone via the GREE+ app, compatible with voice assistants.
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Full installation including reinforced insulation on refrigerant lines, leak testing, and airflow balancing.
The result: not only did the homeowners regain optimal comfort throughout their home, but they also qualified for $2,560 in LogisVert subsidies thanks to the new system’s compliance with Hydro-Québec’s standards.
Why Multi-Zone Heat Pump Mistakes Are Common on the South Shore
The popularity of multi-zone systems continues to grow on the South Shore, especially in cities like Longueuil, Brossard, Saint-Lambert, and Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville. However, we frequently encounter critical errors in product selection or installation.
The Most Common Mistakes We Correct at AirGreen
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Undersized outdoor unit in relation to actual needs.
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Mixing incompatible wall units within the same system.
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Choosing units not certified for subsidy programs (LogisVert, RénoClimat).
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Installations done by non-HVAC specialists, with no prior heat load evaluation.
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Lack of preventive maintenance, resulting in performance loss as early as year two.
What We Do Differently at AirGreen
A Full On-Site Thermal Assessment – Free of Charge
Before recommending a system, our experts travel to the home at no cost to perform a comprehensive thermal evaluation. This includes:
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Room-by-room heat load calculations.
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Assessment of insulation, solar exposure, and specific needs.
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Determination of the best location for each indoor head.
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Verification of compliance for available subsidies in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, and South Shore.
Proven Brands Always Eligible for Subsidies
At AirGreen, we only install systems that are Tier 2 CEE certified, compatible with LogisVert, Chauffez Vert, RénoClimat, and other programs. Some of the top-performing brands we recommend include:
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GREE Multi+ Extreme
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Fujitsu Airstage Multi-Zone RLS3
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Mitsubishi Zuba Multi-Zone
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Daikin MXS Series
Professional Installation Without Compromise
Our installers are trained to:
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Perform neat, visually discreet installations, even in complex settings.
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Minimize visual impact and noise.
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Optimize energy performance with precise configuration of lines, valves, brackets, and drainage.
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Offer a 10-year parts and labor warranty, exclusive to AirGreen for select models.
Tips to Avoid Regretting Your Multi-Zone Heat Pump
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Don’t be swayed by price alone. A cheaper system may cost more in the long run.
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Always request a full thermal evaluation before signing anything.
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Ensure the chosen brand and model are eligible for local grants.
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Check what warranties are included (parts, compressor, labor).
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Choose a contractor specialized in HVAC, with real local references.
Testimonials: Comfort Restored
“We lost an entire winter because of our old heat pump. Thankfully, AirGreen took everything over with a flawless installation. Since then, every room is at the right temperature, and our Hydro-Québec bill dropped by 35%” – The T. Family, Brossard
“Thanks to AirGreen for correcting the errors made by our previous installer. Their expertise saved us money and, above all, gave us total comfort again” – Marc and Joëlle, Saint-Lambert
Why Choose AirGreen for Your Multi-Zone System
We understand the challenges of Québec’s climate, and we know how to tailor every system to our clients’ realities across the South Shore, Montréal, Laval, and beyond. Our services are personalized, our teams are specialized, and our commitment to your comfort is unwavering.