Understanding the differences between a multizone heat pump and a single-zone heat pump is essential to make a smart, long-term choice tailored to your needs. At AirGreen, we help homeowners every day across Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore choose the right HVAC solution. Whether you're looking to improve comfort in a small home, a condo, a duplex, or a large multi-generational property, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Here are five key questions to help guide you through this strategic decision.
What is the total area you need to cool and heat?
One of the first criteria to consider is the total area to be covered. A single-zone heat pump is ideal if you want to serve just one room or a clearly defined open area. For instance, in a condo in Montréal, we recently installed a 12,000 BTU Fujitsu KZAH R-32 unit in the main living space of 650 sq. ft. This type of high-performance unit offers excellent energy efficiency while being eligible for LogisVert rebates.
On the other hand, if your home includes multiple floors or enclosed rooms, a multizone heat pump becomes essential. We installed a Bosch BOVA-60IDS with 4 wall-mounted heads in a townhouse in Longueuil: living room, kitchen, and two bedrooms. The result: optimal comfort in every room and independent temperature control.
Do you need independent control in each room?
With a multizone heat pump, each indoor head can be controlled independently. This lets you adjust the temperature based on each room’s actual needs. Very useful if, for example, your kids sleep better in cooler temperatures while you prefer a warmer atmosphere in the living room.
In a recent installation in Laval, a client specifically requested a Gree MultiZone Sapphire with individual Wi-Fi control for each unit. He works from home and wanted custom comfort in his office without overheating the rest of the house. Thanks to our certified team, we configured the system to perfectly meet his needs, while optimizing energy costs.
What’s your budget and what rebates are available?
The initial cost of a multizone heat pump is generally higher than a single-zone system. It involves a more powerful outdoor unit, multiple indoor heads, and a customized refrigerant piping network. However, rebates offered through programs like Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert can cover a significant portion of the cost.
For example, a recent project on the North Shore, in Blainville, allowed a family to receive $2,500 in rebates for a multizone installation with a high-efficiency Goodman R-32 central unit. We handled all the administrative steps, which made their project seamless from A to Z.
Conversely, a single-zone installation like the one we did recently in an apartment in the Plateau-Mont-Royal with a 9,000 BTU Senville Aura cost less than $3,500, while still being eligible for a $1,072 rebate.
What’s your electrical setup and do you have any technical constraints?
Before making any decision, a technical assessment is crucial. A multizone heat pump requires sufficient electrical capacity to power the outdoor unit and all indoor heads. Plus, available space for refrigerant piping plays a key role.
In an older building in Saint-Lambert, we had to reject the multizone option due to inaccessible load-bearing walls, and instead opted for two strategically placed single-zone systems with separate electrical configurations. The result: equivalent comfort, without compromising the building’s structure.
Our experts in HVAC installation in Montréal and surrounding areas always conduct a thorough site inspection before recommending any system. We assess distances between units, cable paths, allowable wall penetrations, and much more.
What level of comfort are you looking for year-round?
A high-quality multizone heat pump delivers consistent performance all year. Units like the Bosch BIVA IDS Premium R-454B are designed to operate even at -30°C, which is ideal for harsh Québec winters. These systems provide stable heating, are quiet, and very efficient even during deep freezes.
By comparison, a high-end single-zone unit like the 18,000 BTU Gree Extreme recently installed in a duplex in Anjou also delivers excellent winter comfort—but only in the area it serves.
We therefore recommend that homeowners seeking whole-home comfort all year long opt for a multizone system when multiple rooms are involved.
Key Benefits of a Multizone Heat Pump
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Independent heating and cooling per room
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Clean aesthetics: only one outdoor unit
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Optimized energy efficiency
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Perfect for multi-level homes
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Smart control per room via remote or Wi-Fi
When should you go with a single-zone heat pump?
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For a single open space or bachelor unit
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When working with a tighter budget
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As a complement to an existing heating system
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For a quick, targeted installation
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If technical constraints prevent installing multiple heads
The AirGreen Approach: Personalized Support Every Step of the Way
At AirGreen, we don’t just sell heat pumps. We support you through every step of the project: technical evaluation, model selection, rebate eligibility analysis, certified installation, and after-sales service. Our teams operate quickly throughout the Greater Montréal Area, whether you’re in Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, or the South Shore.
Each installation is planned around the unique realities of your home, with special attention to comfort, energy savings, durability, and aesthetics.
Conclusion: Which Heat Pump Is Right for You?
The choice between a multizone heat pump and a single-zone heat pump depends on many factors: home size, number of rooms, budget, lifestyle, technical constraints, and comfort needs. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but there is a personalized solution. That’s exactly what we offer at AirGreen: tailor-made HVAC installations, backed by our expertise, commitment, and in-depth knowledge of the local market.