One year of real-life use in Montreal: what we’ve learned about the reliability of an affordable multi-zone heat pump
In the residential HVAC sector in Montreal, we often get the same question: are budget-friendly multi-zone heat pumps reliable in the long run? To give a solid answer, we followed a real case: the full installation of an affordable multi-zone heat pump in a single-family home in the Rosemont neighbourhood of Montreal. Twelve months later, the verdict is clear—and the lessons are valuable.
The initial project: installation of a 36,000 BTU multi-zone heat pump in a family home in Rosemont
At AirGreen, we were hired to replace an old electric heating system with a 36,000 BTU multi-zone heat pump from Gree, model Multi+ Ultra, known for supporting up to four wall-mounted indoor units.
The client was looking for:
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An energy-efficient solution,
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A moderate upfront investment,
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A system capable of heating and cooling three floors of their home,
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Eligibility for Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert subsidies.
We proposed the following installation:
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Gree Multi+ Ultra 36,000 BTU outdoor unit (SEER 21 / HSPF 10.5)
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Three Gree Lomo+ wall-mounted indoor units (12,000 BTU for the ground floor, 9,000 BTU for the second floor, and 9,000 BTU for the basement)
Installation details: duration, complexity, and adjustments
The complete installation took two days, due to difficult access to the basement (finished ceilings, limited passages). Our technicians handled:
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Wall-mounted installation with anti-vibration supports for the outdoor unit on a north-facing side wall,
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Drilling exterior walls and insulating the refrigerant lines,
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Installation of a heated gravity drainage system to prevent freezing in winter,
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Programming of individual thermostats for each indoor unit.
Main challenge: the poorly insulated basement required a more precise assessment of the needed output. Thanks to our expertise, we avoided oversizing the system while ensuring optimal comfort.
Results after 12 months of use in Montreal’s climate
After a full year of use, including the harsh 2024–2025 winter, we interviewed the homeowners and conducted a full performance check.
Positive findings:
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Consistent comfort across all zones: even during cold snaps down to -25°C, all three zones remained comfortably heated.
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Energy consumption reduced by 37% compared to the previous baseboard system.
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Quiet operation, especially appreciated in the bedrooms.
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No breakdowns or malfunctions, despite heavy daily use.
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Full eligibility and approval for the LogisVert program: $2,688 in subsidies received, significantly lowering the net project cost.
Client suggestions for improvement:
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The outdoor unit could have been placed slightly farther from the bedroom to avoid occasional vibration (solution: reinforced dampers added in March).
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The remote control design was found to be "not very intuitive" — so we proposed programming through the built-in Wi-Fi app.
Why an affordable multi-zone heat pump can be an excellent choice
Contrary to popular belief, a budget-friendly wall-mounted multi-zone heat pump can deliver impressive performance when properly chosen, accurately sized, and professionally installed. Our findings from this project clearly demonstrate that.
Here are some key factors to ensure the reliability of your multi-zone system:
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Choose a reputable brand like Gree, Fujitsu, Tosot, or Mitsubishi.
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Check the SCOP, SEER, and HSPF ratings to ensure efficiency in both heating and cooling.
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Hire certified installers, like AirGreen, to avoid critical mistakes (improper drain slope, excessive line length, etc.).
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Select indoor units with airflow suited to each specific room.
What we recommend to families in Montreal, Laval, and Longueuil
If you live in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, or the South Shore, and you’re considering a multi-zone heat pump installation, here are our recommendations based on this real-world experience:
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Evaluate your needs room by room: avoid oversizing.
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Request a free thermal evaluation from an experienced local company.
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Consider 10-year energy savings, not just the purchase price.
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Check your eligibility for LogisVert, ÉcoPerformance, and RénoClimat subsidies: AirGreen helps you with all applications.
AirGreen expertise: the key to a reliable multi-zone system
This multi-zone heat pump project in Montreal is just one of over 400 installations we completed in 2024. What sets us apart:
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Personalized support, from the initial assessment to annual maintenance,
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A team of highly trained technicians, specifically experienced with multi-zones,
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Strong partnerships with top HVAC brands,
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Ongoing support for maintenance, firmware updates, or warranty requests.
Maintenance tips to extend the life of your multi-zone heat pump
Proper maintenance is crucial for ensuring long-term reliability of a multi-zone system:
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Clean the wall unit filters every 6 to 8 weeks.
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Have a professional inspect the refrigerant gas once a year.
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Keep enough clearance around the outdoor unit, especially in winter.
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Consider an annual maintenance contract, like the one offered by AirGreen.
Conclusion: yes, an affordable multi-zone heat pump can be extremely reliable — if it’s installed properly
Our field experience is clear: with professional installation, a smart choice of model, and regular follow-up, an affordable multi-zone heat pump can deliver performance comparable to high-end units. For residents in Montreal and the surrounding areas, it’s a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective option for year-round home comfort.