Scams in the Wall-Mounted Heat Pump Industry: What You Absolutely Need to Know
In the world of residential and commercial HVAC, it’s unfortunately common to encounter shady companies that promise the world but deliver poor service, a non-compliant installation, or an inadequate unit. At AirGreen, we often intervene for customers who’ve had such experiences. Thanks to our strong presence across Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, and South Shore, we’ve developed a sharp understanding of the fraudulent practices circulating in the market. This article will guide you through the top 5 warning signs to look out for in order to avoid getting scammed when buying or installing a wall-mounted heat pump.
A Price That’s Too Good to Be True: The First Obvious Red Flag
One of the most common traps remains the unusually low price. Some contractors offer wall-mounted heat pumps at rock-bottom prices, well below market value, often without any valid reason. Behind those rates usually lie:
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Refurbished or used units being passed off as new.
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Outdated models that no longer meet today’s energy efficiency standards.
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Illegally imported units, not covered by any valid Canadian warranty.
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Unlicensed companies without liability insurance coverage.
Real example: In Longueuil, we recently met a customer who paid $2,500 for a heat pump from an “unknown brand,” installed by a contractor who provided no written agreement. The result? A non-functional unit, no warranty, and additional costs for removal before a proper installation by AirGreen.
No RBQ License or TEQ Certification: A Major Red Flag
A serious HVAC company in Québec must have:
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A valid RBQ license (Régie du bâtiment du Québec).
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Certifications from Transition énergétique Québec (TEQ) to qualify for government grants.
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Qualified technicians who have undergone specific training for wall-mounted heat pump installations (Fujitsu, Gree, Bosch, etc.).
At AirGreen, we far too often come across botched installations—especially in Laval and on the South Shore—done by so-called “installers” with no credentials, leading to damage to brickwork, insulation, or drywall.
Lack of a Clear Contract or Technical Documentation
Another warning sign is when the customer is unable to obtain:
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A detailed contract before installation.
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A complete technical data sheet for the installed heat pump.
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A manufacturer’s warranty certificate.
Beware: A trustworthy company will always provide a clear estimate, product documentation, and proof of purchase. On a recent project in Montréal-Nord, a customer never received an official invoice, which made it impossible to make a claim with the manufacturer.
Overpromised (or Fake) Government Grants
Since the introduction of Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert grants and the Rénoclimat program, some less reputable companies lie about the eligibility of units or the amounts available.
Here are some common deceptive tactics:
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Claiming a non-certified model is eligible for the $1,700+ LogisVert grant.
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Including the grant amount in the quote as if it’s guaranteed (e.g., “Your heat pump will only cost you $1,200 after subsidy”).
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Not informing the customer that grants are only paid after inspection and submission of specific documents.
We saw this recently in Sainte-Thérèse, where a client bought a wall-mounted heat pump “with the grant already factored in,” but ended up with no reimbursement at all because the unit wasn’t ENERGY STAR certified.
A Sloppy or Non-Compliant Installation: The Technical Trap
A poorly done installation is often invisible to the untrained eye... until problems arise. Here are some signs of a questionable job:
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The drain hose isn’t properly angled, causing indoor water leaks.
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The outdoor unit is installed too close to the ground or without a wall mount, compromising winter performance.
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No frost or snow protection—a must for colder areas like the North Shore.
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The refrigerant lines are poorly insulated, which reduces efficiency and increases consumption.
At AirGreen, our certified teams often step in to fix botched installations, like in Brossard, where we completely reinstalled an 18,000 BTU Gree Extreme unit due to improper setup.
What We Do at AirGreen to Protect You from Scams
Our method is based on transparency, precision, and compliance with all standards. Every wall-mounted heat pump project includes:
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A free on-site evaluation in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, or South Shore.
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A clear and detailed estimate, with exact references for proposed models (BTU, efficiency, grant eligibility).
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Installation by certified technicians, following manufacturer standards.
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Post-installation support, including documentation, photos, and help applying for grants.
Practical Tips to Protect Yourself from Heat Pump Scams
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Always ask for the RBQ license number and verify it on the official website.
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Research the brand and model of the proposed wall-mounted heat pump.
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Check online reviews about the company.
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Never pay 100% upfront.
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Request written proof of grant eligibility.
Final Word: It’s Better to Prevent Than to Fix
In the world of wall-mounted heat pumps, bad surprises are expensive. A poor installation can lead to costly repairs, energy inefficiency, and lost access to government grants. At AirGreen, we’re proud of our reputation for integrity and professionalism. Whether you’re in Laval, Montréal, on the South Shore or North Shore, our commitment is simple: to provide a reliable, efficient, and long-lasting HVAC solution.