The Signs Don’t Lie: Spotting a Scam Before It’s Too Late
In Longueuil, where the demand for efficient HVAC systems continues to grow, replacing a wall-mounted heat pump is a serious investment. Unfortunately, some dishonest contractors take advantage of customers’ lack of technical knowledge to sell unsuitable equipment, overcharge for services, or rush through installations. At AirGreen, we’re often called in to step in after the fact — correcting costly mistakes. That’s why we’re sharing here the clear warning signs of a scam, and the best practices to avoid them.
A Real Case: AirGreen Steps In at Longueuil (Vieux-Longueuil Sector)
A homeowner contacted us after accepting a “turnkey” quote for replacing his old wall-mounted heat pump. The contractor had promised a “high-end” unit without ever specifying the brand, the BTU capacity, or even the type of refrigerant used. Once installed, the client noticed:
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Unstable indoor temperature
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A unit that was extremely noisy
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Very short and repeated cycles
Upon inspection, our technician discovered a non-compliant, low-end heat pump, improperly sized, with no conduit insulation whatsoever.
The Most Common Scams We See in the Field
No Mention of Brand or Technical Specs
This is one of the biggest red flags: if the contractor doesn’t clearly mention the model, brand, BTU capacity, or refrigerant type (R-32 or R-410A), beware. A true professional always works with full transparency and detailed documentation.
“One-Hour Installation” Promises
A proper HVAC installation takes time: drilling walls, setting brackets, insulating conduits, checking refrigerant levels, and performing system tests. Any promise of a lightning-fast install usually means cut corners and poor workmanship.
Pressure to Sign on the Spot
Some installers use aggressive sales tactics: “deals ending tomorrow,” fake urgency, threats of price increases. At AirGreen, we always give clients time to think it over, compare, and ask questions freely.
No Detailed Quote
A proper quote must include:
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The exact model (e.g., FUJITSU KZAH 12,000 BTU R-32)
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A detailed list of included work (drilling, brackets, system startup)
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The length of the warranty
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Information on eligible grants (LogisVert, Rénoclimat, etc.)
If these elements are missing or vague, walk away.
What You Should Always Check Before Accepting a Quote
RBQ Number and Certifications
Every contractor in Québec must have a valid RBQ number. At AirGreen, we also provide the certifications of our technicians, all of whom specialize in high-efficiency wall-mounted heat pumps.
Heat Load Calculation
BTU guesses don’t cut it. A proper thermal analysis is essential to ensure your heat pump is correctly sized. Oversized or undersized units lead to discomfort, noise, and high consumption.
Exact Brand and Model Offered
Always ask for a technical sheet. For example, we install:
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Gree Sapphire 12,000 BTU R-32: excellent in cold climates
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Bosch IDS 2.0 18,000 BTU R-454B: ultra-efficient and whisper-quiet
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Fujitsu KZAH 9,000 BTU R-32: compact and perfect for condos
All of these models are eligible for grants of up to $2,172 depending on the case.
Another Real Case: Replacing a Faulty Unit in Longueuil (Saint-Hubert Sector)
A client called us in a panic. She had just agreed to a discounted installation. The result:
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The outdoor unit was poorly mounted
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No slope was provided for the condensate drain
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The electrical wiring was completely non-compliant
We had to:
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Completely reinstall the system
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Replace the brackets
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Correct the wiring
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Provide full documentation for her home insurance
Today, she has a properly installed, grant-eligible Gree Lomo 18,000 BTU heat pump under full warranty.
AirGreen’s Guarantees to Prevent Any Unpleasant Surprises
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Detailed quote outlining every component
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Free on-site thermal analysis in Longueuil
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Full installation in compliance with 2026 standards
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Access to LogisVert, Chauffez Vert, and Rénoclimat grants
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Comprehensive parts and labor warranty
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Local and fast after-sales service
What a Serious Installer Will Always Do (And What We Do at AirGreen)
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Clearly explain every component of the proposed system
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Provide a clear contract with technical details
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Install a proven, properly sized model
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Advise you on available grant programs
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Offer annual HVAC maintenance to extend equipment lifespan
Conclusion: Stay Alert, Stay Informed, Stay Protected
Replacing a wall-mounted heat pump in Longueuil should never be a blind transaction. When you choose a reputable HVAC contractor like AirGreen, you’re investing in:
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Long-term performance
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System durability
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Total peace of mind
We’re here to protect you from scams, guide you toward the best technical solutions, and ensure a flawless, compliant, grant-eligible installation.