Why Do Some Wall-Mounted Heat Pump Installations Turn into Disasters?
At AirGreen, our extensive experience in HVAC installations has shown us that some wall-mounted heat pump installations in Montréal and its surroundings sometimes end up disastrously. These scenarios can become very costly for homeowners, both financially and in terms of indoor comfort. To help you avoid these common pitfalls, here are the five most problematic cases our technicians have encountered, along with the solutions we provided.
1. The "DIY" Installation in Longueuil: An Avoidable Major Risk
Recently in Longueuil, our team was called to rectify an installation done by a homeowner himself. It involved a Fujitsu KZAH R-32 wall-mounted heat pump with a 12,000 BTU capacity.
Issues encountered:
-
The outdoor unit was installed directly on the ground without proper supports, causing excessive vibrations.
-
Faulty electrical connections posed a serious safety risk to the home.
Our solution:
-
Complete reinstallation with appropriate anti-vibration supports.
-
Immediate correction of electrical wiring according to the Québec Electrical Code.
2. Poor Capacity Selection in Laval: The Undersizing Trap
In Laval, we visited a client with a 9,000 BTU Gree Extreme wall-mounted heat pump installed by an inexperienced company. The home was too large for this capacity, leaving it hot in summer and cold in winter.
Observed consequences:
-
Unsatisfactory thermal comfort throughout the year.
-
Increased energy consumption due to continuous operation of the unit.
AirGreen’s intervention:
-
Replacement with an 18,000 BTU Gree Extreme wall-mounted heat pump, ideally suited to the home's size.
-
Immediate improvement in thermal comfort and significant reduction in electricity consumption.
3. Ignored Thermal Insulation in Montréal (Ahuntsic): The Invisible Mistake
In the Ahuntsic-Cartierville borough, a Panasonic ClimaPure 24,000 BTU wall-mounted heat pump was installed without any prior evaluation of existing thermal insulation.
Problems encountered:
-
Significant loss of energy efficiency despite high-quality equipment.
-
Extremely high electricity bills.
Provided solution:
-
Comprehensive energy audit conducted by AirGreen.
-
Specific recommendations to enhance thermal insulation, drastically reducing energy costs.
4. Poorly Positioned Installation in Brossard (South Shore): A Classic Avoidable Error
On the South Shore, specifically in Brossard, our team intervened to correct the improper placement of an 18,000 BTU Mitsubishi Electric wall-mounted heat pump initially installed by a competitor.
Mistake observed:
-
The outdoor unit was placed in direct sunlight, severely reducing its performance during hot summer days.
Corrective action by AirGreen:
-
Strategic relocation of the outdoor unit to a shaded area, immediately optimizing HVAC system efficiency.
-
Nearly 30% reduction in energy bills in the following months.
5. Non-Existent Maintenance in Laval-des-Rapides: A Costly Neglect
We were also called to Laval-des-Rapides, where a 12,000 BTU Daikin Aurora wall-mounted heat pump had never undergone regular maintenance since its installation three years prior.
Results of neglected maintenance:
-
Significant decline in performance with major efficiency losses.
-
Accumulation of mold, posing a health risk to occupants.
Immediate intervention by AirGreen:
-
Thorough cleaning of the unit and complete verification of the refrigeration system.
-
Implementation of an annual maintenance schedule to prevent recurrence.
Critical Mistakes to Absolutely Avoid During Wall-Mounted Heat Pump Installation
To prevent the catastrophic scenarios observed in Greater Montréal, here are common mistakes to absolutely avoid during your HVAC installation project:
-
Non-professional installation: Always use certified technicians to ensure safety, efficiency, and compliance.
-
Incorrect sizing: Opt for precise BTU capacity calculations done by professionals like AirGreen.
-
Neglecting thermal insulation: Always verify your home's thermal insulation before installing a high-performance heat pump.
-
Incorrect positioning: The location of your heat pump is crucial for optimal performance; always prefer shaded areas for the outdoor unit.
-
Lack of regular maintenance: Periodic professional maintenance is essential to preserve the efficiency and lifespan of your equipment.
Why Choose AirGreen for Your Wall-Mounted Heat Pump Installation?
Trusting AirGreen with your HVAC installation gives you:
-
A team of certified and experienced technicians trained to anticipate and avoid common errors seen in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore.
-
Comprehensive support, from precise heat pump selection to meticulous installation and regular maintenance.
-
Customized solutions precisely tailored to your home and specific needs.
Conclusion: Trust Your Project to Experts and Avoid the Worst
As shown by these five real-world examples, poor installations can quickly turn into costly and uncomfortable nightmares. At AirGreen, we do everything necessary to offer you an impeccable, efficient, and lasting installation.
Contact AirGreen today to fully enjoy your wall-mounted heat pump, worry-free and with complete confidence.