The eye-opening testimony of a Montrealer: “Why I replaced my brand-new wall-mounted heat pump after just 2 years”

A real-life story that highlights the importance of proper sizing and HVAC expertise

At AirGreen, we meet many homeowners who, despite recently investing in a wall-mounted heat pump, find themselves disappointed with the comfort or performance they’re getting. This story from a resident in Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie, Montreal sheds light on a growing issue: a new unit, poorly suited to the actual needs of the home, that ends up being replaced after only two years of use.

A recent installation, but underwhelming performance

In 2022, this homeowner had a 12,000 BTU wall-mounted heat pump from brand XYZ (standard model) installed, recommended by an independent contractor. Attracted by a competitive price and a quick turnaround, he didn’t dig any deeper.

The day-to-day results:

• Couldn’t maintain stable temperatures in winter

• Loud operation with frequent defrost cycles

• Electricity bills higher than expected

• Constant cold drafts in rooms farther from the unit

Despite several adjustment attempts, the problems persisted. The unit appeared to be overworked during periods of extreme cold, a clear sign that the selected power output wasn’t a good match for the home’s real needs.

AirGreen’s diagnosis: an undersized heat pump

During our site visit in January 2024, we performed a full thermal analysis of the home. The results: the 12,000 BTU unit was clearly inadequate for a two-story, 1,300 sq. ft. home facing northwest with original single-pane windows.

Other issues we found:

• Poorly chosen placement of the indoor unit, leading to uneven air distribution

• No consideration of the home’s specific heat loss

• No insulation check, which is critical in a city like Montreal

• No maintenance had been done since the unit was installed

At AirGreen, we know that proper sizing is crucial. A poorly sized heat pump runs constantly at max capacity, wears out faster, and uses more electricity for subpar performance.

The solution: a properly sized replacement with LogisVert grant support

We recommended replacing the unit with a Gree Extreme 18,000 BTU wall-mounted heat pump, an Inverter model with high energy efficiency and rated performance down to -30°C.

Our step-by-step intervention:

1. Complete thermal analysis of the home (orientation, square footage, insulation)

2. Strategic placement of the indoor unit for better airflow

3. Fast installation with proper connections and pressure testing

4. Customer training on ECO mode and smart programming

5. Preparation of the LogisVert grant application, securing a $1,704 rebate

Results: comfort, silence, and energy savings

Since the replacement was done in March 2024, our client has experienced:

• Stable indoor temperature, even at -20°C

• 27% reduction in electricity bills

• Improved heat distribution, even in far corners of the home

• Much quieter operation compared to the previous unit

“I wish I had found AirGreen from the start. The assessment was clear, the team was professional, and the result exceeded my expectations.” – Homeowner, Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie

The takeaway: Don’t make decisions based on price or speed alone

In this case, the customer lost time and money by choosing a solution that was too quick and not tailored to his home. In two years, the heat pump was pushed beyond its limits—and never truly delivered comfort.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Choosing a unit based only on price

• Ignoring the building’s specific characteristics

• Hiring uncertified or non-specialized HVAC installers

• Skipping annual maintenance, which is essential for long-term performance

At AirGreen, we believe a smart investment starts with a personalized assessment, accurate BTU calculation, and an installation adapted to the layout of your home.

Why AirGreen is your trusted HVAC partner in Montreal

A local presence and a customized approach

We work every week in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, and across the North Shore and South Shore, with trained technicians equipped and attentive to every detail.

Proven expertise in replacements and optimization

• Wall-mounted heat pumps from Gree, Fujitsu, Midea, Sharp, Lennox, and more

• Certified to handle LogisVert rebates

• Responsive after-sales service, including maintenance and annual checkups

Honest advice and long-lasting solutions

We always take a customer-first approach, offering heat pumps that match your property’s square footage, orientation, and insulation level. No shortcuts. No compromise on quality.