An attractive online market full of pitfalls for customers in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore and South Shore
In today’s world, where HVAC products — especially wall-mounted heat pumps — are increasingly purchased online, many customers across Greater Montréal, including Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore, end up facing technical and commercial decisions that can be costly. At AirGreen, we’ve helped hundreds of clients who ordered their wall-mounted heat pump online, sometimes before consulting with us. This has allowed us to identify eight critical mistakes that buyers frequently make — often without even realizing it. Here’s a detailed overview of these hidden traps, backed by our real-world experience.
1. Buying a model not designed for the Québec climate
Many foreign or even local websites sell wall-mounted heat pumps designed for milder climates. However, cold climate performance is essential in Montréal and the North Shore, where temperatures frequently drop below -20 °C. We recently had to replace a unit bought online that stopped heating at just -8 °C. The models we install, such as the Fujitsu KZAH or the Gree Extreme, are certified to operate efficiently down to -30 °C, maintaining high performance even in deep cold.
Key takeaway: Always check the technical specifications and make sure to choose a model certified for the Québec cold climate.
2. Overlooking your home’s electrical compatibility
A common mistake is buying a wall-mounted heat pump that runs on 115V when your setup requires 230V, or vice versa. In Brossard, a client bought a U.S.-imported model operating on 115V, which was incompatible with their electrical panel. The installation had to be canceled, resulting in extra costs.
Our advice: Before purchasing anything, confirm your available electrical supply with an HVAC specialist.
3. Underestimating the complexity of installation
Just because you buy a product online doesn’t mean it’s easy to install. Every HVAC installation requires a precise technical assessment: refrigerant line length, condensate drainage, unit placement, access to the electrical panel, and more. In Laval, we had to reposition a unit installed by a DIYer because it was blowing directly onto a bed, causing serious discomfort.
Hire a professional: Poor installation reduces the lifespan of your heat pump, increases energy use, and may void the warranty.
4. Assuming the warranty applies everywhere
A wall-mounted heat pump bought online may not be covered under warranty if not installed by a certified contractor. In fact, several brands won’t honor the warranty in Québec if the unit was imported without authorization.
We saw this firsthand in Longueuil, where clients tried to save a few hundred dollars but ended up losing the 10-year warranty typically offered by top brands like Gree, Fujitsu, or Lennox.
5. Not taking advantage of available government grants
Many clients in Montréal and the South Shore only realize after their purchase that buying online made them ineligible for rebates, like the popular Hydro-Québec LogisVert grant, which can go over $2,000. These programs require the product to be certified, and installed by a recognized professional.
Real example: In Sainte-Julie, we installed an 18,000 BTU Gree Extreme wall-mounted heat pump eligible for a $1,704 grant, which the customer would not have been able to claim if they’d done it alone.
6. Choosing the wrong BTU capacity
Choosing a heat pump that’s too powerful or too weak is one of the most common mistakes. Online, you’ll often find tempting deals for 12,000 BTU models at low prices — without knowing if that’s right for your space and needs. In Pointe-Claire, a client installed two 12,000 BTU units instead of just one 24,000 BTU — an unnecessary expense.
Our expertise: We always perform a heat load calculation based on surface area, sunlight exposure, insulation, and home layout.
7. Ignoring the noise level of the units
Online spec sheets don’t always show the real noise level of the units. In Rosemère, a customer bought a unit that was far too loud, creating a constant humming in her bedroom.
At AirGreen, we prefer models like the Sharp ZU1 or Fujitsu KZAH, offering noise levels as low as 19 dB(A).
8. Giving up on local after-sales support
Buying a heat pump online often means giving up on regular HVAC maintenance and fast service in case of issues. We’ve had to step in urgently in Montréal and Laval, where customers were still waiting for answers from unreachable online sellers.
What we offer:
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Certified installation
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Seasonal HVAC maintenance
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Guaranteed fast service within 24–48 hrs
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Long-term local technical support
What to do before buying a wall-mounted heat pump
AirGreen’s checklist for a smart purchase:
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✅ Check cold-weather performance
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✅ Confirm electrical compatibility
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✅ Verify rebate eligibility
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✅ Ensure professional installation
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✅ Choose the right BTU size
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✅ Opt for a quiet model
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✅ Demand a recognized warranty
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✅ Plan for local after-sales service
Why you can trust AirGreen
Thanks to our strong presence across Greater Montréal, our team of HVAC experts supports you through every step — from heat load assessment to after-sales service. Whether you're in Laval, Longueuil, the South Shore or the North Shore, we guarantee a compliant HVAC installation that is safe, efficient, and built to last.
Every wall-mounted heat pump we install is selected based on your needs, your home, and Québec’s demanding climate. Don’t let an online deal sabotage your long-term comfort — trust the experts.
Still unsure? Contact our team today for a free in-home evaluation. At AirGreen, we turn your wall-mounted heat pump project into a guaranteed success — with no bad surprises.