Maximizing the efficiency of your wall-mounted heat pump: practical tips from our HVAC experts
At AirGreen, we work daily with clients in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore and South Shore to enhance their thermal comfort. While installing a high-quality wall-mounted heat pump is essential, its optimal performance relies on a series of often overlooked practices. Drawing from our hands-on experience, we’re sharing our technicians’ real tips—the ones that truly make a difference in terms of performance, energy savings, and long-term durability.
Understanding the basics of how a wall-mounted heat pump works
Before diving into optimization tips, let’s quickly review how it works. A wall-mounted heat pump draws heat from outdoor air (even in cold weather) to warm your indoor space, and does the reverse for cooling in summer. It uses a reversible thermal transfer system, and its performance depends heavily on the environment, maintenance, and proper settings.
HVAC maintenance: the first key to optimal efficiency
Regular cleaning of indoor filters
This is one of the simplest—yet most critical—steps. The filters inside the wall unit should be cleaned at least every three months, or monthly if you have pets or allergies. Our technicians recommend:
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Removing the filters and washing them with lukewarm water.
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Avoiding chemical cleaners that may damage the material.
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Letting the filters dry completely before reinstalling.
Annual professional inspection by a certified technician
At AirGreen, we recommend a professional HVAC maintenance once a year, ideally in spring or fall. This inspection includes:
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Deep cleaning of the indoor unit (evaporator, condensate pan, fan).
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Clearing and washing the outdoor unit.
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Checking for leaks in the refrigerant circuit.
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Inspecting electrical connections, airflow, and operating pressures.
This type of service prevents major breakdowns, improves energy performance, and significantly extends your unit’s lifespan.
Optimizing settings for each season
Winter settings: comfort without overconsumption
In winter, the goal is to retain heat without overworking the heat pump:
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Set the temperature between 20°C and 22°C for optimal comfort.
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Use the “heat” mode (not “auto”) to avoid switching between heating and cooling.
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Avoid turning up the temperature too high during cold snaps: this unnecessarily activates backup heating, which uses more energy.
Summer settings: balanced cooling
During summer:
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Keep the indoor temperature around 24°C to 25°C.
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Close curtains during peak sun hours to reduce solar heat gain.
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Use the dehumidification function if the air feels humid—this improves comfort without drastically lowering the temperature.
Strategic placement of the wall-mounted heat pump
Real-life installation cases: our expertise in action
During our installations in Montreal and the South Shore, we often encounter cases where poor placement hampers airflow. For example, in Longueuil, we recently moved an indoor unit that was too close to a corner, reducing the air distribution. After repositioning, thermal comfort significantly improved and energy costs dropped.
Our recommendations:
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Don’t install the indoor unit behind a door, curtain, or tall piece of furniture.
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Position it in a central or high-traffic area for better air diffusion.
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Ensure the outdoor unit is clear of snow, properly ventilated, and easy to access for maintenance.
Daily habits: good reflexes to adopt
Don’t turn the system off completely
Contrary to popular belief, it’s better to let the heat pump run continuously at low power rather than turning it off and on repeatedly. This avoids consumption spikes and extends the compressor’s life.
Monitor energy consumption
Recent models like the Gree Sapphire 18,000 BTU or the Fujitsu KZAH R-32 come with built-in displays or mobile apps for energy tracking. By checking this data regularly, you can spot abnormal spikes (blocked filters, refrigerant leaks, incorrect settings…).
Take advantage of available rebates
In Montreal, Laval, or on the North Shore, installing or upgrading a high-efficiency wall-mounted heat pump may qualify for rebates like the Hydro-Québec LogisVert Program. For example, a client in Sainte-Julie received a $1,860 rebate after installing a Gree Extreme 24,000 BTU, thanks to our help with the paperwork.
Why trust AirGreen for your HVAC maintenance and optimization?
With several hundred successful installations each year across Greater Montreal, AirGreen has established itself as a leader in residential and commercial HVAC. We don’t just install units—we provide long-term support with tailored solutions, practical advice, and fast, reliable after-sales service.
Whether you’ve installed a wall-mounted AC like the Sharp ZU1, a Bosch BIVA IDS Premium system, or a Gree or Fujitsu wall-mounted heat pump, our teams adapt their expertise to every brand and every situation.
In summary: golden rules for optimal performance
✅ Clean your filters regularly.
✅ Schedule a professional HVAC maintenance every year.
✅ Adjust settings based on the season.
✅ Ensure proper placement of units.
✅ Avoid frequent shutdowns.
✅ Monitor energy usage.
✅ Take advantage of available rebates.
Trust AirGreen’s expertise
If you have questions about the optimal performance of your wall-mounted heat pump, need preventive maintenance, or want a full performance diagnosis, contact us today. We respond quickly across Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore.
At AirGreen, we don’t just install—we optimize your comfort, for the long run.