Facing Québec's extreme winters: which wall-mounted heat pumps truly hold up?
Over the years, Québec has experienced historic cold waves, with temperatures plunging well below -25 °C, and even reaching -35 °C. In such harsh conditions, not all wall-mounted heat pumps are created equal. Some units stop producing heat long before reaching critical lows, while others continue delivering optimal comfort thanks to cutting-edge technology. At AirGreen, with our on-the-ground presence in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore, we’ve established an exclusive 2026 ranking, based on real-world installation data, service call outcomes, and authentic feedback from our customers.
Our strict evaluation criteria
To create this ranking, we considered several factors:
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Heating performance at -25 °C and below
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Inverter technology and modulation precision
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Winter energy consumption (SCOP, HSPF)
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Observed reliability through after-sales service
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Customer satisfaction and direct experience
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Eligibility for grants, such as Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert program
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HVAC installation quality, verified directly on site
We excluded all models not designed for cold climate conditions or those that showed significant performance drops below -20 °C.
1. Gree Sapphire 18,000 BTU – The elite of wall-mounted heat pumps in winter
Proven performance at -30 °C: stable and efficient
Thanks to its Ultra Heat technology, the Gree Sapphire impresses with its consistency. Our installations in Blainville, Saint-Jérôme, and Longueuil have shown excellent heating capacity, even during the coldest nights of January 2025.
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BTU: 18,000
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SCOP: 4.50
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HSPF (Zone 5): 11.5
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Technology: High-precision Inverter
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LogisVert Grant: up to $1,704
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Warranty: 10 years parts + 10 years labor (certified installer)
Customer feedback: Ms. Caron in Laval noticed a significant drop in her Hydro bill, while maintaining a steady 22 °C in her living room, even during -28 °C nights.
2. Fujitsu KZAH 15,000 BTU – A favorite for single-family homes across Greater Montréal
Ideal for open spaces and large ground floors
This model combines performance with Japanese reliability, using a compressor designed to withstand frequent cold-weather starts. Our teams particularly appreciated its thermal responsiveness.
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BTU: 15,000
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SCOP: 4.20
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HSPF: 10.5
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Refrigerant: R-32, low environmental impact
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Installation zones: Montréal (Rosemont, Villeray), Longueuil, Saint-Bruno
Testimonial: Mr. Lefebvre in Boucherville says that even at -32 °C, the compressor “keeps heating like a champ.”
3. Midea25 9,000 BTU – Compact, affordable, but powerful in winter
A perfect option for small homes and condos
Don’t be fooled by its size: the Midea25 holds up surprisingly well during cold snaps. It has won over our clients on the South Shore for individual rooms, offices, or small units.
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BTU: 9,000
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SCOP: 4.00
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HSPF: 10.0
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Eligible for LogisVert rebate: up to $1,550
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Advantage: whisper-quiet, perfect for bedrooms
Customer feedback: In Sainte-Julie, one client uses it in her sewing studio – always 21 °C, even when it’s -27 °C outside.
4. Sharp ZU1 24,000 BTU – Robust, reliable, but requires perfect installation
Excellent choice for large areas or multi-zone configurations
AirGreen installations in Mascouche, Repentigny, and Saint-Lambert have shown that the Sharp ZU1 provides impressive consistency, as long as the installation is perfect in terms of drainage and refrigerant charge.
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BTU: 24,000
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SCOP: 3.90
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Technology: Sharp high-precision Inverter
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LogisVert Grant: up to $1,860
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Notable feature: handles long refrigerant lines well
Pitfalls to avoid when choosing a wall-mounted heat pump for extreme climates
❌ Thinking all models are “four-season ready”
Many models on the market are designed for mild climates. A “budget” heat pump may shut down automatically below -15 °C. Always check the minimum guaranteed temperature range.
❌ Skipping thermal analysis
Every building is unique. At AirGreen, we perform a precise thermal load calculation before every proposal. Improper sizing leads to major performance losses, especially in winter.
❌ Neglecting HVAC maintenance
Even a top-performing heat pump can lose up to 30% of its power if filters and coils aren’t cleaned annually. We offer professional HVAC maintenance, with written reports, across Greater Montréal.
Why Québec homeowners trust AirGreen for winter comfort
Thanks to our field experience, we’ve seen real-life performance differences firsthand. This ranking is not based on marketing data, but on actual installations, client feedback, and measured results throughout Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore.
Our teams are trained and certified by manufacturers, and capable of installing each unit to the strictest standards. We assist you with product selection, installation, warranty registration, and long-term maintenance.
AirGreen, your trusted partner for facing Québec’s winter
In 2026, the cold won’t compromise — and neither should you. Rely on our HVAC expertise to choose a wall-mounted heat pump built to last, and to face even the harshest cold waves Québec can deliver.