What You Don’t Know About HVAC Practices in Montréal, Laval, and Surrounding Areas
At AirGreen, we’re often called in to inspect or repair existing wall-mounted heat pump installations done by other companies across Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, as well as the North Shore and South Shore. These calls frequently expose troubling practices: in an effort to boost profits, some companies don’t hesitate to cut corners at the expense of quality, compromising your HVAC system’s performance, durability, and safety. This article, based on the real experience of a former installer who joined our team, reveals the most common cost-cutting methods and the consequences they bring.
Essential Components Replaced with Cheaper Alternatives
One of the most common ways to lower HVAC installation costs is to swap out original parts (provided by the manufacturer) with generic or lower-quality substitutes. While this might be invisible at first glance, it can significantly damage the system’s long-term performance and reliability.
Typical examples we’ve encountered:
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Low-quality wall brackets, unstable over time.
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Undersized refrigerant lines, causing pressure drops.
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Cheap capacitors, prone to overheating.
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Thin or missing external insulation, leading to thermal losses.
A case in Saint-Hubert: following the installation of a Gree Extreme 12,000 BTU heat pump, the client noticed unusual noises. Upon inspection, we found that the wall bracket used was not CSA certified, and the connection lines were made of aluminum—unsuitable for this model.
Skipped or Rushed Vacuum Pull: A Critical Mistake
A complete vacuum pull is essential before commissioning a wall-mounted heat pump. This step removes air and moisture from the refrigerant circuit. Yet, some installers rush through it in a few minutes, or skip it altogether to save time.
The consequences:
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Moisture in the circuit = corrosion of internal parts.
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Air bubbles = poor refrigerant circulation.
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Premature compressor failure, often within the first 12 months.
At AirGreen, we require a minimum 30-minute vacuum pull, monitored via digital gauge, followed by a 15-minute pressure hold test.
Attractive Quotes... with Suspicious Materials
Some companies rely on an ultra-low initial price to attract customers. The catch: that rock-bottom price is achieved by using substandard materials and unskilled labor.
Practices we’ve seen:
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Use of thin, non-fireproof insulation sleeves.
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Electrical wiring without protective conduit.
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Wall mounts installed haphazardly, often into drywall with no anchors.
One client in Bois-des-Filion discovered—after we were called in—that their Fujitsu KZAH 15,000 BTU heat pump had been installed using non-compliant 12 AWG wiring, with no dedicated circuit breaker.
Zero Calibration or Commissioning at Startup
Some systems are installed with no pressure checks, temperature readings, or airflow adjustments. That means the unit is turned on blindly, without verifying if it’s running within the manufacturer’s specs.
What a professional installer should do:
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Measure high and low pressures.
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Check blown air temperature.
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Adjust airflow to match room layout.
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Log all readings in a technical report for the client.
At AirGreen, every installation includes a complete commissioning session, full validation of system parameters, and a personalized maintenance logbook.
Laval Duplex Case: Fixing a Botched Installation
A duplex owner in Laval contacted us after his Sharp ZU1 24,000 BTU wall-mounted heat pump stopped working after just two months. Our inspection revealed:
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The wall bracket had cracked due to lack of reinforcement.
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Electrical wires were routed through a non-sealed conduit.
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No vacuum pull had ever been done.
We:
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Removed the unit, reinforced the structure, and reinstalled it to code.
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Rewired the system using a dedicated breaker.
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Checked refrigerant pressures and confirmed proper operation.
Since then, no issues reported—and the client recommended us to several neighbors.
How to Spot a Sloppy Installation?
Here are 5 warning signs of a poorly done job:
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No documentation provided after installation (manual, specs sheet).
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No commissioning tests performed.
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Materials appear flimsy or poorly fitted.
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No instructions given on operation or maintenance.
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The installer rushes to leave right after setup.
If you spot any of these, have your system inspected by our certified technicians.
Why You Can Trust AirGreen
AirGreen has built its reputation on transparency, precision, and hands-on expertise. Unlike some industry practices, we guarantee:
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Authentic products, sourced directly from manufacturers.
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Full installations, compliant with CSA and RBQ standards.
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Qualified technicians, with a minimum of 5 years of experience.
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Post-installation follow-up, including a check-in call after one month.
We refuse any practice that compromises our clients’ comfort or safety.
Conclusion: Price Isn’t Everything
A wall-mounted heat pump is a smart investment—but only when it’s installed with precision and professionalism. Promised savings can disappear quickly if your system fails due to a sloppy job.
If you suspect quality issues in your current setup or are planning a project, reach out to AirGreen. We proudly serve Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the South Shore, and the North Shore with one goal: to deliver a reliable, long-lasting, and high-performance HVAC system.