Providing the best year-round thermal comfort to Quebec homeowners, while accounting for the province’s climate realities, is a real challenge for HVAC installers. At AirGreen, we’ve installed hundreds of wall-mounted heat pumps across Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore, and two models come up time and time again in conversations with our customers: the Bosch IDS and the Fujitsu Halcyon. Both are very popular in the residential market, and each offers unique features that deserve a detailed breakdown to help consumers make an informed decision.
A Crucial Comparison for Quebec’s Climate
Quebec experiences harsh winters, increasingly hot summers, and a growing demand for energy efficiency. The goal of a wall-mounted heat pump is to deliver optimal year-round comfort while reducing energy consumption. That’s the context in which we compare the Bosch IDS Premium R-454B and the Fujitsu Halcyon KZAH R-32, two systems well-suited for typical single-family homes in the province.
Overview of the Two Models
Bosch IDS Premium R-454B Wall-Mounted Heat Pump
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Technology: Inverter with variable-speed compressor
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Refrigerant: R-454B (low environmental impact)
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Typical capacity: 12,000 to 24,000 BTU
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SEER: Up to 20
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HSPF (heating): Up to 10
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Heating operation down to -30 °C
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Noise level: Very quiet (as low as 56 dB)
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Grant eligibility: Yes, with LogisVert and Rénoclimat depending on the setup
Fujitsu Halcyon KZAH R-32 Wall-Mounted Heat Pump
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Technology: Inverter, high-performance compressor
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Refrigerant: R-32 (enhanced energy efficiency)
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Typical capacity: 9,000 to 18,000 BTU
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SEER: Up to 26.5 (model 12RL2)
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HSPF: Up to 13
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Efficient heating down to -26 °C
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Noise level: Ultra-quiet (as low as 21 dB)
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Grant eligibility: Yes, eligible for Quebec programs
AirGreen Case Studies: Real-Life Installations
Installation of a Bosch IDS 18,000 BTU in Saint-Bruno
In a single-family home in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, our technicians installed a Bosch IDS Premium 18,000 BTU to replace an old oil heating system. The challenges included a tight space for the outdoor unit and an aging electrical system. We:
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Reinforced the existing 240V electrical supply
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Customized the wall bracket to optimize airflow
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Performed a finely tuned startup for the inverter compressor
Result: consistent performance down to -28 °C in January, and a 35% reduction in winter energy bills.
Installation of a Fujitsu Halcyon 12,000 BTU in Laval
In a duplex in Laval, we installed a Fujitsu Halcyon R-32 12,000 BTU in the upper unit. The goal: quiet cooling in summer and reliable auxiliary heating in winter. The owner wanted a discreet, energy-efficient solution. We:
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Placed the indoor unit above a door for optimal airflow
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Used a low-profile wall exit to the backyard-facing outdoor unit
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Ran airflow and temperature tests in each room
Result: perfect comfort, zero noticeable noise even at night, and a 28% drop in electricity use.
Detailed Technical Comparison
Criteria | Bosch IDS Premium R-454B | Fujitsu Halcyon KZAH R-32 |
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Available capacity | 12,000 to 24,000 BTU | 9,000 to 18,000 BTU |
Heating performance | Excellent down to -30 °C | Outstanding down to -26 °C |
Energy efficiency | SEER 20 / HSPF 10 | SEER 26.5 / HSPF 13 |
Noise level | Low (56 dB) | Ultra-quiet (21–24 dB) |
Refrigerant | R-454B (low GWP) | R-32 (high efficiency) |
Unit dimensions | Bulkier | Very compact |
Eligible for grants | Yes | Yes |
What to Consider to Make the Right Choice
For larger homes or higher heating demands:
The Bosch IDS Premium is more suitable thanks to its steady heating capacity down to -30 °C, sturdy build, and reliable performance even during extreme cold.
For small spaces, apartments, or duplexes:
The Fujitsu Halcyon excels with its whisper-quiet operation, compact design, and very high energy efficiency. Ideal for those looking for a discreet and effective unit.
Available Grants: Don’t Miss Out
Both models are eligible for:
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Hydro-Québec's LogisVert program
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Rénoclimat
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Chauffez Vert program
Depending on the setup and capacity, grants can reach up to $2,500, significantly lowering your total wall-mounted heat pump installation cost in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore or the South Shore.
Why Choose AirGreen for Your HVAC Project?
At AirGreen, our strength lies in our personalized approach. We assess each home, every constraint, and each client’s preferences to recommend the most suitable wall-mounted heat pump, installed with top-level expertise. Our team is certified, experienced, and we ensure complete follow-up after installation.
Whether you live in a condo in Montreal, an intergenerational home in Laval, or a suburban property on the South Shore, we have the real-world experience to carry your project through.
Expert Tips to Choose Wisely
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Analyze your annual energy consumption
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Define your priorities: silence, heating capacity, savings, design
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Check for installation constraints (location, accessibility, electrical configuration)
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Consider annual HVAC maintenance recommended for each model
Our experts are here to guide you with a personalized quote tailored to your actual situation.
In summary, the Bosch IDS Premium R-454B and the Fujitsu Halcyon KZAH R-32 are both excellent options for a residential wall-mounted heat pump installation in Quebec. Your choice depends on your priorities, home layout, and expectations in terms of comfort, performance, and budget. At AirGreen, we’re here to make the right choice, with you.