A worrying number of homeowners underestimate the impact poor insulation can have on the performance of their wall-mounted heat pump. In Laval, at AirGreen, we recently corrected several installations where inadequate insulation severely compromised the efficiency of otherwise high-quality HVAC systems. This kind of oversight can not only inflate your energy bills, but also shorten the lifespan of your heat pump, and even jeopardize your eligibility for government rebates available in Québec.
A recent installation in Laval reveals a far too common problem
We were called to a single-family home in Chomedey, Laval, where a client had a Daikin 18,000 BTU wall-mounted heat pump installed by a competing company in the middle of December. Although the unit was new and efficient, the occupants complained of a lack of heat in certain rooms—even with the unit running continuously.
Following our technical assessment, we quickly determined the issue wasn’t with the heat pump or the electrical configuration, but with the home’s wall insulation and air leaks around the windows. The heat produced by the indoor unit was literally being sucked out through poorly insulated areas, preventing the desired temperature from being reached.
The invisible but costly consequences of poor insulation
Inadequate insulation, when paired with a high-performance but misused heat pump, causes several real problems:
-
Overheating of the unit, which has to run constantly to compensate for losses
-
Excessive electricity use, negating the expected energy savings
-
Premature wear on the compressor, due to extended heating cycles
-
Drafts and unstable indoor temperatures, especially during cold snaps
-
Reduced overall energy efficiency, which can jeopardize eligibility for Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert rebates
In our Laval client’s case, the compressor was already showing signs of premature wear after just two months of use.
Our recommendations to ensure optimal performance of your wall-mounted heat pump
At AirGreen, our role goes beyond simply installing a unit. We perform a full assessment of the environment where the heat pump will operate, including:
-
The condition of thermal insulation in walls, roof, and windows
-
Indoor airflow, which is essential for even heat distribution
-
The strategic placement of the indoor unit to minimize heat loss
-
Post-installation performance testing, to validate results
We also offer thermal audits in partnership with specialized energy efficiency consultants, ensuring our clients receive a complete and sustainable HVAC solution.
Insulation and performance: an inseparable duo
Installing a wall-mounted heat pump in a poorly insulated home is like heating outdoors. The listed performance ratings (SEER, HSPF, BTU, etc.) are only valid if the indoor environment is thermally optimized. Without that, even top brands like Daikin, Fujitsu, Gree, or Bosch will underperform.
The importance of a rebate-compliant installation
To qualify for subsidy programs like LogisVert, it’s not enough to choose an energy-efficient unit. You also need:
-
Installation by a certified contractor
-
A system that meets seasonal performance standards
-
An indoor environment that allows the system to achieve required efficiency levels
In our Laval client’s case, once the insulation upgrades were completed (caulking, attic insulation, weather stripping), our team was able to validate the system’s energy compliance, making the client eligible for more than $1,700 in rebates.
AirGreen: your trusted HVAC partner in Laval
We do more than install heat pumps. We guide our clients through a comprehensive and personalized approach, from thermal analysis to peak performance optimization in winter. Whether you’re in Chomedey, Duvernay, Sainte-Rose or Fabreville, our team works with precision, transparency, and care.
When you work with AirGreen, you get:
-
Certified technicians trained to the latest standards
-
Proven field expertise from hundreds of installations in Laval
-
A preventive approach that considers your entire building
-
Clear and practical advice, tailored to your needs
Conclusion: what you risk when you neglect insulation
Installing a wall-mounted heat pump without considering insulation means risking:
-
Frequent breakdowns
-
Outrageous electricity bills
-
Daily discomfort
-
Invalidated manufacturer warranties and government rebates
At AirGreen, we do things by the book. Before, during, and after installation, we ensure every element is optimized to deliver maximum performance, real energy savings, and lasting comfort—even during Laval’s harshest winters.