A wall-mounted heat pump is an essential solution for maintaining indoor comfort in Quebec, especially during our harsh winter months. However, many homeowners believe that going for the most powerful unit is automatically the smartest choice. At AirGreen, thanks to the extensive experience we've gained through installations across Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, as well as the North Shore and South Shore, we can confidently say that the reality is much more nuanced. Here’s why.
The importance of a properly sized wall-mounted heat pump
When talking about a wall-mounted heat pump, energy efficiency doesn’t depend solely on raw power (measured in BTUs). In fact, choosing an ultra-powerful model without precisely evaluating your real needs can lead to unexpected issues such as premature wear, uneven comfort, and even increased energy bills.
At AirGreen, we always take a methodical approach, starting with a thorough assessment of your living space. Our experience in Montréal and the surrounding areas allows us to recommend a unit that is perfectly tailored to your actual conditions.
Why “more powerful” doesn’t always mean “better” when it comes to HVAC
Many people tend to assume that investing in an extremely powerful wall-mounted heat pump guarantees optimal comfort during the coldest days. Yet, an oversized unit will lead to short heating cycles. This phenomenon, known as short cycling, severely affects the system’s overall performance, resulting in erratic operation that wears out mechanical components prematurely and reduces comfort.
Through our work in Laval and the South Shore, we've observed firsthand that properly sized units—based on square footage, insulation, and layout—deliver superior long-term performance.
How AirGreen determines the ideal power for your wall-mounted heat pump
Every installation completed by AirGreen in Longueuil, on the North Shore, or elsewhere in Greater Montréal begins with a detailed evaluation of the home. Here are the essential criteria we use when making a recommendation:
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Actual square footage of your home: A detailed analysis of the livable space is crucial to determine your heating and cooling needs.
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Thermal insulation and windows: The insulation efficiency of walls, ceilings, and windows largely determines thermal loss—and therefore the required power.
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Interior layout and air circulation: Even heat distribution depends directly on the strategic placement of the heat pump.
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Building orientation and sun exposure: Sunlight exposure significantly affects heating and cooling needs.
By rigorously applying these criteria, we’ve consistently delivered satisfaction to our clients, helping them avoid the pitfalls of oversized systems while maximizing comfort and energy savings.
Case study: A successful installation of a properly sized heat pump in Montréal
To illustrate our approach, let’s take a recent example from an installation in Montréal, in a 1980s bungalow. The homeowner initially wanted to invest in a 24,000 BTU wall-mounted heat pump, convinced that Quebec’s harsh winter demanded maximum output.
After our technical visit, the AirGreen team recommended a Gree Extreme 18,000 BTU wall-mounted heat pump, perfectly suited for the 1,200-square-foot space with good insulation. We demonstrated to the homeowner—supported by energy calculations—that a slightly less powerful unit would provide superior efficiency, consistent comfort, and longer system life.
The result: substantial energy savings, an optimized initial investment, and a highly satisfied customer enjoying steady warmth all winter long.
The financial impact: choosing the right wall-mounted heat pump
The financial aspect is crucial for any Quebec homeowner. Available grants, such as those offered through Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert program, support energy-efficient installations. However, an oversized heat pump usually fails to take full advantage of these benefits.
Our optimized installations in Longueuil and on the North Shore have allowed our clients to fully benefit from available subsidies while enjoying long-term reductions in operating costs.
AirGreen’s practical tips to avoid common mistakes
Here are the most common mistakes we’ve seen when selecting a wall-mounted heat pump in Quebec, along with the practical advice we always give our clients:
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Common mistake: Skipping a professional evaluation.
AirGreen tip: Always have a precise energy analysis done by our certified technicians. -
Common mistake: Choosing a unit solely based on high power output.
AirGreen tip: Always aim for the right balance between power, energy efficiency, and long-term durability. -
Common mistake: Installing the heat pump without considering air circulation.
AirGreen tip: Always position your unit optimally to ensure even heat distribution.
Conclusion: The perfectly sized heat pump makes all the difference
At AirGreen, we firmly believe that the ideal wall-mounted heat pump is the one that meets your real needs, no more, no less. Our experience gained through hundreds of successful installations across Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, and all surrounding regions confirms that a well-informed choice—with a unit that’s just the right size—delivers the best results in terms of both comfort and cost savings.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to our experts for the best possible support and make the smart move today by choosing a wall-mounted heat pump that’s perfectly suited for Quebec winters.