Introduction: avoidable mistakes before installing your wall-mounted heat pump
At AirGreen, we’ve completed hundreds of wall-mounted heat pump installations across Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore. One pattern we see again and again: most clients have no idea what questions to ask their installer, which can lead to regrettable choices, sub-par performance, or unexpected costs after the job is done.
This article outlines the essential questions almost no one asks, but that make all the difference when it comes to comfort, energy efficiency, eligibility for grants, and long-term system durability.
Why are these questions so important?
Too often, an HVAC installation is treated like a simple technical purchase. Yet, a poorly chosen or poorly installed heat pump can cost you more, consume excess electricity, or break down early.
That’s why asking your installer the right questions is not just smart—it’s critical to protect your investment.
1. Is this model eligible for Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert grants?
This is THE first question you should ask. Not all models are eligible for government programs, even if they seem high-performing. At AirGreen, we install Energy Star certified heat pumps like:
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Gree Sapphire
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Fujitsu KZAH R-32
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Sharp ZU1
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Bosch Climate 5000 R-32
Why it matters:
An eligible wall-mounted heat pump can qualify for a grant ranging from $1,704 to $2,172, depending on the model and BTU size. If you don’t ask, you could be missing out on major savings.
2. How well does this unit heat in very cold weather?
Many installers will mention the nominal capacity (e.g., 12,000 BTU), but few will tell you whether the unit heats efficiently at -25°C or -30°C, which is absolutely essential for Montreal and the North Shore.
Be sure to ask:
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Does this heat pump work without electric backup at -25°C?
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What is its COP (Coefficient of Performance) in extreme cold?
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What is the minimum outdoor operating temperature?
3. What exactly does the warranty cover (parts, labor, compressor)?
Most brands offer warranties between 5 and 10 years. But be careful: some exclude labor costs, and very few include travel fees after the first year.
At AirGreen, our wall-mounted heat pumps typically come with:
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10 years on parts
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10 years on the compressor
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10 years on labor (if yearly maintenance is done through us)
4. Will I pay extra if the piping is longer than expected?
Another commonly overlooked question. Many quotes include a standard pipe length of 15 to 25 feet, but each additional foot may cost $10 to $25, depending on the materials used.
Ask for a detailed quote, including:
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The exact piping length expected
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The number of elbows
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Charges for additional drilling
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The cost of thermal insulation
5. What is the actual energy efficiency (SEER, HSPF)?
You might hear the unit is “efficient,” but that’s meaningless without the numbers. SEER (for cooling) and HSPF (for heating) are the true indicators you should demand.
Real-world examples of recently installed models:
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Sharp ZU1 – 12,000 BTU
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SEER: 22
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HSPF: 11.2
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LogisVert eligible
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Fujitsu KZAH – 18,000 BTU
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SEER: 24
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HSPF: 12
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Operates down to -30°C
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6. Does the installation comply with local HVAC and electrical codes?
A wall-mounted heat pump that’s poorly connected or sealed can not only lose efficiency but also pose risks of electrical faults or moisture buildup.
Make sure that:
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The team is RBQ and CMMTQ certified
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Connections are vacuum-brazed
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Leak testing is performed
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The breaker and outdoor box are rated for 230V
7. What maintenance is required to keep the warranty valid?
Many clients don’t realize that skipping annual maintenance can void the labor warranty.
Our AirGreen recommendations:
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Annual cleaning of the filter, indoor and outdoor units
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Inspection of refrigerant pressure and connections
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A full maintenance report provided after each visit
8. Is the system noisy? Can it be made quieter?
Some models are quiet indoors but noisy outdoors. The choice of model and installation location can make a big difference.
Our AirGreen solutions:
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Choose outdoor units rated at under 55 dB
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Install the outdoor unit away from bedroom windows
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Use wall brackets with shock absorbers to reduce vibration
9. Who will be doing the installation? Subcontractors or trained employees?
A common mistake: agreeing to an installation without knowing who will actually do the work. At AirGreen, we work exclusively with our own in-house team—trained, certified, and experienced.
The advantage: no unpleasant surprises, no subcontractor rushing through the job and cutting corners.
10. What if I want to move the heat pump in 5 years? Is that possible?
Lastly, think long-term. Can the unit be relocated to another room or even another home? Some brands are easier to move than others. Some installations are more adaptable.
Conclusion: asking the right questions protects your investment
At AirGreen, we firmly believe that every client deserves a long-lasting, reliable, and transparent installation. Too many installers don’t take the time to explain the details—or avoid technical questions altogether.
But it’s exactly these small details that make all the difference over 10 to 15 years:
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In terms of comfort
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In electricity consumption
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In cold-weather performance
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In resale value
Why trust AirGreen?
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Certified installer, over 800 units installed yearly
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Complete coverage: Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, South Shore
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Free quotes online or in person
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Full support for LogisVert rebates
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No subcontractors, only our own trained technicians
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After-sales service, annual maintenance available
Need advice or a clear quote?
Contact us today. Our advisors will walk you through every step, with no sales pressure, to help you choose the best wall-mounted heat pump for your home and your budget.