Ductless vs Ducted Wall-Mounted Heat Pumps: The Ultimate Showdown Clearly Explained for Quebec Homeowners

Which wall-mounted solution is truly right for your Quebec home?

At AirGreen, we receive questions every week from clients in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore who are debating between two popular wall-mounted systems: ductless wall-mounted heat pumps (mini-splits) and ducted wall-mounted heat pumps. Each technology has its specific benefits, technical requirements, budget impact, and ideal applications. In this article, we shed light on this technological showdown, drawing from real-life HVAC installation examples carried out by AirGreen in homes across Quebec. Our goal is simple: to help you choose the best wall-mounted solution for your comfort, health, and energy savings.

What is a ductless wall-mounted heat pump?

Also known as a mini-split, this system features an outdoor unit connected to one or more indoor wall units. It requires no ductwork inside walls or ceilings.

Advantages of ductless heat pumps

• Simplified HVAC installation, especially in homes without central ventilation

• Excellent energy efficiency thanks to Inverter technology

• Individual room temperature control

• Lower installation cost than centralized systems

Case study: Installation of a Gree Lomo 12,000 BTU in Montréal

In a single-family home in the Rosemont neighbourhood of Montréal, our AirGreen team installed a Gree Lomo 12,000 BTU wall-mounted heat pump, ductless, in an open-concept living room/kitchen. The client didn’t have central ventilation, making the ductless solution perfectly suited. Thanks to strategic placement and optimal unit orientation, we ensured even air distribution year-round.

And what about ducted wall-mounted heat pumps?

This type of system, less common in Quebec homes, uses small ducts hidden inside walls or ceilings to serve multiple rooms with a single indoor unit (often a wall-mounted or ceiling cassette).

Advantages of ducted heat pumps

• Discreet aesthetics, with only vents visible

• Even temperature distribution across multiple rooms

• Option to include separate climate zones

• Compatible with certain modern architectural designs

AirGreen example: ducted Fujitsu heat pump in Longueuil

In a renovated duplex in Longueuil, our client wanted a hidden system to preserve the clean, modern look of the interior. We proposed a Fujitsu ducted heat pump, with ducts concealed inside the false ceiling of the main hallway, serving three bedrooms. The main challenge: low ceiling height. Our technicians used slim, flexible ducts and a low-profile cassette, ensuring both performance and discretion.

HVAC maintenance: a crucial factor for both options

Whichever option you choose, rigorous HVAC maintenance is essential to ensure performance, longevity, and indoor air quality. Here are our recommendations:

• Filter cleaning every month during heavy-use seasons

• Full inspection by an AirGreen technician twice a year

• Duct inspection (for ducted systems) for dust or mold buildup

A client on the South Shore, equipped with a ducted heat pump, experienced recurring allergy symptoms. After our intervention, we discovered mold deposits in the ducts due to lack of maintenance. A full cleaning restored safe, clean air throughout the home.

Available grants for both types of wall-mounted heat pumps

Good news: whether you choose a ducted or ductless model, many are eligible for Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert program. Here are a few examples:

• Fujitsu KZAH R-32 (ducted): up to $1,709 in grants

• Gree Lomo 9,000 BTU (ductless): around $1,320, depending on the region

• Midea25 12,000 BTU (mini-split): eligible in Montréal, Laval, and the North Shore

AirGreen assists you from start to finish with the paperwork, including grant eligibility verification, technical documentation, and application submission.

Our professional opinion: how to choose?

Go with a ductless wall-mounted heat pump if:

• Your home doesn’t have existing ductwork

• You want to avoid major renovations

• You’d like to control the temperature room by room

Choose a ducted wall-mounted heat pump if:

• You’re renovating a home with suspended ceilings or open walls

• You want maximum aesthetic integration

• You’d like to heat or cool multiple rooms at once

At AirGreen, our role is to guide you toward the best HVAC solution, based on your budget, comfort needs, lifestyle, and the technical characteristics of your home.

Why trust AirGreen?

For over 10 years, we’ve been the go-to partner for wall-mounted heat pump installations in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore. Our certified technicians assess each project individually and offer tailored solutions, all while respecting the strictest energy standards. Every installation is documented, tested, and followed up with long-term support.

We have expertise in both technologies, whether in compact urban units or large family homes, and we know how to anticipate the real needs of your household.