Two giants of the wall-mounted heat pump world go head-to-head in the Montréal market
In the world of high-performance wall-mounted heat pumps, two names stand out above the rest: Trane and Lennox. These two North American manufacturers are renowned for the quality, durability, and energy performance of their HVAC systems. At AirGreen, we’ve had the opportunity to install numerous models from both brands in homes and businesses across Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, as well as on the North Shore and South Shore. But when it comes down to it, which of these two giants truly comes out on top?
Energy performance: efficiency and comfort at the heart of the debate
Both brands offer high-efficiency models. However, their approaches differ slightly:
Trane: American precision focused on efficiency
Models like the Trane XR16 Low Ambient stand out with SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings often above 20, and HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) scores over 10. This translates into significant energy savings year-round, especially during Montréal’s harsh winters. This model is also designed to operate efficiently down to -30°C, making it a reliable solution for extreme climates.
Lennox: technological precision paired with quiet performance
Lennox, on the other hand, focuses on an extremely quiet inverter compressor technology. Their flagship model, the Lennox MPB, delivers a SEER of 24 and an HSPF of 11.5, slightly outperforming Trane on paper. Additionally, the indoor sound level is often under 24 dB, a big advantage in residential environments sensitive to noise.
Real-world installation in Montréal: a side-by-side project example
Recently, we were called in for two nearly identical installations in duplexes located in the Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie neighborhood. Each homeowner, living on a different floor, opted for a different model.
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Unit 1 (Trane XR16): We installed an 18,000 BTU wall-mounted heat pump, designed for maximum performance even in deep cold. The installation involved drilling through older brick, reinforced wall mounts, and ensuring proper clearance for easy maintenance. The result: excellent thermal performance in the middle of January, with consistent comfort throughout the entire home.
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Unit 2 (Lennox MPB 18,000 BTU): Here, the installation was smoother due to newer construction. The indoor unit was placed in the open-concept living/kitchen area. The client immediately noticed the exceptionally quiet operation, even when heating at full capacity.
Available grants: both Trane and Lennox qualify
Both brands are eligible for Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert grants. For example:
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A Trane XR16 model can qualify for a $1,704 grant for an 18,000 BTU unit.
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The Lennox MPB receives the same level of financial support, provided it meets the technical requirements and is installed by a certified contractor like AirGreen.
We assist our clients throughout the grant application process, a step that can often be tedious but is crucial to reduce the overall investment cost.
Ease of maintenance and durability: thinking long-term
At AirGreen, we also handle the annual maintenance of wall-mounted heat pumps, which gives us great insight into their long-term reliability.
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Trane offers robust internal components and an intelligent defrosting system that helps prevent winter build-up.
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Lennox stands out with easy-to-replace filters and smart-home compatibility for intelligent thermostats.
After 5 years of use in several homes in Laval and Brossard, our observations show that both brands have extremely low failure rates when properly maintained.
What do our customers say? First-hand feedback from the field
Testimonial – Montréal, Villeray neighborhood
“We chose Trane because of its reputation for handling cold climates. In January, the temperature dropped to -28°C and the house remained perfectly comfortable. No temperature swings.”
– Marc L., triplex owner
Testimonial – Longueuil, Vieux-Longueuil
“With Lennox, what really stood out to me was the total silence. I sometimes forget the system is even running. And my condo is always at the perfect temperature.”
– Julie P., condo co-owner
Verdict: Trane or Lennox?
Trane, the rugged choice for extreme cold climates
Ideal for older homes, single-family houses, or properties in very cold areas. Its solid components and low-temperature performance make it a powerful ally for Québec winters.
Lennox, the elegant and quiet technology
Perfect for condos, urban environments, and homeowners who prioritize acoustic comfort. Ideal for clients looking for a discreet and technologically advanced option.
Our AirGreen recommendation
At AirGreen, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Each property, each family, each budget has its own priorities. That’s why we always begin with a personalized on-site evaluation in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, or the South Shore.
We install both Trane and Lennox systems depending on your real needs. Our mission is to guarantee a perfect installation optimized for comfort, energy savings, long-term reliability, and access to available grants.
Why choose AirGreen for your wall-mounted heat pump installation?
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Recognized expertise in HVAC installations across the Greater Montréal area.
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Over 500 successful wall-mounted installations since 2017.
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Certified, respectful, efficient, and punctual team.
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Complete support for obtaining Hydro-Québec LogisVert grants.
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Customized after-sales service and maintenance.
Still hesitating between Trane and Lennox for your next wall-mounted heat pump? Contact us today for a free evaluation and custom installation.