Choosing a central heat pump is a major investment in the comfort and energy efficiency of your home or commercial building. However, several decisions – often well-intentioned – can reduce its effectiveness. At AirGreen, we’ve helped hundreds of clients in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore and South Shore with their HVAC installation projects, and we’ve often seen how certain choices can drastically impact the performance of their equipment. Here are the 5 most common decisions that make a central heat pump less efficient, along with practical, proven solutions.
Ignoring the appropriate size of the unit
One of the most frequent mistakes we encounter during service calls is installing a central heat pump that is either too large or too small. Many clients believe that a more powerful unit will automatically yield better results. In reality, an improperly sized unit leads to:
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Frequent on/off cycling (known as "short cycling")
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Premature wear on components
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Unnecessarily high energy consumption
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Thermal discomfort, especially in distant rooms
Real example: In Repentigny, a client had installed a 5-ton central heat pump for a 1,500 sq. ft. house. The result: temperature fluctuations, poor humidity control, high bills. After an audit by our technicians, we replaced the unit with a properly sized 3-ton Goodman R-32 model, suited to the home’s surface area and insulation. The result: optimal comfort and noticeable savings.
Solution: Always have a heat load calculation done by certified professionals. At AirGreen, we use specialized software that accounts for square footage, building orientation, insulation type, and the number of occupants.
Skipping regular HVAC maintenance
No matter how high-performing, a central heat pump requires regular HVAC maintenance to keep its efficiency over the seasons. Dust, debris, frost buildup, and mechanical wear directly impact its performance.
Common signs of poor maintenance:
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Loss of heating or cooling power
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Increase in electricity usage
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Unusual noises
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Poor indoor air quality
Solution: Schedule two annual maintenance visits: one in the spring to prep for summer, and one in the fall before winter. During our visits, we clean the coils, check refrigerant levels, inspect electrical connections, and optimize airflow.
Choosing an outdated or inefficient heat pump
Not all central heat pumps are created equal. Choosing an outdated or inefficient model – often motivated by a lower price tag – quickly translates into higher long-term costs.
Example: A commercial building in Brossard was using a central heat pump running on R-410A with a SEER rating of 13. After analysis, we proposed replacing it with a Bosch BIVA IDS Premium R-454B model, featuring a SEER of 20 and superior HSPF efficiency. Result: a 28% drop in energy costs in the first year, plus eligibility for Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert grant program.
Solution: Prioritize energy-efficient units using modern refrigerants (like R-32 or R-454B) that are eligible for government grants.
Installing the unit without evaluating airflow distribution
A poorly designed or unbalanced duct network can seriously hurt the overall performance of your heat pump. We’ve often seen installations where some rooms were freezing in winter and stifling hot in summer.
Common issues include:
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Ducts that are too narrow or too long
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Lack of balancing dampers
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Improper placement of supply or return vents
Solution: During our HVAC installations, we conduct a full ductwork evaluation with airflow tests, static pressure checks, and joint inspections. We then apply necessary corrections: duct adjustments, motorized dampers, duct insulation, etc.
Overlooking the impact of user habits
Even the best central heat pump can underperform if the user adopts inefficient habits:
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Frequently changing thermostat settings
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Closing vents in certain rooms
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Blocking return air grilles with furniture
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Using cheap filters or forgetting to replace them
Solution: With every HVAC installation, we take the time to educate our clients: how to use programmable thermostats properly, when to replace filters, how to optimize comfort room by room. User training is a key factor in long-term performance and efficiency.
Why choose AirGreen for your central heat pump installations?
At AirGreen, we believe every HVAC installation is a combination of technical expertise, methodical precision, and attention to detail. Our certified teams cover Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and South Shore, and we specialize in the following brands: Fujitsu, Bosch, Gree, Lennox, Goodman, Trane, Arcoaire, Haxxair, Zephyr, Comfortmaker, and many more.
Our guarantees:
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Free energy audit
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Full support for LogisVert and FIME grants
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One-day installation in most cases
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Fast, professional after-sales service
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Preventive and corrective maintenance plans available
Practical tips to maximize your central heat pump’s efficiency
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Replace HVAC filters every 2–3 months (or more often depending on your environment)
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Always keep return air grilles clear
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Avoid raising or lowering the temperature by more than 2°C at a time
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If you're away, slightly lower the temperature, but never shut the system off completely
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Invest in a smart thermostat compatible with your unit
Grants available to upgrade your system
In 2025, several programs are available to support the adoption of energy-efficient central heat pumps:
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Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert: up to $5,000 depending on the model and configuration
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Chauffez Vert: for replacing oil or gas systems
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Rénoclimat: complementary to the above programs
We handle the entire process, from paperwork to follow-ups and final submission.
Conclusion
Avoiding these 5 critical mistakes will ensure a central heat pump that performs efficiently, lasts longer, and delivers comfort year-round. At AirGreen, we turn every project into a success through our expertise, personalized support, and commitment to quality.
Contact us today for a custom assessment, whether you're in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore or the South Shore. Your comfort deserves AirGreen’s HVAC excellence.