A poor HVAC installation can be costly: how to spot mistakes and fix them before they get worse
At AirGreen, we know that installing a central heat pump isn’t just about connecting a unit to your ductwork. It’s a technical operation that requires advanced expertise, a solid grasp of building standards, and meticulous attention to every detail. Too often, our technicians are called in to fix systems improperly installed by other contractors. The result? Loss of efficiency, premature breakdowns, discomfort, and avoidable expenses.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the 5 most common signs your central heat pump was poorly installed, using real-life examples from Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore. We’ll also explain how we fix these issues at AirGreen by ensuring every installation is compliant, efficient, and built to last.
1. Your home has hot or cold spots
One of the first signs of a poor HVAC installation is uneven temperature control. If certain rooms are constantly colder (or hotter) than others, it likely means:
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The duct system was improperly configured
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The central heat pump was mis-sized (either too many or too few BTUs)
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The airflow is unbalanced or the ducts are leaking
Real example: In Longueuil, we recently corrected the installation of a 36,000 BTU Fujitsu central system that caused a 4°C temperature difference between the living room and bedrooms. After inspection, we found undersized, poorly insulated ductwork in the attic. Once corrected, the home’s comfort became consistent throughout.
2. Your system runs constantly or starts and stops too often
An abnormal operating cycle often signals an installation problem. A central heat pump should not turn on every five minutes, nor should it run non-stop. This may be due to:
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A poorly placed thermostat
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Improper airflow
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Incorrect fan speed configuration
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A wrongly sized system (BTUs too high or too low)
These issues reduce efficiency, cause premature wear on components, and unnecessarily drive up your electricity consumption.
3. Your electricity bills are abnormally high
A properly installed central heat pump should help lower your heating and cooling bills. If your costs are going up, cold weather might not be the only culprit — it’s often a sign that your system is running inefficiently.
In Montréal, a homeowner reached out to us after noticing that their energy bills had gone up since installing an 18 SEER Trane unit. After an inspection, we discovered the unit was connected to outdated oil furnace ducts without adjusting the airflow. The result: degraded performance and excessive consumption. After correcting the ductwork, the system’s efficiency was restored.
4. Strange noises, vibrations, or excessive airflow
A properly installed central heat pump should be quiet and stable. If you hear excessive blower noise, duct vibrations, or rattling near the indoor or outdoor unit, it may be due to:
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Poorly secured equipment
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Leaky ductwork
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An imbalanced or poorly calibrated fan
At AirGreen, we were called to a home in Laval where a Goodman central system emitted a loud humming sound every time it started. It had been installed without vibration dampers, and the outdoor unit was resting directly on a concrete slab. We reinstalled the unit on isolation pads, and the noise disappeared.
5. Excessive frost or poor water drainage
It’s normal to see some frost on the outdoor unit during winter, but excessive or prolonged icing can indicate:
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A poorly angled condensate drain
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Incorrect defrost cycle programming
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Poor airflow
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An improperly positioned heat pump exposed to dominant winds
In the North Shore, we recently revisited a Bosch BOVA 36,000 BTU system that had been installed without wind protection and without enough clearance around the unit. The result: constant icing, frequent shutdowns, and major efficiency loss. After repositioning the unit and adding deflectors, the issue was resolved.
What should you do if you suspect a poor installation?
We strongly advise against waiting for serious breakdowns. If any of these signs sound familiar:
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Contact AirGreen for a full HVAC inspection.
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Have the duct configuration, airflow, and actual performance of your system checked.
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Consider a correction to the installation if needed. In many cases, we can significantly improve the system’s performance without replacing it.
Our service includes:
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Thermodynamic analysis of your system
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BTU sizing verification
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Inspection of ductwork, wiring, and mounting supports
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Grant eligibility assessment (e.g., Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert program)
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Partial or full reinstallation if required, with a detailed technical report
Why are so many systems poorly installed?
Unfortunately, the HVAC industry is plagued by installers without certification or those rushing through jobs to cut costs. A poorly installed central heat pump, even if it’s a high-quality brand (Trane, Lennox, Bosch, Goodman, Fujitsu, etc.), can lose up to 30% of its efficiency.
At AirGreen, we’re called every week to fix these situations, putting our field expertise and quality commitment to work for residential and commercial clients across Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore.
Practical tips to avoid these mistakes
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Hire a certified RBQ contractor with strong references.
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Ask for a BTU sizing report tailored to your home.
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Demand a post-installation inspection, including airflow balancing.
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Have a third-party expert (like AirGreen) review the installation if you have doubts.
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Inquire about available grants, since a reinstallation may be partially reimbursed.
AirGreen: your go-to team for flawless installations
Our commitment is clear: to deliver superior HVAC installations, compliant with all standards, and performed with attention to detail. Whether you need a diagnosis, reinstallation, or preventive maintenance, we’re here to help anywhere in Greater Montréal.
Our services always come with personalized support, technicians trained continuously, and grant assistance to help you get the best return on your investment.
In short: If your central heat pump isn’t running smoothly, chances are the installation is to blame. At AirGreen, we have the tools, expertise, and experience to get your system back on track, maximize performance, and restore the comfort you deserve.