A new life for an outdated heating system: an exemplary HVAC conversion project carried out by AirGreen
As part of our mission to provide tailor-made HVAC solutions in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore, we were recently called in to work on a single-family home located in Blainville, on the North Shore. The challenge? Replace an old central oil heating system with a high-efficiency central heat pump, in order to improve indoor comfort while reducing energy costs and harmful emissions. A complete transformation—technically and in terms of the homeowner’s quality of life.
Why was this transformation necessary?
The original system, an old oil furnace dating back to the 90s, showed clear signs of deterioration: strange noises, poor performance, excessive consumption, cold spots throughout the house, and lingering odors from oil combustion. Moreover, recent spikes in oil prices made this type of heating increasingly expensive to maintain.
Our client’s objective was therefore clear: modernize the entire central heating system, switch to a more eco-friendly, more cost-efficient technology, and above all, make the system eligible for the LogisVert grants offered by Hydro-Québec.
Project study: what equipment did we choose and why?
After a thorough evaluation of the home’s heating needs, our team recommended installing a Bosch BOVA 36 HDN1-M20G central heat pump paired with a Bosch BMAC 36-20 electric furnace, powered by 240V three-phase current. Here’s why:
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Brand: Bosch, known for its reliability, quiet performance, and long lifespan.
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Model BOVA 36: designed to offer optimal efficiency even at -25°C, with a SEER above 20 and an HSPF of 10.5, ranking it among the most efficient systems on the market.
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Capacity: 36,000 BTU/h, perfectly suited for the home’s 2,000 square feet.
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Refrigerant R-454B, a more eco-friendly alternative with a 78% lower global warming potential (GWP) compared to R-410A.
Installation process: precision, adaptation, and technical excellence
Removal of the old system
Our certified technicians began by safely removing the oil furnace, including the 800-liter tank located in the basement. The operation required a safe pumping process, followed by cleaning and full dismantling of the outdated duct system.
Reworking the duct system
The old ductwork no longer met current efficiency standards. We reconfigured the main ducts, reinforced insulation, and adjusted airflow distribution to optimize air circulation in all rooms.
Installation of the Bosch central heat pump
The outdoor unit was mounted on a raised base, safe from snow accumulation. Inside, we installed the Bosch electric furnace in the mechanical room, connected to a smart programmable thermostat.
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Total installation time: 3 business days, including pressure testing, airflow checks, temperature calibration, and electrical safety inspection.
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Result: a system that is completely silent, responsive, and energy-efficient.
What our client immediately noticed
Within the first few hours after activation, the homeowner noted:
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A dramatic reduction in ambient noise throughout the house.
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Even heat distribution in every room, including the basement.
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A noticeable drop in daily energy consumption, monitored via the thermostat’s mobile app.
Grants and profitability
This project was eligible for the LogisVert grant of $3,265, as the installed heat pump meets the energy efficiency criteria set by Hydro-Québec. We assisted our client through the entire application process, from gathering the required documents to the final submission.
Taking this financial aid into account, the return on investment is estimated at under 6 years, thanks to annual energy savings—not to mention the added property value from improved energy performance.
A few tips for homeowners considering a conversion
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Avoid undersized systems: a unit that’s too small will consume more and wear out faster.
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Be wary of overly cheap quotes: quality equipment and professional installation have a justified cost.
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Consider the placement of the outdoor unit, especially in Quebec’s harsh winters.
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Hire certified HVAC experts, like AirGreen, to ensure compliance with electrical, thermal, and environmental standards.
The AirGreen approach: expertise, transparency, and customer satisfaction
At AirGreen, we believe that every installation is an opportunity to build trust with our clients. This project is a perfect example: we handled the energy assessment, system design, full installation, and grant support. Our work is guaranteed, our technicians are continuously trained, and our after-sales service is responsive.
Other similar projects by AirGreen
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Laval (Duvernay): Replacement of an old gas forced-air system with a 24,000 BTU Gree Flexx central heat pump.
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Montreal (Ahuntsic): Installation of a Bosch IDS Premium with flexible ductwork in a condo triplex.
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Longueuil (St-Hubert): Conversion of a commercial building previously heated with oil into a multi-split Fujitsu HVAC solution.
Conclusion: a spectacular before/after for lasting comfort
This type of project perfectly illustrates our commitment to modernizing our clients’ heating infrastructure while actively contributing to Quebec’s energy transition. If you're thinking of replacing your outdated heating system, trust AirGreen for a professional, turnkey service backed by concrete, measurable results.