Ce client voulait économiser… il a payé 3x plus. L’histoire d’une installation ratée par un concurrent
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This Client Wanted to Save Money… He Paid 3 Times More. The Story of a Competitor’s Failed Installation

The Costly Consequences of a Poor HVAC Installation in Laval: Review of an Emergency Intervention by AirGreen

At AirGreen, we regularly encounter situations where clients who tried to save money on their HVAC installations unfortunately end up spending much more due to mistakes made by unscrupulous competitors. Here's a detailed account of a recent intervention in Laval, where a client initially looking to reduce expenses ended up paying three times more than expected.

The Initial Installation: An Improperly Sized Goodman Central Heat Pump

A Laval homeowner chose a low-cost local company to install a 36,000 BTU Goodman GSZ14 central heat pump in his single-family home. The initial price seemed attractive, significantly lower than market averages in Montreal, Longueuil, or the North Shore. However, serious issues quickly emerged as soon as the unit started running:

  • Excessive noise coming from the outdoor unit.

  • Very uneven distribution of heating and cooling throughout the rooms.

  • Abnormally high electricity bills despite having newly installed equipment.

AirGreen’s Diagnosis: Major Technical Errors and Heavy Financial Consequences

After the client urgently contacted us, our specialized AirGreen team conducted a comprehensive analysis of the installation. Here’s what we found on-site:

  • Major Oversizing: The installed unit was excessively powerful for the home’s area (1,400 sq ft). This critical mistake caused frequent short cycles, prematurely wearing out the equipment and drastically increasing energy consumption.

  • Incorrect Placement of the Outdoor Unit: Placed too close to windows and without anti-vibration supports, the unit generated significant noise disturbances, affecting daily comfort and neighbour relations.

  • Neglect of Existing Ductwork: No inspection or cleaning of the existing metal ductwork was performed, resulting in poor air quality and mediocre energy performance.

Our Intervention: Step-by-Step Correction of a Botched Installation

Faced with these critical problems, we offered the client a comprehensive and complete solution to correct these errors and ensure a compliant and efficient installation:

  1. Precise Resizing:
    After a full thermal assessment, we replaced the initial heat pump with a perfectly sized 24,000 BTU Goodman GSZ14 central heat pump, matching precisely the home’s size and actual needs.

  2. Strategic Relocation of the Outdoor Unit:
    Our team repositioned the outdoor unit away from windows, using highly effective anti-vibration mounts to eliminate noise and vibrations.

  3. Complete Duct Inspection and Cleaning:
    We performed a thorough inspection of the duct network, followed by professional cleaning to restore good air quality and optimal airflow in each room.

The Real Cost of Attempting to Save Money: A Bill Tripled

Initially attracted by a competitor's low pricing, the client ultimately saw his total costs triple due to necessary repairs, complete reinstallation, and excessive energy bills during the period before our intervention. A slightly higher initial investment in a professional AirGreen installation would have prevented these unnecessary expenses.

Essential Tips to Avoid Such Mistakes in Montreal, Laval and Surrounding Areas

To help you avoid this type of misadventure, here are some practical tips directly drawn from our field experience at AirGreen:

  • Always verify that your chosen company has a valid RBQ licence.

  • Insist on a detailed thermal assessment before any installation.

  • Request references or concrete examples of completed projects in your area (Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore or South Shore).

  • Never neglect inspection and cleaning of existing ducts before installing a central heat pump.

  • Prioritize companies offering post-installation follow-up and regular maintenance.

AirGreen Expertise: Why Our Clients Trust Us After a Negative Experience Elsewhere

At AirGreen, we ensure our HVAC installations are impeccable from the outset, allowing you to save money in the long run and avoid unexpected expenses:

  • RBQ-certified technicians, specifically trained in Quebec’s market standards and requirements.

  • Reliable, perfectly adapted products: we work with reputable brands such as Goodman, Bosch, Lennox, or Fujitsu.

  • Rigorous and transparent follow-up: from the initial evaluation to regular maintenance of your installation.

  • Access to subsidies: such as Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert program to reduce your initial installation costs.

Successful Example in Longueuil: Real Savings Through Proper Installation

Recently, another client in Longueuil entrusted us with the installation of a Bosch IDS Premium 30,000 BTU central heat pump. Thanks to our deep expertise and precise sizing, this client now enjoys a perfectly suited installation, reducing their energy bills by 30%, benefiting from optimal thermal comfort, and accessing available government subsidies.

Conclusion: Choosing Wisely from the Start for Long-Term Savings

This real-life story from Laval perfectly illustrates the critical importance of entrusting your HVAC installation to recognized professionals like AirGreen. An apparent initial saving can quickly become a costly financial trap.

To avoid this scenario, contact AirGreen today for a free, detailed evaluation of your project in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, or the South Shore.

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