The crucial importance of insulation in HVAC system performance
At AirGreen, we know that the performance of a central heat pump doesn’t just depend on the quality of the unit itself. Even a high-end system like a Fujitsu central, Gree central, or Bosch central can have its efficiency severely compromised if your home or building is poorly insulated. Thermal insulation is one of the foundational pillars of an efficient HVAC system—and yet, it remains one of the most overlooked aspects by property owners.
A central heat pump that isn’t supported by a properly sealed building envelope works twice as hard to maintain a stable temperature. The result? Higher energy bills, lower comfort, premature equipment wear, and a serious drop in your return on investment.
Why insulation directly affects your central heat pump’s performance
A central heat pump works by transferring heat from inside to outside in summer, and from outside to inside in winter. But if your insulation is lacking (poorly insulated walls, leaky attics, drafty doors or windows), your system is constantly trying to compensate for this ongoing heat or cooling loss.
Here are the direct consequences of poor insulation on a central heat pump:
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Longer and more frequent cycles, increasing energy consumption.
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Uneven thermal comfort from one room to another.
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Shorter lifespan of the system.
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Degraded energy efficiency (SEER/HSPF) compared to rated performance.
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Reduced eligibility for grants, as some programs require systems to perform in optimal conditions.
Real case study: Installation of a Bosch BOVA36HDN1M20G central heat pump in Laval
Recently, we installed a Bosch BOVA36HDN1M20G central heat pump, a highly efficient Inverter model, in a single-family home in Laval. The 36,000 BTU unit, paired with a BOSCH Cased Coil, was rated at 18 SEER and 9.5 HSPF—excellent values on paper.
However, after a few weeks, the customer contacted us to report persistent discomfort in certain areas of the home, despite a flawless installation and state-of-the-art equipment.
AirGreen’s diagnosis: A building envelope issue
Our technicians carried out a complete thermal imaging assessment of the property. The result? Major heat loss was detected in the uninsulated attic and single-pane basement windows.
Even with its high performance, the Bosch unit simply couldn’t keep up with these constant losses. The system was operating at full capacity without pause, which explained:
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The sudden spike in electricity consumption.
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Premature wear on some internal components.
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Uneven indoor temperatures.
The AirGreen solution: Pairing central heat pumps with effective insulation
We advised the customer to upgrade the attic insulation and install weather stripping on the older windows. The result after intervention:
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A 23% drop in energy consumption in the very first month.
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Significant reduction in noise from the heat pump (shorter cycles).
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Noticeable improvement in comfort, even during Laval’s coldest winter nights.
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Full recovery of the Bosch unit’s optimal rated performance.
What are the signs of poor insulation in your home?
Before installing or replacing an HVAC system, it’s essential to identify the symptoms of poor insulation:
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Drafts near walls or windows.
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Uneven temperatures between rooms.
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Frost or condensation on windows in winter.
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Sudden spikes in heating or cooling bills.
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Central heat pump running continuously.
Our tips to maximize your central heat pump’s performance
1. Have your insulation inspected BEFORE any HVAC installation
At AirGreen, we always include a thermal insulation assessment in our pre-installation process. This allows us to properly size the system and ensure optimal performance from day one.
2. Target critical areas
Attics, exterior walls, floors above unheated spaces (like garages), as well as doors and windows are the main sources of heat loss. These areas must be reinforced to support the efficiency of a forced-air central system.
3. Schedule regular maintenance
Poor performance can also stem from dirty filters or a poorly maintained heat pump. Even with good insulation, regular HVAC maintenance is crucial. AirGreen offers custom maintenance plans for our residential and commercial clients across Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, and South Shore.
4. Take advantage of grants if you improve your insulation
Programs like Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert, or federal energy efficiency grants, can offer generous reimbursements for insulation upgrades, in addition to financial support for installing a high-efficiency central heat pump. We help our clients optimize their grant eligibility every step of the way.
Why choose AirGreen for your HVAC projects in Greater Montréal
At AirGreen, our approach goes far beyond selling or installing a unit. We provide comprehensive support, from system design, to thermal analysis, to optimizing the building envelope. This integrated vision allows us to guarantee every customer:
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Sustainable energy performance.
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Superior indoor comfort year-round.
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Long-term return on their HVAC investment.
Whether you’re in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore or the South Shore, our team of experts is ready to meet your needs with precision, transparency, and efficiency.
Conclusion: Don’t let poor insulation ruin your investment
Installing a high-performance central heat pump without considering insulation is like buying a winter coat without a zipper. One simply doesn’t work without the other. At AirGreen, we believe that an efficient HVAC system starts well before installing the equipment—it starts with a solid, well-insulated building envelope.
Thinking about a central heat pump installation? Let’s talk about your project—we’ll help you create the perfect indoor environment, with no compromises.
