Real-World Performance, Energy Efficiency, and Resilience Against Québec’s Climate: Our Exclusive Field Evaluation
As part of our commitment to excellence in HVAC solutions across Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore, we launched a series of in-depth tests in 2025 on 7 central heat pump models installed under extreme weather conditions. In collaboration with our residential and commercial clients, we analyzed each unit’s performance in real-life scenarios: polar cold, sudden thaws, energy demand peaks, high humidity, and complex technical configurations.
Why is this comparison crucial for Québec homeowners in 2025? Because energy concerns, environmental requirements, and evolving government grant programs demand well-informed decisions based on tangible, local data. So here’s a detailed technical and practical look into the world of central heat pumps, featuring real customer feedback, specific recommendations, and actionable advice straight from the field.
Methodology: Real-Life Testing, Not Lab Simulations
To conduct this comparison, AirGreen selected seven central heat pump systems among the most popular and promising brands of 2025, all available in our catalog: Bosch BOVA R-454B, Goodman GSZC R-32, Fujitsu Airstage, Lennox EL18XPV, Gree Versati IV, Trane XV18, and Tosot T-MAX.
Each system was installed in a different setting in and around Montréal: single-family homes, duplexes, small apartment buildings, and neighborhood businesses. Evaluation criteria included:
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Heating capacity during extreme cold periods (-25°C and below)
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Seasonal energy efficiency (SEER and HSPF)
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Noise levels in heating and cooling modes
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Ease of maintenance and control
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Eligibility for LogisVert subsidies
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Feedback from occupants after 3 months of use
Bosch BOVA R-454B: Perfect Balance Between Efficiency and Adaptability
Test Location: Laval – 2,100 sq. ft. home, built in 1998
Capacity: 36,000 BTU
COP (at -15°C): 2.75 / SEER: 20 / HSPF: 10.5
This Bosch central heat pump proved exceptionally stable when facing sudden temperature swings. During a February warm spell followed by -28°C the next week, the system maintained consistent comfort without switching to electric backup.
The homeowner also highlighted the quiet operation of the Bosch inverter compressor, installed in a shared backyard. On the maintenance side, the built-in WiFi interface allowed our technicians to monitor performance remotely with ease.
✔ Eligible for a LogisVert grant up to $6,500
Goodman GSZC R-32: Raw Power and American Reliability
Test Location: Longueuil – 1965 triplex with moderate insulation
Capacity: 48,000 BTU
SEER: 18 / HSPF: 9.2
The Goodman R-32 central heat pump stood out for its impressive heating capacity and ruggedness, even in a building with only average energy efficiency. The two-stage scroll compressor ensured steady comfort even during -30°C cold snaps.
One of the technical challenges our team faced: replacing an old oil heating system, requiring a complete conversion of the ductwork. Thanks to our expert installers, the job was completed in 3 days with immediate system activation.
✔ Impressive performance in older buildings
Fujitsu Airstage Central: Japanese Technology and Optimal Comfort
Test Location: Montréal (Rosemont) – Renovated century-old home
Capacity: 24,000 BTU
SEER: 19.5 / HSPF: 11.3
The Fujitsu Airstage unit impressed with its ability to adapt to an older house where insulation varied room by room. Its automatic temperature control technology and precise air distribution through carefully calibrated ducts delivered uniform heating.
Our team had to work within a tight crawlspace, highlighting the model’s compactness and modularity.
✔ Perfect for high-end residential renovation projects
Lennox EL18XPV: Smart Comfort, Powered by Connectivity
Test Location: Brossard – New home built in 2023, smart home setup
Capacity: 36,000 BTU / SEER: 20 / HSPF: 10.7
The standout feature of the Lennox system: full compatibility with smart ecosystems (Google Home, Alexa) and a personalized learning curve. Thanks to its precision modulation, thermal comfort was maintained with temperature fluctuations under 0.5°C, even during harsh cold spells.
The homeowners loved the remote management via their phone and the proactive filter maintenance alerts.
✔ Ideal for connected homes and new builds
Gree Versati IV: A Revolution in Simplified Geothermal-Like Heating
Test Location: Boisbriand – Single-family home with radiant floor heating
Capacity: 42,000 BTU
SEER: 21 / HSPF: 11.5
The new Gree Versati IV, equipped with R-290 refrigerant, offers an alternative to traditional geothermal with a central air-to-water heat pump. Paired with a radiant floor system, it delivered soft, steady warmth without drying out the air.
Installation required a specific hydraulic setup, which our team perfectly optimized in collaboration with a trusted plumbing partner.
✔ Eligible for additional grants for hydronic heating systems
Trane XV18: Power and Quiet Operation Combined
Test Location: Saint-Eustache – Small commercial building
Capacity: 60,000 BTU / SEER: 18.5 / HSPF: 10
Tested in a small commercial space with multiple zones, this Trane heat pump showcased its resilience under long operational hours. Despite its larger size, it remained ultra-quiet, thanks to its premium variable-speed compressor.
The multizone configuration required installing motorized dampers and smart sensors—an area where we deployed our technical know-how with precision.
✔ Perfect fit for commercial projects with high comfort demands
Tosot T-MAX: Well-Calibrated Efficiency at an Accessible Price
Test Location: Saint-Lambert – 1,200 sq. ft. bungalow
Capacity: 30,000 BTU / SEER: 17.5 / HSPF: 9.8
An excellent price-performance ratio for smaller budgets seeking access to a reliable central heat pump. The T-MAX met expectations for comfort while remaining affordable.
A noted advantage: simple interface ideal for senior homeowners, with no mandatory mobile app.
✔ Great entry-level option for small single-family homes
Our Practical Tips for Choosing the Right Central Heat Pump
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Assess your real heating and cooling needs based on surface area, insulation, and home orientation.
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Choose models with inverter compressors for optimal performance in deep winter.
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Check your eligibility for LogisVert grants, which are particularly generous in 2025.
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Always entrust your project to a specialized HVAC installation team, like AirGreen, to ensure peak performance and durability.
Conclusion: Technology Alone Isn’t Enough—Expertise Makes the Difference
While each heat pump we tested offers unique strengths, their true effectiveness depends entirely on installation quality, system calibration, and technical follow-up. That’s why at AirGreen, we don’t just sell machines—we optimize systems tailored to the realities of Québec’s climate, delivering lasting comfort to our clients.