Debunking the Most Common Central Heat Pump Myths: What You Really Need to Know
Central heat pumps now play a key role in homes and commercial buildings across Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore. Despite their efficiency, year-round performance, and the generous grants available for them, these systems are still misunderstood. Some misconceptions continue to spread, keeping many homeowners from fully benefiting from this technology. At AirGreen, we come across these false beliefs every day during our HVAC installations or service calls. In this article, we're clearing the air on the 7 biggest myths about central heat pumps – and number three just might surprise you.
Myth 1: A central heat pump doesn't work well in winter
This is probably the most widespread myth in Quebec. Many people think a central heat pump stops being effective as soon as temperatures drop below zero. The reality couldn't be further from the truth.
The newer models we install at AirGreen, like the Fujitsu Airstage, the Gree Flexx, or the Bosch BOVA IDS Premium, operate efficiently down to -30°C. These units use Inverter compressors and high-performance refrigerants (like R-32 or R-454B), built for our harsh winters. For example, during an installation in Blainville, we replaced an old oil heating system with a 60,000 BTU Gree central heat pump, and the customer confirmed stable performance even at -28°C.
Myth 2: Installing a central heat pump is too expensive
It’s true that a central HVAC system is a larger upfront investment than a wall-mounted unit. However, the energy savings it brings can pay for the system in just a few years.
Plus, there are many grants available for residents of Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, and surrounding areas. The Hydro-Québec LogisVert Program, Rénoclimat, and incentives from Transition Énergétique Québec offer up to $5,000 back for a high-efficiency central heat pump.
At AirGreen, we handle all the grant paperwork for our clients – a service we recently provided to a family in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, who received a $4,200 refund after we installed a 48,000 BTU Goodman central system.
Myth 3: A central heat pump is noisy
False, and completely outdated! Modern systems are designed to be ultra-quiet, both indoors and outdoors. A great example: the Bosch IDS Premium, which we installed in a duplex in Outremont, runs at just 56 dB at full capacity. The outdoor unit, installed in an inner courtyard, wasn’t even noticed by the neighbors.
For comparison, a regular dishwasher runs at around 60 dB. The clients were so surprised, they actually asked if the unit was even running... That says it all!
Myth 4: A central heat pump can’t heat a large home
This myth still lingers, especially in North Shore suburbs, where homes are often quite spacious. The truth is, today’s systems go up to 5 tons (60,000 BTU) and can easily heat and cool houses over 3,000 sq. ft.
At AirGreen, we recently completed a complex project in Terrebonne in a multi-generational home. Thanks to a central Fujitsu KZAH system with zoned ductwork, we provided even temperature distribution floor by floor, with individual controls in each zone.
Myth 5: A central heat pump is hard to maintain
Maintenance is actually very simple and infrequent. Cleaning the filters every three months and doing a yearly inspection is enough to keep the system running smoothly for over 15 years.
Our HVAC maintenance teams are trained to act quickly and efficiently. In Brossard, for instance, we service about a dozen central heat pumps through a preventive maintenance plan, which extends the life of the equipment and prevents costly breakdowns.
Myth 6: All heat pumps are the same
This is a common misconception. There’s a huge difference in brands, models, and configurations. A central heat pump that is properly sized and matched to the building’s thermal envelope makes all the difference.
We’ve seen cases where a poorly chosen system had short cycling (frequent on/off), causing premature wear and excessive energy use. That’s why we always perform a full thermal analysis before any installation.
Myth 7: An electric furnace is more reliable than a central heat pump
Modern central heat pumps are just as reliable as electric furnaces – with the major bonus of also providing cooling in the summer. Plus, many hybrid systems, like the Goodman Dual Fuel central unit, allow you to combine a heat pump with a furnace, optimizing comfort and savings depending on weather conditions.
We recently installed this type of setup in a triplex in Longueuil, where the client wanted to keep their existing electric furnace as backup. The result: their energy bills were cut in half in the very first winter.
The AirGreen difference: expertise, support, and performance
What sets AirGreen apart is our tailored approach and our commitment to making HVAC systems easy to understand for our clients. Whether you're in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore or the South Shore, we guide you through every step:
-
Free thermal analysis
-
Custom proposal (brand, BTU, zoning)
-
Clear, detailed quote
-
Grant management
-
Professional installation
-
Maintenance and after-sales service
With our hands-on field experience, we turn myths into real results, just like we’ve done for hundreds of families and businesses who’ve already trusted us.
The right questions to ask before choosing a central heat pump
What’s the size of your home?
The system size must match your space precisely – not too small (which would overwork the unit), and not too big (which would waste energy).
How well is your home insulated?
A well-insulated house needs less power, which directly affects the choice of heat pump.
Do you want zoning by floor or by room?
Zoning is a highly popular solution today, and it's something we at AirGreen handle with precision. It allows for optimal temperature control, perfect for large families or multi-level homes.
In summary: don’t fall for the myths
Central heat pumps are now among the best heating and cooling solutions for Quebec’s climate. Thanks to cutting-edge technology, professional installation, and generous grants, they’re becoming both accessible and highly cost-effective.
At AirGreen, we’re here to help you make the right choices, avoid common pitfalls, and benefit from a system that will serve you well for years to come.