A Unique HVAC Installation in a Longueuil Home with a Radiant Floor System
At AirGreen, we’re often called upon for projects that are a bit out of the ordinary. This was the case with an installation we carried out in a single-family home in Longueuil, where the client posed a very specific challenge: install a central heat pump, but without using a traditional air handler. The goal? Replace an old electric boiler while maintaining the quiet comfort of a radiant floor heating system.
An Uncommon Case, But Not Impossible: Context and Client Goals
The homeowner, Mr. Bouchard, wanted to modernize his outdated, energy-hungry heating system. His water-based radiant floor, powered by an aging electric boiler, was beginning to show signs of wear. He wanted an eco-friendly solution, eligible for subsidies, but refused the idea of forced air ventilation, which he found noisy and invasive.
At first glance, installing a central heat pump seemed out of the question, but after a thorough technical analysis, we proposed a custom configuration using a hydronic module compatible with low-temperature emitters.
The Selected Equipment: A Central Heat Pump Compatible with Hydronic Systems
To meet the client's needs, we recommended the BOSCH BOVA36HDN1-M20G central heat pump, paired with the Bosch HCM100 air-water module. This module allows the energy harvested by the heat pump to be converted into hydronic heat, compatible with existing radiant floor systems.
Technical Details of the Installed Equipment:
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Brand: Bosch
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Heat pump model: BOVA36HDN1-M20G
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Hydronic module model: Bosch HCM100
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Type: Inverter central heat pump (variable speed)
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Capacity: 36,000 BTU
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Refrigerant: R-454B (low GWP)
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Efficiency: Up to 18 SEER / 9.5 HSPF
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Eligibility: LogisVert rebates and federal GHG reduction program
Installation Process: Innovation While Respecting Constraints
The installation required precise technical coordination, as we had to interface the heat pump with the existing hydronic radiant floor system, while ensuring silent operation, without forced air ventilation.
Key Steps:
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Removal of the old electric boiler
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Integration of the air-water module into the existing mechanical room
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Connection to existing hydronic circuits with zone control
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Installation of smart thermostats in each zone
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Calibration of water flow and temperature settings
Result: A House Heated by Water… Thanks to a Heat Pump
A few days after the installation, Mr. Bouchard confirmed that his thermal comfort was fully preserved, with absolute silence during operation. No change in behavior was required, no perceptible noise, and an electricity consumption reduction of 40% compared to the previous winter.
Client Testimonial:
“I didn’t want ventilation. I didn’t want noise. And yet, I wanted a heat pump… AirGreen showed me it was possible.”
What You Need to Know If You Have a Radiant System
Contrary to popular belief, central heat pumps can perfectly adapt to homes without forced air, provided an air-water module is used. This solution, though less known, is highly effective and eligible for subsidies.
Benefits of a Central HVAC System Without Forced Air
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Complete silence: no air blowing, no fan noise
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Uniform comfort: ideal for homes with radiant floor systems
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Energy savings: up to 40% reduction in costs
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Preserved aesthetics: no ducts or air vents
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Compatible with existing rebate programs
What Our Expertise Made Possible in Longueuil
Thanks to our expertise in specialized HVAC installations, we were able to offer a custom solution, innovative and seamlessly integrated into the client's lifestyle. This type of project requires deep knowledge of HVAC technologies, hydronic systems, and rebate parameters.
At AirGreen, we tailor our installations to meet your needs, whether it’s a traditional ducted central system, a multi-zone wall-mounted setup, or, as here, a radiant floor modernized with a heat pump.