Do you need a different central heat pump for a bungalow vs. a multi-story house?

Adapting the central heat pump to the type of home: a crucial issue for comfort and energy efficiency

At AirGreen , we know that choosing a central heat pump isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. Every home has unique structural features that affect HVAC performance. One of the most important distinctions to consider is between a bungalow (a single-story home) and a two-story home . These two types of homes, common in Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , and on the North and South Shores , require very different technical approaches to central heat pump installation .

Understanding the Structural Differences: Bungalow vs. Two-Story House

A bungalow is characterized by a living space spread entirely over a single level. This type of home is often more compact and presents fewer challenges when it comes to air distribution. In contrast, a multi-story house has significant vertical volumes, often with notable temperature differences between the ground floor and the upper floors. This requires a central heat pump capable of managing these variations in a precise and balanced manner.

Which capacity to choose? The importance of thermal calculation

For each project, our team performs a personalized heat load calculation . This step determines the required BTU capacity based on the surface area, insulation level, ceiling height, number of windows, and solar orientation. For example:

• A 1200 sq ft bungalow might require a 36,000 BTU central heat pump, especially if the insulation is recent.

• A two-story, 2000 sq ft home with multiple bedrooms upstairs will require a 48,000 BTU or higher system, sometimes in a dual-zone configuration.

Air distribution: a major issue in multi-story houses

In a multi-story house, air distribution must be particularly careful to avoid temperature differences between floors. At AirGreen, we often recommend:

• Installation of well-insulated ducts in interior walls or false ceilings.

• The use of smart multi-zone thermostats , allowing precise control by floor.

• In some cases, a hybrid system combining a central heat pump and wall-mounted mini splits in areas that are difficult to cover.

Concrete examples of AirGreen installation

Project in Laval – 1300 sq ft bungalow

We recently installed a Bosch BOVA 36,000 BTU R-454b central heat pump in a 1980s bungalow located in Laval. Thanks to newly redone insulation and energy-efficient windows, we were able to maintain exceptional energy efficiency while ensuring uniform thermal comfort in each room. The system is eligible for the LogisVert grant , which saved the client $2,240 .

Project in Longueuil – 2100 sq ft two-story house

In a two-story house located in Longueuil, we opted for a FUJITSU AIRSTAGE KZAH series 48,000 BTU R-32 central heat pump , with multi-zone control. The biggest challenge: maintaining a consistent temperature between the living room on the ground floor (full sun) and the bedrooms located on the north floor. We designed an optimized duct network , and installed an electronic zoning system that automatically adjusts the airflow. The result: perfect comfort , summer and winter, with a 37% reduction in energy costs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When choosing a central heat pump without considering the type of house, certain mistakes can affect the overall performance:

• Oversized or undersized capacity : in both cases, the system will be inefficient and energy-intensive.

• Incorrectly sized or poorly insulated ducts : common in multi-story houses, they cause poor heat distribution.

• Lack of zoning : In multi-story homes, this can lead to differences of 3 to 5 degrees between floors.

Practical advice for choosing the right central heat pump

1. Call a certified professional like AirGreen for an on-site thermal diagnosis .

2. Choose reliable brands: we install high-performance models from Fujitsu, Bosch, Goodman, Gree , all compatible with Hydro-Québec subsidies .

3. Consider regular maintenance of your HVAC system, especially in multi-story homes where filters load faster.

4. Request a system with intelligent control to manage temperatures by zone or floor.

Grants and incentives available

Many customers are unaware that they can get up to $5,000 in grants for the installation of a central heat pump. Here are the main programs available to homeowners in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore :

• Hydro-Québec LogisVert Grant

• Renoclimat Program

• Heat Green

Our team provides free support to maximize your eligibility for these programs, helping you choose a model that meets the requirements and build your file.

Why choose AirGreen for your central heat pump installation?

• Customized thermal analysis for each type of house

• Professional installation and full warranty

• Mastery of the technical challenges specific to bungalows and multi-story houses

• Experience with all types of housing in Montreal and surrounding areas

• Personalized support for grants

We understand that every home is unique. Whether you live in a bungalow in Laval or a large, multi-story home on the South Shore, we tailor our approach to provide you with an HVAC system perfectly calibrated to your comfort, energy needs, and budget .

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Excerpt (275 characters max):
A central heat pump for a bungalow doesn't have to be the same as one for a multi-story house. At AirGreen, we adapt each installation to the structure, to ensure optimal comfort in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore.

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Central heat pump for bungalows or multi-story homes: AirGreen adapts each HVAC system to the type of home. Comfort, savings, and subsidies are available in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore.

Do you need a different central heat pump for a bungalow vs. a two-storey house?

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Adapting the central heat pump to the type of home: a critical factor for comfort and energy efficiency

At AirGreen, we know that choosing a central heat pump can't be a one-size-fits-all approach. Every home has structural specifics that directly impact the performance of the HVAC system. One of the most important distinctions to consider is between a bungalow (single-storey home) and a two-storey house . These two common home types in Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , as well as on the North Shore and South Shore , require very different technical approaches when it comes to central heat pump installation .

Understanding structural differences: bungalow vs. two-storey house

A bungalow is defined by a living space spread entirely across one level. These homes are often more compact and pose fewer challenges when it comes to air distribution. On the other hand, a two-storey house features significant vertical volume, often with noticeable temperature differences between the main floor and upper levels. This calls for a central heat pump that can manage these fluctuations accurately and evenly.

What capacity should you choose? The importance of thermal load calculation

For every project, our team performs a personalized thermal load calculation . This critical step helps determine the necessary BTU capacity based on square footage, insulation levels, ceiling height, number of windows, and sun exposure. For example:

• A bungalow of 1,200 sq. ft. may require a 36,000 BTU central heat pump , especially if insulation is up to date.

• A two-storey house of 2,000 sq. ft. , with multiple bedrooms upstairs, will need a 48,000 BTU system or more, sometimes in a dual-zone configuration.

Air distribution: a major concern in two-storey homes

In a two-storey house, air distribution must be especially well designed to avoid temperature differences between floors. At AirGreen, we often recommend:

• Installing well-insulated ductwork inside walls or drop ceilings.

• Using smart multi-zone thermostats for precise control by floor.

• In some cases, opting for a hybrid system that combines a central heat pump with wall-mounted mini splits in areas that are harder to reach.

Real-world AirGreen installation examples

Laval Project – 1,300 sq.m. ft. bungalow

We recently installed a Bosch BOVA 36,000 BTU R-454b central heat pump in a 1980s bungalow located in Laval. Thanks to updated insulation and energy-efficient windows, we were able to maintain outstanding energy efficiency while ensuring consistent thermal comfort in every room. The system is eligible for the LogisVert rebate , allowing the client to save $2,240 .

Longueuil Project – 2,100 sq.m. ft. two-storey house

In a two-storey house in Longueuil, we selected a FUJITSU AIRSTAGE KZAH Series 48,000 BTU R-32 central heat pump with multi-zone control . The biggest challenge was maintaining a uniform temperature between the sunny ground floor living room and the north-facing upstairs bedrooms. We designed an optimized ductwork system , and installed a zoned electronic control system that automatically adjusts airflow. The result: perfect comfort , year-round, with a 37% reduction in energy costs .

Common mistakes to avoid

Choosing a central heat pump without factoring in the home's structure can seriously affect system performance. Mistakes we often see include:

• Over- or under-sized capacity : either case leads to inefficiency and higher energy use.

• Undersized or poorly insulated ductwork : especially common in two-storey homes, it results in uneven heating and cooling.

• No zoning : in multi-level homes, this can lead to 3- to 5-degree temperature differences between floors.

Practical tips for choosing the right central heat pump

1. Work with a certified professional like AirGreen for an on-site thermal assessment .

2. Choose reliable brands : we install high-performing models from Fujitsu, Bosch, Goodman, Gree , all eligible for Hydro-Québec rebates .

3. Don't forget regular HVAC maintenance , especially in multi-storey homes where filters clog more quickly.

4. Ask for a system with smart controls to manage temperatures by zone or by floor.

Available rebates and incentives

Many homeowners aren't aware they could receive up to $5,000 in rebates for installing a central heat pump. The main programs available to residents of Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore include:

• Hydro-Québec's LogisVert rebate

• Renoclimat program

• Heat Green

Our team provides full support to maximize your eligibility , helping you choose a qualifying model and preparing your rebate application.

Why choose AirGreen for your central heat pump installation?

• Custom thermal assessments for every home type

• Professional installation with full warranty

• Expertise in addressing technical challenges in both bungalows and two-storey homes

• Experience with all housing types across Greater Montreal

• Personalized support for rebate programs

We understand that every home is different. Whether you live in a Laval bungalow or a large South Shore two-storey house, we tailor our approach to deliver an HVAC system perfectly calibrated for your comfort, energy needs, and budget .