A strategic central heat pump installation in a residential triplex in Montréal
At AirGreen, every central heat pump installation project is an opportunity to demonstrate our expertise in sustainable HVAC solutions tailored to Quebec’s unique conditions. In this article, we take a deep dive into a real case study: the full installation of a Goodman R-32 central heat pump in a residential triplex located in the heart of Montréal. This project highlights both our technical precision, our ability to anticipate the specific challenges of multi-unit buildings, and our ongoing commitment to providing long-term optimal comfort.
Understanding the context: the specificities of a Montréal triplex
Multi-unit buildings like triplexes are common throughout Montréal, especially in central neighborhoods like Rosemont, Villeray, or the Plateau. These older buildings often come with specific constraints:
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Limited access for heavy equipment
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Uneven heat distribution across floors
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Variable insulation between units
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Need to minimize noise and vibrations
For this project, the owner was looking for a centralized, quiet, and efficient solution compatible with all three units of the triplex, while maintaining moderate energy consumption. The decision was made to go with a Goodman central heat pump using R-32 refrigerant, a more environmentally friendly gas that performs well even in low temperatures.
Why choose the Goodman R-32 central heat pump?
The model installed, a high-efficiency Goodman system, was particularly suited for the following reasons:
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36,000 BTU capacity: sufficient to serve all three floors with well-distributed ductwork
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Inverter technology: allows continuous modulation to avoid temperature swings
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R-32 refrigerant: less polluting than R-410A, and improves the thermal efficiency of the unit
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Eligible for Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert grant, providing the owner with a $5,000 financial incentive
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10-year manufacturer warranty on parts and compressor
Details of the HVAC installation in the triplex
The installation took place over three days and involved a team of four specialized technicians. Here’s a breakdown of the main phases of the project:
Preliminary technical assessment
Before any work began, our team carried out:
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A detailed thermal analysis of all three apartments
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A full inspection of the existing ductwork (some sections needed replacement)
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Verification of available space for the indoor unit in the basement mechanical room
Installation of system components
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Indoor unit (air handler) installed in the basement in a dedicated room, with reinforced soundproofing
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Outdoor unit mounted on an elevated concrete pad, at the rear of the building to reduce vibration
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New rigid ductwork installed for the two upper floors, with customized adjustments
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Added quiet ventilation grilles to optimize acoustic comfort
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Connected to a smart Ecobee thermostat, allowing centralized control by tenants
Challenges encountered and solutions provided
As is often the case with older buildings, we faced several specific constraints:
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Low basement ceiling height: we selected a compact air handler model with an adjusted support structure
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Difficult access to the rear yard for the outdoor unit: we used a light crane for precise positioning, minimizing the risk of damage to the yard
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Worn ductwork in some areas: complete replacement with improved thermal insulation
Tangible results for the owner and tenants
Following this central HVAC installation, the owner observed several immediate benefits:
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A reduction of nearly 40% in annual energy consumption, compared to the previous electric heating system
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A notable increase in thermal comfort, especially with automated heating and cooling management by schedule
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Highly positive feedback from tenants, who appreciated the consistent temperature and low noise level
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Increased property value, now equipped with a modern, eco-friendly HVAC system – a sought-after feature in the Montréal rental market
Grants and financial advantages
One of the most strategic aspects of this project was optimizing access to available grants in Quebec, including:
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The Hydro-Québec LogisVert program: $5,000 in direct financial aid
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The RénoClimat program, thanks to the high performance rating of the installed heat pump
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Tax deductions applicable to renovation expenses for rental buildings
We supported the client throughout the grant application process, ensuring a maximized return on investment from the very first year.
AirGreen’s expertise: a key factor in success
This project perfectly reflects the approach we take at AirGreen:
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Personalized needs assessment, taking into account building structure and occupant lifestyles
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Careful selection of equipment tailored to the climate of Montréal and surrounding areas (Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, South Shore)
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Experienced technical team, ready to meet the challenges of older buildings
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Full transparency throughout the process, from the initial quote to post-installation support
We now have a growing list of rental property owners who entrust us with the complete modernization of their heating and cooling systems, convinced by our reliability, attention to detail, and the consistent quality of our HVAC services.
Practical tips for installing a central heat pump in a triplex
For triplex or multiplex property owners in Montréal or the surrounding suburbs, here are a few key recommendations:
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Always conduct a full thermal analysis to properly size the heat pump
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Don’t overlook ventilation: good air distribution is just as important as system capacity
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Look into available grants before starting work – they can cover a significant portion of the investment
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Work with HVAC specialists like AirGreen, familiar with the unique challenges of residential multi-unit buildings