A growing concern on Québec’s central heat pump market
At AirGreen, we’ve noticed a growing trend during our consultations in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, as well as across the North and South Shores: many customers are investing in central heat pumps that fail to meet their actual energy needs or performance expectations. This overvaluation of certain products—often the result of aggressive marketing or a lack of understanding of current technologies—can be costly, not only in dollars but also in terms of comfort.
Why are some central heat pumps overrated?
There are several reasons behind the inflated perception of value for certain central heat pumps:
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Mass-market advertising, focusing on secondary features instead of actual performance.
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Improper BTU-to-square footage matching, leading to under- or over-sizing.
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Brand loyalty based on past reliability, while the latest models no longer meet that standard.
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Low real-world energy efficiency despite exaggerated label claims.
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Poor after-sales support or hard-to-find parts in Québec.
Real-world examples of overrated central heat pumps
We’ve encountered several real-world examples through our daily work:
1. Generic imported central heat pumps
Some lesser-known brands—often sold online or via alternative channels—offer units that look very appealing on paper: high capacity, Inverter technology, Wi-Fi connectivity, and more. But once installed, these units show serious performance issues, poor durability, and parts that are virtually impossible to source locally. In Montréal, we recently had to replace one such unit installed in a triplex after just three years of use.
2. Overconfidence in certain popular American brands
Some U.S. brands enjoy a strong reputation, but they’re not always suited to Québec’s harsh winter climate. Units sold as “four-season” systems often fail during extreme cold snaps. On the North Shore, we had to respond to an emergency service call where a “premium” heat pump lacked a compressor rated for -25°C, causing it to break down in the middle of February.
3. Two-stage central heat pumps misunderstood
Marketing around two-stage models suggests these units deliver major energy savings. In reality, in many older or poorly insulated homes in Montréal and Longueuil, this feature is never used effectively. The high-power stage kicks in constantly, eliminating the expected efficiency gains.
4. The illusion of “high SEER” ratings
While the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is an important metric, it doesn't guarantee good performance in winter. Some units boast SEER ratings of 18 or more, but their HSPF (heating performance rating) is far below average, making them ineffective in Québec’s cold season. We encountered this in Longueuil, where a supposedly “ultra-efficient” unit had a COP of 1.9 at -15°C, while high-end models can reach 2.5 or more.
Key criteria to properly assess a central heat pump
To avoid buying an overrated product, we recommend always reviewing these factors:
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BTU capacity for both heating and cooling based on your home’s layout.
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Cold climate performance (ideally rated for operation down to -25°C).
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HSPF above 10 and SEER above 16.
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Modern refrigerant (R-32 or R-454B) for better efficiency and a lower environmental footprint.
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Parts availability in Québec and accessible technical support.
Examples of smarter choices installed by AirGreen
We’ve recently replaced several overrated systems with models that offer a far better value:
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In Laval, we installed a Bosch BOVA 36,000 BTU central heat pump using R-454B refrigerant, with a SEER of 18.5 and HSPF of 10.5, eligible for a LogisVert subsidy exceeding $5,000.
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In Sainte-Julie, a family replaced an oversized unit with a Goodman 24,000 BTU central heat pump, perfectly matched to their home’s square footage, reducing energy consumption by 35% in the very first month.
AirGreen’s advice to avoid costly mistakes
Here are a few practical tips based on our real-world experience:
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Always have your home evaluated by a certified HVAC expert before buying.
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Be cautious with deals that seem too good to be true: the upfront savings may lead to major repair or replacement costs down the road.
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Get informed about available subsidies (LogisVert, ÉcoPerformance, etc.), which often exclude non-certified units.
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Choose brands proven to withstand Québec winters, such as Fujitsu, Bosch, Goodman, or Lennox.
Conclusion: avoiding overrated central heat pumps is possible
At AirGreen, we’re committed to guiding our clients with complete transparency when choosing and installing central heat pumps truly suited to their homes or commercial buildings. Our goal isn’t to push a “top brand” at all costs, but rather to recommend a durable, energy-efficient, and high-performance solution.
Our experts offer free assessments, online or at home, including a full evaluation of your capacity needs, compatible subsidy options, and guaranteed professional installation across Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore.