A Concrete House, a Complex HVAC Installation, and Performance That Exceeded Expectations
In Montréal’s Ahuntsic neighborhood, we recently completed a central heat pump installation on a property made entirely of reinforced concrete. This type of structure, particularly rare in residential construction, presents a real technical challenge for any HVAC installer: you can’t drill through certain load-bearing walls, noise travels more easily, and distributing airflow evenly is tough... But at AirGreen, we’ve developed specific expertise for these unique setups. The result: impressive energy performance, optimal comfort, and zero visible damage to the original structure.
Why Is a Concrete House Such a Challenge for an HVAC Installation?
Unlike wood or brick homes, concrete houses offer very little flexibility for running ductwork. Drilling into a concrete wall isn’t just hard—it can compromise the structural integrity, especially when it comes to load-bearing elements.
Concrete is also a strong conductor of sound: a poorly installed system can quickly become a source of noise and vibrations, noticeable throughout the home. Add to that the difficulty of accessing wall cavities for ducts, and the fact that heat dissipation is poor if the outdoor unit is placed in the wrong spot.
Thermal Analysis and the AirGreen Solution
Before suggesting any equipment, our team carried out a complete energy assessment of the house (area: 2,000 sq. ft. over two floors), evaluating heat loss, sun exposure, window and slab insulation.
We recommended installing a Lennox ML17XP1 central heat pump, with a capacity of 3 tons (36,000 BTU), using R-410A refrigerant. This unit is ideal for cold climates, with an HSPF of 9.8, a SEER of 16, and a durable single-speed compressor that maintains excellent comfort even at -20 °C.
A Bold Installation That Respected the Structure
Drilling Through Concrete Slabs
To run ductwork between floors, we worked closely with a structural engineer. Two precise horizontal core drills were done through the slabs, in pre-identified non-load-bearing zones. Each opening was then sealed with fireproof and sound-insulated filler.
Optimized Air Distribution
In this type of house, ceilings are often low, and walls are difficult to access. We chose low-profile rigid oval ducts, hidden behind custom drywall soffits.
Brushed aluminum diffusers were installed in the main rooms to ensure even temperature distribution across both floors, while keeping the interior design clean and cohesive.
Strategic Placement of the Outdoor Unit
Outdoor space was limited to a small, enclosed side yard. We used a vibration-dampening wall bracket, anchored into the concrete slab, and installed a deflector to vent warm air away from nearby windows. The result: no noise disturbances for the occupants or the neighbors.
Results After 60 Days of Use
Two months after activation, the homeowners reported:
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A 31% reduction in electricity usage compared to the previous winter.
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Stable indoor comfort even at -22 °C with no backup heating required.
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Virtually silent indoor operation (indoor unit produces less than 47 dB).
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Even temperature in every room, including previously cold corners.
Testimonial From the Homeowner
“I thought my concrete house made installing a heat pump impossible. But AirGreen delivered a turnkey solution—clean, efficient, and without breaking anything. Even the noise is gone. We’re sleeping better and paying less!”
Concrete Benefits From This Project
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No major structural changes thanks to strategic core drilling.
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Discreet HVAC installation, with ducts hidden inside the architecture.
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High-performance Lennox central heat pump that works even in extreme cold.
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Real, measurable energy savings.
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Personalized support every step of the way, including grant applications.
Grant Eligibility
Even though this unit runs on R-410A, it still qualified for a $1,354 LogisVert grant, thanks to its seasonal performance and the replacement of an old oil heating system.
We handled all administrative steps, from the energy assessment to submitting documents to Hydro-Québec.
Expert Tips for Concrete Homes
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Get a structural scan done before drilling walls or floors.
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Choose a unit designed for rigid structures, with low vibration.
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Plan for soundproofing—concrete homes amplify acoustics.
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Avoid flexible ducts, which are less efficient in this kind of setup.
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Get tailor-made support, like what AirGreen offers.