Cold basement? Here’s how a properly calibrated central heat pump can make all the difference

Basement comfort can be a real challenge—especially during winter in areas like Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore. Many homeowners notice that even with a central HVAC system, their basement remains uncomfortably cold, making the space harder to use year-round. At AirGreen, we’ve been called in many times to solve this exact problem—and our answer is clear: a properly calibrated central heat pump, installed according to the specific needs of the home, can completely transform comfort and energy efficiency.

Why are basements so difficult to heat properly?

Basements come with unique characteristics that make temperature control tricky. Since they’re partially or fully below ground level, they benefit from some natural insulation, but also bring several challenges:

• Cold air infiltration through foundation cracks or poorly sealed windows

• Constant humidity, which creates a cold feeling even when the temperature is technically adequate

• Poorly designed or imbalanced HVAC systems, often optimized for the upper floors

These issues not only overload the main HVAC system but also drive up energy costs, all while leaving a full section of your home underused.

The AirGreen solution: a central heat pump sized and installed with precision

We were recently contacted by a client in Laval whose newly renovated basement—designed as a family movie room—remained uncomfortably cold despite a relatively recent central system. After a full assessment of the situation, we recommended and installed a 36,000 BTU Arcoaire central heat pump, with a SEER2 rating of 17.2 and an HSPF2 of 8.5, perfectly suited for the home’s layout.

Key steps in our intervention:

1. Precise thermal evaluation of the home, with a focus on the basement

2. Rebalancing of air ducts for better airflow distribution

3. Installation of a connected smart thermostat, for finer zone control

4. Addition of a dedicated vent in the problem area, with a motorized damper and sensor control

The result: optimal comfort within hours of activation, with stable temperatures and improved humidity control, turning the basement into a true living space.

Why is proper calibration so critical?

A central heat pump isn’t just about power—it must be precisely sized. An oversized unit causes short cycles, premature wear, and uneven heating. An undersized unit simply can’t reach the desired temperature in winter, especially in areas like the basement.

At AirGreen, we use thermal simulation tools and heat load calculations compliant with CSA-F280 standards to choose the right central heat pump, whether it’s from Fujitsu, Gree, Bosch, Lennox, or Goodman.

Real-world examples: what we’ve seen in the field

• Montréal, Rosemont area: A duplex converted into a cottage had major heat loss on the lower floor. We installed a Bosch BOVA36 central heat pump with the IDS Premium 2.0 unit and added secondary ductwork for the basement. Result: a 35% drop in energy bills and year-round comfort.

• Longueuil, Saint-Hubert sector: A semi-detached home with a partially finished basement. We installed a 3-ton Goodman R-32 central heat pump, along with a high-flow wall vent in the basement. Result: stable temperature, regulated humidity, and eligibility for a $3,065 LogisVert grant.

Why choose AirGreen?

We don’t just sell and install systems—we optimize the overall comfort of your home with customized solutions based on real-world building analysis. We:

• Factor in architectural specifics (low ceilings, window areas, insulation)

• Finely calibrate airflow and zone balancing

• Use proven brands, selected based on your usage needs and energy goals

• Handle all paperwork related to government grants, available throughout Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore

Best practices for optimizing your basement’s thermal comfort

1. Seal windows and cracks properly

Unsealed air leaks drastically reduce the efficiency of even a well-installed heat pump.

2. Insulate foundation walls

A basement insulated from the inside or outside will retain heat much more effectively.

3. Use a zoned thermostat system

This allows you to treat the basement as a separate zone, adjusting temperatures independently from upper floors.

4. Schedule HVAC inspections every 12 to 18 months

Routine maintenance can detect imbalances or airflow issues that affect comfort.

Available grants: what you may be eligible for

Did you know many of our clients benefit from grants of up to $5,000 through provincial and federal programs?

• Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert program

• Federal Greener Homes grants (pending)

• Municipal energy transition tax credits

We take care of all the administrative procedures, helping reduce the real cost of your central heat pump project.

Conclusion: A cold basement is not a life sentence

By choosing AirGreen, you’re investing in cutting-edge technical expertise, a personalized approach, and full-service support. A properly calibrated and intelligently installed central heat pump can completely transform your basement, adding usable space and boosting your property value.

Make your basement a year-round living space. Contact us today for a free evaluation.