Field expertise changes everything: what we know, you should know too
In the world of residential and commercial HVAC in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore and the South Shore, the choices for central heat pumps are vast. Yet despite the abundance of models, brands, and glossy brochures, the most important information often doesn’t make it to the client. As field experts, at AirGreen, we’ve seen firsthand what sales reps deliberately—or unknowingly—leave out. These omissions, though seemingly small, can have a major impact on your comfort, durability, and energy performance.
In this article, we’re revealing five essential truths, straight from the job site, that only trustworthy HVAC installers will tell you. Far from marketing talk, these truths are meant to inform your decisions, maximize your investment, and help you avoid costly mistakes.
1. Not all ductwork is created equal – and it can ruin your performance
The first secret most reps won’t admit: your existing ductwork is rarely compatible with a new central heat pump. Too often, we arrive on-site and find a top-performing Trane, Goodman, or Bosch heat pump hooked up to an old duct system that’s poorly sized, badly insulated, or partially blocked.
Poorly designed or outdated ductwork leads to:
-
Major air losses (up to 30% of your system’s performance)
-
Uneven temperatures throughout the home
-
Higher energy bills and premature wear on the compressor
At AirGreen, we always start by conducting a complete inspection of the duct system: sizing, airflow, sealing. If adjustments are needed, we recommend and perform them before installing anything.
2. Poor placement of the unit can double the noise
Installing the outdoor unit “securely and aesthetically” isn’t enough. The placement of your central heat pump, both indoors and outdoors, directly impacts noise levels, comfort, and efficiency.
A client in Boisbriand had a Bosch BOVA 36,000 BTU installed just 50 cm from a hard wall. The result: noise echoing, discomfort, and complaints from the neighbours. Once we intervened, we repositioned the unit with proper clearance, added an anti-vibration base, and reduced the noise by 60%, as measured in decibels.
We never leave unit placement to chance. Sun exposure, soil type, proximity to bedrooms, the structure of the building—everything matters.
3. Some premium models don’t qualify for grants
Most sales reps will push top-of-the-line central heat pumps—and often for good reason. But what they fail to mention is that many models aren’t eligible for government rebates or Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert program.
For example:
-
The Bosch BOVA 2.0 with R-410A refrigerant is no longer eligible for grants as of 2024
-
Systems without NEEP or ENERGY STAR certification are automatically disqualified, no matter how good they seem
At AirGreen, we factor in grant eligibility right from the quote, taking into account the model, BTU rating, SEER/HSPF, and most importantly, the latest program criteria for Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and South Shore. This can represent over $5,000 in savings for certain projects.
4. Installing a heat pump without doing a load calculation is a gamble
Too many installations are based on guesswork: number of rooms, square footage, or a simple "like-for-like" replacement. That’s just not good enough.
We were called in to fix an issue in Saint-Hubert where a client was unhappy with their Arcoaire 36,000 BTU central heat pump installed two years earlier. The diagnosis: the unit was oversized, leading to short cycles, discomfort, and excess humidity. And guess what? No load calculation had ever been done.
At AirGreen, every project begins with a detailed heat load calculation based on CSA-F280 standards, including:
-
Insulation levels
-
Sun exposure and orientation
-
Windows and glazing
-
Number of occupants and internal appliances
This guarantees optimal sizing, better performance, and consistent comfort year-round.
5. HVAC maintenance is often overlooked… starting from day one
Finally, few reps will tell you that HVAC maintenance begins the very day of the installation. If the filters aren’t easy to access, if the unit isn’t installed with the proper drainage slope, or if no maintenance contract is offered, your system will likely underperform or wear out faster.
At AirGreen, every installation is designed with long-term performance in mind:
-
Easy access to filters and evaporator
-
Simple cleaning and draining
-
Personalized annual maintenance plans
We also provide proactive follow-ups: maintenance reminders, seasonal adjustments, and a responsive customer service when needed.
Customer Story: The right guidance makes all the difference
Mrs. Leclerc, a duplex owner in Laval, was torn between two systems. One sales rep was pushing a high-performance model that wasn’t eligible for rebates. After our visit, we proposed a Fujitsu R-32 36,000 BTU central heat pump, fully eligible for LogisVert, with a complete ductwork optimization. The outcome: unmatched comfort, a 28% drop in energy bills, and over $4,800 in grants.
Why trust AirGreen with your central heat pump project
Our technical teams work every week in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore, with a level of precision and dedication that’s earned us our reputation. We’re not just selling a product—we design a fully tailored HVAC system for your building, your needs, and your budget.
We believe that transparency, technical accuracy, and listening are the pillars of a successful HVAC project. Each job is a chance to showcase our expertise, correct industry mistakes, and deliver measurable, long-lasting performance for our clients.