Thermopompe centrale : 7 conseils d’experts pour un rendement optimal toute l’année
Reading time: 5'

Central Heat Pump: 7 Expert Tips for Optimal Year-Round Performance

Improve your comfort and energy savings with a well-maintained central heat pump

At AirGreen, we know that the performance of a central heat pump doesn’t rely solely on the quality of the equipment. Even the best models like Fujitsu, Bosch, Goodman, or Trane, if poorly maintained or improperly used, will see their efficiency decline over time. To ensure optimal year-round performance, it’s essential to adopt the right habits—whether you're in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore, or the South Shore.

In this article, we’re sharing 7 professional tips, drawn from our hands-on experience, to help you maximize the durability, performance, and reliability of your central heat pump system.

1. Schedule HVAC maintenance twice a year

Regular professional maintenance is the most cost-effective way to preserve your system’s performance. At AirGreen, we recommend a full inspection in the spring (before cooling season) and another in the fall (before heating season). These visits include:

  • Cleaning of the evaporator and condenser coils

  • Refrigerant level check

  • Pressure, temperature, and airflow inspection

  • Electrical connections and compressor checks

  • Thermostat programming and testing

Preventive HVAC maintenance helps detect minor issues before they turn into expensive repairs.

2. Replace or clean filters monthly or every other month

Clogged filters restrict airflow, reduce system efficiency, increase energy consumption, and can damage internal components. In urban areas like Montreal, where dust and pollution are common, monthly replacement is often necessary.

We recommend:

  • HEPA filters for homes with pets or allergy sufferers

  • Reusable filters for commercial properties or large residences

  • A monthly visual check to detect visible dirt buildup

3. Ensure smooth airflow indoors and outdoors

A central heat pump only works efficiently if air flows freely. Indoors:

  • Don’t block vents with furniture or curtains

  • Regularly clean ventilation grilles

Outdoors:

  • Clear the compressor unit (outdoor unit) of any obstructions (branches, snow, leaves)

  • Leave at least 60 cm (2 ft) of clearance around the unit for proper ventilation

4. Monitor unusual noises and temperature fluctuations

A well-calibrated heat pump system runs quietly and evenly. If you hear rattling, vibration, or notice uneven room temperatures, call us. These could be signs of:

  • A refrigerant leak

  • An unbalanced fan

  • A miscalibrated thermostat

  • A faulty blower motor

5. Optimize your thermostat settings by season

A programmable or smart thermostat is a valuable tool to reduce your bills and extend your system’s life. Here are our recommendations:

  • Summer: 24–25°C (75–77°F) during the day, 22°C (72°F) at night

  • Winter: 20–21°C (68–70°F) during the day, 18–19°C (64–66°F) at night

  • Set lower temperatures when away for extended periods

Our team also installs Wi-Fi smart thermostats, compatible with top brands like Bosch BOVA, Goodman GSZC, Fujitsu Airstage, etc., for remote control access.

6. Adjust usage by season in Quebec

Quebec’s climate, with its extreme temperature shifts, requires seasonal adjustments:

  • In winter, avoid pushing the heat pump to run below -20°C (-4°F): consider a backup heating system.

  • In summer, use curtains to reduce solar gain and ease the cooling load.

  • Never turn the system off completely: maintain a constant base temperature.

In Montreal, Laval, and on the South Shore, we’ve seen savings of 20–30% simply by managing seasonal temperature settings more effectively.

7. Choose the right central heat pump model for your home

An improperly sized system (too large or too small) will short-cycle, wear out prematurely, and consume more energy. Our experts always evaluate:

  • Living space size

  • Building insulation

  • Number of occupants

  • Home orientation

  • Number of floors

Recent installations we've completed include:

  • A Bosch BOVA 36,000 BTU central heat pump in Laval, ideal for a 2,000 sq. ft. two-storey home

  • A Goodman GSZ16 in Montreal-North, perfect for a duplex with heated floors

  • A Fujitsu KZAH R-32 series on the North Shore, selected for its high winter heating efficiency

Why trust AirGreen?

Our team completes hundreds of HVAC installations annually across Greater Montreal. Our certified technicians guarantee:

  • Local expertise tailored to Quebec’s climate

  • Maximized government grants, thanks to our support with programs like LogisVert and CHAUFFEZ VERT

  • Customized solutions for every type of residence or commercial building

We don’t just sell heat pumps—we support every customer from the initial consultation to after-sales service, with transparency, efficiency, and care.


Extra tips from the field

  • Contact a professional before any major renovation that affects your building’s thermal envelope (window additions, extensions, etc.)

  • Install a zoning system to control comfort across different areas of the home

  • Check whether your system supports the latest R-32 or R-454B refrigerants, which are more efficient and eco-friendly


In summary

A central heat pump, when well maintained and used properly, guarantees exceptional year-round comfort, along with significant energy savings. With these 7 practical tips, you’ll get the most out of your system while protecting your long-term investment.

At AirGreen, we put our expertise to work for your comfort in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore. Don’t hesitate to contact us for maintenance, a diagnosis, or an installation project.