Choosing a central heat pump: a smart bet for your comfort and savings
At AirGreen, we've helped hundreds of homeowners in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore transition to efficient and energy-saving HVAC systems. One question comes up often during our consultations: is a central heat pump really a good investment, or just an unnecessary expense? Based on our hands-on experience, real figures, and actual customer feedback, we dug deep into the subject to give you clear, practical, and no-nonsense answers.
Why do homeowners hesitate to invest in a central heat pump?
Buying and installing a central heat pump is a significant financial commitment. The total cost can range from $10,000 to over $20,000 depending on the brand, power (BTUs), unit type (multi-zone, dual system, with coil, etc.), and specific building constraints.
But this hesitation often reflects understandable concerns:
-
Will I actually reduce my energy bills?
-
What’s the real-life lifespan of this system?
-
Is it compatible with my type of home or building?
-
Are the available grants truly accessible?
At AirGreen, we approach every project with transparency and real numbers to clearly show how this investment can pay off.
A real example of ROI in Laval: installation of a BOSCH BOVA 36k BTU central heat pump
We recently installed a Bosch BOVA 36,000 BTU central heat pump in a single-family home in Chomedey, Laval. Before our intervention, the client was using an old oil-fired warm air furnace, with monthly heating costs reaching $350 in winter.
Installation steps:
-
Full thermal evaluation of the home (insulation, windows, heating load)
-
Removal of the old oil furnace
-
Installation of the new Bosch BVA modular air handler compatible with R-454B
-
Connection to the existing ductwork (with upgrades to the plenum)
-
Commissioning, smart thermostat calibration, and full system testing
Results:
-
Energy bill cut in half during winter
-
Improved comfort (stable room-by-room temperature, better air filtration)
-
Eligibility for the Hydro-Québec LogisVert program with a $5,000 credit
-
Return on investment expected in 5.5 years
Crunching the numbers: is it really worth it financially?
Let’s take the example of an average 2,000 sq. ft. home in Montreal:
| Current Equipment | Annual Energy Cost | Estimated Central Heat Pump Installation Cost | Available Grant | Annual Savings | Estimated ROI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric baseboards | $2,800 | $16,000 | $5,000 | $1,400 | 7.8 years |
| Propane heating | $3,100 | $18,000 | $5,000 | $1,900 | 6.8 years |
| Oil heating | $3,600 | $20,000 | $5,000 | $2,200 | 6.8 years |
Conclusion: yes, the investment is significant, but the combination of energy savings, available grants, and improved comfort makes the central heat pump a worthwhile investment over the medium term.
What customers love most after installation
We collected feedback from several clients in Longueuil and on the South Shore after one year of use. Here are the most common highlights:
-
Quiet operation of the Bosch Inverter compressor
-
Better air quality thanks to HEPA filtration and centralized humidification
-
Even comfort, even during extreme cold or heat waves
-
Easy maintenance with integrated remote diagnostic modules
Special case: a century-old home in Montreal
In the Plateau Mont-Royal, we installed a Fujitsu central heat pump with compact plenum in a historic home with low ceilings and limited mechanical space. Through custom engineering, we managed to conceal all ductwork without altering the architectural charm, while ensuring optimal comfort over 3 floors.
Technical benefits of the units installed by AirGreen
We recommend models from Fujitsu, Bosch, Lennox, Goodman, and Arcoaire for their compatibility with eco-friendly refrigerants R-32 and R-454B, their high SEER/HSPF efficiency ratings, and their ability to operate even in -30°C conditions.
Here are our top recommended models:
-
Bosch BOVA 36k Inverter: quiet, efficient, eligible for up to $5,000 in grants
-
Fujitsu KZAH 24,000 BTU: ideal for small central systems, very compact
-
Goodman AVPTC + GSZC18: robust solution for large residential buildings
Central or wall-mounted heat pump? What to consider
Some customers hesitate between a wall-mounted heat pump (mini split) and a central heat pump. Here's a comparison chart:
| Criteria | Wall-mounted heat pump | Central heat pump |
|---|---|---|
| Initial cost | Lower | Higher |
| Air distribution | Local (room-by-room) | Uniform throughout the home |
| Aesthetic | Visible | Built-in (discreet) |
| Grants | Up to $2,500 | Up to $5,000 |
| Maintenance | More frequent | More stable over the long term |
At AirGreen, we offer both options and always recommend based on the building’s structure, the client’s budget, and energy goals.
Practical tips to optimize your investment
-
Have your home assessed by a certified energy advisor (required for grants)
-
Schedule annual maintenance for your central heat pump with a full inspection
-
Install a smart thermostat compatible with Inverter defrost cycles
-
Check your insulation in attic and walls to avoid unnecessary heat loss
Why choose AirGreen?
Our team consists of certified technicians specializing in central heat pumps for single-family homes, multiplexes, and small commercial buildings. Our installations are always custom-tailored, taking into account the mechanical, aesthetic, and energy-specific constraints of each project.
We are trusted throughout Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore for our precision, punctuality, personalized after-sales service, and our ability to optimize each installation for maximum comfort.
In summary: yes, a central heat pump is a smart investment
As long as you’re well advised, properly installed, and well maintained, central HVAC systems with heat pumps offer clear returns, unmatched comfort, and genuine added value for your property.
At AirGreen, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. And if you're still unsure, we’d be happy to show you real examples of installations we've completed right near you.