Everything You Need to Know About Central Heat Pumps: Expert Answers to the 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions
Central heat pumps are becoming increasingly popular across Québec, especially in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and South Shore, where the climate demands high-performance heating and cooling solutions. At AirGreen, we receive questions every day from homeowners, property managers, and business owners who want to understand how central systems work, what their benefits are, and how they compare to other options. In this article, we answer the 10 most frequently asked questions, with clear, practical, and field-tested insights based on our real-life HVAC experience.
Why choose a central heat pump instead of a wall-mounted system?
The main difference between a central heat pump and a wall-mounted (mini split) system lies in how they distribute air. While wall units heat or cool one or two rooms, central systems use ductwork to evenly distribute air throughout the entire home.
This allows for:
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Even comfort across every room;
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Improved indoor air quality, thanks to centralized filtration;
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An ideal solution for larger homes or multizone buildings.
At AirGreen, we recommend central systems for single-family homes, duplexes, and small apartment buildings already equipped with ductwork.
What is the average lifespan of a central heat pump?
A well-maintained central heat pump can last 15 to 20 years, or even longer. It depends on:
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The quality of the initial installation (AirGreen excels here thanks to our meticulous process);
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Yearly maintenance;
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The model you choose (brands like Fujitsu, Bosch, Goodman, Trane, Lennox offer superior durability);
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Local climate conditions.
Our team provides comprehensive HVAC maintenance, helping you protect your investment over the long term.
What’s the difference between air-source and geothermal heat pumps?
Air-source heat pumps (the most common type in Québec) draw heat from the outdoor air, while geothermal systems extract energy from the ground. While geothermal systems offer higher energy efficiency, their installation costs are significantly higher.
For most properties in Montréal and surrounding areas, central air-source heat pumps are the more cost-effective choice in the short and medium term, especially when factoring in Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert grant program.
Can a central heat pump heat the whole house in winter?
Yes, high-performance models like the Bosch BOVA, Fujitsu KZAH R-32, or Goodman R-32 are designed to operate efficiently down to -25°C. To ensure optimal winter performance:
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You must select a BTU size that matches your home’s square footage;
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A properly calibrated installation by experts like AirGreen is critical;
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An auxiliary electric heater is sometimes added for extreme cold spells.
Are there any grants available for purchase and installation?
Yes. The following programs are currently available:
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Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert rebate, offering up to $5,000 for an eligible central heat pump;
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Rénoclimat program;
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Provincial tax credits.
At AirGreen, we guide you through the entire process of applying for these financial incentives.
Which central heat pump brands do you recommend?
We install only the most reliable and energy-efficient brands:
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Bosch (BOVA IDS Premium, R-454b): Inverter technology, quiet operation, ultra-high efficiency;
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Fujitsu (KZAH R-32): Rugged design, well-adapted to Québec’s climate;
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Goodman (R-32): Excellent value, ideal for tighter budgets;
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Trane, Lennox, Arcoaire, Comfortmaker, Gree, Haxxair: Great options depending on your project.
Our advisors help you select the best system for your needs, square footage, and budget.
What are the signs it’s time to replace an old heat pump?
Several signs may indicate that a replacement is necessary:
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Your system is over 15 years old;
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Your energy bills have become abnormally high;
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There’s a noticeable drop in performance (some rooms feel uncomfortable);
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Your unit is noisy or frequently breaking down;
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It uses an outdated refrigerant (R-22) that’s no longer environmentally compliant.
What kind of maintenance is required?
Recommended maintenance includes:
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Full duct cleaning;
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Checking refrigerant levels;
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Cleaning the blower, coils, and compressor;
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Inspecting all electrical connections.
At AirGreen, we offer an annual maintenance plan to keep your system running at peak performance.
Can I combine a central heat pump with an existing heating system?
Yes, this is known as a dual-energy setup. In this configuration:
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The heat pump runs most of the year;
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Your oil or electric furnace takes over during extreme cold.
This is a popular solution in Montréal, Laval, and the South Shore, because it maximizes energy savings while maintaining a backup system for peak demand.
What’s the best time of year to install a central heat pump?
Fall and spring are the ideal seasons. Why?
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Less demand means shorter lead times;
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Seasonal promotions may be available;
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You’re ready before the intense heat or cold sets in.
However, at AirGreen, we install HVAC systems year-round, even in winter, thanks to our experienced crews and methods adapted to Québec conditions.
Case Study: Successful Installation in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville
In January, we completed a full installation of a Bosch BOVA 36,000 BTU central system in a 2,200 sq. ft. single-family home. The client wanted to:
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Replace an old oil furnace;
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Install an eco-friendly system eligible for rebates;
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Heat their basement effectively.
Our technicians:
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Removed the old furnace;
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Adapted the existing ductwork;
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Programmed the system with a temperature curve tailored to the home.
The result: a consistently comfortable home across all floors, an energy bill reduced by 42%, and $4,300 in grants secured.
What You Should Take Away
A central heat pump is a smart, efficient, and eco-conscious solution to keep your home comfortable year-round—whether you’re in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, or elsewhere on the North Shore or South Shore. At AirGreen, we offer more than just installations. We guide you from equipment selection to technical fine-tuning, with an unwavering focus on quality and customer satisfaction.