The Truth About Ducted Systems: Efficiency, Discretion, and AirGreen Expertise
In the world of residential and commercial HVAC, ducted systems are often misunderstood—but incredibly effective when properly designed, correctly sized, and flawlessly installed. At AirGreen, we believe it's time to reveal what many HVAC contractors prefer to keep under wraps. Thanks to our sharp expertise across Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore, we're pulling back the curtain on the real advantages, the common pitfalls, and the secrets behind a truly high-performance ducted installation.
Understanding What a Ducted System Really Is… Beyond the Marketing
A ducted HVAC system relies on a central concealed unit, usually installed in a ceiling or dropped ceiling, which distributes air through insulated ducts to discreet vents in various rooms. Unlike wall-mounted heat pumps or visible units, this system offers uniform comfort with an invisible design.
But invisibility doesn't mean simplicity. Quite the opposite—everything hinges on the technical design of the ductwork, air balancing, insulation, static pressure, and the choice of central unit.
What Most Contractors Never Tell You…
1. Poorly Sized Ducts Kill Performance
Too often, installers rely on generic layouts, ignoring key building realities: ceiling height, duct lengths, room types, number of elbows, and more. The result? Uneven temperature control, noise, and efficiency losses that can reach up to 30%.
At AirGreen, every project starts with a full on-site technical assessment, including:
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Accurate room-by-room thermal load (BTU) calculations.
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Duct routing analysis to avoid excessive pressure drops.
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Selection of air diffusers based on required airflow per room.
2. Duct Insulation Is Frequently Overlooked
One of the least talked-about secrets is the importance of high-performance thermal insulation on the ductwork. Poorly insulated ducts in cold crawl spaces or attics can cause condensation, heat loss, and even mold.
We use only certified R-8 insulated ducting, adapted to the Greater Montréal climate.
3. Maintenance Access Is Rarely Considered… Unless Well Planned
Another neglected point: maintenance access. A well-designed ducted system must include access panels, washable filters within reach, and built-in service points. These small details ensure air quality and long-term performance.
The AirGreen Approach: Precision, Customization, and Transparency
Step 1: On-Site Technical Evaluation
We meet clients on site to:
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Understand specific comfort needs.
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Identify the spaces to heat or cool.
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Analyze the building structure (framing, ceilings, technical constraints).
Step 2: Custom Ductwork Design
Our engineers create a custom ductwork layout, optimized for:
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Even air distribution.
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Silent operation, thanks to vibration damping.
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Static pressure matched to the selected unit.
We use professional-grade software to model airflow and thermal calculations, avoiding any unnecessary oversizing.
Step 3: Strategic Selection of the Central Unit
Depending on the project, we recommend models such as Bosch BOVA, Fujitsu compact ducted, Goodman ARUF, or others, taking available grants into account. A real example:
In Longueuil, on a high-end renovation project, we installed a 36,000 BTU Goodman ducted central heat pump, fully integrated in the ceiling with discreet vents in each room. Thanks to our custom installation, the home is now quiet, evenly tempered, and energy-efficient. The client received $2,755 in LogisVert subsidies.
Step 4: Careful Installation by Our Certified Technicians
Every step is handled by our in-house team—no subcontractors. We take care of:
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Exact diffuser placement based on airflow.
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Complete duct sealing.
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Airflow and leak testing at project completion.
Mistakes We Frequently Fix from Other Installers…
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Poorly placed return grille.
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Excessive blower noise due to miscalibrated pressure.
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Inappropriate unit sizing based on actual square footage.
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Lack of zoning: we offer multi-zone smart thermostats, tailored to each room’s needs.
What You Get with a Well-Designed Ducted System
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Even comfort in every room.
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Absolute silence, no wall-mounted compressor or blower noise.
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Clean aesthetics, with no visible units.
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Higher energy savings, especially with high-efficiency inverter units (SEER > 18).
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Eligibility for grants, often amounting to several thousand dollars depending on the model and location.
Our Difference: Technical Expertise + Human Approach
What sets AirGreen apart isn’t just our technical skill—it’s also our human relationship with our clients. Every installation is designed as if it were for our own home, and every detail is optimized for long-term comfort, energy efficiency, and system durability.
We’ve completed custom ducted installations in:
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Outremont: heritage home renovation with antique-style vent covers.
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Laval-des-Rapides: condo with concrete ceiling requiring special flat ducts.
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Boucherville: new home with 3-zone smart control using Ecobee thermostats.
In Conclusion: A Ducted System Only Performs Well If It’s Properly Designed
Discreet doesn’t mean simple. A successful ducted system demands complete mastery of HVAC design, flawless installation, and deep understanding of a building’s constraints.
At AirGreen, we reveal the secrets others prefer to hide. Our mission is to offer you the invisible yet very real comfort of a ducted system that performs, lasts, and saves energy, perfectly adapted to your life in Montréal and surrounding areas.