Floor Console vs Electric Baseboard Heaters: Why Montrealers Are Switching to Climate Control 2.0

Thermal Comfort Reinvented for Homes in Montréal and the Surrounding Areas

In a region where harsh winters and increasingly hot summers define daily life for residents of Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore, the search for efficient, economical, and discreet heating and cooling solutions has become essential. At AirGreen, we’re seeing a major shift in customer preferences: more and more homeowners are moving away from traditional electric baseboard heaters in favor of floor consoles—low-wall-mounted units that provide both heating and air conditioning with high efficiency.

What Is a Floor Console HVAC Unit?

Unlike electric baseboard heaters, floor consoles are low-mounted heat pump units installed near the floor. They provide heating during the winter and cooling in the summer, all while being far more energy efficient. These units typically operate via air-to-air heat pump systems, like those from Fujitsu, Gree, Daikin, or Mitsubishi, and are part of a full HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) setup.

The Limits of Traditional Electric Baseboard Heaters

In many homes in Montréal built between the 60s and 90s, wall-mounted convectors or electric baseboards are still the main source of heating. However, these systems come with several drawbacks:

• High electricity consumption, especially during cold spells.

• One-directional heating with uneven heat distribution.

• No cooling for the summer months, requiring additional portable or wall-mounted AC units.

• Outdated aesthetics and wall-space clutter.

At AirGreen, we’ve seen that clients who switch to floor consoles often report significant savings on their Hydro-Québec bill, while enjoying better overall comfort year-round.

The Benefits of Floor Consoles for Greater Montréal Residents

1. Dual Function: Heating + Cooling

Floor consoles provide both winter heating and summer air conditioning, making them the perfect choice for Montréal’s variable climate. A single unit replaces multiple energy-intensive appliances.

2. Discreet, Smart Installation

Installed low on the wall, consoles free up wall space for furniture and décor while delivering even air distribution right at living height. They’re a perfect fit for homes with large windows or limited load-bearing walls.

3. Excellent Energy Performance

Thanks to inverter technology and modern refrigerants like R-32, these units achieve high COP (Coefficient of Performance) and SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings, helping reduce energy consumption significantly.

4. Eligibility for Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert Grants

A major perk for our clients: most of the floor console heat pump models installed by AirGreen are eligible for government rebates worth thousands of dollars. We handle the entire grant application process with Hydro-Québec, making it seamless for our clients.

Case Study: Replacing Electric Heaters with Floor Consoles in Rosemont

In January, we completed an installation in a duplex in Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie. The homeowner wanted to remove his outdated electric baseboards. After a full energy assessment, we recommended installing two Fujitsu KFH12RGL R-32 floor console units, each with a capacity of 12,000 BTU.

Challenges we faced:

• Limited load-bearing wall space in the main room.

• Need for a discreet, visually pleasing installation.

• Difficult exterior wall access for refrigerant piping.

Solutions provided by AirGreen:

• Installed a reinforced low-wall bracket.

• Added a custom exterior duct cover color-matched to the existing brick.

• Fine-tuned the airflow direction to avoid drafts in the living area.

The result: the homeowner reported a 30% drop in electricity use in February compared to the previous year, in addition to improved comfort and better indoor air quality.

When to Choose a Floor Console Over a Traditional Wall-Mounted AC

While wall-mounted air conditioners are common, floor consoles are often better suited in certain cases:

• Rooms with very low ceilings or attic spaces.

• Older homes with limited available wall space.

• Replacing an existing baseboard without structural modifications.

• Heritage buildings with architectural constraints.

Preferred Brands and Models Installed by AirGreen

We only install high-performance certified models, including:

• Fujitsu KFH-RGL R-32 (ultra-quiet, perfect for bedrooms)

• Gree U-Match Console R-32 (durable, great for commercial spaces)

• Daikin Nexura FVXG-K (includes radiant heating panel for added comfort)

• Mitsubishi MFZ-KJ (compact design and highly efficient)

Why Work with AirGreen?

At AirGreen, our HVAC installation expertise is built on over a decade of experience across Greater Montréal. We take care of the full thermal assessment, equipment selection, custom installation, ongoing HVAC maintenance, and even grant application support. Our certified installers ensure fast, clean, code-compliant service at every stage.

Tips for Those Looking to Make the Switch

Before replacing your electric baseboards, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Get a full thermal needs assessment—each room has different heating/cooling demands based on orientation and insulation.

2. Choose the right unit size for the space (avoid oversizing).

3. Ensure the unit is eligible for rebates, to maximize your return on investment.

4. Work with certified professionals like the team at AirGreen for quality assurance.