Heating a basement can often feel like mission impossible—especially during Québec’s long winter months. But at AirGreen, we successfully took on this challenge by strategically installing a floor-mounted HVAC console in a family home located in Laval. What initially seemed like a straightforward job turned out to highlight just how important it is to analyze thermal behavior, choose the right equipment, and most importantly, pick the perfect location. Here's a detailed look at how this intervention completely transformed a once-freezing basement into a comfortable living space.
Why was the basement so cold even though the house was well insulated?
The single-family home in question, located in a quiet residential neighbourhood of Laval, appeared well insulated and had a decent central heating system. Yet the basement remained abnormally cold, making it unusable as a living space. After conducting a full assessment, our team identified several contributing factors:
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Poor airflow in the existing ductwork.
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A central thermostat that didn’t reflect the true temperature of the basement.
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A large, open-concept room in the basement with no direct heat source.
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Higher humidity levels that amplified the cold sensation.
Our recommendation: a low-temperature floor-mounted wall console
Instead of suggesting a heavy-handed solution like replacing the central system or modifying all the ductwork, we opted for a more targeted and highly effective approach: installing a low-temperature wall-mounted floor console. This type of HVAC system is designed for spaces where localized comfort is essential while remaining energy-efficient and quiet.
We selected a Fujitsu RLS3 unit, with a capacity of 12,000 BTU, perfectly suited for the large open basement area. This floor console heat pump features:
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A rapid heating mode to warm up the room within minutes.
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Optimized airflow at ground level, ideal for basements where heat tends to rise quickly.
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Ultra-quiet operation, perfect for a family room.
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A dehumidification mode to reduce ambient moisture.
The installation: precise, thoughtful, and discreet work
The installation took just one day, with minimal disruption for the family. We made sure to:
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Choose a strategic location to maximize heat distribution while maintaining the room’s aesthetics.
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Drill a discreet hole for the refrigerant lines through the rear wall, leading to a well-protected outdoor space.
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Perform a clean and safe electrical connection, hooked to a dedicated breaker.
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Test the unit under real conditions to ensure optimal performance.
Our technicians also took the time to explain all the modes, routine maintenance, and seasonal settings to the family.
The result: instant comfort, a completely transformed space
Just hours after the unit was activated, the difference was night and day. The basement, once avoided by both kids and adults, became a warm, cozy, and welcoming family room. Thanks to floor-level heat distribution, cold floors were no longer a concern and the temperature remained consistently comfortable, even on the coldest January nights.
Eligible for the LogisVert grant
This installation also met the energy efficiency requirements for a Hydro-Québec LogisVert grant, providing a $1,404 subsidy. We guided the customer through the entire application process, supplying all required documents, proof of compliance, and technical specs of the installed unit.
Why choose a floor console HVAC system?
This system type, still relatively unknown to the general public, is an ideal solution for hard-to-heat areas such as:
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Basements or semi-basements
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Sunrooms or extensions
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Rooms with panoramic windows
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Open spaces where traditional wall-mounted air conditioners don’t work well
In addition, modern floor consoles consume little energy, blend discreetly with any room, and offer excellent control flexibility.
AirGreen’s expertise: a balance of technical precision and human understanding
This Laval project is the perfect reflection of our approach to service: providing custom HVAC solutions based on thorough analysis of the building, thermal weaknesses, and the lifestyle of the occupants. Thanks to our deep HVAC expertise, in-depth knowledge of top brands (Fujitsu, Gree, Daikin, etc.), and ability to deliver clean, efficient installations, we transform uncomfortable areas into livable, enjoyable spaces.
What the client appreciated most:
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The quick turnaround (assessment + installation in under 5 days).
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The discreet look of the unit, blending well with the room’s design.
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The instant comfort boost, even during frigid weather.
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Full support with the LogisVert grant application.
Maintenance tips to extend the life of your floor console
To keep your HVAC unit performing at its best:
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Clean the filters every 4 to 6 weeks.
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Don’t block the air outlet grilles with furniture or decorative items.
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Schedule annual professional maintenance to check gas pressure, condensate drainage, and compressor health.
Conclusion: a clear example of the impact of a smartly planned installation
This project proves you don’t always need to renovate an entire system to achieve optimal thermal comfort. A well-chosen and properly installed floor console can completely transform an underused space. At AirGreen, we don’t just sell equipment—we deliver intelligent HVAC solutions, tailored to each family, space, and need.