When HVAC Technology Sparks Unexpected Curiosity
At AirGreen, we’re used to guiding our clients across Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore through their HVAC installation projects. But sometimes, we get questions that truly surprise us—not because they’re absurd, but because they reflect real curiosity (and sometimes a bit of concern) about lesser-known equipment like floor-ceiling units.
In this unique article, we’re sharing the most unexpected questions we’ve heard about floor-ceiling indoor units, and more importantly, the clear, professional, and technical answers we’ve provided. A fresh look at the world of heat pumps and air conditioning... from a totally unexpected angle!
What exactly is a floor-ceiling unit?
Floor-ceiling units are indoor components of a single-zone or multi-zone system that can be installed either near the floor or on the ceiling, depending on the room layout. They’re designed to deliver a powerful, well-distributed airflow, while adapting to spaces where traditional wall-mounted units simply won’t work.
They’re ideal for:
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Commercial offices or high-ceilinged spaces.
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Older homes with solid walls or ornate mouldings.
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Glass-walled rooms (like solariums) where wall mounting is a challenge.
The 8 most surprising questions (and our honest answers)
1. “Can I walk on it if it’s installed at floor level?”
No—while a floor unit may look like a baseboard heater, it’s not designed to support weight. Standing or sitting on it could damage the casing, the airflow system, and the internal filters. We recommend installing a decorative barrier or an integrated piece of furniture if you’re concerned about foot traffic.
2. “What if my dog pees on it?”
A real question, asked in Longueuil. The answer? Best to absolutely avoid it: urine could corrode the metal components, damage the filters, and leave a persistent smell that’s hard to eliminate. When installing at floor level, we recommend pet owners:
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Raise the unit on a metal support.
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Install a protective wall panel or aesthetic cover.
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Train the pet to steer clear of the area.
3. “It blows air at my legs—am I going to catch a cold?”
Horizontal airflow can indeed be uncomfortable for some people, especially when the unit is near the floor. But modern floor-ceiling units from brands like Fujitsu, Gree, or Daikin feature motorized adjustable louvers, allowing the air to blow upwards or be evenly dispersed. During installation, we always adjust these settings based on how the room will be used.
4. “Can I install it in a 100-year-old house?”
Absolutely. Floor-ceiling units are perfectly suited for heritage homes in Montreal and the North Shore, where walls may not accommodate wall-mounted units. Their compact, discreet form allows for respectful integration with the building’s architecture, especially in:
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Victorian-style duplexes.
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Stone houses with no drop ceilings.
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Protected buildings that can’t be altered externally.
5. “If I mount it on the ceiling, will the paint start peeling off?”
Not if the installation is done by professionals! At AirGreen, we use specialized anchoring materials that prevent vibrations and stress on the structure. Our installers also often add a protective insulating strip between the unit and the ceiling to avoid paint peeling due to condensation or temperature changes.
6. “Can it heat as well as a wall-mounted unit?”
Yes—and sometimes even better! Floor-ceiling units heat efficiently using radiant and convective air, blowing warm air at human height. This provides fast heating of the occupied zone. Models like the Fujitsu RGLX 18,000 BTU offer performance that matches or even surpasses many wall units.
7. “Can I hide it behind a curtain?”
Not recommended. A floor-ceiling unit requires clear airflow, both for intake and output. Obstructing it with a curtain could:
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Reduce performance.
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Cause the motor to overheat.
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Damage internal components.
For clients concerned about aesthetics, we offer custom integration solutions: wooden covers, built-in niches, discreet ventilated covers, etc.
8. “Is it noisier than a wall unit?”
Not necessarily. New-generation floor-ceiling units are extremely quiet, often operating at 22 to 30 dB in night mode. For reference, a whisper measures about 25 dB. Our clients in Sainte-Thérèse and Verdun have confirmed that these units provide remarkable acoustic comfort, even overnight in bedrooms.
Practical tips for choosing a floor-ceiling unit
Ideal use cases
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Heritage homes without drop ceilings.
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Glass-walled rooms or fragile walls.
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Spaces with strict interior design constraints.
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Clients seeking a discreet but powerful device.
Brands we regularly install:
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Fujitsu RGLX – quiet, compact, ideal for residential settings.
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Gree U-Match – high capacity for light commercial use.
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Daikin SkyAir – maximum flexibility for ceiling/floor use.
Available financial incentives:
Some floor-ceiling units, when paired with a high-efficiency heat pump, qualify for Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert grants, up to $2,500, especially in Laval and Brossard. Our advisors handle all the paperwork for you.
What makes AirGreen stand out
At AirGreen, we don’t just install equipment. We advise, assess, fine-tune, and above all, we respect the architecture of your building. Our teams are trained to answer even the most unexpected questions with professionalism and clarity.
We’ve shared our real-world experience here, but our true value comes from our personalized approach, which has won over clients in projects ranging from a renovated school in Longueuil to a century-old triplex in Montreal or a design firm office in Laval.