Blending Modern Comfort with Historical Charm Through Ducted Heat Pump Installation in Montréal’s Heritage Homes
In the heart of Montréal, heritage homes are more than just places to live—they are living representations of the city’s rich architectural history. Restoring or living in this type of property comes with a major challenge: how to integrate modern technologies such as a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system without compromising the original aesthetics or structural integrity? At AirGreen, we’ve found a particularly effective solution: the ducted heat pump system, as discreet as it is efficient.
Why is the ducted system ideal for heritage homes?
The ducted system, often used in high-end residential settings, stands out for its ability to deliver optimal thermal comfort while remaining completely invisible to the eye. With its network of ducts hidden in ceilings or walls, it allows homeowners to preserve the charm and style of older homes without sacrificing performance.
A respectful integration with historic architecture
Montréal’s heritage homes, often adorned with intricate moldings, detailed woodwork, and tall ceilings, can’t accommodate the visual disruption of a wall-mounted heat pump or a modern wall unit. The ducted system, with its discreet vents painted the same color as the walls or ceilings, blends in seamlessly without betraying the original design.
Even temperature distribution throughout the home
Unlike wall-mounted heat pumps that focus air distribution in a specific room, the ducted system provides uniform airflow, ensuring consistent comfort across the entire house—from basement to attic.
Case study: Ducted heat pump installation in a heritage home in Plateau-Mont-Royal
One of our most notable projects was carried out in a beautiful late-19th-century home located in Plateau-Mont-Royal. This property, classified as heritage, presented several technical and aesthetic challenges:
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Visible wall-mounted units were out of the question
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Original floors and ceilings required preservation
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A complex three-story layout with thick partitions
Our solution? A Daikin SkyAir ducted system with 36,000 BTU outdoor compressor discreetly installed in the backyard. The duct network was integrated into the false ceilings of the third floor, with vertical drops to the lower floors cleverly hidden within load-bearing walls. The result: a high-performing, quiet, energy-efficient system, with no visible impact inside or out.
Technical features and benefits of the installed ducted system
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Brand and model: Daikin SkyAir RZQSG36LAV1
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Capacity: 36,000 BTU
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Refrigerant: R-32 (low global warming potential)
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Energy efficiency: SEER 19 / HSPF 10
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Grant eligibility: up to $5,000 via Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert program
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Integrated smart thermostat with multizone management
What the homeowners appreciated
The clients, a couple of architects passionate about restoration, especially praised:
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The absolute discretion of the installation
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The stable indoor temperature, even during extreme heat waves
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The improvement in indoor humidity control
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The increase in resale value of the property
“Thanks to AirGreen, we were able to modernize our home without compromising its character. The ducted system is a game changer.”
Why choose AirGreen for your ducted HVAC installation in Montréal?
Specialized expertise in heritage buildings
Our technicians are used to working in delicate settings, where every cut, duct path, and fastener must be planned to respect the building’s historical integrity.
Personalized and professional support
From the initial assessment to grant application assistance, we guide each customer every step of the way. Our service includes:
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A full thermal study of the building
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Custom-designed integration plans
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A clean, fast, and guaranteed installation
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Ongoing post-installation support
Available throughout Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore and South Shore
Whether you’re in Old Montréal, Outremont, Westmount, or in newer areas of Laval or Boucherville, our team travels quickly to assess your needs and offer the best ducted HVAC solution possible.
Best practices when installing a ducted system in an older home
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Opt for a multizone system to adapt to temperature variations between floors
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Reinforce duct insulation in exterior walls to prevent heat loss
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Use discreet vents painted or wood-finished to match the décor
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Plan installation in the off-season (fall/winter) to avoid supply delays
Grants and long-term savings
By choosing a high-efficiency HVAC system like a ducted heat pump, you become eligible for:
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Up to $5,000 through Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert program
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Tax credits for energy-efficient home upgrades
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Major reductions in annual electricity bills (up to 30% savings)
Conclusion: The perfect blend of invisible comfort and preserved heritage
The ducted system is more than a technical solution—it’s the strategic choice for anyone looking to live in an old home without compromising on comfort, aesthetics, or energy efficiency. At AirGreen, we’ve made it a specialty, putting our HVAC expertise at the service of architectural gems across Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore and South Shore.
Are you the owner of a heritage home? Renovating an older property? Contact us today for a free personalized HVAC installation assessment.