Modernizing Without Compromising: How We Transformed a Century-Old Home with a High-Efficiency Ducted System
As part of an ambitious energy retrofit project on the North Shore, we had the privilege of working on a century-old home full of charm and history—but far behind in terms of energy performance. Our mission: discreetly integrate a high-performance ducted HVAC system without compromising the home’s character. This type of project perfectly showcases AirGreen’s expertise in HVAC services in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore and South Shore, especially in complex technical contexts where execution precision is key.
A Green Renovation Project in an Old Residential Setting
This home, located in Blainville on the North Shore of Montreal, dates back to 1928. Despite several aesthetic renovations over the years, thermal comfort remained a challenge, with an aging oil heating system, no ventilation, and no integrated air conditioning. The homeowners' goal: improve indoor comfort, reduce their ecological footprint, and increase their home's value with a discreet and efficient central HVAC system.
Why Choose an Energy-Efficient Ducted System?
Among all the options analyzed—wall-mounted heat pump, central air heat pump, multizone systems—the energy-efficient ducted system turned out to be the best fit for both the structure of the home and the clients’ expectations. This system offers several key advantages:
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Total discretion: No visible wall units. Only small, elegant grilles discreetly integrated into the ceilings.
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Even distribution of heated and cooled air throughout the house.
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Optimal energy efficiency, thanks to a high-performance inverter motor.
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Eligibility for environmental grants, such as the LogisVert program from Hydro-Québec.
Technical Details of the Installed System
For this project, we installed a BOSCH BOVA 36 central ducted heat pump with BVA air handler, operating with R-454B refrigerant, known for its low environmental impact. Here are the main technical specifications:
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Capacity: 36,000 BTU
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SEER: 18.5
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HSPF: 10.5
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Refrigerant: R-454B (eco-friendly replacement for R-410A)
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Ultra-low sound level: 56 dB for the outdoor compressor
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Zoning capable: Smart thermostats installed in each room for better energy management
The Challenge of an Old Home: How We Overcame the Constraints
This house had no existing space for ductwork. The semi-finished basement didn’t offer a standard plenum, and the upper floors were made of massive wooden beams. Our technicians had to create an insulated false ceiling in the hallways and use flexible insulated ducts to preserve the original moldings and architectural details.
We also made sure to acoustically insulate all the ductwork to eliminate airflow noise—an often-overlooked detail in similar projects. The result: an almost silent system, with perfect air distribution throughout the home, including upstairs bedrooms and the cathedral-ceiling living room.
Customer Testimonial: A Complete Transformation
"We were worried we’d have to sacrifice the aesthetics of our home for better comfort. AirGreen showed us we could have both. The installation is invisible, the comfort is exceptional, and our energy consumption dropped by 40% in the first month." – Mrs. L., homeowner in Blainville
Integration with Smart Technologies
This system was paired with a Premium Ecobee Smart Thermostat, offering:
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Customized temperature scheduling based on time of day
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Remote control via smartphone
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Consumption habit tracking for optimal energy performance
Grants Available for This Type of Project
Thanks to our expertise in HVAC grants in Quebec, we guided the client through the application for a $2,300 LogisVert subsidy for this installation. This ducted heat pump meets the energy efficiency standards required by Hydro-Québec, and its R-454B refrigerant is a major ecological asset.
Why Choose AirGreen for This Type of Transformation?
At AirGreen, we understand that every old home is unique. We never offer a one-size-fits-all solution. Our installations are 100% custom-designed, with a focus on preserving the building, ensuring system performance, long-term reliability, and most importantly, the comfort of the occupants.
Our teams work daily in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore and the South Shore, handling projects ranging from new construction to heritage restorations. Our certified installers have the know-how to:
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Conduct a detailed thermal evaluation of your home
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Design a discreet, high-performance system eligible for grants
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Install quickly and cleanly, even in homes with complex architecture
Practical Tips: What You Should Know Before Installing a Ducted System
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Check the available space in your attic or basement to accommodate ductwork
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Choose an ENERGY STAR-certified energy-efficient model with eco-friendly refrigerant
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Request a personalized quote, including grant eligibility
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Hire an experienced installer like AirGreen, who can balance technical performance and architectural respect
Conclusion: Blending Heritage with Energy Performance
This project in Blainville shows that it is absolutely possible to modernize an old home without compromising its aesthetics, using a carefully integrated energy-efficient ducted system. At AirGreen, we’re proud to offer sustainable, high-performance HVAC solutions tailored to each situation, with a customer-focused and technically sound approach.
If you live on the North Shore, in Montreal, Laval or Longueuil, and you’re considering a smart energy transition, contact our team to discuss your needs for a ducted heat pump, central HVAC system, or complete energy retrofit.