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Central Heat Pump | Installation in Montréal, Laval, North & South Shores, Montérégie

The need for efficient and economical heating and cooling solutions has never been more evident in Greater Montréal. With rising energy costs and the search for eco-friendly options, central heat pumps are emerging as the preferred choice for residential and commercial property owners. This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about central heat pumps: how they work, their advantages, the installation process, and why you should trust AirGreen Air Conditioning & Heating for your central heat pump installation in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, the South Shore, and the Montérégie region.

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What is a central heat pump?

A central heat pump is an advanced heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system that provides both heating in the winter and cooling in the summer, using the building's existing air duct network. Unlike a wall-mounted heat pump that operates room by room, a central heat pump covers the entire house via ductwork, ensuring a consistent temperature in every room. It can replace both a traditional furnace and a central air conditioner.

In simple terms, it's a system consisting of an outdoor unit and an indoor unit connected by pipes filled with refrigerant. This refrigerant transports heat from one place to another depending on the season.

  • In heating mode (winter) , the heat pump extracts heat from the outside air – even in extremely cold weather (some models operate down to -30°C ) – and transfers it inside the house to heat it.
  • In cooling mode (summer) , the cycle reverses: the heat pump draws heat from inside the house and releases it outside, thus cooling the indoor air. It also acts as a dehumidifier in summer, increasing comfort.
  • Distribution throughout the house : A fan located in the indoor unit (sometimes called a forced-air furnace or plenum ) pushes heated or cooled air through ducts. The conditioned air is then distributed to each room via air vents, providing uniform comfort and eliminating areas that are too hot or too cold.

In summary, a central heat pump uses a refrigeration cycle to move heat rather than create it. It offers an all-in-one solution to keep your home comfortable in all seasons, using existing or newly installed ductwork.

Advantages of a central heat pump

A central heat pump offers numerous advantages for residents of Greater Montreal:

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Increased energy efficiency

This system is extremely energy-efficient because it uses electricity only to move heat , not to generate it. It can provide up to three times more heat or cooling per kilowatt consumed than a conventional electric heating system or gas furnace. This results in optimized energy use.

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Silent operation

Silent operation

Modern central heat pumps are designed to minimize noise . The indoor unit is typically housed in a basement or utility closet, and the outdoor unit features inverter technology compressors and low-noise fans. Many models boast very low noise levels (often less than 60 dB outdoors, equivalent to a normal conversation). You enjoy quiet comfort without the constant hum associated with some older HVAC systems.

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Government subsidies

Government subsidies

Because of all these energy and environmental benefits, central heat pumps are strongly encouraged by governments . Whether through the federal Greener Homes program (offering up to $5,000 for the installation of an eligible heat pump) or the provincial Hydro-Québec LogisVert program, you could receive significant financial assistance. For example, Hydro-Québec currently offers a subsidy of up to $22,000 for the combined installation of a central heat pump with a heat storage system in eligible homes. Taking advantage of these programs greatly reduces the cost of purchasing and installing your equipment.

Consult our 2026 Central Heat Pump Guide

2026 Guide

Interesting Articles about Central Heat Pumps

The installation process

The installation of a central heat pump in Greater Montreal and the Montérégie region must be entrusted to certified professionals. Here are the main steps our clients can expect when you choose AirGreen for your project:

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Initial assessment and estimate (online or on-site – always free)

At AirGreen, we adapt our estimation method to the type of project , not the other way around. Our goal is simple: to give you a fair, realistic, and applicable price , without approximations or unpleasant surprises.

  • Standard replacement : when the existing system is comparable (same type of ducts, similar power, known configuration), we can carry out a quick online estimate from photos, technical information, plans or a detailed exchange with you.
  • Complex or custom project : when there are technical uncertainties, significant modifications to be expected or access constraints, we prefer an on-site visit in order to properly assess every detail.

In all cases, the estimate is 100% free , without pressure and without obligation.

The complete and detailed submission is usually submitted within 24 hours.

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Licensing, compliance and protection of your investment

Hiring a licensed contractor to install your central heat pump is not an option: it is a legal obligation and essential protection for your home, warranties and insurance.

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A certified, compliant and insured company in Quebec

A certified, compliant and insured company in Quebec

All stages of your project are carried out by qualified, certified and insured professionals , in accordance with the requirements of the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) .

AirGreen Air Conditioning & Heating holds a valid RBQ license ( RBQ # 5645-9605-01 ) and $5,000,000 in liability insurance , covering all work performed on your property. Our work strictly adheres to the Quebec Construction Code and applicable standards, ensuring a safe, durable installation recognized by the relevant authorities.

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Required license categories and customer protection

Required license categories and customer protection

Quebec law requires that every aspect of an HVAC installation be carried out under the correct license categories , including: 15.10 (refrigeration) for refrigerant systems and fluids, 15.8 (ventilation) for ductwork and air distribution, and 16 (electricity) for all electrical connections, including system conversions (e.g., oil to electric).

Dealing with a non-compliant contractor can void manufacturer warranties , result in the loss of home insurance coverage , and ineligibility for subsidies. By choosing AirGreen, you fully protect your investment and have the assurance that your installation is compliant, inspectable, and covered, both now and in the long term.

How to choose your central heat pump?

Several criteria come into play when selecting the ideal central heat pump to suit your needs and property. Here are the main points to consider:

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Appropriate capacity and power

It is crucial to choose a model whose heating/cooling capacity (expressed in BTU/h or "tonnes") matches the square footage and volume of your home. An undersized heat pump will not provide sufficient heating in the depths of winter, while an oversized model will cost more and operate inefficiently (cycles that are too short, less effective dehumidification in summer). To determine the correct capacity, several factors are considered: square footage, ceiling height, insulation quality, number of windows, home orientation, etc. As a guideline , a 1.5-tonne (18,000 BTU/h) central heat pump is generally suitable for approximately 600 to 800 square feet, while a 5-tonne (60,000 BTU/h) model can heat/cool a residence of 2,800 to 3,200 square feet. Our experts will perform a precise thermal load calculation in order to offer you an optimal capacity, guaranteeing comfort and energy savings.

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Compatibility with your current system

If you already have a forced-air furnace (electric, gas, or oil) with ductwork, it's often possible to integrate a central heat pump with your existing furnace . The heat pump will handle heating as long as the outside temperature isn't too low, and the furnace can provide supplemental heating during periods of extreme cold below the heat pump's operating range. Conversely, if you currently heat with electric baseboard heaters or a ductless radiant system, installing a central heat pump will require installing a network of air ducts. Therefore, the feasibility must be assessed (available space for ductwork, false ceilings, etc.). In some cases where adding ductwork is too complex, multiple wall-mounted heat pumps may be considered instead. Every home is unique : AirGreen can advise you on the best approach (central or otherwise) to realistically and effectively improve your comfort.

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Why choose AirGreen for your central heat pump in Greater Montreal and Montérégie?

Partnering with AirGreen Air Conditioning & Heating for your central heat pump installation means choosing peace of mind and quality. Here's what sets us apart and makes us the #1 partner in Quebec for your heating and air conditioning needs, both in Greater Montreal and the Montérégie region:

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Local expertise and experience

Founded in Montreal, AirGreen has many years of experience in central heat pumps and HVAC systems. Our team of certified technicians has installed and repaired hundreds of systems in Montreal, Laval, the South Shore, the North Shore, and throughout the Montérégie region . To better serve our customers on the South Shore and in the Montérégie , we also have a new showroom in Boucherville , where you can see some of our equipment, ask questions, and receive personalized advice. We understand the specific needs of each area—whether it's urban neighborhoods, suburbs, or more residential zones—and are trained to optimize equipment performance, even during the coldest winter weather. Your project is in expert hands, no matter where you are located.

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