Four-season comfort in the heart of a Montreal duplex
At AirGreen , every HVAC installation project is designed to deliver performance, aesthetics, and durability. This was the case with our installation of a Hitachi wall-mounted heat pump in a duplex in Plateau-Mont-Royal , an area where the character of red brick buildings must coexist harmoniously with modern heating and air conditioning systems.
Context: modernize comfort without altering the charm of the building
The owner, a young couple who recently moved into this renovated duplex, was looking for an energy-efficient solution to replace their old portable air conditioner and baseboard heater. Their main challenge: maintaining a stable temperature in the second-floor rooms while preserving the aesthetics of the building's brick rear facade .
After an evaluation visit, our team recommended a Hitachi 12,000 BTU wall-mounted heat pump, a compact, quiet model known for its low-temperature performance—ideal for Montreal's climate conditions .
Step 1: Planning and choosing the location
The space at the back of the duplex offered several possibilities, but we favored a high installation , just above the balcony door , in order to ensure:
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optimal air circulation ,
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increased protection against snow ,
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and minimal visual impact from the alley.
This position also facilitated the connection of the condensate drain and electrical wiring to the indoor unit, while respecting the Plateau-Mont-Royal municipal standards regarding the installation of outdoor appliances.
Step 2: Fixing the wall bracket and securing it
We used a double-reinforced galvanized wall bracket , designed to support loads in excess of 150 kg, even in freezing and windy conditions.
Each anchor was sealed with a polyurethane sealant , preventing any water infiltration into the brick.
A laser level ensured perfect alignment despite the slight inclination of the wall typical of older buildings in the area.
Step 3: Installing the Hitachi Compressor
The Hitachi outdoor compressor , from the HSP Performance range , was carefully installed and connected to the pre-insulated refrigeration line.
We have added:
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a protective box for the wiring ,
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an insulating sleeve on the conduits,
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and a dark brown aesthetic sheath matching the facade, for discreet visual integration.
The refrigeration connection was then pulled inside, where the wall unit was located, installed in the main living area on the second floor.
Step 4: Commissioning and technical checks
Once the R410A refrigerant charge was verified, we performed a nitrogen pressure test to ensure the circuit was completely leak-proof.
The measurements showed:
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Suction pressure: 115 psi
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Discharge pressure: 380 psi
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Indoor blowing temperature: 9°C (in air conditioning mode)
In heating mode, the heat pump reached a blowing temperature of 42°C , confirming the full efficiency of the inverter compressor .
Step 5: Finishing and instructions to the customer
The installation concluded with:
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the installation of a dedicated circuit breaker in the electrical panel,
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the fixing of a waterproof external circuit breaker ,
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and checking the drain to avoid any accumulation of water on the balcony.
We took the time to train the customer on how to use the Hitachi remote control , explaining the “Auto”, “Heat”, “Cool”, “Dry” and “Sleep” modes, as well as the recommended seasonal maintenance settings.
Result: balanced comfort and a neat facade
At the end of the intervention:
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the duplex now benefits from constant heating and air conditioning ,
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the noise level outside is less than 45 dB ,
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and the facade retains its clean and orderly aesthetic , without visible conduits.
The couple told us they were delighted to be able to maintain a comfortable temperature even on cold nights, while enjoying a quiet and energy-efficient system.
AirGreen expertise serving Montreal's heritage
Installing an efficient HVAC system in an old building requires a detailed understanding of architectural constraints .
At AirGreen, we combine modern technology and respect for the building to offer installations that integrate naturally into each environment, whether in Plateau-Mont-Royal, Laval, on the South Shore or the North Shore .
This Hitachi heat pump perfectly illustrates our approach:
precise, durable and harmonious work , ensuring comfort, efficiency and respect for the Montreal style.