Choosing a good wall-mounted air conditioner is a crucial step in improving the indoor comfort of your home or business. However, the placement of the unit is just as important. All too often, at AirGreen, we are called in to correct installation mistakes in Montreal that affect performance, durability, and energy efficiency of wall-mounted air conditioners. In this article, we share our on-the-ground expertise to help you avoid these frequent errors and ensure an optimal HVAC system that will last.
Why the Placement of Your Wall-Mounted Air Conditioner is So Important
A wall-mounted air conditioner, whether it's a simple air conditioner or a reversible heat pump, needs to be not only properly sized but also well positioned. Improper placement can lead to uneven air distribution, excessive energy consumption, premature wear on the system, and constant discomfort.
The Most Common Mistakes We Correct in Montreal
At AirGreen, we carry out installations and corrections across Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, Rive Nord, and Rive Sud. Here are the placement errors we encounter most often:
Poor Placement Relative to Airflow
Air must circulate freely. Installing a unit too close to the ceiling, or wedged between two walls or furniture, limits the air distribution. The result: cold and hot spots, discomfort, and the unit overheating.
Air Conditioner Placed Facing a Heat Source
We often see units installed facing a sunny window or too close to a stove, radiator, or water heater. This tricks the temperature sensors, forcing the compressor to run unnecessarily. It results in accelerated wear and hefty electricity bills.
Installation Without Access for Maintenance
The wall-mounted unit must remain easily accessible for regular maintenance: cleaning the filter, checking the condensation drain, inspecting the fan. A unit placed too high, above a piece of furniture or in a hard-to-reach corner, complicates HVAC service.
Inadequate Distance Between the Indoor Unit and the Outdoor Compressor
The greater the distance between the two units, the more energy losses there are and the greater the risk of condensation in the pipes. In Montreal, we often come across installations where the compressor is placed at the back of a building while the indoor unit is on the front. This type of poorly planned configuration reduces system performance.
Our Technical Recommendations for Properly Positioning Your Wall-Mounted Air Conditioner
Choose a Central Wall
We always recommend a central interior wall, which allows for optimal air distribution throughout the space. This prevents the buildup of heat or cold in certain rooms.
Maintain Minimum Clearances
To ensure proper operation of the unit, we always adhere to the following clearances:
-
15 cm from the ceiling
-
30 cm from the side walls
-
2 meters above the floor, for optimal air circulation
Direct the Airflow Along the Length of the Room
In rectangular spaces, it's always better for the airflow to follow the length of the room, not the width. This ensures better coverage and avoids unpleasant direct drafts.
Case Study: Correcting an Installation in Outremont
A residential client contacted us for recurring humidity and heat issues in their condo located in Outremont, Montreal. The previous installer had placed a Gree Lomo wall-mounted air conditioner in a recessed alcove, without sufficient clearances. Air circulation was nonexistent, and the unit was overheating.
We suggested relocating the unit to a central wall in the living room, with optimal clearances, and aligned with the airflow direction. Result: immediate comfort, 25% reduced consumption, and no more humidity problems.
Case Study: Multi-Unit Project in Longueuil
In a new condo building in Longueuil, we recently installed a series of Fujitsu KZAS R-32 heat pumps. From the beginning, we advised the real estate developer on the optimal positioning of the indoor units, considering the volume of each room, architectural obstacles, and sun exposure.
Each unit was installed at the ideal height, in a direction that would allow effective air circulation while ensuring easy access for maintenance.
What You Absolutely Need to Avoid
-
Installing your unit directly above a bed or couch.
-
Positioning the outdoor compressor without considering sun exposure (avoid full south-facing without protection).
-
Drilling through load-bearing walls or damaging exterior insulation during installation.
-
Choosing a wall exposed to large temperature variations without thermal protection.
Why You Should Trust AirGreen for Your Wall-Mounted Air Conditioner Installation
We’ve completed hundreds of installations in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, Rive Nord, and Rive Sud, always taking into account the specifics of each building, each client’s needs, and local climate conditions. Our certified technicians work with precision, method, and most importantly, a long-term view of performance and energy efficiency.
We take the time to analyze the layout of your home or commercial space, your living habits, and technical constraints to offer you the best HVAC solution tailored to your needs.
Our Advice Before Installing Your Wall-Mounted Air Conditioner
-
Choose the right power (BTU) based on the room volume.
-
Request a free technical evaluation with an AirGreen professional.
-
Consider available subsidies in Montreal and Quebec: some models qualify for Hydro-Québec's LogisVert program.
-
Ask your installer for a clear placement plan, with airflow visualizations.
A Long-Term Investment That Begins with Proper Placement
A well-thought-out installation is a guarantee of comfort, savings, and durability. Don’t let poor placement compromise your investment. At AirGreen, we believe a wall-mounted air conditioner, when properly installed, can transform your everyday comfort.
Live in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, or elsewhere on the Rive Nord or Rive Sud? Contact us now for a free evaluation and personalized expert advice.