When wall-mounted cooling arrived in Montreal: an exclusive story of the very first residential wall-mounted air conditioner installation
At a time when Montreal summers were synonymous with unbearable heat and persistent discomfort in urban homes, a quiet yet major technological revolution took place in a modest apartment in the Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie neighborhood. This transformation would mark the beginning of a new era for thermal comfort in Montreal: the installation of the very first residential wall-mounted air conditioner in the city.
At AirGreen, our expertise in HVAC isn't built solely on modern technology, but also on a deep understanding of the history and evolution of climate control needs in residential areas across Greater Montreal. What follows is a captivating story blending memory, technical know-how, and urban climate transformation.
A stifling Montreal summer: the context
It was the summer of 1968, a season marked by record-breaking temperatures and unbearable humidity. Fans were spinning at full speed in living rooms, yet offered little relief to Montreal families sweltering in poorly ventilated apartments. In the working-class neighborhood of Rosemont, one Mr. Lionel Dupuis, a retired CN employee and lover of new inventions, decided he had enough of sleepless, sweaty nights.
A discovery made during a trip
While on a spring trip to New York earlier that year, Mr. Dupuis spotted in a department store a unit on a wall display labeled: “Room Air Conditioner – Wall-Mounted Split System”. Intrigued, he returned to Canada with a full brochure for a Carrier model 38G, one of the first direct expansion wall-mounted systems.
He reached out to a small local business specializing in commercial refrigeration—an early predecessor of what would later become AirGreen—to find out whether this technology could be adapted for his second-floor apartment.
The challenge of a first-ever installation
The technical challenge was considerable: no standards, no infrastructure, no specific tools existed at the time to install such a unit in a residential building. The team had to manually fabricate a galvanized steel bracket to support the outdoor unit, which weighed nearly 60 kg, and cut a hole through the brick load-bearing wall without compromising the building’s structure.
The technicians worked for three straight days, coming up with ingenious solutions to connect the refrigerant lines, thermally insulate the pipes, and install the indoor wall-mounted unit with a drain line routed to the exterior, a completely novel concept for a Montreal apartment at the time.
The result: a quiet revolution
The day the air conditioner was turned on for the first time, neighbors came knocking, curious about the machine’s silence. Compared to the loud window units found in some hotels or offices, this wall-mounted system provided quiet, consistent cooling distributed evenly throughout the room.
Mr. Dupuis was instantly convinced: “It’s like I opened a window to the Alps,” he said. He was even invited to present his discovery on a local Radio-Canada television show.
A wave of interest... and a market transformation
This very first residential wall-mounted air conditioner installation in Montreal kicked off a significant shift in how Quebecers viewed summer comfort. It was early adopters like Mr. Dupuis who inspired manufacturers, installers, and homeowners to embrace these wall-mounted air conditioning systems—more discreet, efficient, and visually appealing.
Over the years, brands like Fujitsu, Gree, Sharp, Bosch, and Toshiba refined their models, making them quieter, more energy-efficient, and eligible for rebate programs like Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert.
From 1968 to today: continuous evolution thanks to AirGreen
At AirGreen, we carry on this legacy of innovation and technical mastery in wall-mounted air conditioner installations. Each year, we install hundreds of systems in homes across Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore, always with a commitment to exceeding our clients’ expectations.
Today, unlike Mr. Dupuis’ era, we have access to high-performance systems such as:
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Fujitsu KZAH R-32: praised for its exceptional energy efficiency and ultra-quiet operation, ideal for condos and smaller homes.
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Gree Lomo: a solid and budget-friendly option, perfect for duplexes or triplexes.
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Sharp ZU1: features a built-in air purification system, making it a great fit for family homes in Montreal.
Expertise built on history and excellence
Every wall-mounted air conditioner installation we handle is unique—just like the one from 1968. We always take into account:
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The building’s insulation
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The orientation of the façade
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The required BTU capacity based on square footage
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Desired noise level
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Future access for maintenance
It’s this customized approach, combined with our historical field experience, that sets AirGreen apart.
Practical advice drawn from our hands-on expertise
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Never undersize a unit: a wall-mounted air conditioner that’s too small will run nonstop and drive up your electricity bill.
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Always check eligibility criteria for LogisVert rebates, which can reach up to $1,860 for a high-efficiency wall-mounted AC.
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Ensure there’s enough clearance around the outdoor unit to maximize heat exchange and minimize noise.
Conclusion: where legacy meets innovation
The story of the first wall-mounted air conditioner installed in Montreal is more than just an anecdote—it’s a cornerstone moment for an entire industry. At AirGreen, we’re proud to carry on this legacy while offering the most advanced HVAC technologies to our residential and commercial clients.
Each installation we complete is infused with this historical awareness and an unwavering commitment to comfort and energy performance. Whether you're in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore or the South Shore—wherever you’re located, we’re ready to bring you the best in wall-mounted comfort... just like on that very first day.