Installation of a CanAir [wall-mounted range] wall-mounted heat pump in Le Sud-Ouest (Montreal)

Careful integration into a catering facility: stable comfort, respected aesthetics, simplified maintenance

Background and objectives

In a commercial space in Southwest Montreal with an industrial feel—painted brick walls, embossed ceilings, and exposed bulb lighting—we installed a CanAir wall-mounted heat pump to ensure four-season comfort for customers and the team. The main challenge: integrating the indoor unit discreetly and efficiently without disrupting the aesthetics of the space or the restaurant's operations, while maintaining direct access for HVAC maintenance .

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Why a CanAir wall-mounted heat pump in a neighborhood business?

• Inverter modulation : the machine continuously adapts its power, which stabilizes the temperature despite variable internal loads (oven, griddles, coming and going of customers).

• Energy efficiency : a properly sized heat pump reduces the electricity bill compared to an air conditioner + resistive heating.

• Flexible installation : the wall head fits above the service area without encroaching on traffic.

• Fast maintenance : accessible filters, easy-to-open front cover, parameter readings in minutes — essential for limiting downtime.

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Site Study: Performance and Aesthetics

Clearances and the Coanda effect

The head is positioned under the stamped ceiling with sufficient upper clearance to prevent recirculation of hot air in winter and stratification in summer. We orient the shutter so that the flow runs along the ceiling (controlled Coanda effect) then gently descends towards the occupied area, without creating a draft on the tables.

Painted brick masonry

The fixing plate is anchored into the brick , with levelled spacers to compensate for irregularities in the facing. The connections are made by a clean hole , filled and sealed after drawing the lines, for a clean finish around the device.

Decorative constraint

The space has a decorative metal ceiling and a nearby Edison bulb light fixture. We choose an installation axis that maintains a safe distance from the fixtures' hot spots and avoids turbulence caused by their supports. The blowing angle is adjusted to avoid disrupting the natural convection created by the fixtures.

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Refrigeration path and condensate management

Refrigeration connections

The insulated copper connections exit the rear of the unit and pass through the wall to the outside, where the condenser is located.

• Bending radii respected to preserve the integrity of the tubes.

• Continuous insulation and hood on the exterior side to protect from sun, water and shocks.

• Vapor barrier and fire sleeve at the point of the piercing to maintain the airtightness of the envelope.

Condensates: priority to gravity

Gravity drains are preferred, with a regular slope and a secure discharge point outside. When the commercial configuration requires it (lift or very long distance), we opt for a silent lifting pump with a safety tank and alarm contact; here, the direct route makes it possible to do without it.

Power supply

The indoor unit is connected according to the manufacturer's communication diagram (power supply to the condenser, inter-unit connections). We integrate an external disconnect switch near the condenser for safe interventions and shielded wiring if the environment presents disturbances (kitchen equipment, hoods, variators).

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Commissioning: Invisible Quality

The sustainability of an HVAC installation is based on a strict protocol:

1. Flares calibrated to the prescribed torque; visual inspection of the bearings to avoid micro-leaks.

2. Pressure-controlled nitrogen test ; stasis and drop control to ensure leak-tightness.

3. Deep vacuum via vacuum pump ; vacuum maintenance with ascent monitoring.

4. Opening of valves and readings of superheating/subcooling in heating and cooling.

5. Comparison with manufacturer ranges ; recording of values ​​in the AirGreen commissioning sheet.

This protocol ensures a dry and clean circuit, a guarantee of compressor longevity and stable performance.

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Real comfort in the room: what we observe

• Temperature uniformity despite frequent opening of the front door.

• Controlled noise : the head position avoids direct impact on guests; quiet mode is set for quiet hours.

• Air quality : Air circulation prevents stratification under the ceiling, reducing variations near light fixtures.

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AirGreen Best Practices for Montreal Businesses

Sizing and implementation

• Calculate the sensible/latent load taking into account cooking equipment , solar gains and occupancy.

• Position the wall head so as to sweep the useful area (counters, tables) without blowing directly onto customers.

• Provide a maintenance path to open the hood, remove the filters and access the exchanger.

Masonry and finishes

• Use anchors suitable for solid brick or block; refuse undersized anchors.

• Take care to fill the hole on the inside (plaster, paint) for perfect integration into the decor.

• On the exterior, UV capping and stainless steel fasteners to get through the winters of Greater Montreal .

Noise and vibrations

• Activate programmable night modes when the business borders a residential area.

• Check the fan balance and the unit's support on the plate to avoid any vibration transmitted to the brick.

• For late services, favor a progressive fan curve to avoid noticeable speed jumps.

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HVAC maintenance: simple, quick, essential

• Monthly (during intensive operation): dusting of filters, visual inspection of condensate tray and flap.

• Quarterly : gentle cleaning of the internal exchanger, checking the drain slope, checking the settings.

• Annual : complete inspection of the condenser, reference measurements (pressures, currents, temperatures), electrical tightening, condition of connections and capping .

An AirGreen maintenance contract guarantees stable performance, extends service life and secures the summer season which represents peak activity.

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Grants and Compliance

Wall-mounted heat pumps that meet low-temperature efficiency and performance criteria may be eligible for certain assistance programs in Quebec. We analyze the configuration (commercial use, power, performance) and guide our clients in Greater Montreal — Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , North Shore , South Shore —to the relevant options, when applicable.

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Common Mistakes…and How We Avoid Them

1. Installation too close to the ceiling : reduced efficiency and increased noise. We guarantee a higher clearance for good air intake.

2. Unsealed hole : parasitic air inlets, humidity. We install a sleeve + vapor barrier and ensure a clean finish.

3. Drain without slope : leaks and odors. Each section of the drain is checked for level and tested for water load.

4. Unprotected wiring : Risk of interference in premises with powerful electrical equipment. We use suitable wiring and secure routing.

5. Shortened commissioning : residual moisture and non-condensables. Our deep vacuum and nitrogen tests are systematic.

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Project sheet – The Southwest

• Type : single-zone wall-mounted heat pump .

• Brand : CanAir (simple design wall head for commercial integration).

• Layout : painted brick wall; clearances respected under decorative ceiling.

• Route : direct drilling to the outside; connections isolated and covered outside the premises; gravity drain .

• Electricity : compliant power supply, external disconnect switch near the condenser.

• Commissioning : Nitrogen test, vacuum pump (deep vacuum), superheat/subcooling readings recorded.

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Considering a similar installation?

We support cafes, restaurants, boutiques and offices in the Southwest , Plateau , Rosemont and throughout Greater Montreal . Our teams design HVAC systems that respect the visual identity of the premises while providing consistent comfort and controlled operating costs . From the technical visit to possible subsidies , we offer a clear quote and uncompromising execution.

AirGreen : your heat pump partner for welcoming, efficient and easy-to-maintain spaces in Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , North Shore and South Shore .