A smart replacement for a brick plex: silence, clearances and clean finishes for a lively backyard
Background and objectives
At AirGreen , we were approached by the owner of a plex in the Le Sud-Ouest sector of Montreal, who wanted to modernize his four-season comfort without sacrificing the aesthetics of his backyard. The constraints were typically Montreal: brick facade , metal balcony overlooking a patio door , frequent traffic on a wooded terrace and proximity to neighbors. The chosen installation was a Comfortmaker wall-mounted heat pump with a wall-mounted interior head for the living room adjacent to the kitchen.
Why a wall-mounted heat pump in this case?
-
Compact and quiet format, ideal under a balcony and above a terrace used daily.
-
Inverter modulation to stabilize the temperature in heating and air conditioning.
-
Direct air distribution in the living area (living room-kitchen) with the possibility of gentle air supply to the bedrooms.
-
Clean installation without major conduit work: drilling and careful connection routing are sufficient.
Our HVAC installation on a brick wall, step by step
1) External installation: above the usage line
The Comfortmaker condenser is installed on galvanized wall brackets , fixed in the brick with appropriate anchors and spacers in order to take the load without punching the facing. This height:
-
frees up floor space on the terrace,
-
keeps the unit above the snow in winter,
-
reduces the risk of shocks (barbecue, furniture, passers-by).
High-performance silent blocks interrupt vibration transmission to the structure. The plumb and flatness of the brackets are checked using a level and a tightening dynamometer to prevent any structure-borne noise.
2) Refrigeration path and facade finishes
The path of the refrigerant connections (liquid/gas), the communication cable and the power supply follows a short and straight route, protected by a UV-resistant external trunking . The capping is positioned to remain discreet between the masonry, the patio door and under the balcony. The bending radii of the copper are respected to avoid pressure losses and fluid hum.
3) Drilling, insulation and sealing
We make a through-hole with a controlled slope towards the outside. The sleeve is continuously insulated and sealed on both sides to preserve the airtightness of the envelope and prevent any infiltration. The exit point is capped and waterproof against driving rain.
4) Condensate management
Inside, the wall-mounted drain operates by gravity to an existing return point, with a siphon and odor break. The lack of sufficient slope triggers, depending on the case, the integration of a silent mini-condensate pump , equipped with an alarm contact that shuts off the unit in the event of overflow—a safety feature appreciated in an open kitchen.
5) Power supply and safety
An external disconnect is installed within easy reach, downstream of a circuit breaker dedicated to the panel. The cable cross-section and grounding comply with the Quebec Construction Code and Comfortmaker requirements. Each conductor is labeled to simplify future maintenance.
6) Commissioning: measurements and adjustments
-
Nitrogen test and leak detection,
-
Deep vacuum < 500 microns, stabilized and recorded,
-
Load adjustment according to equivalent length, electronic weighing,
-
Measurement of currents , supply/return temperatures and verification of superheating/subcooling .
The wall-mounted shutters are set to sweep the living room-kitchen area without blowing directly onto the dining area.
Visible details and highlights of this pose
High brackets and free movement
The photo shows a high wall mounting that clears the passage around the patio door . This location also prevents air recycling near the terrace and improves winter defrosting: the melted water falls freely, without creating ice patches on the decking.
Real context: replacement and rationalization
On site, old ground equipment and a dismantled hood are evidence of an obsolete system. Our installation streamlines the space: a single wall-mounted condenser, a new refrigeration line, brazed connections under the hood, and a finish that blends into the facade. The result: a more breathable backyard and simplified maintenance.
Coactivity with balcony and stairs
The overhanging metal balcony requires precise clearances . We positioned the unit to maintain comfortable access to the patio door and avoid any interaction with the downspout . The side and rear distances comply with the installer's manual to maintain the nominal capacity .
Results achieved for the client
-
Uniform cooling of the living area, elimination of hot spots near the kitchen.
-
Stable heating during the off-seasons and cold nights, with smooth inverter modulation.
-
Low noise level inside and on the terrace: barbecues and outdoor meals remain pleasant.
-
Controlled consumption : better seasonal efficiency than the old ground-based device.
HVAC Use and Maintenance Tips
Daily good practices
-
Maintain 30–40 cm of clearance around the condenser and clear snow after storms.
-
Clean the wall head filters every 4–6 weeks during use.
-
Set moderate settings (22–23°C in summer, 20–21°C in winter) to maximize efficiency .
Annual maintenance recommended
A complete HVAC maintenance before winter: drain check, exchanger cleaning, connection verification and inspection of the insulation of the connections. This appointment preserves the manufacturer's warranty and performance throughout the seasons.
Key technical points on a brick facade with patio door
Vibrations and solids
Silent blocks and controlled tightening torque prevent structural transmission to the interior floors. We check for resonance at different fan speeds.
Lengths and loads
The refrigerant charge is adjusted to the equivalent meter , taking into account the elbows . A poorly charged system loses COP and prematurely wears out the compressor: hence the importance of weighing and measurements .
Defrosting under the balcony
The direction of the blower limits the return of cold air during defrosting. The water drains away from traffic and does not reach the patio door .
Common Mistakes to Avoid…and How We Prevent Them
-
Undersized fixings in hollow brick → we use suitable and tested anchors.
-
Discontinuous chute with angles that are too sharp → pressure losses, fluid noise; our route remains fluid and capsized .
-
Absence of accessible disconnect → non-compliance; we position it in the immediate vicinity.
-
Height too low on the terrace → risk of shocks and air recycling; our high brackets secure the whole thing.
-
Neglected drainage → traces of water in the kitchen; we measure the slope and plan a pump if necessary.
AirGreen Grants and Coverage
High-efficiency wall-mounted heat pumps may be eligible for assistance programs in Quebec based on their cold performance data sheets. We validate each model and take charge of the file . Our team operates in Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , on the North Shore and the South Shore with the same HVAC installation, commissioning and maintenance standards .
Conclusion
This project in Le Sud-Ouest demonstrates the benefits of a careful HVAC installation on a brick facade: brackets above the living area, discreet cable ducting , precise adjustments and complete documentation provided to the client. With its Comfortmaker wall-mounted heat pump , the home gains in silence , efficiency and comfort all year round - without encroaching on the terrace.