A reliable and neat upgrade for a Montreal brick duplex
At AirGreen , we work daily on typical residences in Greater Montreal . This HVAC installation was carried out in a brick duplex in Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie , a popular area for its bright apartments and semi-buried basements. The client's objective was clear: to stabilize the temperature all year round with a high-performance wall-mounted heat pump , without weighing down the facade or obstructing basement openings.
Project context and choice of equipment
The owner wanted a simple, reliable and energy-efficient inverter system, capable of providing supplemental heating in winter and efficient cooling in summer . The solution chosen: a ComfortStar Inverter (outdoor unit visible in the photo) coupled with a wall-mounted indoor head placed in the main living area. This type of equipment perfectly meets the needs of a Montreal home: fine modulation , silence , optimized consumption and reduced HVAC maintenance when properly installed.
Exemplary exterior layout: clearances, support, protection
Wall support and decoupling
The outdoor unit is mounted on galvanized wall brackets , sized for the load and span. We added anti-vibration pads (blue visible on the bolts) to separate the compressor from the masonry. The result: less sound transmission inside and increased longevity of the seals.
Height and clearances
The positioning ensures sufficient ground clearance for snow and vegetation . This height also limits dust extraction and facilitates defrost drainage in heating mode. The side and rear clearances are maintained to optimize fan air circulation .
Electrical Safety and Service
Under the unit, we have integrated an accessible service switch (disconnect) . This standardized electrical safety feature allows for any maintenance work by disconnecting the power supply on site. The electrical routing follows a protective, weatherproof, covered wiring .
Management of refrigeration connections: cleanliness, sealing and durability
Harmonized cover and controlled drilling
The refrigerant lines (insulated copper), the communication cable and the condensate drain are gathered in a discreet white capping , laid horizontally then vertically up to the inner head. We always make a single hole with a hole saw, slightly inclined outwards to prevent any water return. A weatherproof sealant and a finishing ring ensure the watertightness of the crossing.
Controlled length and bends
The length of the path is optimized to reduce pressure losses and maintain the nominal performance of the heat pump . The tube bends are made with a spring or a bender to avoid any pinching and to protect the refrigerant .
Site constraints: basement window, mixed facade and old brick
The chosen wall has a basement window and a transition of materials (brick above, plaster/parging below). The installation was designed to:
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Maintain natural light in the basement: the unit is offset and raised so as not to obstruct the opening.
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Preserve the masonry : seals made in the joints where possible and anchors suitable for the brick, avoiding cracks.
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Anticipate winter : orientation allowing the unit to be quickly cleared in the event of snow accumulation; no direct obstacles in the way of blowing.
Interior integration: homogeneous comfort and air circulation
The interior wall head is positioned so that the airflow covers the living room and reaches the corridor leading to the bedrooms. The return is unobstructed and the shutters are adjusted to avoid drafty areas. In heating mode, the vertical sweep sends the tempered air downwards to homogenize the temperature at occupied height.
Expected performance and best practices for use
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Inverter Modulation : the device adapts its power to actual demand, reducing starts/stops and improving seasonal efficiency .
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Air conditioning efficiency : adequate sizing for a rapid reduction in the sensible load during Montreal heat waves.
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Additional heating : excellent complement to the main systems; modulation limits consumption peaks .
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Controlled noise : the combination of anti-vibration pads + rigid support + clearances gives a very low exterior noise level.
HVAC Maintenance: What We Include and What the Customer Can Do
Professional maintenance recommended
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Annual check : pressures, temperatures, superheating/subcooling , tightness of connections, defrosting operating test.
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Cleaning the condenser : fins, fan, drain pan; checking the condensate pump if necessary (this project operates by gravity on the inside).
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Hood inspection : ensure integrity against UV and freeze/thaw cycles.
User interview
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Clean the inner head filters every 4 to 8 weeks during peak season.
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Minimum clearance of 60 cm around the outdoor unit, regular mowing, leaf removal.
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Gentle de-icing in winter if necessary, never use metal tools on the fins.
Simple HVAC maintenance , applied regularly, extends lifespan and maintains performance .
Points of attention when installing a brick facade
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Drilling and sealing : avoid joint cracks, respect the bed lines, injection of masonry-compatible sealant .
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Thermal bridges : limit crossings; properly insulate the copper to prevent condensation in the hood.
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Water management : Plan the de-icing path away from walkways and steps to limit black ice .
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Vibrations : Use pads and tighten to the recommended torque ; recheck after 2–4 weeks of operation.
Grants and Eligibility: How We Do It
Grants vary based on provincial programs and the certified efficiency of the appliances. Our team verifies, for each project, the efficiency class , the cold operating range and potential eligibility (e.g., programs focused on seasonal efficiency and cold climate). When replacing less efficient equipment, we inform the client of the required procedures and documents . This administrative support is part of our service in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore and South Shore .
Result obtained for the client
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Stable comfort in the living area, with rapid response in air conditioning.
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Discreet noise level , both for occupants and for the neighborhood.
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Clean facade : aligned hood, harmonized colors, units and cables perfectly held .
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Immediate maintenance access : disconnect under the unit, compliant clearances, simplified service .
AirGreen Tips for a Successful Project in Greater Montreal
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Choose the location before the device : efficiency depends first of all on the path of the connections and the diffusion of air .
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Anticipate winter : ground clearance, defrosting evacuation, snow guard if necessary.
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Take care of the waterproofing : a clean, inclined and sealed hole prevents humidity and losses.
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Plan for maintenance : access to filters, accessible disconnect , UV-resistant covers.
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Check eligibility for assistance programs with an AirGreen advisor : a good file reduces the total cost of ownership.
AirGreen expertise serving Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie and Greater Montreal
Our team is adept at handling Montreal plexes , old masonry , and narrow courtyards . Each HVAC installation is sized , documented , and guaranteed by certified technicians. We operate in Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , on the North Shore and the South Shore , with the same high standards: meticulous aesthetics , measured performance , and available after-sales service .
For a wall-mounted heat pump project – ComfortStar, Gree , Fujitsu , Midea , Sharp or others – we offer a technical visit and a detailed quote .