Four-season comfort in an exposed concrete condo: precise and discreet HVAC integration
At AirGreen , we have just completed the HVAC installation of a Fujitsu wall-mounted heat pump – Altair R-32 range in a condo in Griffintown (Le Sud-Ouest district, Montreal) . The indoor unit is positioned in the central hallway , under an exposed concrete slab ceiling , in order to efficiently supply the open living area (living room, kitchen) as well as the adjoining bedroom . This configuration, typical of recent condominiums, requires a methodical approach: short paths , silence , impeccable finishing and strict compliance with the building's rules.
Client Objectives
The owner wanted:
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a four-season solution to reduce dependence on electric baseboard heaters;
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a very low noise level to preserve the peace and quiet of the home;
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a sober architectural integration compatible with a contemporary decor (white walls, works of art, clean lines);
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easy HVAC maintenance with clear access to filters.
The Fujitsu Altair R-32 meets these expectations precisely: inverter modulation, stable performance in cold weather, recognized manufacturing quality and compact size of the wall head.
Interior installation: precision and air diffusion
We chose a high position in the middle of the corridor, at the junction of the living room and the bedroom . This placement allows:
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a longitudinal diffusion towards the living room and the loggia;
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a side sweep towards the sleeping area when the door is open;
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reducing dead zones near the concrete ceiling, which is often cooler in summer.
To ensure minimal stratification , we adjusted the orientation of the louvers so that the airflow reaches the occupied area without creating a draft. The unit's sensors then manage the speed to maintain a consistent temperature.
Special features of a concrete condo: constraints and solutions
Buildings with concrete slab structures require very strict drilling and fire protection regulations. Our team has:
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located a short route to the outside, near the patio door, to reduce the length of the refrigerant line and optimize efficiency ;
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used fire-resistant sleeves and certified sealants at the wall passage;
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favored a discreet route for the connections (refrigerants + control + drain) behind the head and along a vertical axis to keep the walls clean ;
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validated the unit clearances to facilitate filter maintenance.
Refrigerant line, vacuum draw and charge
To ensure the longevity of the Inverter compressor , we follow a rigorous protocol:
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Calibrated flares and controlled tightening torques ;
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Nitrogen leak test ;
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Vacuum drawing down to a threshold below 500 microns with stabilization ;
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Factory R-32 charge opened, then adjusted for actual length (short path = better responsiveness and less loss ).
This care given to the circuit results in a high COP , a gentle rise in temperature and exemplary silence in partial mode.
Condensate management and finish protection
In air conditioning mode, the wall-mounted unit generates condensate that must be drained by gravity when the architecture allows it. In this condo, we have:
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created a continuous slope of the drain, invisible in the corridor;
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used an insulated tube to prevent any stray condensation on the finishes;
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treated the wall passage with a sealing piece and discreet profile to preserve the aesthetics.
The customer thus benefits from a clean finish , without traces or droplets, in line with the requirements of a high-end co-ownership.
Power (BTU) Choice and Room Coverage
Griffintown condos generally feature:
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an open living area (25–35 m²) facing large bay windows ;
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an adjoining bedroom , accessible by a sliding or hinged door;
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an ideal central corridor for the wall head.
After taking into account the loads (orientation, glazing, sealing, occupancy habits), the 9,000 to 12,000 BTU range is often required for the living area, with fine sizing to avoid short cycles . The Fujitsu Altair R-32 covers this range and has a low module in mid-season, guaranteeing silence and savings .
Results: comfort, silence and energy efficiency
Upon commissioning, we validate:
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blowing temperature and heating stability ;
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minimum ventilation speed compatible with acoustic comfort;
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air distribution between living room and bedroom with open doors.
Customer observations:
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Four-season comfort in the main spaces;
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Significant drop in the use of electric baseboards;
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Silence at night, particularly appreciated in the corridor.
Grants and Eligibility
High-efficiency wall-mounted heat pumps with efficient low-temperature operation may be eligible for various assistance programs in Quebec (depending on models, certifications, and applicable conditions). We support our customers in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore for:
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check eligibility ;
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gather documentation ;
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optimize the cost/performance ratio based on the actual use of the housing.
AirGreen Best Practices for Montreal Condominiums
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Validate the location of the wall head: clearances, diffusion towards the living area, access to the filter.
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Minimize line length and avoid reverse slopes on the drain.
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Respect fire breaks in concrete slabs and walls.
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Ensure the discretion of the finishes (profiles, covers, coordinated colors).
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Schedule HVAC maintenance :
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monthly dusting of filters in high season;
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annual inspection (pressures, exchangers, tightenings);
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peripheral clearance of the condenser on the balcony/terrace.
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Acoustic listening after installation: adjust the minimum speed for quiet operation.
Why choose AirGreen for your condo in Griffintown
Our team understands the construction realities of modern towers and plexes: exposed concrete , shared technical ducts , noise and fire safety standards, restricted access to balconies. We intervene quickly, with a clear schedule , continuous communication with the union and complete documentation for the guarantee and, if necessary, subsidies .
Conclusion
This Fujitsu Altair R-32 wall-mounted heat pump installation in Griffintown illustrates the AirGreen approach: space analysis , short paths , careful finishing and meticulous commissioning for lasting comfort . In Greater Montreal , and particularly in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore and South Shore , we design each HVAC installation as a custom project that enhances your condo and improves your daily life.
