Installation of a Fujitsu (R-32 range) wall-mounted heat pump in Plateau-Mont-Royal

Four-season comfort in a Plateau apartment building: a Fujitsu unit positioned above a doorway, neatly installed in a narrow passageway, with condensate management and discreet finishes for a durable and quiet HVAC installation .

A typically Montreal context, very real constraints

In this Plateau-Mont-Royal plex, the adjoining rooms, period moldings, and high doorways create undeniable charm... and a technical challenge. The area to be treated is a central hallway that leads to the living room and dining room. The client's goal: to efficiently air condition in the summer, moderate temperatures in the off-season, reduce humidity, and keep noise to a minimum. The optimal solution is to position a compact wall-mounted heat pump above the central door to supply the adjacent areas through natural mixing.

Why a Fujitsu R-32 here?

The latest generation of Fujitsu R-32 wall lamps is distinguished by:

• an inverter compressor capable of finely modulating according to the actual load;

• very contained interior acoustics (ideal for a reverberant corridor);

• maintaining capacity at low outside temperatures, adapted to Montreal 's climate;

• reduced environmental impact compared to R-410A.

The exact model depends on the sizing (sensible/latent loads, connected surfaces, orientation and infiltration). On this site, the thermal study points towards an intermediate capacity to supply the "backbone" of the housing without oversizing.

Study and preparation: calculations, locations and logistics

We are leading upstream:

• Calculation of losses room by room and analysis of solar gains;

• Identifying the shortest refrigeration routes to the backyard;

• Checking the electrical panel (located near the corridor), choosing the gauge and dedicated circuit breaker;

• Condensate management plan: due to the central opening and the distance to the outside, we are choosing a compact integrated condensate pump , secured by a level detector;

• Plan for protecting moldings and narrow passages (tarpaulin, non-slip rails, HEPA vacuum cleaner).

Installation of the interior head: millimeter precision in an embrasure

• Laser-fixed template to meet top and side clearances and filter accessibility;

• Discreet lateral drilling (diameter suitable for connections, cable and drain) with a slight outward slope to prevent any water return;

• Passage of the communication cable and the dedicated circuit , sheathed and secured to avoid parasitic noise;

• Installation of the silent condensate pump , priming and purge test.

The positioning above the door exploits the Coandă effect: the air blows along the ceiling, crosses the doorway and is distributed towards the living room and dining room, which evens out the temperature without direct air currents.

Refrigeration connections and finishes: clean, straight, durable

• High density insulated refrigeration copper , brazing under nitrogen, deburring and nitrogen testing ;

• Deep vacuum with digital vacuum gauge control (stabilization < 500 microns);

• Exterior path in a stable UV capping , light tint to visually blend in with the plaster;

• Bending radii respected in order to preserve the integrity of the insulation;

• Sealing the bulkhead with flexible external mastic and vapor barrier on the interior side to prevent condensation in the gypsum.

Outdoor unit: performance and neighborhood preserved

The outdoor unit is installed in the backyard, on anti-vibration wall brackets (or damped slab depending on the facade), with:

• clearances compliant for suction and blowing;

• service switch accessible for maintenance;

• orientation limiting the breath towards neighbors and the reverberation on the guardrails;

• snow clearance for the cold season and optimal defrosting.

Commissioning: measurements and adjustments, no guesswork

1. Opening of the valves after the vacuum is confirmed;

2. Measurement of superheat/subcooling , intensity, delta T return/blowing;

3. Checking vibrations, sound leakage and chassis balancing;

4. Shutter settings: horizontal sweep in cold mode to circulate the adjoining rooms, reduced angle in heating mode to encourage the return of air by convection;

5. Condensate pump test (full cycle), check of non-return valves.

Result: very low perceived noise in the hallway, consistent comfort in the adjacent rooms and an aesthetic that respects the original moldings.

Sizing: the key to a “distributor” corridor

We reject the “one size fits all” approach. Choosing the right BTU takes into account:

• the length of air to be covered in the corridor-living room-dining room axis;

• doors usually open/closed;

• internal features (adjoining kitchen, oven, light fixtures);

• humidity in summer on the Plateau (latent loads).

Depending on these factors, a single, well-positioned head is often sufficient. When necessary, we provide a second compact head for the sleeping area or a MultiZone if the geometry requires it.

HVAC Maintenance: Maintaining Performance

• Filters : Gentle vacuuming and rinsing every 4–8 weeks in summer;

• Internal battery : periodic professional cleaning to remove biofilm and fine dust;

• Outdoor unit : clearing leaves, checking fins, no obstacles in front of the blower;

• Annual check : tightening, intensities, delta T, condensate pump test, updating of settings.

Regular maintenance keeps consumption low and indoor air quality high.

Tips for using a molded sideboard

• Allow the air to flow along the ceiling; avoid directing it towards people;

• In a corridor, favor a horizontal sweep to push the air towards the open rooms;

• Avoid placing coats/objects under the suction;

• Maintain clearance above head to prevent hot air recycling.

Grants and support

High-efficiency R-32 wall-mounted heat pumps may be eligible for energy efficiency programs in Quebec. We validate the eligibility of the chosen model (cold weather performance, certifications) and take care of preparing the file for our customers in Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , North Shore and South Shore .

Security, compliance and guarantees

• Dedicated circuit compliant with Code with suitable circuit breaker;

• Grounding checked, routing of the shielded communication cable according to the manufacturer's instructions;

• Commissioning report submitted (measurements, serial numbers, technical photos), essential condition of manufacturer's warranties .

What this installation brings to everyday life

• Silence in the living rooms;

• Temperature homogeneity , without dead zones despite the row geometry;

• Respected aesthetics : discreet capping, single drilling, careful integration;

• Peace of mind thanks to the tested and secure condensate pump.

Why entrust your project to us in the Plateau… and throughout Greater Montreal?

We understand the specificities of Montreal plexes : old walls, alley access, neighborhood constraints, balconies and exterior stairs. Our value: listening to actual usage, sizing with rigor, installing without traces, maintaining methodically. Whether you are in Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , on the North Shore or the South Shore , we deliver clean, efficient wall-mounted heat pump installations ready for Quebec winters.