Quiet performance and consistent comfort for a demanding urban condo
In a modern building in Griffintown, our AirGreen team is carrying out an HVAC installation designed for condominium living: efficiency in the extreme Montreal cold , control of vibrations on concrete balconies, and careful aesthetics for discreet integration.
Project context and thermal sizing
The client occupies a bright 3 1/2 facing southwest. Solar gains are high in summer, while winter brings gusts channeled between the towers. We carry out a load calculation: recent envelope, generous glazing, two-person occupancy, cooking appliances in the evening. The peak heating requirement is estimated at ≈ 12,000 BTU/h , which points to a Fujitsu Orion XLTH (R-32) in the 12 k version, known to maintain its capacity down to −26 °C with a high SCOP and fine modulation at low speed for mid-season.
Why the Fujitsu Orion XLTH (R-32) for a condo
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R-32 refrigerant : reduced charge, better GWP than R-410A, and higher efficiencies.
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Inverter compressor : stable comfort without jolts, ideal for open spaces.
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Silence : low noise levels from the outdoor unit and the indoor head, a crucial point in co-ownership.
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Extreme cold operation : intelligent defrosting to protect heating capacity when the north wind hits downtown Montreal .
Site characteristics and implementation strategy
The condenser is located on a concrete slab balcony . The objectives: to decouple vibrations, maintain clearance to the balustrade, and preserve air circulation despite the close angle of the shared wall.
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Galvanized raised stand : sturdy metal base providing ~45 cm of ground clearance.
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Anti-vibration pads on each foot: reduction of structural transfer to the slab and adjacent housing.
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Blower orientation : clearance provided at the rear and side to avoid recirculation of hot air during defrosting.
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Stainless steel fasteners and insulating spacers : durability and prevention of squeaking due to expansion.
Refrigeration and finishing
The shortest route is chosen: crossing the facade wall directly behind the outdoor unit, which limits the length of the connections to approximately 3–4 m .
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Core drilling with outward slope for summer condensate drainage.
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Refrigeration lines insulated in closed cell, UV protection tape on all junctions.
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Light-colored aluminum formwork (capping) matching the balcony joinery for discreet integration.
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Videoscope inside to check for conflict with the armature and services.
Noise and vibration management: co-ownership priority
The co-ownership imposes a dB limit on the property. We act on three levers:
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Decoupling : pads and neoprene washers between support and feet.
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Control : “Quiet” night setting with lowering of fan speed.
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Installation : alignment of the guardrail posts to take advantage of the local rigidity of the slab.
Result: at 1 m, the measured level remains comfortable during air conditioning and defrosting cycles.
Defrosting and water management
Winter defrosting cycles produce runoff. On balconies, the priority is to avoid icicles and nuisances.
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Raising the condenser: the water drains freely without bathing the base.
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Route guided by the natural slope of the slab; checking the drop point to avoid reaching common areas.
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Advice given to the customer: clear snow in front of the air intake and avoid any obstruction under the device.
Power supply and compliance
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Visible disconnection in the immediate vicinity of the unit, protected from the weather.
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Dedicated circuit conforming to the caliber prescribed by the manufacturer.
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Checking the compressor rotation direction and nitrogen leak test (test), then deep vacuum and stabilization before opening the valves.
Commissioning and optimization
After purging and stabilization, we proceed to:
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Reading superheats and subcoolings .
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Calibration of the indoor sensor and configuration of the shutters to limit air currents in the living room-office area.
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Activation of eco mode and weekly programming to smooth out power demands during peak hours Hydro-Québec .
Observed results
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Consistent comfort from the main room to the bedroom thanks to fine modulation.
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Estimated reduction in electric heating bill vs. baseboards: around 25–40% depending on the winter.
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Controlled noise : no complaints from neighbors and no vibrations felt in the floor.
Recommended maintenance (annual plan)
Maintaining the performance of a heat pump requires simple actions:
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Gently rinse the outdoor battery in spring and fall.
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Clean the internal filters every 4 to 8 weeks.
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Annual AirGreen HVAC maintenance visit: checking pressures, electrical values, drain and insulation condition.
Grants and incentives
Depending on the time and eligibility, a high-performance R-32 wall-mounted heat pump may be eligible for Hydro-Québec's Efficient Heat Pump programs and provincial energy improvement programs. We assist our clients in preparing applications, estimating potential costs, and coordinating HVAC installation with inspections when required.
Practical tips for a balcony in an urban environment
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Clearances : respect the manufacturer's distances for blowing and suction.
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Water management : check that the runoff does not affect a terrace below.
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Snow : keep a clearance of at least 30 cm under the device after accumulation.
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Seasonal storage : avoid bins and bicycles less than 60 cm from the side grid.
Why choose AirGreen in Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , North Shore and South Shore
Our specialized HVAC team responds quickly throughout Greater Montreal. We provide: thermal analysis, selection of wall-mounted air conditioner/heat pump technology, aesthetic integration, electrical compliance, and responsive after-sales service. Each project is documented and delivered with optimized settings for your lifestyle.
Project summary technical sheet
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Type : 1-zone wall-mounted heat pump , R-32
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Brand / Range : Fujitsu Orion XLTH
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Installed capacity : 12,000 BTU/h (heating & modulating air conditioning)
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Installation : concrete balcony, raised galvanized support, anti-vibration pads
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Route : direct crossing, ≈ 3–4 m of connections, light-colored aluminum capping
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Objectives achieved : comfort, silence, efficiency in winter, discreet integration into co-ownership
Do you have a similar project within Montreal or in the suburbs? Our team offers you a precise quote, clear deadlines, and solutions adapted to both co-ownership rules and local winters.