Four-season comfort in a condo with industrial style, careful integration and consistent performance
At AirGreen , we design every HVAC installation as an interior design project. In this condo in Southwest Montreal , the goal is clear: to provide reliable heating and discreet air conditioning in an open-plan kitchen-living room with exposed concrete ceilings, aesthetically pleasing exposed ductwork, and suspended lighting. We installed a Fujitsu residential inverter wall-mounted heat pump, perfectly suited to the compact spaces and acoustic requirements of modern condominiums.
Context and needs: thermal stability and discretion
The plan of the accommodation presents a functional core (kitchen and storage) around which the occupants circulate. The owners wish:
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A stable temperature in summer and winter in the open area, without unpleasant drafts at the counter;
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A very low sound level so as not to disturb conversations or calls when teleworking;
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A clean integration that respects the palette of materials (exposed concrete, dark accent wall, wooden joinery).
Our recommendations are oriented towards a capacity around 9,000–12,000 BTU/h depending on the orientation, internal inputs (kitchen) and glazing. The Fujitsu head selected offers an excellent SEER2/HSPF2 ratio, fine modulation of the compressor and progressive blowing speeds.
Interior head location: efficiency without sacrificing aesthetics
We position the head high wall , on the dark accent section, just under the concrete slab. This area has several advantages:
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Optimized air intake thanks to the respected upper and side clearances;
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Straight blowing across the room, allowing access to the dining area and living room;
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Distance from immediate cooking steam sources , while remaining close enough to limit stratification in summer.
The suspended linear luminaire requires careful management of the shutters . We program a wide horizontal sweep and a vertical angle that bypasses the lamp strip to avoid air returns on the lampshades (dust deposits) and discomfort areas at counter level. The installation at the top reduces the risk of impact with the upper cabinets and leaves front access for the washable filters .
Refrigerated path and drilling: short, protected, invisible
To avoid visually polluting the kitchen, we made a through hole behind the anchor plate. The wall quickly opens onto the exterior envelope of the building, which allows us to:
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short refrigeration connections (approximately 5 to 7 m depending on the configuration),
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minimal capping on the outside,
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the absence of an interior chute, preserving the line of the wall.
The copper tubes are bent to the prescribed radius, insulated with continuous high-density cellular insulation (glued joints), then taped. At the slab, an approved fire-resistant ring restores the flame arrester's watertightness. The drilling is carried out using a core drill with suction to protect the surfaces, then filled and painted on the inside for a flawless finish.
Condensate management: silent gravity
Thanks to the proximity of the facade, the drain is installed by gravity with a continuous slope (≥ 2%), without a pump. The external outlet is fitted with a ventilated anti-backflow and anti-insect cap . The customer thus benefits from a silent evacuation without additional maintenance .
Outdoor unit: discreet on the facade/balcony and winter longevity
In the condominiums of the South-West , the facade and the balcony require careful installation. We fix the unit on galvanized brackets with anti-vibration pads , with:
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sufficient elevation above the snow level,
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clearances respected for suction and discharge,
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passage of the connections in UV capping matching the coating,
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accessible electrical disconnect , under waterproof cover.
This configuration reduces vibration transmission to the structure and protects the equipment during winter defrost cycles.
Power supply: proximity to the panel, full compliance
The presence of an electrical panel in the kitchen area simplifies the power supply to the heat pump. We run a dedicated 240 V circuit to the outdoor disconnect, with a circuit breaker calibrated according to the nameplate. The routing is carried out in approved conduit, with verified grounding . The communication wiring between the outdoor unit and the wall-mounted head is installed away from interference (separate route from the power conductors) for maximum reliability .
AirGreen Commissioning: The Method That Guarantees Performance
Our technicians carry out a complete start-up sequence that makes the difference:
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Nitrogen test at approximately 300 psi and pressure drop check;
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Deep vacuum (≤ 500 microns ), maintenance and observation of the rise to eliminate humidity;
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Possible load compensation depending on the actual length of connections;
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Functional checks: intensities, blowing temperature, ΔT in cold and hot conditions, superheat/subcooling control;
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Setting shutters and speeds according to the location of the lighting and circulation.
The result: a quiet, responsive wall-mounted air conditioner/heat pump with a high COP at partial loads, where the unit spends most of its life.
Why Fujitsu in a Montreal condo?
Fujitsu wall-mounted units combine low noise levels , very stable inverter modulation and a heating operating range suitable for urban winters (down to around -25°C depending on the range). Removable filters, the exchanger drying function after air conditioning and anti-draft algorithms meet the constraints of an open space with a kitchen and high finishes .
Integration details that matter every day
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Upper clearances respected despite the exposed concrete slab;
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Short refrigeration path to minimize losses and maximize seasonal yield ;
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Shutters adjusted to deflect the flow of light suspensions ;
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Flame arrester restored at the drilling to preserve the fire safety of the building;
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Anti-vibration mounts sized to avoid any resonance in the concrete structure.
Good practices and pitfalls to avoid in open spaces
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Avoid frontal obstacles (lights, shelves) which create recirculation and dust on the lampshades;
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Do not bring your head too close to the ceiling: the air intake must remain free ;
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Limit tight bends on copper connections: pressure losses reduce useful capacity;
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Provide snow clearance and a dry area for the outdoor unit to avoid sucking in powder snow;
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Check the gravity flow of condensates during each maintenance.
Recommended HVAC maintenance
To maintain optimal performance:
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Clean the filters every 4 to 8 weeks during use;
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Annual maintenance: deep cleaning of the evaporator and turbine, checking of flare connections and intensities, drain test;
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Condenser inspection: dusting of the fins, checking of the anti-vibration and capping;
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Updated heating/air conditioning programming to adapt the setting to the seasons.
Our HVAC maintenance packages extend the life of the unit and maintain high efficiency .
Grants and administrative support
High-efficiency wall-mounted heat pumps , such as Fujitsu models, are generally eligible for assistance programs in Quebec when the efficiency (SEER2/HSPF2) and low-temperature performance criteria are met. We support our clients to validate eligibility and submit applications, whether you are in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore or the South Shore . The goal: to reduce the net installation cost and accelerate the return on investment.
Results obtained
The installation provides even distribution in the open area, effective dehumidification in the summer right next to the kitchen and comfortable heating in the off-season. Operation remains discreet, even at low speed, and the visual integration respects the industrial vocabulary of the condo: exposed concrete , dark wall panel, wood joinery and stainless steel appliances. The client notes a significant reduction in consumption compared to occasional electrical systems and a much more stable comfort.
Why choose AirGreen?
We understand the realities of Greater Montreal condominiums: trustee regulations, facade constraints, structural openings, noise and vibrations, short refrigeration routes. Our approach combines thermal diagnostics , clean HVAC installation , instrumented commissioning and maintenance monitoring . Our teams operate in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore and the South Shore with the same imperative: a clean site, measurable performance and transparent support.
