Intervention in an office environment: continuous circulation, suspended ceiling and clean finish
In an office space in the Ville-Marie district, our team is carrying out the HVAC installation of a Generallux wall-mounted heat pump – Caldo range . The client's objective: to ensure four-season comfort for a compact open space and an adjoining closed room, without disrupting employee activity and with a discreet interior design. The configuration of the space – suspended ceiling (T-bar tiles) and no drop to the outside – requires the addition of a condensate lifting pump positioned in the immediate vicinity of the wall-mounted head.
Background, device selection and sizing
For this administrative floor with light separations, the most relevant solution remains a dedicated inverter wall-mounted heat pump , chosen for its modulation flexibility and low noise level . The Generallux Caldo selected is configured at 12,000 BTU/h , a rating that comfortably covers a space of 40 to 55 m² depending on the envelope and the number of occupants. The device operates efficiently in low-temperature heating , provides gentle cooling in summer, and meets energy efficiency expectations ( Energy Star profile according to AHRI -certified combinations).
What this choice brings to the building manager:
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maintaining a stable temperature despite frequent door openings;
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high efficiency thanks to the inverter compressor and finely adjustable air flow ;
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simplified maintenance : accessible filters, removable front panels, rapid diagnostics.
Interior installation: to the nearest millimeter
Head position
The indoor unit is installed at the top of the wall , away from the suspended ceiling lights to prevent any air recycling . The manufacturer's recommended clearances are respected on the sides and at the top, ensuring ample sweeping towards the occupied area.
Finishing and integration
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The refrigeration connections and the control power supply rise immediately in the plenum above the tiles; this routing makes the networks invisible in the occupied area.
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A clean cover at the exit point prevents unwanted air intakes and reinforces the airtightness of the room.
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The choice of a white shade for the head and the cladding fits perfectly into the tertiary environment.
Condensate management: quiet and secure lifting pump
The layout of the premises did not allow for gravity drainage . We therefore installed a compact lifting pump , placed close to the unit, in a discreet black casing, with the following precautions:
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Tank accessible for maintenance, with anti-debris filter to limit clogging.
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Wired float switch : in the event of an abnormal level, the heat pump automatically stops to prevent overflow .
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Insulated discharge line to the discharge point, with anti-siphon loop to eliminate odors and avoid unnecessary pressure losses.
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Vibration absorbers under the housing and low-noise Velcro clamps on the pipes, to keep the office quiet .
Operating advice: a biannual flushing of the pump (warm water + enzyme tablet) and a check of the non-return valve are sufficient to maintain optimal operation throughout the cooling season.
Refrigeration path and outdoor unit
The route is designed to be short (less than 10 m) in order to reduce pressure losses and maintain the nominal refrigerant charge . The copper connections (forward/return) are flared and brazed according to the rules of the art, protected in the plenum by a continuous closed-cell insulation , without cuts on the connection side.
On the exterior side, the unit is placed on anti-vibration supports — wall bracket or slab depending on the facade — at a height clear of snow and splashes. A service switch is installed nearby, and the condensate discharge from the pump is directed to an authorized point, sheltered from pedestrian passages.
AirGreen Installation Procedure: Accuracy and Compliance
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Checking the support : identifying the uprights behind the plasterboard and installing a reinforced bracket (suitable anchors).
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Drilling Ø 65–75 mm with controlled slope , bulkhead and fire sleeve if required by the building.
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Plenum routing : secure routing outside fire cable trays and light fixtures, compliance with curvature radii .
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Leak tests : nitrogen immersion at 350 psi and electronic detector control.
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Deep vacuum ≤ 300 microns, stabilization, then opening of the service valves.
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Power supply on dedicated circuit (magnetothermal protection according to nominal intensity), earthing control.
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Commissioning : flow/damper setting, heating/air conditioning test, checking for overheating/undercooling and final instructions to the manager.
Air settings for an efficient office
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Wide programmed vertical sweep to cover the open space while avoiding drafts at workstations.
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In winter , shutter slightly lowered to destratify the air and bring the heat back to the occupants' level.
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In summer , priority is given to the average flow rate in order to maintain comfortable humidity without overcooling the surfaces.
Good HVAC maintenance practices in light tertiary buildings
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Filters : Vacuum every 4–6 weeks, wash quarterly.
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Exchanger : biannual check and gentle cleaning of the fins.
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Condensate pump : float tests every season, pre-summer rinse.
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Outdoor unit : minimum clearance of 30 cm, inspection of silent blocks and removal of debris.
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Annual check by our technicians: electrical tightening, checking of refrigeration parameters , updating of maintenance logs for building compliance.
Pitfalls to avoid in this type of configuration
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Undersize the device in an open space: the unit would run at high speed, be noisier and less durable.
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Forgetting the float switch safety on the lifting pump : risk of water damage in summer.
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Rough routing in plenum: bends too tight, interrupted insulation, crossings with sensitive cables.
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Lack of external service switch : non-compliance and slowdown of interventions.
Measurable results and AirGreen guarantees
After balancing, the platform quickly reaches its setpoint with a noise level compatible with open spaces. Employees benefit from a uniform flow and thermal stability despite comings and goings. For mid-season heating, the heat pump replaces electrical backups, reducing consumption . The Generallux Caldo is eligible for grant programs when the AHRI combination meets the low-temperature performance criteria. Our team supports the client for:
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eligibility verification ,
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the constitution and submission of the file,
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follow-up until payment (Montreal, Laval , Longueuil , North Shore , South Shore ).
AirGreen Commitment: RBQ-compliant installations, complete documentation, responsive after-sales service and maintenance plan adapted to the tertiary environment.
In summary: a clean, safe and sustainable solution
This HVAC installation in an office environment demonstrates the benefits of a well-sized and integrated wall-mounted heat pump : efficient air circulation, a quiet and secure condensate pump , invisible networks in the suspended ceiling , and tangible energy savings for the operator. With regular maintenance and appropriate adjustments, the Generallux Caldo ensures consistent comfort all year round in the heart of Ville-Marie .