A compact and neat installation for a Montreal plex kitchen
At AirGreen , we design HVAC systems that respect local architecture and the occupants' actual uses. In this Plateau-Mont-Royal plex, we integrated a Goodman wall-mounted heat pump above the kitchen's back door, near a window and a storage shelf. The goal: to provide comfort in both summer and winter, without encroaching on the workspace or the circulation towards the courtyard and the metal staircase typical of the neighborhood.
Context and objectives of the project
The client wishes to:
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Effectively air-condition the kitchen and, through diffusion, regulate the temperature in the adjacent living room.
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Reduce humidity during cooking and improve perceived air quality in summer.
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Benefit from additional heating during the off-season to relieve existing systems.
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Maintain functional clearance around the garden door and window.
We chose a compact wall unit with a visible setpoint display (here set to 20°C), installed high up to promote stratification and diffusion of air along the ceiling before gently descending into the living space.
Why Goodman for this type of space?
The Goodman wall range is illustrated by:
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Easy-to-maintain reliability (direct access to filters, proven electronics).
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Quiet operation suitable for noise-sensitive rooms such as a kitchen where there is frequent communication and movement.
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Cold/heat compatibility ensuring four-season comfort when the chosen configuration includes heating mode.
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A minimalist format that blends well with the white finishes of Montreal apartments.
For this kitchen volume and the adjoining area, we generally size between 9,000 and 12,000 BTU , taking into account sunlight, internal inputs (cooking, occupants) and air continuity with neighboring rooms. Our advisors validate this point in advance to guarantee an optimal performance/silence ratio.
Interior installation: precision and security
Several constraints guide our installation:
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Installation height close to the ceiling to free up wall space above the shelf and allow efficient airflow over preparation areas.
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Clearances are maintained around the door and window frame to avoid any turbulence and to preserve the operation of the leaves.
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Clear filter access for easy quarterly maintenance, even with the stainless steel shelf located below.
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Wall bracket anchored in the masonry/frame with laser level to ensure gravity drainage of condensate and long-term stability.
We install the template holder, drill a 65–75 mm core through hole, and install a wall sleeve to protect the refrigerant insulation. The outlet is located laterally to the right of the wall header, which minimizes the cable length and makes the routing invisible in the kitchen.
Refrigeration path and power supply
The route is optimized to remain short, limit losses and reduce the number of bends:
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Insulated copper refrigeration lines , high-density foam insulation, UV-taped for the exterior portion.
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Jointly pulled communication/power cable , with service loop outside.
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Discreet exterior capping (white or neutral depending on the facade) for a clean finish and increased protection against the elements.
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Electrical junction made in accordance with code, with dedicated circuit breaker tested and identified at the panel.
This configuration brings the overall length within the ideal range for mini-splits, improving efficiency and stability in heating mode.
Condensate management: priority to gravity
In a kitchen, condensation is common in summer. We favor gravity drainage :
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Slight, constant outward slope.
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Waterproof wall pass-through with careful sealing.
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Discreet exit, away from passageways and guardrails.
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Lift pump option only if gravity is not possible - unnecessary here, which reduces maintenance and noise.
Outdoor installation: respect for the urban environment
Although the photo highlights the interior unit, the surroundings indicate a typical rear access to the Plateau. We usually install:
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A condenser on wall brackets above the snow level and protected from ice deposits.
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Anti-vibration pads to contain sound transmission to the structure.
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Free clearance around the device (suction/discharge), with careful positioning in relation to stairs, balconies and walkways.
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A nearby, compliant and protected external service receptacle .
This placement limits the visual impact from the alley and facilitates seasonal maintenance.
Kitchen specificities: practical advice
Kitchens generate steam and grease . To maintain performance:
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Clean filters every 4 to 6 weeks during periods of heavy use.
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Coordination with the kitchen hood : the heat pump manages the temperature and part of the humidity, the hood captures the cooking effluents.
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Avoid obstructing the airflow with tall objects placed on the shelf. We leave a comfortable vertical clearance and explain to the customer the areas to be preserved.
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Use dehumidification mode during heat waves to stabilize humidity, particularly effective in sun-facing kitchens.
Installation process and quality controls
Our team follows a constant protocol:
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Protection of surfaces (canvases, door corners, counters).
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Drilling and fixings to the template, checked at level.
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Bending and brazing under nitrogen, then deep vacuum .
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Leak testing (pressure) and commissioning according to target pressures/temperatures.
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Functional test in cold and hot conditions, with measurement of the ΔT supply/return .
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Setting the shutters and explanation of the modes , starting setpoint at 20–22°C depending on the desired comfort.
We provide the owner with maintenance instructions and a reminder on seasonal operation.
Concrete result for the client
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Immediate comfort in the kitchen and significant improvement in the climate in the adjacent living room.
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Low noise level , compatible with daily activities (meals, teleworking).
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Simple aesthetics : the unit blends in with light-colored walls and stainless steel furniture without dominating the space.
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Flexible use thanks to the remote control and the easy-to-read instruction display.
HVAC Maintenance: Recommended Schedule
For a wall-mounted heat pump in the kitchen, we recommend:
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Filters : monthly rinse in summer, bi-monthly the rest of the year.
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Deep cleaning (evaporator/blower wheel) every 12 months; in busy kitchens, every 6–9 months.
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Exterior inspection in spring: defrosting, supports, screws, clearances.
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Condensate check at the start of summer to avoid any seepage.
AirGreen offers HVAC maintenance plans tailored to plexes in the Plateau, Montreal and throughout Greater Montreal (Laval, North Shore , South Shore ).
Subsidies and energy efficiency: what you need to know
Depending on the chosen configuration (performance and certification), some wall-mounted heat pumps may be eligible for provincial programs when their low-temperature performance meets current criteria. We guide our clients through model verification, paperwork, and required proof of installation. Our role: validate eligibility upfront and gather documents upon commissioning.
Why entrust your project to AirGreen?
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Montreal residential specialists : plexes, divided co-ownerships and apartments.
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Attention to detail in finishes (cappings, seals, levels) and noise reduction.
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Complete support : choice of power, outdoor installation, electrical compliance, maintenance.
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Responsive after-sales service : increased availability during hot periods and personalized advice to extend the life of the equipment.
Conclusion
This Goodman wall-mounted heat pump installation in Plateau-Mont-Royal meets the requirements of a lively culinary space: efficient air diffusion, discreet noise, and easy maintenance. At AirGreen, we transform the constraints of urban housing into sustainable HVAC solutions, for year-round comfort in Montreal, Laval, the North Shore, and the South Shore .