Four-season comfort in a Montreal plex with period moldings
In an apartment in Plateau-Mont-Royal , we are installing a Goodman wall-mounted heat pump to provide year-round heating and cooling. The apartment features typical features of downtown Montreal plexes: high ceilings, decorative moldings around doors and ceilings, and optimized air circulation between rooms. Our work aims for a discreet, efficient HVAC installation that is compatible with the architectural realities of a century-old building.
Context and objectives of the project
The owner wishes to:
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gain comfort in summer and winter;
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reduce energy costs compared to existing electric baseboards;
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maintain the interior aesthetics (moldings and woodwork) without visible sheathing;
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benefit from a reliable , easy-to-maintain system, ready for future subsidies if the device and configuration meet the efficiency criteria.
Choosing the indoor unit: a wall-mounted head placed in the right place
We chose a Goodman wall-mounted header installed high above a doorframe. This positioning offers several advantages in the architecture of the Plateau:
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Reduced stratification : the air intake in the upper part limits pockets of hot air in the ceiling in heating mode.
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Even diffusion : the motorized shutter directs the air along the ceiling, allowing a gentle sweep towards the living area.
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Discretion : installation aligned with the moldings, without harming the decorative line.
To respect the door travel and the moldings, we maintain a vertical and lateral clearance in accordance with the recommended clearances, in order to avoid any acoustic turbulence and to allow the temperature sensor to sample air representative of the room.
Refrigeration path and condensate management
The installation above the door requires a compact route :
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clean drilling with vapor barrier and grommet;
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high density insulated refrigeration tubing to the outlet point;
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communication and power cabling grouped into bundles to limit visual impact;
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evacuation of condensates by gravity as soon as the slope allows it, otherwise installation of a silent mini-pump integrated into the casing.
In an old plex, the key is to protect the envelope : sealing, peripheral sealing and careful finishing prevent air bridges and moisture infiltration.
Outdoor units: typical options for Plateau plexes
Even if the outdoor unit does not appear here, our practices on the Plateau-Mont-Royal favor:
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installation on flat roofs , on raised anti-vibration supports with load distribution;
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or installation in the backyard , on a slab clear of snow accumulations.
In both cases, we aim for 360° clearance for ventilation and easy access for HVAC maintenance . The refrigeration lines are capped (white or painted capping) and insulated for optimal performance in winter.
Sizing: the right capacity for volumes and insulation
For a typical Plateau living room with a 9- to 10-foot ceiling, renovated woodwork, and average insulation, the usual power outputs are between 9,000 and 18,000 BTU for a main area. We systematically carry out:
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a thermal balance taking into account the surface area, orientation, air infiltration and internal contributions;
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a check of noise and air speeds at different flap positions;
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fine adjustment of parameters (automatic ventilation, orientation, instructions) to avoid unpleasant drafts.
Oversizing is just as problematic as undersizing: short cycles, discomfort, and premature wear. Our approach prioritizes precise capacity matching .
Performance, comfort and savings
A modern Goodman wall-mounted heat pump provides:
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an advantageous COP in the off-season;
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modulation that follows the actual load, reducing consumption peaks;
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a dehumidification mode improving summer comfort without excessive cooling.
Combined with careful sealing of the wall passage and good maintenance (filters, exchangers, fan), the performance remains stable over the years.
Aesthetic integration into a heritage interior
Moldings and woodwork are a strong marker of the Plateau-Mont-Royal . We:
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align the unit to respect the lines of the decor;
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let's choose discreet capping and anchors that preserve the finishes;
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prepare, if necessary, touch-ups of paint around the drilling.
The objective is a sober and reversible result, respectful of the original materials.
Noise, vibration and air quality
Modern appliances offer quiet operation . To maintain this level:
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anti-vibration mountings on the indoor unit;
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control of the clearance from the ceiling and cornices to avoid whistling;
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cleaning the filters and the exchanger to maintain a stable flow rate.
We offer optional annual maintenance : refrigeration inspection, electrical tightening, condensate control, turbine and tank washing. This routine prevents the formation of biofilms and preserves indoor air quality .
Grants and Eligibility
In the greater Montreal area, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore and South Shore , several programs encourage energy efficiency. Wall-mounted heat pumps may be eligible when the model meets seasonal performance and cold climate operation requirements. When submitting a proposal, we validate:
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lists of eligible devices and their certification numbers;
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the installation configuration (single or multi-zone);
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the necessary documentation (detailed invoices, certificate, photos).
Progress of an AirGreen project in an existing home
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Technical visit : taking measurements, marking the route, electrical assessment.
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Detailed proposal : capacity, noise levels, options, schedule.
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Preparation : protection of the premises, disconnection of power, controlled drilling.
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Installation : wall console, refrigeration connections under nitrogen , brazing if necessary, deep vacuum and leak test.
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Commissioning : parameters, pressure and temperature verification, customer training.
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File : photos, serial numbers, HVAC maintenance recommendations and, if relevant, grant information.
Pitfalls to avoid in Montreal plexes
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Install too close to the ceiling : air intake deteriorates, comfort drops.
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Ignoring the travel of a door : risk of shock and vibrations.
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Unsealed opening : infiltration of cold air and condensation in the wall.
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Lack of slope on the drain : drips, odors and potential damage.
Each point is anticipated in our methodology, with quality controls before delivery.
Results at the customer
After switching on, the room quickly reaches 22°C in heating mode with gentle ventilation. In summer, dehumidification stabilizes the humidity, which significantly improves the feeling of comfort without dropping to excessively low setpoints.
Why entrust us with your project on the Plateau and elsewhere?
AirGreen understands the unique characteristics of period buildings in downtown Montreal : narrow passageways, woodwork that needs preserving, flat roofs, and complex access points. We deliver a reliable, aesthetically pleasing, and documented HVAC system , ready for simple maintenance and maximum longevity .
Areas served : Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , North Shore , South Shore . We respond quickly, with clear technical proposals and controlled deadlines.
Instructions for use for optimal comfort
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Keep filters clean : vacuum monthly, wash quarterly.
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In winter, favor a stable setting (20–22°C) and automatic ventilation.
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In summer, activate Dry mode on muggy days to contain humidity.
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Schedule annual maintenance to maintain performance and warranty.
Are you considering installing a wall-mounted heat pump in a home in Plateau-Mont-Royal or elsewhere in Greater Montreal? We assess your space, size the right capacity, and deliver a clean, compliant, and durable installation.