Four-season comfort for a condo with a balcony: careful installation on raised support, controlled silence and optimized performance in extreme cold.
Project context: a condo in Chomedey with a sheltered balcony
At AirGreen , we are working on a recent condo in Chomedey (Laval) , with a concrete balcony, metal railings and limited lateral clearances. The client's objective is clear: efficient heating in winter, cooling in summer, discreet acoustic level and HVAC installation compliant with co-ownership rules. We selected a Midea28 wall-mounted heat pump with R-454B refrigerant , a recent, efficient solution adapted to the climate of Greater Montreal.
Why Midea28 (R-454B) for this type of housing
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R-454B : new generation fluid with lower GWP than R-410A, meeting current transition requirements.
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Reliable heating down to approximately −30°C (XLTH range), suitable for cold peaks in Laval.
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Wide modulation inverter to smooth consumption and maintain a stable temperature .
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Careful acoustics of the outdoor unit, a key criterion in co-ownership.
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Wi-Fi control : scenarios for lowering the setpoint during the day and resuming it before arrival.
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Compatibility with energy efficiency programs when performance indices are met and installation is carried out by qualified contractors .
Site study: constraints and choice of location
Outdoor installation. The condensing unit is placed on the balcony , under an upper slab which protects from snow and driving rain. This position:
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respect the distance from the guardrail to ensure air suction;
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limits visibility from the street and reduces exposure to wind ;
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facilitates HVAC maintenance and service interventions.
Technical clearances. We comply with the manufacturer's prescribed side and top clearances to prevent the recycling of hot air for heating and ensure optimal defrosting .
Electricity. A waterproof external disconnect switch is installed nearby, on a rigid support, for safety and compliance. The power cable follows a protected route, with service loops and stainless steel anchor points.
Support and anti-vibration: stability and longevity
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Raised aluminum support (modular crosspieces) anchored to the concrete balcony, with anti-vibration feet .
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Height calculated to maintain ground clearance , facilitate the evacuation of defrosting condensate and prevent water accumulation.
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Controlled torque tightening to limit vibration transmission to the balcony structure and surrounding area.
Refrigeration connections and sealing
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Insulated closed-cell copper connections , optimized routing along the side post then towards the technical wall.
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UV protection of stainless steel insulators and collars ; contact points avoided to eliminate the risk of abrasion .
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Estimated total length between 5 and 8 meters , controlled adaptation to manufacturer preloads.
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Brazing under nitrogen , pressure test (dry nitrogen), deep vacuum then release of the fluid; protocol documented in our commissioning sheet.
Condensate and defrost management
Although the main condensate comes from the indoor head in air conditioning mode (managed by gravity to the outside), the outdoor unit produces water during winter defrosting . The raised support, the orientation and the slight slope of the balcony allow easy drainage, without stagnation under the unit.
Interior: wall-mounted headboard, comfort and discretion
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Interior head positioned high up in the living area, away from parking areas (sofa, TV corner) to avoid direct airflow .
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Automatic sweeping : even distribution of air and reduction of temperature gradients between rooms.
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Easily accessible filters for quick maintenance by the occupant.
Installation process (AirGreen method)
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Protection of common areas and balconies (tarpaulins, wall corners, elevators if applicable).
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Tracing of drillings and verification of networks (electricity, structure).
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Clean drilling with dust collection and vapor barrier at the wall passage.
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Installation of the aluminum support, leveling, anchors suitable for concrete, anti-vibration pads.
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Passage and connection of lines, nitrogen brazing , pressure and vacuum tests.
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Opening of valves , powering up, functional tests (Delta T, intensity, noise, forced defrosting if required).
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Wi-Fi setup and mobile app training.
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Handover of the premises and recording of the commissioning report.
Typical duration: half a day for a single-head with easy access to the balcony.
Actual performance and acoustic comfort in co-ownership
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In heating, the Midea28 maintains useful capacity in negative temperatures; compressor-fan modulation reduces sound peaks .
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In air conditioning, the Inverter algorithm limits ON/OFF cycles and promotes a low noise level on the balcony, which is appreciated by the neighbors.
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Factory skids and propeller tuning minimize harmonics; we validate the suction/discharge static pressure to avoid air recycling behind the guardrail.
Neat finish and co-ownership compliance
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Aligned paths , properly spaced collars, color consistent with the facade elements.
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Clear labeling : associated circuit breaker, nominal current, serial numbers.
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Compliance with noise, aesthetic and safety requirements imposed by the union (location, drilling, template).
Recommended HVAC maintenance
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Clean filters every 4–6 weeks during use.
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Annual inspection : heat exchange, electrical tightening, defrost flow, condition of UV insulation.
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Gentle washing of the condenser and disinfection of the evaporator to preserve air quality .
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Checking for application updates and rereading diagnostics (codes, history).
Regular HVAC maintenance stabilizes SEER/HSPF efficiencies and extends lifespan.
Technical highlights of this installation
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Type : single-zone wall-mounted heat pump ( heat pump = heating + air conditioning).
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Brand / Range : Midea28 (R-454B) .
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Installation : concrete balcony, raised aluminum support with anti-vibration .
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Power supply : dedicated circuit, waterproof disconnect switch nearby.
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Connections : UV insulated copper, ~ 5–8 m , N₂ brazing, high vacuum.
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Condensate : gravity drain from the head; external defrosting managed by riser and natural slope.
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Acoustics : co-ownership compliance, inverter cycle and mechanical separation.
Grants and Eligibility
In the Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore and South Shore regions , recent high-efficiency, new-generation fluid heat pumps may be eligible for incentives when official criteria (performance indices, minimum operating temperature, installation by accredited professionals) are met. We support our clients in verifying eligibility , preparing proof of commissioning and submitting applications.
Daily usage tips
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In severe winter, use Heat mode with Auto fan ; avoid excessively high settings which cause frequent defrosting.
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In summer, aim for a difference of 6–7°C with the outside, with the shutters sweeping to homogenize the air.
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Activate connected scenes : lowering by 1–2°C when away, restarting before returning.
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Keep the balcony grilles clear (no objects in front of the condenser).
Result
The condo benefits from stable comfort and a discreet installation that meets the constraints of co-ownership. The raised support , the waterproof disconnector and the protected routing of the connections ensure reliability and security . In Chomedey as elsewhere in Greater Montreal, our AirGreen approach combines precise sizing , clean execution and local service .