A construction site in an urban co-ownership where every detail counts: four-season performance, discretion, compliance with condo standards and an optimized refrigeration path on the balcony.
Why this installation stands out
In a modern apartment in Griffintown , we installed a Sharp wall-mounted heat pump (R-32 refrigerant) to provide efficient heating and cooling, while remaining quiet and compact. The outdoor unit sits on the condo's private terrace, resting on a raised support with anti-vibration mounts, a properly fitted connection cover , and a compliant electrical disconnect box . The result: a clean, durable HVAC installation ready for Montreal winters.
Client context and objectives
-
Stable comfort 12 months/year for an open living room-kitchen + bedroom area.
-
Minimal noise pollution for the neighborhood in co-ownership.
-
Priority to energy efficiency and low environmental impact (R-32).
-
Discreet integration on the balcony without encroaching on the living space.
Choosing Sharp Equipment (R-32)
Sharp offers a recent generation of R-32 wall-mounted heat pumps recognized for:
-
Better seasonal efficiency (SEER2/HSPF2 advantageous) with reduced consumption.
-
Performance in cold and heat down to the low temperatures typical of Greater Montreal .
-
Inverter technology to finely modulate power and maintain a stable temperature.
-
Plasmacluster air treatment (Sharp's hallmark) promoting superior indoor air quality.
Model: The exact family is not shown in the photo; we are using a recent Sharp R-32 range adapted to the housing and condo constraints. When the precise number is required (quotes, subsidies), we record it on the AirGreen technical sheet given to the client.
Visible installation details and technical choices
Location and support
-
Condo balcony/terrace : typical residential tower setting in Griffintown.
-
Raised support in aluminum/galvanized steel, anchored and detached by anti-vibration pads to prevent the transmission of structural noise.
-
Increased ground clearance : facilitates drainage, limits water/frost accumulation in winter and simplifies maintenance.
Refrigeration and finishing
-
Short refrigeration connections (≈ 2–3 m between the indoor head and the condenser, “wall-to-wall” route), advantageous for efficiency and refrigerant charge.
-
Clear and neat capping , with protective elbow at the wall outlet to protect the insulation and the sheath.
-
Single outwardly slanted hole for condensate management on the interior side (gravity-fed in most condos; lift pump available if required by the evacuation point).
Food and safety
-
Disconnect box adjacent to the outdoor unit (regulatory requirement), protected wiring and compact route.
-
Checking the dedicated circuit breaker rating and grounding .
-
Leak tests (nitrogen), deep vacuum and weighing of the refrigerant according to actual lengths.
Acoustics and neighborhood
-
Blast direction to prevent backflow towards the patio door and reduce sound impact.
-
Vibration control by the support assembly + pads + fan speed adjustment.
What the customer gains in Griffintown
-
Four-season comfort : reliable heating in the mid-seasons and additional heating in winter, consistent air conditioning in summer.
-
Energy savings vs. electric baseboard heaters, especially in mid-season.
-
Reduced footprint thanks to R-32 (lower warming potential than R-410A).
-
Aesthetics : discreet integration, clean finishes, clearances respected.
AirGreen Process — Co-ownership Method
-
Union/management validation : installation template, permitted times, condensate drainage, permissible balcony load.
-
In situ design : identification of the best interior wall (short distance, avoidance of beams, access to the drain).
-
Construction site logistics : protection of common surfaces, secure vertical transport, silent tools where possible.
-
Installation : controlled drilling, leveling of the support, wiring/circuit breaker, refrigerant connections insulated and covered.
-
Commissioning : functional tests, leak checks, temperature/pressure measurements , instructions to the owner.
-
Documentation : technical sheet, warranty, HVAC maintenance schedule.
Capacity (BTU) and responsible sizing
Even in a condo, the sizing requires a calculation: orientation, abundant glazing typical of Griffintown, watertightness, floor, internal gains (appliances, occupants). In this case:
-
Sensitive summer load influenced by the glass facade → pay attention to the air flow and the positioning of the interior head.
-
Preference for a wide modulation range to avoid “short-cycling” at night.
AirGreen Tip : We favor ranges that maintain useful capacity at low temperatures (-20°C to -25°C) to reduce the use of baseboard heaters and smooth out the Hydro-Québec bill.
Grants and Eligibility (Overview)
Depending on the exact configuration ( SEER2/HSPF2 efficiency, cooling capacity, Energy Star certification, energy audit when required), an R-32 wall-mounted heat pump may be eligible for efficiency programs in effect in Quebec. We verify on a case-by-case basis for Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore and South Shore , and we assist our clients in preparing documents (photos, serial numbers, proof of installation).
Maintenance and longevity in urban environments
-
Annual cleaning of the outdoor unit (coil/exchanger) to remove urban dust.
-
Clearances maintained around the condenser; avoid storing objects in front of the unit on the balcony.
-
Inspection of the hood and fasteners after freezing/thawing.
-
Interior maintenance : washing filters, cleaning the evaporator, checking the drain (gravity or pump).
Pitfalls to avoid (AirGreen feedback)
-
Route too long and winding: load losses, drop in performance → hence our choice of a short and straight route for this project.
-
Non-anti-vibration support : buzzing heard by neighbors → we systematically install pads and adjust the leveling.
-
Disconnection missing or incorrectly positioned : electrical non-compliance → the side disconnect box resolves the issue.
-
Blowing towards the patio door : recycles hot/cold air and discomfort → orientation and clearances validated.
Result: controlled comfort, clean installation
Ultimately, the Sharp R-32 unit delivers consistent comfort with minimal visual impact . The customer benefits from a system ready for Montreal winters and humid summers, while enhancing the value of their condo unit with a well-integrated , energy-efficient solution.
What we offer to all our clients in Greater Montreal
-
Free assessment and technical recommendations on site.
-
Clear submission (equipment, accessories, guarantees, deadlines).
-
Specialized condo installation : coordination with trustee, schedules, elevators, common areas.
-
AirGreen after-sales service : HVAC maintenance reminders, smart optimization, grant assistance.
Express FAQ
Is this setup suitable for large 4 1/2s?
Yes, provided that the capacity (BTU) and the Inverter modulation are sized to the actual load, especially with a glass facade.
Is the balcony a good place for a condenser?
Yes, if the clearances are respected, the electrical disconnection is accessible and the water flow is controlled. A raised support protects the device and reduces noise.
What if I want multiple rooms?
We offer MultiZone systems (2–3 heads) when the air distribution of a single head is not sufficient, taking into account the rules of the co-ownerships.
Are you in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, or the South Shore and want an installation as clean as the one in this Griffintown condo? AirGreen sizes, installs, and maintains your wall-mounted heat pump with the same rigor and transparency.