A raised and discreet condenser on a balcony, designed to perform in winter while respecting co-ownership rules.
Context: co-ownership on the riverbank, real constraints
In Nuns' Island , many condominiums impose strict requirements for the installation of HVAC equipment: noise level, clearances, aesthetics and condensate management. Our client wanted four-season comfort in a northeast-facing condo with a semi-sheltered balcony. We recommend aSharp wall-mounted heat pump ( ZU1 range, R-32 refrigerant) for its Inverter modulation , its compactness and its cold performance adapted to Greater Montreal.
Machine choice: why Sharp (ZU1, R-32 range)
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R-32 with reduced GWP compared to R-410A, with excellent volumetric capacity and efficiency.
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Intelligent defrosting algorithms: shorter cycles, better maintenance of the interior temperature when the river breeze is felt.
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Sound level contained on the condenser and wall head side — a major issue in co-ownership .
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Simple design : clear hood and rounded corners, blending in with the coated facades and blue aluminum joinery typical of the sector.
Remember: on the balconies of Île-des-Sœurs, the Inverter + R-32 combination provides stable heating even in very cold weather, with controlled consumption.
Outdoor installation: stability, silence and durability
Raised and anti-vibration support
The condenser is installed on a raised aluminum base , wedged by anti-vibration pads — visible at the base of the upright — to decouple the unit from the balcony slab. This assembly:
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Reduces the transmission of vibrations to the structure;
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Elevates the device above the accumulation of snow on the balcony floor;
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Facilitates the gravity flow of condensates under the unit.
Clearances and air circulation
We maintain compliant side and rear clearances , taking into account the guardrail and wall returns. The covered balcony protects the unit from vertical snowfall, while allowing free airflow across the facade. The positioning is away from the patio door to maintain access and limit any draft felt by occupants.
Route of connections: clean and watertight
A vertical white capping runs along the facade, housing insulated copper , communication cable and power supply . Key points:
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Straight and shortest possible route to limit refrigeration pressure losses;
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Sealing at the piercing (foam + mastic) with continuous vapor barrier ;
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Suction line insulation protected up to the condenser tappings;
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Anti-UV cable in the outdoor portion, dedicated circuit breaker indoors according to the nameplate.
Estimated total length of connections: 6 to 9 m , consistent with a balcony → interior head located upstairs or on the adjoining wall.
Interior: even diffusion and discretion
The wall head (indoor unit) is positioned in the upper part , away from the patio door curtains and passage areas. This placement improves:
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Stratification (hot air intake in winter, efficient mixing in summer);
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The perceived silence , the machine modulating to low speed once the setpoint is reached;
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The distribution in the open living room-kitchen area.
Condensate drainage is designed to be gravity-driven towards the outside, avoiding the use of a pump (less maintenance, no additional noise pollution).
Our AirGreen method: measurable quality
Refrigeration procedure
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Brazing under nitrogen to avoid internal oxidation.
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Pressure test with dry nitrogen, then deep vacuum < 500 microns, maintenance and control with a micronmeter.
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Commissioning : superheat/subcooling control, currents, voltages, blowing temperatures .
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Acoustic validation at 1 m and 3 m: the level remains below the typical thresholds required in co-ownership .
Finishing and safety
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Protection of surfaces (plaster, woodwork) during drilling;
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Stainless steel fixings and anti-corrosion treatment of anchor points;
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Labeling of circuits and submission of a photo file for the union if required;
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Maintenance access maintained (valves, connections, bottom tank).
Results: precise comfort, aesthetics respected
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Fast cooling in summer: the wall-mounted air conditioner function lowers the temperature without harsh drafts thanks to automatic oscillation.
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Reliable heating in cold water: modulation maintains the setpoints with few jolts, limiting air drying.
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Aesthetics : aligned capping, raised compact condenser, respect for the light colors of the facade.
Sizing and BTU advice for condos on Nuns' Island
Each project is calculated according to surface area, windows (often generous), orientation and waterproofing. For information:
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9,000 to 12,000 BTU for a well-insulated open area of 25–40 m²;
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18,000 BTU if more generous volumes or high solar input ;
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In multi-room systems, we prefer either multi-zone or two strategic heads to avoid shadow areas.
Recommended HVAC maintenance
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Quarterly : dusting/washing of filters ; visual inspection of capping and fittings .
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Annual : cleaning of coils, condensate check, tightening of connections, gentle disinfection of the indoor unit.
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Winter : clear snow around the condenser if there is any accumulation, maintain clearances ; check the anchoring after episodes of icy conditions.
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Eco instructions : 24–25°C in summer, 20–21°C in winter for comfort/savings balance.
Grants and Eligibility
Several provincial programs promote efficient heat pumps . Eligibility depends on certified performance (including cold resistance), capacity , and housing characteristics. We prepare applications and advise on the required evidence (invoices, photos, technical specifications).
Pitfalls to avoid (feedback from co-ownership)
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Undersize for the sake of immediate savings: the machine will modulate too high, generating noise and unstable comfort .
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Neglect the height of the condenser : on the river bank, the snow can settle; the elevation on the base makes the difference.
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Tortuous path of connections: more losses, more risk of condensation ; aim for the straight and short .
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Forget the union agreement: provide diagram, sound files, photos of the rendering — AirGreen takes care of this to streamline acceptance.
Our coverage: Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, South Shore
Our AirGreen teams work every week on HVAC installations throughout Greater Montreal:
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Montreal : Nuns' Island , Verdun, Southwest, Rosemont, Plateau, etc.;
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Laval : Chomedey, Sainte-Dorothée, Vimont;
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Longueuil and South Shore : Brossard, Saint-Lambert, Boucherville;
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North Shore : Terrebonne, Boisbriand, Sainte-Thérèse.
Objective: to deliver an aesthetic, durable and quiet heat pump — here, a Sharp ( ZU1 range, R-32 ) installed neatly on a balcony, ready to survive the winters of the Saint-Laurent.
And after installation?
We offer maintenance packages , remote assistance for seasonal programming and responsive after-sales service . For a condo, a townhouse or a plex, we adapt BTU, path, capping and supports to your context, with the best comfort/energy ratio.
AirGreen — Experts in HVAC installation in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, South Shore .