An HVAC upgrade designed for Montreal winters: stable performance in extreme cold, privacy on balconies, and clean finishes for a brick building.
Why this intervention matters
In Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie, brick plexes are rapidly modernizing. We install high-performance wall-mounted heat pumps capable of ensuring comfort and savings all year round, without compromising the aesthetics of the facades or the peace and quiet of neighbors. This project illustrates our approach: a smart choice of equipment – Sharp ( ZU1 range, R-32 refrigerant, extreme cold) – and a careful HVAC installation that respects the constraints of a narrow balcony on the 2nd floor.
Building context and choice of equipment
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Building : Rosemont red brick plex with metal balcony and railing.
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Client challenge : air conditioning the living room/bedroom area in summer and obtaining efficient additional heating at −20°C and above, while keeping the balcony free and quiet.
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Solution : Sharp – ZU1 range (wall-mounted, R-32). This range is renowned for its operation in very cold conditions (down to approx. −25 to −30°C depending on capacity), high efficiencies (competitive SEER2/HSPF2) and careful acoustic management.
Why Sharp ZU1 for this type of building:
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Condenser compactness : attaches neatly to wall brackets without encroaching on balcony circulation.
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Acoustics : low noise level, appreciable in an interior courtyard.
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R-32 : new generation fluid, optimized charge and increased efficiency.
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Eligibility for subsidies : generally complies with the criteria of current provincial programs for high-performance heat pumps (to be confirmed on file according to capacity and official indices).
Outdoor installation: clean, solid and durable
We fix the outdoor unit to galvanized wall brackets with mechanical anchors suitable for solid brick. Several key points:
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Clearances : ample ground clearance thanks to the high installation; this prevents frost and blown snow, promotes ventilation and simplifies maintenance.
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Anti-vibration : insulating pads under the condenser base to cut off the transmission of vibrations in the masonry and limit any sound propagation in the building.
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Electrical Management : Disconnect box installed under the unit, accessible and protected from the elements. Wiring protected in conduit, clean descent and tightened to the recommended torque.
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Refrigeration path : white capping (ducts) vertical then horizontal, with clean 90° elbows. Estimate visible on site: approx. 1.2 m vertical + 1.5 m horizontal until the passage towards the interior. The bending radii and recalibration of the ends are respected before brazing and leak testing.
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Defrost management : the high position improves flow in defrost mode and limits ice stagnation on the balcony.
Interior and expected performance
The wall head (not visible here) is sized for the living area of the home. With the ZU1, we aim for:
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Responsive cooling during heatwaves, humidity moderation, precise comfort thanks to fine fan control.
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Effective supplemental heating from fall to winter thanks to the high-capacity, low-temperature compressor. The defrost mode remains discreet.
Efficiency and savings : Continuous modulation reduces on/off cycles, which lowers consumption and extends lifespan. In typical everyday use in Montreal, we see a better energy bill than with electric convectors alone.
Key technical steps of the installation
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Structural identification of the brick and choice of anchor points; use of suitable masonry screens/dowels to prevent the joints from bursting.
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Millimetric leveling of the brackets : guarantees uniform water drainage and the aesthetics of the installation line.
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Through-hole with controlled slope for the indoor unit condensate line (gravity drainage preferred when the configuration lends itself to it).
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Brazing of refrigeration connections under nitrogen , nitrogen test then deep vacuum (≤ 500 microns) with vacuum resistance control.
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Opening of valves and monitoring of pressures/operating parameters.
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Finishing touches : tight capping, penetration-proof joints, electrical labeling, site cleaning.
Managing the constraints of a narrow balcony
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Circulation : the cantilever installation frees up floor space and leaves the guardrail fully usable.
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Winter protection : high installation, clear air outlet and setback from the corner of the wall reduce the risk of air recirculation and snow accumulation.
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Maintenance : The disconnect box under the unit facilitates safe interventions. The screws remain accessible for seasonal maintenance (exchanger cleaning, connection checks).
Result for the customer
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4-season comfort : precise cooling in summer, reliable supplemental heat in winter.
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Discretion : low noise level and controlled vibrations thanks to the pads.
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Aesthetics : aligned white chutes, clean lines on red brick.
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Preparation for grants : technical documents provided (model/capacity sheet, serial and installation numbers) in order to create a file that meets the requirements of the programs applicable in Montreal, Laval , Longueuil , North Shore and South Shore .
AirGreen Best Practices for Montreal Brick Plexes
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Always elevate the outdoor unit on brackets to keep snow and alley dust away.
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Systematic anti-vibration on balconies: guaranteed acoustic comfort for neighbors.
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Neat drilling : watertight crossings, controlled condensate slope, clean finishes on both the interior and exterior sides.
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Winter planning : clearances respected for defrosting and orientation that avoids blowing towards passage areas.
HVAC Maintenance: Protecting Performance for 10 Years and More
Annual HVAC maintenance extends the performance of heat pumps :
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Washing the external exchanger and dusting the internal head.
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Checking electrical connections and tightening.
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Check the refrigeration parameters, the condensate pump if applicable, and ensure proper drainage.
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Visual inspection of the ducts, insulation and anchor points.
Daily usage tips
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In winter, let the unit work in modulation rather than multiplying stops/starts.
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Keeping internal filters clean is the best way to improve efficiency and silence.
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Clear the north facade and underside of the unit after a storm to prevent any accumulation of snow or ice.
Why choose us?
At AirGreen , we understand the realities of Montreal 's brick buildings. Our strengths include precise sizing, installation on squares that respect the masonry, and clean finishes that last through the winter. Our expertise covers all of Greater Montreal – Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , North Shore , South Shore – with comprehensive support: BTU capacity selection, preparation of grant applications, and HVAC maintenance .