A heat pump installation designed for a Lachine condo: compactness, silence and R-32 performance
Project background
In Lachine, several condominiums benefit from a spacious balcony and a relatively clear facade overlooking the river. In this context, we installed a new generationSharp wall-mounted heat pump with R-32 (A2L) refrigerant . The client's objective: four-season comfort , low noise and optimized consumption in a wind-facing condo, with the usual constraints of a condominium (nuisance management, aesthetics, syndicate regulations).
The advantages of the Sharp R-32 solution
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High energy efficiency and reduced carbon impact thanks to R-32.
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Compactness of the outdoor condenser, ideal for a balcony.
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Quiet operation and limited vibrations, essential in urban environments .
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Inverter technology to modulate power according to actual demand and reduce operating costs .
What we put in place to successfully install a HVAC in a condominium
Preparation, approvals and co-ownership rules
First of all, we validate:
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Union regulations (minimum height of the condenser, visibility from the street, management of condensates in de-icing).
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The electrical capacity available at the condo panel and the location of the external disconnect switch .
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Aesthetics : the most discreet route for the refrigeration line, capping matching the facade if visible, and clean finish at the penetration point.
This preparation avoids delays, prevents disputes and ensures a compliant HVAC installation .
Installation of the condenser on the balcony
We favor a self-supporting aluminum structure with anti-vibration pads . This support:
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elevates the unit to ensure flow in defrost mode and keep the machine away from snow accumulations,
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mechanically separates the device from the floor to limit the transmission of vibrations,
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facilitates HVAC maintenance (clearance for access to panels and fan).
Here, the condenser is positioned at the corner of the balcony , protected from the prevailing gusts, while maintaining a free air intake on the side and rear faces. The watertight disconnector is fixed in the immediate vicinity, under sheath, with drip loop and sealed cable glands.
Short and clean wall crossing
The exterior wall opens directly onto the room served by the wall head . Result:
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Short refrigeration line (a few dozen centimeters on the outside), reduced pressure losses , better seasonal yields.
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Single hole , sealed with UV-resistant sealant , and continuous insulation up to the head to prevent thermal bridges and condensation.
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Gravity drainage on the evaporator side: no condensate pump, therefore additional silence and reliability .
Electricity and compliance
For this installation, we carry out:
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A dedicated circuit with a two-pole circuit breaker sized according to the nameplates,
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Approved exterior sheathed wiring , non-fusible disconnect switch within easy reach for maintenance,
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Continuous grounding of the assembly and compliance with electrical clearances .
Each step is documented to ensure compliance with Quebec codes .
Technical details that make the difference
R-32 (A2L) Refrigerant: Safety and Professional Methods
The R-32, classified A2L , requires rigor:
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Nitrogen test to check for leaks,
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High vacuum to 500 microns (or better) and stabilization ,
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Tightening torques respected on flared fittings ,
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Mechanical protection of connections when passing through the wall.
These best practices ensure long-term reliability and performance consistent with the technical data sheets .
Management of defrost condensate on balconies
In heating mode, the machine defrosts and produces water:
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The raised base allows water to run off without stagnating.
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We anticipate the direction of the flow to avoid nuisances to the neighbors below.
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If necessary, install a small, discreet deflector to direct water towards the intended tiled area.
Noise levels and urban comfort
The dual action of anti-vibration support + inverter modulation limits structural and airborne noise. On balconies, this approach is essential:
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Interior comfort preserved, even at night,
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Respect for the neighborhood , a sensitive point in dense co-ownership.
Choosing the Right BTU Capacity: Our Method
We size the capacity (BTU/h) according to:
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the surface area and stratification of the main room,
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orientation and sunshine,
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the thermal envelope (windows, air infiltration),
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uses (teleworking, open kitchen, etc.).
In a typical Lachine condo, typical wall-mounted heat outputs range from 9,000 to 12,000 BTU/h for the main living area, with exceptions depending on insulation and glazing. Inverter modulation allows for precise matching of the actual load, resulting in fewer shutdowns/restarts and greater savings .
Result: four-season comfort, optimized bill
After commissioning and verification of the parameters (superheat/subcool, intensity, pressures), we validate:
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a uniform blowing over the living space,
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short temperature rise times ,
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a contained noise on the balcony and inside.
The customer benefits from efficient cooling during hot spells, and reliable heating in spring/autumn, with minimal additional heating in winter depending on cold peaks.
HVAC Maintenance: What We Recommend
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Clean the inner head filter every 4 to 8 weeks during peak season.
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Annual inspection : exchanger, turbine, condensate tray, tightening of terminal blocks, checking of insulation and clamps.
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Clearance around the condenser : no objects leaning against it, check the tiling and the support rigging .
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Gentle rinsing of the external exchanger as needed (never use a high-pressure jet).
Regular maintenance extends lifespan, stabilizes performance and reduces surprises during heat waves.
Grants and Eligibility
High-efficiency R-32 and inverter heat pumps are generally eligible for provincial and, sometimes, municipal programs . In Greater Montreal ( Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, South Shore ), we support our customers with:
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validate eligibility according to the cold performance range ,
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prepare supporting installation documents ,
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optimize the choice of capacity and efficiency class .
Practical advice for installing on a balcony in a condo
To do
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Choose a location that is ventilated and not confined between two walls.
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Install a raised support with anti-vibration pads .
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Provide a short, neat wall crossing for the refrigeration line.
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Install an accessible and waterproof external disconnect switch .
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Document the installation for the condominium association and the insurer .
To avoid
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Placing the unit against the guardrail or facade: this stifles the air and increases noise.
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Leaving unprotected cables running: mechanical risks and non-compliance.
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Forgetting to manage defrost water : a source of disputes in co-ownership.
Why entrust your project to us in Lachine and throughout Greater Montreal?
At AirGreen , we understand urban constraints (narrow balconies, condominiums, limited access) and we adapt the HVAC solution to each building. Our approach:
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Thermal study and precise sizing ,
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Selection of proven brands (Sharp, Gree, Fujitsu, Midea, etc.),
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Careful installation and electrical and mechanical compliance ,
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Local after-sales service and scheduled HVAC maintenance .
We operate in Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , as well as on the North Shore and the South Shore , with the same requirements for quality , cleanliness and sound discretion .
Installation sheet - highlights
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Type : Sharp inverter wall-mounted heat pump , new generation R-32 .
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Location : condo balcony in Lachine .
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Support : raised aluminum frame + anti-vibration pads .
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Power supply : dedicated circuit + waterproof external disconnector .
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Refrigeration path : short wall crossing , continuous insulation, UV sealing.
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Noise & vibrations : airflow optimization and mechanical separation.
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Maintenance : Easy access to condenser and indoor head, annual maintenance recommended.
And for your project?
Whether you live in a condo in Lachine , a house in Laval , or a plex in Longueuil , we adapt the heat pump to your reality: facade constraints, balcony size, BTU capacity, efficiency in cold climates , and available subsidies . Our team will support you from the choice of equipment to commissioning and maintenance .