Quiet performance on the balcony: four-season comfort, preserved aesthetics and controlled consumption
From the balcony to the interior: an exemplary HVAC installation in a Montreal plex
Project background
At AirGreen , we are working in a plex in Verdun , a popular area of Montreal where apartments often have a narrow balcony overlooking the courtyard. The client wants to efficiently air condition and heat the main living area (living room/dining room) while controlling noise pollution for the neighborhood. We recommend a Sharp wall-mounted heat pump ( Eco Inverter technology and Plasmacluster ionization), recent and R-32 compatible, for its fine modulation, low noise level and reliability in cold climates.
Equipment Choice: Why Sharp Here
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Inverter modulation : the device precisely adapts its power, avoiding energy-consuming on/off cycles.
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Air Treatment : Plasmacluster ionization technology helps maintain healthier indoor air, appreciated in open living areas.
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High seasonal performance : ideal for four-season use in Greater Montreal .
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Cold weather performance : Sharp's recent R-32 range maintains good heating capacity during sub-zero temperatures, making it ideal for Verdun and the surrounding areas.
Constraints of a narrow balcony… and our solutions
Challenge 1 — Clearances and air circulation.
The balcony is shallow and bordered by a metal railing. We place the condenser on a raised galvanized steel structure , mechanically fixed, in order to optimize:
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air intake and discharge ,
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snow protection in winter,
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the evacuation of defrost water .
Challenge 2 — Vibrations and transmission to the building.
We use anti-vibration silent blocks and damping spacers on the cross member, reducing structural transmission to the slab and therefore to the apartment below.
Challenge 3 — Neighborhood and acoustic comfort.
Sharp 's choice and the adapted fan speed in night mode limit the noise level. The discharge is oriented away from sensitive neighborhood areas.
Optimal refrigeration path and finishing
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Drilling made in the brick with a core drill, waterproof sleeve and controlled slope towards the outside.
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Short refrigerant connections (≈ 3–5 m estimated) to limit pressure losses and preserve the COP .
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Discreet exterior cladding on the brick wall, nitrogen-brazed connections, continuous insulation and UV-blocking tape.
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Gravity drain led to the outside: no condensate pump, therefore zero additional noise and simplified maintenance .
Power supply and safety
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Dedicated circuit with compliant circuit breaker, waterproof external disconnect switch and easy access for maintenance.
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Grounding checked, tightened to the prescribed torque , cable passage protected by sheath.
AirGreen commissioning: our protocol
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Nitrogen test (high pressure) for microleak detection.
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Deep vacuum controlled to the micron meter, stabilization and vacuum break.
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Charge opening, superheat/subcooling control and supply/return temperatures.
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Setting of heating , cooling , dehumidification and automatic modes; adaptation of the fins to avoid direct air currents.
Results observed
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Rapid cooling of the living room during hot weather, even with solar gain in the afternoon.
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Stable supplementary heating in mid-season and during cold spells.
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Controlled noise level on the balcony side and inside thanks to inverter modulation.
Good HVAC Maintenance Practices
To plan:
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Annual HVAC maintenance : cleaning of exchangers, turbine, condensate tray, electrical check, performance control.
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Filtration : Maintain the inner head filters every 4–8 weeks with heavy use.
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Condenser Clearances : Remove leaves/snow, keep back and sides clear.
To avoid:
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Place objects against the blowing face of the condenser.
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Wash the external battery with plenty of water under pressure (fragile fins).
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Block the interior air vent with tall furniture.
Grants and Eligibility
Several efficient R-32 wall-mounted heat pumps may be eligible for incentives depending on their seasonal ratings and the housing configuration. We verify, for each client in Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , North Shore and South Shore , the active programs and prepare the required technical file when applicable.
Common mistakes in urban environments… and our approach
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Condenser placed on the floor on a balcony: accumulation of water/frost → raised structure with drainage slope.
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Long connections on the facade : losses and poor aesthetics → short path and discreet cover.
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Night noise : unsuitable settings → night profile and speed balancing.
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Condensate pump unnecessary : noise/maintenance → gravity drain prioritized from the design stage.
Why entrust your HVAC installation to AirGreen?
Our team carries out projects every week in plexes and condominiums in Greater Montreal . We combine load studies , careful implementation , commissioning documents and monitoring . Whether you are looking for a wall-mounted heat pump , a wall-mounted air conditioner , a MultiZone or a central solution, we adapt the technology to your space, your budget and your lifestyle.
Summary sheet — Sharp wall-mounted heat pump (R-32 range, Eco Inverter)
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Type : mini-split inverter with Plasmacluster ionization
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Refrigerant : R-32
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Typical capacities : 12k to 24k BTU/h depending on the room and the envelope
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Functions : heating/cooling, dehumidification, auto restart, night mode
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Advantages : low noise, optimized consumption, simplified maintenance
Do you live in Verdun , the Southwest , Laval , Longueuil , the North Shore or the South Shore ? We size, install and maintain your system for lasting comfort, summer and winter.