Project

Installation of a Daikin central heat pump on a flat roof in Saint-Laurent

AirGreen installed a Daikin central heat pump on a flat roof in Saint-Laurent. A reliable and energy-efficient HVAC solution for commercial buildings in Greater Montreal.

By AirGreen Climatisation & Chauffage Admin4 min read
Installation of a Daikin central heat pump on a flat roof in Saint-Laurent
Installation of a Daikin central heat pump on a flat roof in Saint-Laurent
Generic diagram: central heat pump, indoor module and ducts

In summer, the outdoor unit rejects the house's heat outside.

Generic illustration of this type of installation, not a survey of this job site. Tap a number.

  1. It captures or rejects heat outside. It sits on a level base, above the snow, with free space all around.

  2. The insulated refrigerant lines enter the house through a sealed opening and run to the indoor coil.

  3. A shut-off switch near the outdoor unit isolates it safely for service.

  4. Sitting on the indoor module, it moves heat between the house air and the refrigerant.

  5. Electric furnace or air handler: its fan pushes air through the ducts. The electric backup takes over in extreme cold.

  6. Supply ducts bring air to the rooms; returns bring it back to the unit. Their condition matters as much as the unit's.

  7. It protects the coil and the fan. A dirty filter cuts airflow, so it gets checked regularly.

  8. It runs the heat pump and the backup heat. It must be compatible with the installed system.

A high-performance and sustainable solution for a commercial building

At AirGreen , we recently completed an HVAC installation in the Saint-Laurent area of ​​Montreal. The project involved installing a Daikin central heat pump on the flat roof of a commercial building, a solution perfectly suited to the heating and cooling needs of professional spaces.

This type of installation presents technical and logistical specificities that require specialized expertise. The goal was to ensure optimal operation throughout the year, including during the harsh winters of Greater Montreal.


Why choose a Daikin central heat pump for a commercial building?

The Daikin brand is recognized worldwide for its reliable, efficient equipment designed for the North American climate . Installing a Daikin unit on a flat roof offers several advantages:

  • High energy performance , reducing annual operating costs.

  • Heating/air conditioning versatility , capable of maintaining indoor comfort in summer and winter.

  • Adaptability to large spaces , ideal for offices, shops and multi-tenant buildings.

  • Durability : Designed to withstand Montreal's extreme weather conditions, including snow, ice and heavy rain.


Key steps of installation

Our specialized technicians have proceeded methodically to guarantee the performance and safety of the installation:

  1. Roof preparation : a clear and stable space was chosen to accommodate the outdoor units.

  2. Raised supports : the heat pumps were fixed on treated wooden rails and metal bases to ensure good stability and avoid any direct contact with the roof gravel.

  3. Refrigeration and electrical connections : the connections have been carefully insulated and protected to ensure maximum longevity. The electrical cables have been routed to a dedicated junction box (labeled 408 ), ensuring safety and compliance.

  4. Weather protection : Insulating hoods and sheaths were installed to protect the piping from cold and humidity.

  5. Commissioning and testing : after connection, comprehensive testing ensured the heat pump was operating correctly in heating and air conditioning modes.


Technical challenges and solutions

A flat roof installation is never trivial. In this project, two major constraints arose:

  • Condensate drainage management : On a flat roof, it is essential to prevent any water accumulation. We have provided efficient drainage to ensure that condensate drains properly, even in freezing weather.

  • Distance between the units and the electrical panel : the cable run required precise planning in order to reduce electrical losses and ensure an installation that complies with current standards.

Thanks to our expertise, these challenges were successfully met, guaranteeing a high-performance and safe installation.


A profitable and energy-efficient investment

Opting for a Daikin central heat pump not only reduces your energy bill, but also allows you to take advantage of grants available in Quebec for energy-efficient systems. These financial aids can cover part of the costs, making this type of project even more advantageous for property managers and commercial owners.


AirGreen expertise serving Greater Montreal businesses

At AirGreen, we understand that every building has its own unique characteristics. Our role is to design and install HVAC systems that meet technical requirements while providing comfort, reliability, and energy savings.

Whether in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore or the South Shore , our teams are available to support owners and managers in their central heat pump installation projects.


Conclusion: a successful turnkey installation

This project in Saint-Laurent perfectly illustrates our ability to carry out complex installations on flat roofs, while guaranteeing the quality and reliability of the equipment chosen. The installed Daikin central heat pump will provide comfort and energy savings to the building's occupants for many years to come.

At AirGreen, every installation is proof of our commitment to providing the best in heating, ventilation and air conditioning in Greater Montreal.

The steps

How it goes, from the first call to the end

The main steps of this kind of job at AirGreen. Every house has its quirks: the estimate brings them out.

Step 1 of 9The on-site estimate

We look at the ducts, the current indoor module, the electrical panel and the planned spot for the outdoor unit.

  1. The on-site estimateWe look at the ducts, the current indoor module, the electrical panel and the planned spot for the outdoor unit.
  2. The quoteThe equipment combination, capacity and price, in writing. We check whether the combination qualifies for assistance programs.
  3. Getting readyAccess protected, old unit disconnected and removed when it is being replaced.
  4. The indoor moduleElectric furnace or air handler, with its coil, connected to the supply and return ducts.
  5. The outdoor unitOn a level base, raised above the snow, with free space all around.
  6. The refrigerant linesInsulated, they enter through a sealed opening and run to the indoor coil.
  7. Electrical and thermostatDedicated circuits, accessible disconnect, a thermostat that works with the heat pump and the backup heat.
  8. Tests and start-upLeak test, vacuum, start-up, airflow check and a test of both modes.
  9. The walkthroughFilter, thermostat, backup heat in extreme cold: what to know before winter.
Your numbers

And at your place?

Two quick checks with real numbers: what heat costs, and what your current heaters add up to in BTU/h.

Size checkYour electric furnace, in BTU/h
–BTU/h of installed electric heat

    Conversion: 1 W = 3.412 BTU/h. An indication, not a load calculation: baseboards and furnaces are often stronger than the real need, and they can stay as backup. AirGreen confirms the capacity on site.

    Through the seasons

    What to do, season by season

    Three habits per season for this unit. They take a few minutes and prevent many calls.

    • Check the indoor module's filter.
    • Clear winter debris from the outdoor unit.
    • Test cooling before the heat arrives.
    And at your place?

    Which type of equipment for your project?

    Pick what looks like your need.

    Mistakes avoided

    Four mistakes we do not make

    Flip each card to see what we do instead.

    Frequently asked questions

    What people ask us about this kind of work

    11 questions
    Can I keep my current ducts?
    Often, yes: the central heat pump connects to the existing ducts. We check their condition and size during the estimate.
    What happens in extreme cold?
    The indoor module (furnace or air handler) works with the central heat pump and takes over in extreme cold.
    Furnace, air handler, ducted: what is the difference?
    The furnace or air handler is the indoor module of the central system. A ducted system hides in the ceiling: all you see are small supply grilles.
    Are there grants?
    Depending on the equipment and your situation, assistance programs may apply. AirGreen checks the exact combination before quoting an amount. See the grants.
    Do I need a permit?
    Rules vary from city to city. See permits and by-laws, and we check for your address.
    How much can I save?
    Hydro-Québec says a heat pump can be up to three times more efficient than baseboards for heating in the colder months. The result depends on the house, the climate and how it is used.
    How is the LogisVert assistance calculated?
    For ENERGY STAR cold-climate certified heat pumps, Hydro-Québec lists assistance of $120 per 1,000 BTU/h of heating capacity at −8 °C. AirGreen checks the exact model before quoting an amount; only Hydro-Québec confirms the assistance granted. See the grants.
    Will my current thermostat work?
    Not always: the thermostat has to run the heat pump and the backup heat. We check compatibility during the estimate.
    Central or wall units: which one?
    If the house has ducts in good shape, a central system heats and cools every room at once. Without ducts, wall units or a multi-zone are often simpler. We compare on site.
    Does AirGreen hold the required licences?
    Yes. AirGreen holds RBQ licence 5645-9605-01, subclasses 15.8 Ventilation, 15.10 Refrigeration and 16 Electricity.
    Is the estimate free?
    Yes. The on-site estimate is free and the quote follows within 24 hours. Book my free estimate.
    Going further

    Useful pages for what comes next

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    Text and photo: a real AirGreen Climatisation & Chauffage job. The diagrams are generic illustrations of the type of installation, not a survey of this job site. Sources of the added figures: airgreen.ca product pages (NEEP / AHRI performance), Hydro-Québec (Heat pumps page, LogisVert, read on 13 October 2026), Régie de l’énergie (rate D as of 1 April 2026).

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