A high-capacity central installation suited to a covered location and Montreal winters
This central heat pump installation in Île-Bizard–Sainte-Geneviève presented an immediately apparent constraint: the outdoor unit had to be integrated into a covered space beneath a wooden structure, near a service door and in a relatively narrow passageway. In this type of environment, it is not enough to find a place to set down the equipment. Air circulation, available height, access to service panels, drainage during defrost cycles, and vibration transmission to the building structure must all be considered.
For this project, we installed a Hitachi airCore 700 HeatForce, a variable-compressor central heat pump designed to provide summer cooling and a significant portion of winter heating. The large vertical two-fan cabinet visible in the photo corresponds to a higher-capacity configuration in the product line. The exact capacity of an airCore 700 installation must always be confirmed based on the complete combination of the outdoor unit, indoor module, and AHRI number, rather than relying solely on the cabinet dimensions.
The result is a compact, accessible, and securely positioned installation that does not block the adjacent door or compromise air discharge in front of the heat pump.
Why the Hitachi airCore 700 HeatForce was suitable for this home
In Île-Bizard–Sainte-Geneviève, properties may be exposed to particularly demanding winter conditions, especially near open areas and shorelines. The selection of a central cold-climate heat pump must therefore be based on its actual capacity as the outdoor temperature drops, not just on its rated capacity under moderate conditions.
The Hitachi airCore 700 HeatForce series uses a DC inverter compressor and R32 refrigerant. According to the manufacturer's technical documentation, it can maintain approximately 100% of its heating capacity at -15 °C and more than 70% at -25 °C, excluding the temporary losses associated with defrost cycles. Its heating operating range extends down to approximately -25 °C.
This performance is particularly relevant for an HVAC installation in Montreal, where a heat pump must continue providing useful heat throughout much of the winter. This does not mean that auxiliary heating becomes unnecessary in every home. The role of the supplemental electric heating element depends on the load calculation, insulation, floor area, air distribution, and design temperature used for the building.
Modulating capacity rather than all-or-nothing operation
A conventional central heat pump can operate in relatively fixed cycles: startup, operation at full capacity, shutdown, then restart. The inverter technology of the Hitachi airCore 700 instead adjusts heating or cooling output according to demand.
This modulation provides several tangible benefits:
- more stable indoor temperatures;
- less abrupt starts;
- better humidity management in summer;
- reduced noise variations;
- longer cycles that promote more even distribution through the ducts;
- energy consumption better suited to the building's actual demand.
In a multi-room home, comfort quality also depends on the ventilation network. A high-performance heat pump alone cannot correct undersized ducts, insufficient return air, or improperly balanced registers. That is why we evaluate both the existing distribution system and the proposed equipment.
What the Energy Label Visible on the Unit Reveals
The project photo clearly shows the unit's EnergyGuide label. It indicates an efficiency range that varies according to the selected indoor and outdoor combination:
- SEER2 from 19.50 to 23.60 for cooling;
- HSPF2 from 9.70 to 10.90 for heating.
These values represent a range applicable to the different certified combinations in the lineup, not necessarily the exact efficiency of every installation. To determine the precise performance of the installed system, consult the AHRI certificate corresponding to the two matched units.
The airCore 700 documentation also presents HeatForce configurations reaching up to 24.9 SEER2, 15 EER2, and 11.5 HSPF2, depending on the type of indoor unit and the selected capacity.
SEER2, EER2, and HSPF2: three different measurements
SEER2 measures seasonal cooling efficiency. The higher this value, the less electricity the system generally uses to produce a given amount of cooling during the season.
EER2 represents cooling efficiency under a specified test condition. This value is useful for comparing performance when demand is high, particularly on hot and humid days.
HSPF2 measures seasonal heating efficiency. However, it must be interpreted together with the capacity available at low temperatures. Two units with similar HSPF2 ratings may perform differently at -15 °C or -25 °C.
At AirGreen, we therefore do not select a central heat pump based on a single figure. We examine the entire system: low-temperature capacity, modulation, airflow, electrical requirements, duct configuration, defrosting, noise level, and auxiliary heating.
A large outdoor unit installed in a confined space
The main visible challenge at this site was the location of the outdoor unit. The Hitachi airCore 700 HeatForce was positioned beneath an existing structure, with joists above, a door on the right, and a passageway on the left.
This configuration required careful planning to avoid several common mistakes:
- place the heat pump too close to a frontal obstacle;
- trap the discharged cold air beneath the structure;
- make the service panel inaccessible;
- direct defrost water toward an entrance;
- install the unit directly on a damp surface;
- transmit vibrations to the wall or floor;
- prevent the future replacement of a component.
Preserve airflow in front of both fans
The two front fans must be able to discharge a significant volume of air. An obstruction placed too close to the front can increase pressure, reduce performance, and encourage discharged air to recirculate toward the heat exchanger.
In this covered location, we maintained an open area in front of the unit. The heat pump was not oriented directly toward the neighboring door and remains accessible from the passageway.
The presence of a roof or balcony above may partially protect the unit from falling snow. However, it does not replace the clearances specified by Hitachi. Warm or cold air must always be able to leave the area without continually returning toward the back of the unit.
Installation near a door without interfering with its operation
The proximity of a service door requires an additional check. The unit must not obstruct the door's opening, create a dangerous obstacle, or complicate the transport of objects indoors.
In this installation, the cabinet is aligned along the wall, set slightly back from the door frame. This arrangement makes efficient use of the available depth while preserving the passageway.
We also took access to the refrigerant connections, wiring, and service panels into account. A compact installation must never become an installation that is impossible to service.
Elevating the heat pump and managing defrost water
The unit's base is installed on supports rather than directly on the ground. This elevation serves several purposes:
- limit contact with moisture;
- improve drainage beneath the unit;
- reduce vibration transmission;
- facilitate inspection of the base;
- prevent defrost water from remaining trapped against the cabinet.
In heating mode, the outdoor heat exchanger may accumulate frost. The heat pump then temporarily reverses its cycle to melt this buildup. The resulting water must be able to drain away without forming a thick sheet of ice under the unit or in front of a door.
The HeatForce series also incorporates a base heater designed to reduce ice buildup in the outdoor chassis and support winter operation.
In a covered area like this one, drainage must be monitored even if direct snowfall is limited. Water may come from defrost cycles, condensation, snowmelt carried into the passage, or ambient humidity.
The R32 refrigerant and A2L marking
The symbol A2L is clearly visible on the outdoor unit. The Hitachi airCore 700 uses R32, a refrigerant classified as mildly flammable. Its global warming potential is listed as 675 in the product line documentation, which is lower than that of several refrigerants traditionally used in residential systems.
Using R32 requires appropriate installation practices:
- use compatible tools and instruments;
- follow brazing and nitrogen-purging procedures;
- perform a complete leak test;
- carry out a measured evacuation using a vacuum gauge;
- comply with room-volume limits and applicable requirements;
- protect the lines from damage;
- correctly identify the refrigerant used;
- check the operation of the required detection devices.
R32-compatible airCore 700 air handlers can receive a factory-installed refrigerant detector, designed to contribute to the safety measures specific to A2L refrigerants. The documentation also describes a five-speed ECM motor and a cabinet approximately 20.5 inches wide, which facilitates certain installations in confined mechanical spaces.
Integration with the home's central system
Unlike a wall-mounted air conditioner, a central heat pump distributes air through a duct network. The outdoor unit operates with an indoor unit, generally an air handler equipped with a coil, an ECM fan, and, depending on the project, an auxiliary electric heat strip.
Before such an installation, we specifically check:
- electrical panel capacity;
- breaker and conductor ratings;
- electric heat strip capacity;
- required airflow;
- system static pressure;
- the size of the main ducts;
- the number and location of air returns;
- filter condition;
- condensate drainage;
- thermostat compatibility;
- the required clearances around the indoor unit.
The indoor fan must provide sufficient airflow without creating excessive pressure. Insufficient airflow can impair heat transfer, promote coil icing in cooling mode, and increase operating temperatures in heating mode. Excessive airflow can create noise and reduce summer dehumidification.
Controls and management options
The airCore 700 line can be used with various control solutions, including a wired airPoint Room 700 wall controller, certain five-wire thermostats, and adapters enabling Wi-Fi, BACnet, or Modbus integration.
Remote control through the airCloud Go app requires a compatible Wi-Fi adapter. This option allows users, among other things, to view settings and control the unit remotely, depending on the installed configuration.
We always distinguish standard integrated features from optional accessories. A feature mentioned in a brochure is not necessarily included in every quote. The quote must specify the thermostat, adapters, controls, and accessories actually included.
Checks that protect long-term performance
Load calculation before choosing BTUs
The large two-fan chassis alone cannot confirm the exact capacity installed. Sizing must be based on a calculation that takes into account the floor area, number of stories, insulation, windows, orientation, air infiltration, and local design temperatures.
An oversized heat pump can cause:
- cycles that are too short;
- poor dehumidification;
- greater temperature fluctuations;
- noisier airflow;
- increased wear on certain components;
- an unnecessarily high initial investment.
An undersized unit may run continuously, rely more heavily on auxiliary heating, and have difficulty maintaining the setpoint during the coldest periods.
Commissioning is not limited to startup
After the physical installation, we perform the checks required for commissioning:
- confirmation of the electrical power supply;
- inspection of the connections;
- leak test;
- evacuation of the refrigeration circuit;
- fully opening the service valves;
- control configuration;
- airflow check;
- temperature measurement;
- heating and cooling test when conditions permit;
- vibration check;
- drainage check;
- explanation of how it works to the homeowner.
The care taken at this stage directly affects the actual performance of the Hitachi heat pump, its noise level, and its reliability.
Mistakes to avoid in a covered space
Completely enclosing the unit
Adding panels, a shed, or storage in front of the heat pump later on can restrict airflow. The space must remain open in accordance with the manufacturer's clearances.
Accumulating objects near the fans
Bins, tools, maintenance products, and materials stored around the unit can become obstacles. The front of the unit and the service access areas must remain clear.
Neglecting winter water
Even under a roof, a heat pump produces water during defrosting. Ice formation must be monitored, and corrosive salt should not be used directly on the cabinet.
Modifying the support without an assessment
Removing a support or adding an unstable block can place the unit at the wrong level, increase vibrations, or deform the chassis.
Forgetting to maintain the indoor system
The filter, coil, fan, and condensate drain affect performance just as much as the outdoor unit. A clogged filter can significantly reduce the airflow of a central system.
Potential eligibility for the LogisVert grant
The HeatForce line is presented as certified ENERGY STAR for cold climates. This certification is an important criterion for the financial assistance offered by Hydro-Québec, but it is not sufficient to automatically confirm the applicable amount for each combination.
For an ENERGY STAR cold-climate heat pump meeting all the conditions, the LogisVert program currently provides assistance of $120 per 1,000 BTU/h of heating capacity at -8 °C. Hydro-Québec indicates that residential assistance for a heat pump can reach $6,700, depending on the system and its eligible capacity.
The amount must be verified using:
- the AHRI number for the complete combination;
- the recognized heating capacity at -8 °C;
- the installation date;
- the current LogisVert list;
- the address and type of building;
- the detailed invoice;
- the exact models of the indoor and outdoor units.
Hydro-Québec recommends conducting the search using the AHRI number, since it precisely identifies the certified combination. The application must generally be submitted within nine months of installation.
At AirGreen, we avoid promising a rebate based solely on the commercial name Hitachi airCore 700. We verify the exact combination so the customer can know the amount corresponding to the system actually installed.
A central solution designed for maintenance
This installation in Île-Bizard–Sainte-Geneviève clearly illustrates the importance of planning when outdoor space is limited. The unit was positioned to take advantage of the protection provided by the existing structure while keeping the façade clear, maintaining service access, and preserving functional separation from the neighbouring door.
Selecting the Hitachi airCore 700 HeatForce provides a solution tailored to the needs of a residence seeking:
- even central air conditioning;
- modulating heating;
- useful capacity in cold weather;
- R32 refrigerant;
- ducted distribution;
- high seasonal efficiency;
- a solution compatible with several control options.
Our work does not consist solely of installing a unit. We must adapt every component to the building, the site constraints, and the actual comfort needs. This approach applies to our central heat pump projects in Montreal, as well as in Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore, and on the South Shore.