Installation of a Hitachi airCore 700 HeatForce 36,000 BTU central heat pump in the Le Sud-Ouest borough of Montreal

A high-capacity central installation adapted to a particularly restricted outdoor space

In Le Sud-Ouest de Montréal, projects to replace or add a central heat pump often require much more than simply selecting equipment. Buildings are close together, side passages can be narrow, and outdoor spaces are frequently occupied by balconies, garages, stairs, or wooden structures. This installation of a 36,000 BTU Hitachi airCore 700 HeatForce precisely illustrates the type of planning we carry out at AirGreen to integrate a high-performance central unit without compromising access, airflow, or future maintenance.

In the site photo, the dual-fan outdoor unit is installed on galvanized wall brackets, near a garage door and directly beneath a raised wooden structure. The choice of this location was not based solely on aesthetics. Several constraints had to be addressed simultaneously:

• preserving the ground clearance in front of the garage;
• placing the heat pump above the normal snow accumulation level;
• ensuring adequate airflow around both fans;
• limiting the transmission of vibrations to the structure;
• providing for the drainage of water produced during defrost cycles;
• maintaining reasonable access to the service panels;
• protecting the refrigerant lines and wiring;
• preventing a vehicle, piece of equipment, or stored object from striking the unit.

This installation is an excellent example of an HVAC installation in Montreal where equipment placement is just as important as the brand or capacity selected.

A Hitachi central heat pump designed for cold-weather heating

The Hitachi airCore 700 HeatForce is a central heat pump with an inverter compressor using R32 refrigerant. In this 36,000 BTU configuration, it is paired with an indoor air handler connected to the property’s ductwork.

Unlike a system that operates only at full power or is switched off, inverter technology modulates compressor operation according to the building’s actual demand. When only a minor temperature adjustment is needed, the system can operate at reduced capacity. During a period of more intense cold, it gradually increases its capacity.

This modulation generally provides:

• a more stable indoor temperature;
• longer and more consistent operating cycles;
• a reduction in abrupt starts;
• better humidity control during cooling;
• more efficient use of electricity;
• quieter operation when full capacity is not required.

The series' technical documentation indicates that the HeatForce series can maintain 100% of its heating capacity ratio at -15 °C and more than 70% at -25 °C, depending on the manufacturer's test conditions. The announced heating operating range also extends down to -25 °C. For the 36,000 BTU central ducted configuration, the published values reach approximately 21.5 SEER2, 13.3 EER2, and 10.7 HSPF2.

These data are particularly relevant for a property located in Le Sud-Ouest, where the heat pump must provide cooling during hot periods and make a significant contribution to heating during Montreal winters.

The Main Components of the 36,000 BTU Configuration

The combination corresponding to this capacity normally includes the following components:

• Hitachi airCore 700 HeatForce PAS-36BLFASDQ1 outdoor unit;
• JPE36B3XD2HS1A air handler;
• five-speed ECM blower motor;
• factory-installed R32 refrigerant detector in the indoor unit;
• Hitachi controller or interface compatible with a five-wire thermostat;
• the option to add a Wi-Fi adapter for the airCloud Go platform, depending on the selected configuration.

The air handler in this series has a cabinet approximately 20.5 inches wide, making it easier to integrate into certain basements, mechanical rooms, utility closets, and spaces where available width is limited. The ECM motor allows the airflow to be matched more precisely to the ductwork while reducing blower electricity consumption compared with certain conventional motors.

Why a load calculation remains essential

A capacity of 36,000 BTU, often referred to as three tons in the air-conditioning industry, should never be selected based solely on the building's size. Two properties of similar dimensions may have very different needs.

At AirGreen, we assess in particular:

• the actual area served;
• the number of floors;
• the age and insulation level of the building;
• the number of windows;
• solar orientation;
• the tightness of the building envelope;
• basement heat loss;
• the ductwork configuration;
• the available airflow rates;
• the capacity of the electrical panel;
• the presence of auxiliary heating;
• the design temperature applicable to Montreal.

An oversized unit may run excessively short cycles in cooling mode, control humidity less effectively, and create greater airflow variations. An undersized unit may run continuously without meeting demand on the coldest days. Capacity must therefore be selected based on the building, rather than simply according to an approximate BTU-per-square-foot rule.

An outdoor unit installed on a wall rather than on a slab

On this project, the outdoor unit was not placed on a ground-level slab. We used a wall-mounted support structure securely fastened to the building.

This choice met several practical objectives.

Keep the passage in front of the garage clear

A 36,000 BTU central heat pump is much larger than a small wall-mounted air conditioner. If placed on the ground, it would have occupied a useful part of the passage and would have been more exposed to impacts from tools, bicycles, seasonal equipment, or maneuvers carried out near the garage.

The wall-mounted installation frees up the ground while keeping the unit in an accessible area.

Reduce snow-related risks

In Montreal, an outdoor unit installed too close to the ground can become surrounded by accumulated snow or covered by snow moved during snow removal. An obstruction around the coil reduces airflow and can affect performance.

The wall bracket keeps the base of the heat pump well above ground level here. This height provides a greater safety margin during the winter, but it does not replace maintenance. The owner must still periodically check that snow, ice, or leaves are not blocking the sides of the unit.

Manage defrost water

A heat pump produces water when it defrosts its outdoor coil. This water must be able to drain away without forming a mass of ice beneath the machine or in a frequently used passageway.

The HeatForce series features a base pan heater, designed to limit ice buildup in the lower part of the unit. Despite this feature, natural drainage around the unit remains important. During our planning, we take into account the slope, the surface beneath the unit, and the risk of ice near walkways.

Control vibrations

A wall-mounted outdoor unit must rest on rigid, properly anchored supports. We use fastening points suited to the substrate, as well as isolation devices when required.

Improper installation can transmit humming or vibrations through the structure. This is particularly important to consider when a heat pump is located near a bedroom, a neighboring dwelling, or beneath a terrace.

The effect of a wooden structure above the heat pump

Positioning beneath a raised structure can provide some protection from direct snowfall. However, a balcony or wooden floor should not be considered universal protection.

Before installation, we must check:

• the clearance available above the unit;
• the possibility of air recirculation;
• rainwater runoff between the boards;
• potential ice buildup;
• the presence of gutters or downspouts;
• the space needed to remove the panels;
• access to the motor, electronic boards, and refrigerant connections.

In this project, the entire front of both fans remains unobstructed. Air can be discharged forward without immediately encountering a wall or substantial obstacle. This is essential: a high-performance unit cannot achieve its expected efficiency if its hot or cold air is continuously drawn back in.

Protected and organized service lines

The refrigerant lines, communication wires, and electrical power supply must be routed in a durable manner. In the photo, the connections are directed toward the building and protected in an organized pathway rather than left unsupported.

This part of the work directly affects the installation's reliability. We pay attention to:

• continuous insulation of the suction line;
• protection against UV rays;
• sealing wall penetrations;
• the bend radii of the copper lines;
• mechanically securing the cables;
• separating the circuits when required;
• performing a leak test;
• evacuating the refrigeration circuit;
• checking the total length of the lines;
• adjusting the refrigerant charge when necessary.

The airCore 700 range allows for substantial piping lengths, but this capability does not mean that an unnecessarily long route should be created. A short, accessible, and well-protected route remains preferable whenever feasible.

The importance of the duct system with a central heat pump

Even an excellent heat pump cannot, on its own, correct a duct system that is too restrictive, unbalanced, or poorly insulated. During a central heat pump installation, we inspect the existing air distribution system before commissioning.

The most common problems include:

• an undersized return duct;
• an overly restrictive filter;
• crushed flexible ducts;
• closed dampers;
• remote rooms receiving too little air;
• excessive static pressure;
• ducts passing through an unheated space without sufficient insulation;
• incorrect airflow through the coil.

The unit’s ECM motor offers good flexibility, but it should not be used to continuously force air through an inadequate duct network. High static pressure can increase noise, reduce comfort, and place unnecessary strain on the blower.

During commissioning, we check the available speeds, system operation, supply and return temperatures, and thermostat response.

What this project in Le Sud-Ouest reveals about a successful HVAC installation

The machine must not simply fit in the space

On Montréal urban properties, it is tempting to place the outdoor unit in the only space that appears to be available. This approach can lead to several problems: insufficient clearance, servicing difficulties, reflected noise between two walls, or obstruction from snow.

On this project, the wall-mounted installation made it possible to use otherwise unused vertical space while preserving ground-level access. The result is clean, compact, and suited to the building’s actual environment.

Mistakes to avoid with a high-capacity outdoor unit

For a central heat pump with two fans, we recommend avoiding the following situations:

1. Installing the unit directly beneath a downspout.
   Water can freeze on the heat exchanger, fan, or support.
2. Positioning the machine too close to the ground.
   Snow and ice can quickly block the air intake.
3. Neglecting the wall’s strength.
   A high-capacity central unit requires anchoring suitable for its weight, vibrations, and outdoor conditions.
4. Blocking the service panels.
   An installation that seems compact on the first day can become very expensive to maintain if a technician cannot access the components.
5. Directing the airflow toward a narrow passage or a neighboring property.
   Airflow and noise must be considered as soon as the location is selected.
6. Choosing the capacity before assessing the ductwork.
   The heat pump’s rated capacity must be compatible with the airflow the building can actually distribute.
7. Forgetting the auxiliary heating power supply.
   Depending on heat loss and the heating strategy, an auxiliary electric heating element may be required. Its power must be compatible with the panel and wiring.

A certification relevant to financial assistance programs

The Hitachi airCore 700 HeatForce range is ENERGY STAR – Cold Climate certified for the eligible combinations indicated by the manufacturer. This feature may allow certain installations to meet the criteria of a financial assistance program, particularly when an eligible central heat pump replaces or reduces the use of a less efficient system.

However, eligibility should never be assumed solely based on the ENERGY STAR logo. It depends in particular on:

• the exact outdoor unit number;
• the air handler model;
• the AHRI reference number for the combination;
• the installation address;
• the heating system being replaced or retained;
• the program rules in effect on the date of the work;
• the installation documents and proof requested.

At AirGreen, we verify the complete combination before presenting a rebate as guaranteed. This verification prevents a homeowner from choosing equipment based on an amount that does not apply to their project.

Recommended maintenance after installation

A Hitachi central heat pump requires regular maintenance to maintain stable airflow and limit avoidable service calls.

The owner should, in particular:

• replace or clean the filter according to its type;
• keep the front and sides of the outdoor unit clear;
• remove leaves and debris around the base;
• monitor for abnormal ice accumulation;
• do not build storage around the heat pump;
• have the condensate drain inspected;
• schedule periodic professional HVAC maintenance;
• promptly report any unusual vibration, odor, or airflow variation.

In a location near a garage, you must also avoid leaning materials, tires, tools, or equipment against the outdoor unit. The two fans and the heat exchanger require permanent clearance.

A suitable solution for Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, and the surrounding areas

The constraints encountered in Le Sud-Ouest are also found in several areas of Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore. Small lots, shared driveways, balconies, foundation walls, and narrow side passages require an approach adapted to each property.

This installation of a 36,000 BTU Hitachi airCore 700 HeatForce demonstrates that a substantial central heat pump can be properly integrated into a limited space when the support, clearances, drainage, and service access are planned together.

At AirGreen, we do not limit our work to connecting the equipment. We examine the capacity, ductwork, electrical supply, structure, airflow, expected snow levels, and the building’s heating needs. This coordination is what allows an HVAC installation to remain efficient, accessible, and durable long after commissioning.