Project

Installation of a Canair wall-mounted heat pump on a brick building in Plateau-Mont-Royal

Project in Plateau-Mont-Royal: installation of a Canair wall-mounted heat pump on a brick building, with wall brackets, optimized clearances and clean pipe routing for lasting comfort.

By AirGreen Climatisation & Chauffage Admin4 min read
Installation of a Canair wall-mounted heat pump on a brick building in Plateau-Mont-Royal
Installation of a Canair wall-mounted heat pump on a brick building in Plateau-Mont-Royal
Generic diagram: wall-mounted heat pump, indoor and outdoor units

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. Mounted level on a wall plate, high enough for the air to reach the whole room, with enough space around it to slide the filters out easily.

  2. The refrigerant lines, the communication cable and the drain go through the wall in a single opening, sealed against water, cold air and insects.

  3. Two insulated copper pipes connect the two units. Outside, a line cover can protect them from sun, knocks and weather.

  4. A shut-off switch near the outdoor unit isolates it safely for service. It must stay accessible at all times.

  5. The compressor and the fan. In heating mode it captures heat from the outdoor air, even in winter, and moves it inside.

  6. On the ground or on the wall, it keeps the unit above accumulated snow. The unit stays clear and defrost water can drain away.

  7. The fan needs to blow freely. Storage, a fence or a wall too close, and efficiency drops while noise goes up.

In the Plateau-Mont-Royal borough, we often work on typical Montreal brick buildings, where floor space is limited and every installation detail counts: structure, pipe routing, noise, aesthetics, safety… The photo clearly shows a dense urban context with several outdoor units mounted on the wall (a common configuration for separate dwellings). For this project, our objective was simple: to provide reliable summer/winter comfort with a Canair wall-mounted heat pump , while respecting the constraints of the building and the surrounding neighborhood.

The type of system installed: wall-mounted heat pump (mini-split)

The observed format corresponds to a wall-mounted heat pump : a compact outdoor unit (condenser) mounted on brackets, connected to an indoor wall unit by refrigerant lines. This is one of the most popular solutions in Montreal for:

  • to effectively air-condition in the summer,

  • Heating efficiently during the transitional seasons,

  • improve comfort room by room without major ductwork work.

Brand used: Canair (brand provided)

The brand installed here is Canair . On this type of project, we prioritize careful adjustments and a clean installation to get the most out of the system: stable heating, efficient defrosting in winter, and quiet operation on a daily basis.

Model: uncertain identification, consistent choice

The exact model is not clearly visible in the photo. We therefore present the installation as a Canair high-efficiency wall-mounted heat pump , in a configuration consistent with what is most often installed in buildings of this type (compact size, good performance in Quebec's climate, precise control and stable operation).

Prominent installation details visible in the photo

Several technical elements immediately stand out:

1) Wall mounting on metal brackets

The outdoor units are installed on wall brackets (robust brackets), an ideal solution in urban environments:

  • avoids clutter on the ground (backyard, passageway, alley),

  • limits the accumulation of snow around the device,

  • facilitates cleaning and maintenance.

We always ensure that the anchoring is suitable for the masonry (brick) and that the load is properly distributed to avoid any weakness over time.

2) Clearances and air circulation

A reasonable amount of clearance is observed around the units to allow for:

  • efficient air intake/exhaustion,

  • more stable operation

  • improved longevity (less air recirculation).

In the city, this is essential: a device "suffocated" by lack of space quickly loses efficiency.

3) Management of pipelines and power supply

The pipes (refrigeration and electrical) are routed along the wall , following a vertical/horizontal layout typical of multi-unit buildings. Electrical service boxes/circuit breakers are also visible near the units, a key point for safety and compliance.

At AirGreen, we pay particular attention to:

  • pipe protection (to reduce exposure to shocks and weathering),

  • the cleanliness of the path (for aesthetic reasons),

  • the positioning of the circuit breakers (for simple and safe service).

4) Urban environment: noise, vibration, neighborhood

In an area like the Plateau, comfort isn't just about temperature. The aim is also to operate discreetly.

  • vibration reduction (supports/careful installation),

  • prevention of resonance in masonry,

  • Logical layout to minimize the impact on windows and living areas.

Why this type of installation is relevant to Plateau-Mont-Royal

In brick buildings, the challenges are recurring: sometimes limited access, optimizing pipe runs, aesthetic requirements, and the need for reliability in winter. A properly installed Canair wall-mounted heat pump allows you to modernize comfort without altering the building, while also providing:

  • stable air conditioning during heat waves,

  • efficient heating for a large part of the year,

  • a noticeable improvement in everyday comfort.

Our AirGreen approach: performance, cleanliness, sustainability

On this type of project, our priority is to deliver an installation that "lasts" over time:

  • supports securely anchored,

  • clearances respected.

  • a clean and logical path of conduction,

  • rigorous commissioning (tests, functional validation, usage advice).

It is this combination (equipment + installation + fine-tuning) that makes the difference between a decent heat pump… and a truly high-performing system.

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 room, the outside wall, the line route and where the outdoor unit will go. That is where the capacity gets chosen.

  1. The on-site estimateWe look at the room, the outside wall, the line route and where the outdoor unit will go. That is where the capacity gets chosen.
  2. The quoteModel, capacity and price, in writing. We also check whether the model qualifies for assistance programs.
  3. Getting readyFloors and furniture protected, wall plate position marked level, wall opening located.
  4. The wall openingA single opening, with the slope the drain needs to flow outside.
  5. The outdoor unitSet on a stand raised above the snow, with the clearances the manufacturer requires.
  6. Lines, cable and drainConnected, insulated and protected. The opening is then sealed against water, cold air and insects.
  7. The electrical workA dedicated circuit and an accessible disconnect near the outdoor unit.
  8. Tests and start-upLeak test, vacuum, then start-up and a check of heating and cooling.
  9. The walkthroughRemote, modes, filters: we show you the essentials before we leave.
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 baseboards, 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.

    • Clean the indoor unit's filters.
    • Clear leaves and debris left on the outdoor unit by winter.
    • Test cooling before the first hot days.
    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

    12 questions
    Does a wall-mounted heat pump heat in winter?
    Yes, it heats and cools. Its capacity drops in very cold weather; the operating range depends on the model and is listed on its spec sheet.
    Wall-mounted or multi-zone: how do I choose?
    One wall head and one condenser outside: the direct solution for a room or an open area. For two to five rooms, a multi-zone puts one head in each room on a single condenser.
    Where does the outdoor unit go?
    Where it stays above the snow, clear and accessible, away from walkways. We decide it with you during the estimate.
    Are there grants?
    Depending on the model and your situation, assistance programs may apply, including Hydro-Québec's LogisVert. AirGreen checks the model number before quoting an amount. See the grants.
    Do I need a permit?
    Rules vary from city to city: location, distances, noise. See permits and by-laws, and we check for your address.
    How cold can it heat?
    It depends on the model. According to Hydro-Québec, newer models work down to a temperature between −15 °C and −25 °C, and some cold-climate models are certified lower. The minimum temperature is on each unit's spec sheet.
    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.
    Is it noisy?
    The sound level depends on the model and is listed in decibels on each unit's spec sheet. Location matters too: when possible, we avoid putting the outdoor unit under a bedroom window.
    The outdoor unit is covered in ice: is that normal?
    Some frost is: the unit runs defrost cycles. Never hit the ice. If the unit stays iced up or stops heating, call us.
    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

    Could this job help a neighbour?

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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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