A compact installation designed for winter heating and summer cooling
In Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle, temperature variations place particular demands on heating and cooling systems. A wall-mounted heat pump installed in this region must be able to cool the home effectively during hot, humid periods, but above all maintain reliable heat output when temperatures drop well below freezing.
For this residential project, we installed an ELIOS EMC wall-mounted heat pump, a series specifically designed for cold climates. The project involved several notable factors: a relatively limited outdoor space, a brick side façade, existing mechanical equipment, and the need to keep the outdoor unit sufficiently elevated above the ground.
The selected solution is based on a clean, functional wall-mounted installation, with the outdoor unit secured to a sturdy metal bracket. This configuration helps limit the heat pump’s exposure to accumulated snow, meltwater, leaves, and debris near the foundation.
Why the ELIOS EMC series is suitable for the climate of Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle
The ELIOS EMC series is available in several rated capacities: 9,000, 12,000, 18,000, 24,000, and 33,000 BTU. The exact model and capacity must always be selected according to the building’s actual heating load, the area to be covered, insulation, solar exposure, room layout, and occupants’ habits.
According to the manufacturer’s technical documentation, EMC models are ENERGY STAR V6.1 certified, including cold-climate certification. They can operate in heating mode down to an outdoor temperature of -30 °C and maintain up to 100% of their rated capacity at -15 °C, depending on the model and operating conditions. The series also uses R454B refrigerant, which has a lower global warming potential than several refrigerants used in previous generations.
This low-temperature performance is particularly relevant in a municipality such as Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle, where a standard heat pump designed mainly for milder climates could quickly lose capacity during the coldest periods.
Inverter technology that avoids abrupt starts
The ELIOS EMC wall-mounted heat pump uses an Inverter compressor. Unlike a conventional compressor that essentially operates at full power before stopping, Inverter technology gradually modulates the compressor’s speed.
This modulation provides several tangible benefits:
- more stable indoor temperature;
- fewer on-off cycles;
- generally quieter operation;
- electricity consumption better adapted to actual demand;
- reduced temperature variations in the room;
- better comfort maintenance during fluctuating outdoor temperatures.
The EMC series enables highly precise compressor frequency control. This feature helps the machine run for extended periods at low output rather than continually restarting at full power.
An outdoor unit on a wall bracket to withstand winter
The project image shows that the outdoor unit was installed on a galvanized steel wall bracket, secured to the foundation. This decision is not merely aesthetic. It addresses several important technical considerations.
In Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle, a unit placed too close to the ground can be obstructed by:
- snow accumulation;
- windblown snowdrifts;
- ice produced during defrost cycles;
- rainwater or melting snow;
- leaves and plant debris;
- landscaping maintenance around the house.
By elevating the unit, we facilitate airflow around the outdoor coil and reduce the risk of the machine’s base becoming buried in snow.
The ELIOS EMC heat pump also features a heated condensate pan, designed to limit ice accumulation beneath the unit during heating. This feature is particularly useful when a heat pump regularly undergoes defrost cycles in cold, humid weather.
An installation suited to a narrow outdoor space
The outdoor unit was positioned along the side brick wall, in a relatively compact passage between the house and neighboring installations. In this type of situation, positioning must be carefully evaluated.
We must specifically check:
- the required clearance in front of the fan;
- the available space behind and beside the unit;
- future access for maintenance and repairs;
- the proximity of the home’s openings;
- the presence of ducts, wall outlets, and existing equipment;
- the ability to properly drain defrost water;
- the strength of the structure receiving the anchors.
An outdoor unit should never be installed simply in the easiest-to-reach location. Airflow, vibrations, noise, snow, and technical accessibility must be considered before drilling.
Protected and grouped refrigerant lines
In this installation, the lines connecting the indoor and outdoor units are grouped and protected. The bundle generally includes:
- the liquid line;
- the refrigerant gas line;
- the interconnection wiring;
- the indoor unit’s condensate drain;
- the required thermal insulation.
Piping dimensions vary according to the unit’s capacity. For example, the 9,000 and 12,000 BTU ELIOS EMC models use a 1/4 in. liquid line and a 3/8 in. gas line. The 18,000 BTU model generally uses 1/4 in. × 1/2 in. lines, while higher capacities require larger-diameter piping.
Following the specified dimensions is essential. Improper piping can reduce capacity, disrupt oil return to the compressor, increase electricity consumption, and shorten the system’s service life.
Accessible and safe electrical power
The outdoor electrical disconnect is installed near the heat pump. It allows the equipment’s power supply to be shut off locally during maintenance or technical service.
The maximum electrical protection varies according to the capacity of the EMC series:
- 15 A for the 9,000 and 12,000 BTU models;
- 20 A for the 18,000 BTU model;
- 25 A for the 24,000 BTU model;
- 35 A for the 33,000 BTU model.
The wiring size, circuit breaker, and disconnect switch must meet the requirements listed on the outdoor unit’s nameplate and the applicable electrical standards in Quebec.
For a professional installation, we never rely solely on the advertised capacity. We check the nameplate, the minimum circuit ampacity, and the maximum permitted overcurrent protection.
Careful vibration and noise management
An outdoor wall-mounted heat pump attached directly to a structure can transmit certain vibrations if the support, anchors, or isolators are not suitable.
To reduce this risk, we pay attention to:
- the rigidity of the support;
- the quality of the anchors;
- leveling the unit;
- the addition of vibration-control components;
- the distance from the bedrooms;
- the layout of the refrigerant lines;
- the absence of direct contact between the pipes and the masonry.
The ELIOS EMC series has a published outdoor sound level ranging from approximately 56 dB(A) for the smaller capacities up to 63.5 dB(A) for the 33,000 BTU model. Indoors, some models can operate at a level as low as 20 dB(A) in silent mode.
However, these figures are still affected by the actual location, sound reverberation between walls, the condition of the equipment, and the quality of the installation.
What this installation provides for the homeowner
One system for heating and cooling
The wall-mounted heat pump provides two main functions with a single system:
- in summer, it removes heat and some of the humidity from the indoor air;
- in winter, it captures the energy present in the outdoor air and transfers it into the home.
This versatility reduces the need for separate heating and cooling appliances. In many homes, the heat pump becomes the primary heating source for the areas it serves, while an auxiliary source remains available when exceptional demand arises.
The EMC series also provides integrated control of an auxiliary heating source, depending on the selected configuration.
Two-stage filtration
The indoor unit is equipped with a two-stage filtration system. The first filter is primarily intended to capture particles such as:
- dust;
- pollen;
- pet hair;
- certain airborne debris.
The second carbon filter helps reduce certain odors and contaminants present in the air.
However, it should be remembered that a wall-mounted heat pump is not a complete air-purification system. The filters must be cleaned regularly to maintain adequate airflow. A clogged filter can reduce performance, increase noise, and promote icing of the indoor coil in cooling mode.
An active coil-cleaning function
The ELIOS EMC series includes an active cleaning function designed to limit the accumulation of contaminants on the indoor coil. This function is useful, but it does not replace professional HVAC maintenance.
Over time, deposits may still accumulate on:
- the blower wheel;
- the coil;
- the drain pan;
- the fins;
- the condensate drain.
Periodic inspection is still recommended, especially in a home with pets, where windows are frequently opened, or when the unit operates for long periods during the summer.
Useful Features for Extended Absences
The freeze protection mode maintains an indoor temperature of approximately 8 °C. This feature can be useful for a secondary residence, cottage, finished garage, or temporarily unoccupied home.
However, it should not be considered an absolute guarantee against frozen pipes. Heat distribution depends on the location of the indoor unit, air circulation, and whether doors between rooms are open.
Compatibility with Different Control Options
The heat pump can be operated with its remote control and can also accept certain additional options:
- wired wall-mounted controller;
- wireless connection with accessory;
- 24 V thermostat interface;
- Wi-Fi-compatible touchscreen thermostat, depending on the accessories installed.
The choice of controller depends on how the building is used. A remote control is often sufficient for a residence, while a building manager or business may prefer a fixed wall-mounted controller.
An Installation That Makes Future Servicing Easier
One aspect often overlooked when choosing a location is long-term maintenance. In this installation, the unit’s technical side remains visible and accessible. This arrangement makes it easier to:
- connection checks;
- pressure readings;
- wiring inspection;
- heat exchanger cleaning;
- access to the disconnect switch;
- component diagnostics.
An installation too close to a fence, under a balcony, or behind a permanent structure can turn a simple repair into a complex service call.
Mistakes to Avoid with a Wall-Mounted Heat Pump
During our installations in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, the South Shore, and rural municipalities such as Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle, we regularly encounter systems whose performance is limited by avoidable errors.
Among the most common:
-
Choosing capacity based solely on floor area.
Two homes of the same size can have very different needs depending on their insulation, windows, and layout. -
Installing the outdoor unit too close to the ground.
This error becomes particularly problematic during snow accumulation. -
Blocking airflow.
A fence, balcony, or wall that is too close can cause the discharged air to recirculate. -
Neglecting drainage.
In heating mode, defrost water must be able to drain away without creating a mass of ice beneath the unit. -
Using unsuitable piping.
The diameter, length, and elevation difference must comply with the manufacturer’s limits. -
Skipping the vacuum evacuation.
Moisture and air left in the circuit can contaminate the oil and damage the compressor. -
Forgetting to maintain the filters.
Even an excellent heat pump loses efficiency when airflow is insufficient.
Commissioning that goes beyond simply turning the unit on
After the mechanical and electrical installation, we carry out a methodical commissioning process. This step includes, among other things:
- checking the electrical connections;
- confirming that the terminal blocks are properly tightened;
- leak testing the connections;
- evacuating the refrigerant circuit;
- drainage inspection;
- cooling test;
- heating test;
- checking the supply-air temperatures;
- explaining the controls to the customer.
We also verify that the outdoor unit remains stable, that the lines do not vibrate against the masonry, and that water can drain normally.
AirGreen’s approach to installations in regional areas
An installation in Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle requires the same precision as a project in Montréal, Laval, or Longueuil, but winter conditions and wind exposure may differ.
At AirGreen, we adapt every HVAC installation to the building’s specific conditions. We assess the location, clearances, structure, line routing, and heating requirements before permanently securing the equipment.
This ELIOS EMC wall-mounted heat pump illustrates a simple, rigorous approach: an elevated outdoor unit, preserved access for servicing, organized lines, and a nearby electrical power supply.
The result is a compact installation designed to provide stable comfort, good winter performance, and easier maintenance throughout the equipment’s service life.