A high outdoor installation on a brick wall to protect the unit and make intelligent use of the available space
At L’Île-Cadieux, we installed a Fujitsu AIRSTAGE Altair 700 wall-mounted heat pump in an outdoor configuration where the choice of bracket and installation height was particularly important.
The project photo clearly shows the Fujitsu outdoor unit mounted high on a brick wall using two triangulated metal brackets. Rather than placing the condenser on the ground, we used the vertical space available on the facade to completely clear the lower area.
This approach is particularly relevant when a building offers little ground-level space, when a passageway must be kept clear, or when the heat pump should be kept away from snow, soil, and debris. In this project, the proximity of a metal staircase, a window, and existing architectural elements also required precise placement.
The result is a compact and structured HVAC installation, in which the outdoor unit remains accessible while using a portion of the facade that would otherwise have gone unused.
Why install a Fujitsu heat pump so high on a facade?
The placement of a condenser is never solely a matter of aesthetics.
On certain properties in L’Île-Cadieux, as in several areas of Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore, exterior constraints often require working with:
- narrow passageways;
- stairs and balconies;
- low windows;
- uneven foundations;
- areas where snow accumulates;
- landscaped areas that should be preserved;
- facades where the number of truly available locations is limited.
In this installation, the heat pump is positioned well above ground level. This height notably helps reduce the risks associated with winter accumulation around the base of the unit.
In heating mode, a heat pump must periodically run defrost cycles. Water then forms around the outdoor unit and can freeze when it reaches the ground. An elevated installation provides more space beneath the machine and reduces the risk of ice accumulating directly against the bottom of the condenser.
The wall bracket: a mechanical component that should never be underestimated
The outdoor unit shown in the photo rests on two triangular metal brackets.
This geometry is important. The unit’s weight must be transferred stably to the building structure. The support must also withstand the vibrations created by the compressor and fan during operation.
We pay particular attention to several elements:
- the strength of the anchors;
- the condition of the wall;
- leveling;
- the distance between the arms;
- the positioning of the unit’s feet;
- the overall rigidity of the assembly;
- the presence of components that help limit vibration transmission.
The photo also shows that the unit is not simply suspended from small decorative brackets: the supports extend far enough down the wall to ensure adequate load transfer.
An installation on masonry requires a different method
A brick façade like the one visible at L’Île-Cadieux requires a tailored approach.
Installing a heat pump support must not be improvised by randomly choosing a few mortar joints. The type of wall, the strength of the material, the available anchoring points, and the load that will be applied over several years must all be considered.
An outdoor unit contains a compressor that starts, modulates its speed, and stops. Even when operation is quiet, these mechanical variations create small, repeated stresses on the support.
That is why a durable wall-mounted heat pump installation depends just as much on the structure supporting it as on the unit itself.
Fujitsu AIRSTAGE Altair 700: a compact system with features suited to residential installations
Two rated capacities available in the Altair 700 series
The Fujitsu documentation provided for the Altair 700 series presents two single-zone systems:
- ASUH09KMAS + AOUH09KMAS1, with a rated cooling capacity of 9,000 BTU/h;
- ASUH12KMAS + AOUH12KMAS1, with a rated cooling capacity of 12,000 BTU/h.
In heating mode, the stated rated capacities are 12,000 BTU/h for the 9,000 version and 14,000 BTU/h for the 12,000 version.
Modulation is also useful. Fujitsu indicates a cooling range of 3,100 to 12,100 BTU/h for the 09KMAS1 model and 3,100 to 13,800 BTU/h for the 12KMAS1.
In heating mode, the ranges extend respectively from 2,800 to 14,500 BTU/h and from 2,800 to 15,000 BTU/h.
This variation in capacity is made possible by Inverter technology.
Why Inverter technology is useful in everyday life
A house does not constantly need a heat pump’s maximum capacity.
When the outdoor temperature is moderate, an Inverter unit can reduce its output instead of shutting down completely and restarting a few minutes later.
This modulation helps maintain a more consistent temperature and allows the system to adjust its operation to the building’s actual needs.
For us, this also reinforces the importance of proper sizing.
A 12,000 BTU heat pump is not automatically preferable to a 9,000 BTU unit simply because the number is higher. The choice must match the actual heat load of the room or area served.
Up to 30.0 SEER2 depending on the model
The Fujitsu technical specifications indicate high efficiency levels for this series:
- 30.0 SEER2 for the 9,000 BTU model;
- 27.5 SEER2 for the 12,000 BTU model.
Both versions are also presented with the ENERGY STAR ratings indicated by Fujitsu in the documentation.
These figures are particularly interesting for homeowners comparing several wall-mounted heat pumps in L’Île-Cadieux or Greater Montreal, but they represent only part of the final result.
Actual performance also depends on:
- of insulation;
- of the building’s airtightness;
- of the settings used;
- of solar exposure;
- of the selected capacity;
- of the refrigeration installation quality.
A heat pump that is highly efficient on paper can lose some of its advantage if the installation is not carried out correctly.
Heating down to -15 °C for this specific series
The Altair 700 documentation indicates a heating operating range of -15 °C to 24 °C.
In cooling mode, the unit can operate within a stated range of -10 °C to 50 °C.
This information should be carefully considered in a Quebec climate.
A Fujitsu wall-mounted heat pump can certainly make a significant contribution to heating a space, but it is important to understand the precise limitations of the selected model and plan for how the system will operate when temperatures fall below the stated range.
At AirGreen, we therefore always consider the building’s overall context, not just seasonal efficiency.
An especially compact outdoor unit
The outdoor unit’s dimensions also explain why the Altair 700 fits well in an installation such as the one in L’Île-Cadieux.
For the two documented capacities, Fujitsu indicates an outdoor unit measuring approximately:
- 21 5/16 in. high;
- 31 7/16 in. wide;
- 11 7/16 in. deep;
- for a net weight of approximately 71 lb.
This shallow depth is advantageous when a unit must be placed against a facade near a staircase, balcony, or passageway.
In the photo of our installation, we can see that the condenser remains relatively close to the wall despite the presence of the bracket. It therefore does not create excessive projection in front of the facade.
Clearance around the unit remains essential
Installing a condenser in a limited space never means that it should be enclosed.
A heat pump must be able to move a significant amount of air through its outdoor heat exchanger.
The front fan visible in the photo must therefore remain unobstructed.
The following should be kept directly in front of the unit:
- a panel;
- an outdoor cabinet;
- a storage bin;
- a tarp;
- a fence that is too close;
- dense vegetation.
The same principle applies to the rear and sides, where the required clearances must be respected in accordance with the installation instructions.
An interesting setup near a window
The photo shows a window located to the right of the condenser.
This type of proximity is one of the factors we assess when choosing the location.
An outdoor unit can generate noise, move air, and, in winter, produce water during defrosting. It should therefore not be placed without careful consideration in relation to building openings.
The Altair 700 nevertheless has relatively low sound levels for an outdoor unit in this category.
The Fujitsu data sheet states:
- 44 dB(A) in cooling mode and 47 dB(A) in heating mode for the 9,000 BTU model;
- 48 dB(A) in cooling mode and 50 dB(A) in heating mode for the 12,000 BTU model.
The choice of location nevertheless remains important for limiting the perception of noise indoors.
R-32: the refrigerant used by this generation of Altair 700
The Fujitsu Altair 700 operates with R-32 refrigerant.
In its documentation, Fujitsu indicates a global warming potential of 675 for R-32, compared with 2,088 for R-410A, representing an announced reduction of 68%.
The transition to lower-GWP refrigerants also affects installers’ work.
The procedures, tools, and methods must be adapted to the refrigerant actually present in the equipment.
A proper refrigeration installation includes, among other things, preparing the piping, making the connections, checking for leaks, and evacuating the system before commissioning.
1/4 in. liquid line and 3/8 in. gas line
For models 09KMAS1 and 12KMAS1, the technical data sheet indicates:
- 1/4 in. for the liquid line;
- 3/8 in. for the gas line.
The minimum piping length is specified as 10 ft and the maximum length as 66 ft, with a maximum vertical difference of 49 ft.
This flexibility makes it possible to use outdoor locations that are not necessarily directly behind the indoor unit.
In multi-level buildings or residences with architectural constraints, this option can be particularly useful.
A clean installation of the refrigerant lines beneath the unit
In the photo from L’Île-Cadieux, the lines are grouped beneath and behind the condenser rather than left loose around the support.
This finish is not merely aesthetic.
The refrigerant lines must be protected against:
- friction;
- impacts;
- excessive movement;
- UV exposure on the insulated sections;
- mechanical stresses near the connections.
When the unit is installed at height, the arrangement of the lines becomes even more important because they must be properly supported along their entire route.
A relatively light electrical supply for both capacities
The Fujitsu specifications indicate a 208 to 230 V, 60 Hz, single-phase power supply, with a 15 A circuit breaker for the two models presented.
The nominal power consumption in cooling mode is indicated at approximately:
- 0.55 kW for the 9,000 BTU model;
- 0.89 kW for the 12,000 BTU model.
In heating mode, it is rated at approximately:
- 0.76 kW;
- 0.95 kW respectively.
In all cases, we verify the exact requirements on the nameplate of the unit actually installed.
An indoor unit capable of reaching 19 dB(A)
Even though this photo mainly highlights the exterior work, indoor comfort obviously remains at the center of the project.
The Altair 700 series documentation indicates a sound level as low as 19 dB(A) in quiet cooling mode and approximately 21 dB(A) in heating mode.
At high speed, Fujitsu indicates approximately 40 dB(A) in cooling mode and 42 dB(A) in heating mode.
For a bedroom, living room, or office, this low noise level can be a significant advantage.
Built-in Wi-Fi and remote control
Fujitsu documentation also mentions built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, with remote monitoring through the AIRSTAGE mobile app.
A wireless remote control is also included with the indoor unit.
The system supports various operating modes, including:
- energy-saving mode;
- minimum heat mode;
- automatic defrosting;
- automatic restart.
The range also supports several control accessories and different interfaces for more advanced integrations.
ProCore coils and washable filter
Fujitsu indicates that the indoor unit uses highly corrosion-resistant copper ProCore coils.
The technical sheet also specifies that the filter is washable.
Routine maintenance therefore remains relatively simple for the owner: cleaning the filters regularly is one of the best ways to maintain adequate airflow.
Outdoors, the coil must also be kept clean, and you should check that nothing obstructs airflow.
What to monitor with a heat pump installed up high
An installation like this offers several advantages, but it also requires a few best practices.
Keep the area beneath the unit clear
Even when the condenser is very high up, it is best not to fill the space beneath the machine with objects that would complicate maintenance or water drainage.
Visually inspect the bracket
A wall bracket should remain completely stable. Any deformation, unusual vibration, or loose part warrants an inspection.
Do not block the fan with a structure added later
A property owner may later add a roof, fence, or decorative panel. The heat pump clearances must continue to be respected.
Plan for maintenance access
A unit installed high up must still be safely reachable by a technician.
This point is part of our considerations from the moment of installation.
An excellent illustration of the importance of choosing the location
This Fujitsu Altair 700 heat pump project in L’Île-Cadieux shows that a successful installation depends not only on the brand or energy efficiency.
The building itself dictates part of the work.
Here, we had to work around:
- a brick façade;
- a nearby metal staircase;
- a window;
- significant height;
- ground space that we wanted to preserve;
- the need to keep the unit accessible.
The elevated wall bracket directly addresses these constraints.
This solution keeps the outdoor space clear while better protecting the condenser from accumulations at ground level.
AirGreen for Fujitsu heat pump installation in L’Île-Cadieux and Greater Montréal
At AirGreen, we carry out Fujitsu wall-mounted heat pump installations, air conditioning work, and HVAC projects in L’Île-Cadieux, Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore.
We regularly encounter buildings where a standard ground-level installation is not the best option.
That is why we always analyze the actual context: building materials, available height, surrounding properties, windows, access, snow removal, piping, electrical work, and future maintenance.
In this installation in L’Île-Cadieux, the Fujitsu AIRSTAGE Altair 700 is integrated into a masonry façade on a sturdy metal bracket, with positioning that completely frees up the ground and suits the building’s visible constraints well.
The machine matters. How it is integrated into the building matters just as much.