In L’Île-Perrot, an installation where the support height, fan clearance, and available space dictated every detail
For this installation carried out in L’Île-Perrot, the challenge was not simply connecting a Fujitsu AIRSTAGE Altair 700 wall-mounted heat pump. The outdoor unit had to be positioned on an elevated concrete platform near a masonry wall, a window, a wall grille, and a metal railing. In this context, a few centimetres can make a significant difference for airflow, future accessibility, and snow management in winter.
We therefore installed the Fujitsu unit on a raised metal support, rather than directly on the concrete surface. The photo clearly shows the support’s two front posts, their support plates, and the vibration isolators placed between the heat pump and the metal structure.
The result is a compact installation without compromising the outdoor unit’s large front grille. The fan remains oriented toward the open space, which is essential for allowing the system to discharge air properly.
For homeowners in L’Île-Perrot, Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore comparing heat pump installations, this project clearly demonstrates why the choice of support and location is just as important as the brand shown on the unit.
Why we raised the heat pump instead of placing it directly on the concrete
One of the most visible elements of this installation is the galvanized support beneath the outdoor unit.
In Quebec, installing a heat pump directly at the level of a slab or balcony can create difficulties in winter. Snow can accumulate around the unit, and during defrost cycles, the water produced by the appliance must be able to drain away.
On this project in L’Île-Perrot, the heat pump is therefore positioned well above the surface.
This configuration offers several practical advantages:
- It keeps the bottom of the unit farther away from accumulated snow;
- it leaves more space beneath the unit for defrost water;
- it keeps the heat pump in a stable position;
- it provides visual access to the lower part of the unit;
- it prevents the housing from resting directly on the concrete surface.
The height must nevertheless be chosen intelligently. Mounting a unit as high as possible is not always desirable. We must also consider the proximity of windows, guardrails, soffits, and other building openings.
Anti-vibration isolators visible beneath the unit’s feet
In the photo, we can also distinguish the anti-vibration isolators installed between the Fujitsu’s feet and the metal support.
They are a relatively discreet but useful detail.
The compressor and fan naturally produce small vibrations during operation. For an installation located on an elevated structure, we want to limit the transmission of these vibrations to the support and building as much as possible.
A proper installation therefore depends not only on the strength of the support; it must also take the unit’s behavior into account when it operates for several hours.
An installation near a guardrail: the fan must remain unobstructed
The guardrail visible to the left of the heat pump was one of the site’s physical constraints.
The large front grille of the outdoor unit must be able to discharge air without immediately encountering a major obstruction. That is why we pay particular attention to the fan’s orientation when working on balconies, terraces, or narrow platforms.
On this installation, the front of the unit remains oriented toward the open area.
It is important to understand that an outdoor heat pump operates by constantly moving air through its heat exchanger. A poorly chosen location can encourage discharged air to recirculate toward the unit, which is undesirable.
We therefore systematically assess:
- the space in front of the fan;
- the proximity of the side walls;
- the position of the guardrails;
- the building openings;
- the possibility of performing future service on the unit.
The proximity of a window and a wall grille also required precision
The outdoor unit is located directly in front of a section of wall containing a window and a ventilation grille.
In this type of configuration, positioning cannot be determined solely by the length of the available support.
We must maintain a balance between the equipment’s clearance and the building’s normal use. Outdoor equipment should not be installed without considering the surrounding windows, air outlets, doors, or traffic areas.
This is particularly common when we carry out a HVAC installation in condos, duplexes, or buildings with limited outdoor space in Montreal and Greater Montreal.
A Fujitsu AIRSTAGE Altair 700 using R-32 refrigerant
The logo R32 is clearly visible on the front of the photographed unit.
The Fujitsu Altair 700 belongs to the H series of AIRSTAGE single-zone wall-mounted systems. Fujitsu’s documentation covers two capacities, namely the configurations 09KMAS1 and 12KMAS1. Since the unit’s complete model number is not legible in this photo, we avoid arbitrarily assigning a specific capacity to this installation.
The range includes:
- 09KMAS1: 9,000 BTU/h nominal cooling capacity and 12,000 BTU/h nominal heating capacity;
- 12KMAS1: 12,000 BTU/h nominal cooling capacity and 14,000 BTU/h nominal heating capacity.
In both cases, the system uses R-32.
In its documentation, Fujitsu indicates a global warming potential of 675 for R-32, compared with 2,088 for R-410A, representing an announced 68% reduction in GWP.
Inverter modulation adapted to the room’s actual needs
The Altair 700 uses an Inverter compressor, allowing the heat pump to gradually adjust its capacity to the building’s needs.
For the 09KMAS1 model, cooling capacity ranges from 3,100 to 12,100 BTU/h. For the 12KMAS1 version, it ranges from 3,100 to 13,800 BTU/h.
For heating, Fujitsu publishes ranges of:
- 2,800 to 14,500 BTU/h for model 09;
- 2,800 to 15,000 BTU/h for model 12.
This modulation matters greatly in a residential installation. The home does not constantly need the unit’s maximum capacity. When the desired temperature is nearly reached, the system can reduce its output and work to maintain more consistent comfort.
30.0 or 27.5 SEER2, depending on the capacity selected
Energy efficiency is another important aspect of this series.
The technical specifications indicate:
- SEER2 of 30.0 for the 09KMAS1;
- SEER2 of 27.5 for the 12KMAS1.
The CPSC2 region V is respectively 9.9 and 8.5. Both configurations are also identified in Fujitsu documentation with the applicable ENERGY STAR ratings, including the cold-climate designation.
These data may be important when a homeowner compares different wall-mounted heat pumps in L’Île-Perrot, but we always recommend looking at the system as a whole.
A very high efficiency rating does not compensate for a deficient installation or an improperly sized unit.
Sizing remains more important than the temptation to choose the largest model
With 9,000 and 12,000 BTU cooling options, it may be tempting to automatically choose the larger capacity.
That is not our approach.
Instead, we consider several factors:
- area of the zone;
- insulation;
- number of windows;
- building orientation;
- ceiling height;
- air circulation between rooms;
- heat loss;
- room use;
- existing heating.
An oversized unit is not automatically more comfortable.
The Inverter’s operation obviously helps the system modulate, but the initial capacity selection remains fundamental to achieving a balanced installation.
Heating down to -15 °C according to the operating range published by Fujitsu
The Altair 700 series technical specifications indicate a heating operating range of -15 °C to 24 °C, while cooling can operate within a published range of -10 °C to 50 °C.
However, it is important to distinguish the minimum operating temperature from the capacity actually available at that temperature.
For a property in L’Île-Perrot, we must consider the region’s winter conditions and the role the heat pump will play in the building’s overall heating.
A heat pump used as the primary heating source must be evaluated differently from a unit that supplements another system.
Managing defrost water becomes particularly important on a platform
This installation highlights another point that is sometimes overlooked when thinking about a heat pump in winter: water.
In heating mode, frost may form on the outdoor coil. The heat pump periodically runs a defrost cycle to remove this buildup.
The water generated must then be able to leave the unit.
For an elevated installation on a concrete surface such as the one in L’Île-Perrot, we must anticipate where this water may drain and freeze.
The unit’s elevated position helps create space beneath the machine, but the immediate surroundings must still be monitored during freezing periods.
A compact outdoor unit: approximately 31 7/16 in. wide
According to the Fujitsu technical specifications, the outdoor unit in both Altair 700 configurations measures approximately:
- 31 7/16 in. wide;
- 21 5/16 in. high;
- 11 7/16 in. deep.
Its net weight is approximately 71 lb.
These relatively compact dimensions are useful in installations like this one, where the available depth is limited and the machine must coexist with several architectural elements.
The photo also shows that the unit can be installed on a relatively narrow platform while maintaining a structured, elevated setup.
Refrigerant lines measuring 1/4 in. and 3/8 in.
Another important point about this series concerns the piping dimensions.
Fujitsu specifies the following for the 09KMAS1 and 12KMAS1 models:
- liquid line: 1/4 in.;
- gas line: 3/8 in..
The published minimum length is 10 feet, with a maximum length of 66 feet and a maximum vertical difference of 49 feet.
These details become particularly important when a new heat pump replaces an older unit.
We never assume that existing piping is suitable simply because it already reaches the right location. The dimensions, condition of the copper, and compatibility with the new system must be verified.
A 208 to 230 V power supply with 15 A protection, according to the documentation
For both capacities in the series, Fujitsu specifies a 208 to 230 V, 60 Hz, single-phase power supply along with a 15 A circuit breaker.
Actual consumption then varies depending on the model and the load.
For the 09KMAS1, the published maximum current reaches 6.4 A in cooling mode and 9.4 A in heating mode. For the 12KMAS1, Fujitsu specifies up to 6.9 A in cooling mode and 9.4 A in heating mode.
During an installation, we always rely on the nameplate and the exact model’s electrical requirements rather than estimates based solely on BTUs.
Indoor comfort: up to 19 dB(A) in quiet mode
Even though the photo shows the outdoor unit, a heat pump is primarily chosen for the comfort it provides indoors.
Fujitsu states that the noise level can drop to 19 dB(A) in cooling mode in quiet mode for the wall-mounted unit.
The published levels are:
- 19 dB(A) in quiet mode;
- 30 dB(A) at low speed;
- 35 dB(A) at medium speed;
- 40 dB(A) at high speed.
In heating mode, the quiet mode is rated at 21 dB(A).
For a living room, bedroom, or office, this ability to reduce the noise level is particularly appealing.
Built-in Wi-Fi and more advanced controls
The Fujitsu AIRSTAGE Altair 700 also includes built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing remote monitoring with the AIRSTAGE mobile app.
The documentation also mentions several optional controllers and interfaces, including integration options with systems using BACnet or Modbus.
In a home, Wi-Fi control is generally the most immediately noticeable advantage: it allows users to adjust the temperature and certain settings without having to be physically in front of the unit.
ENERGY STAR and rebates: never rely solely on the name “Altair 700”
The series is presented by Fujitsu with ENERGY STAR ratings, including indications related to cold climates.
This may be relevant when a homeowner is looking for a heat pump eligible for financial assistance in Quebec.
However, best practice is always to confirm eligibility based on the exact combination installed.
We check, among other things:
- indoor unit model;
- outdoor unit model;
- certified match;
- capacity;
- the program criteria applicable when the work is carried out;
- the documents required to submit the application.
A certification shown in a brochure must not automatically be turned into a promise of a rebate.
What this Île-Perrot installation teaches homeowners shopping for a heat pump
The photo of this project illustrates a very practical aspect of our work: a good machine must also be installed in the right place and on the right support.
Here, several constraints came together in a very limited area: masonry wall, window, exterior grille, guardrail, and concrete platform.
Our work therefore consisted of integrating the Fujitsu Altair 700 without creating any obvious air-circulation problems or placing the unit directly on the concrete.
Among the mistakes to avoid in a comparable situation:
Installing the heat pump too low
On an outdoor surface exposed to snow, this can quickly reduce the clearance around the bottom of the unit.
Positioning the fan facing a guardrail that is too close
An outdoor fan must be able to exhaust air properly.
Neglecting vibrations
A unit located on an elevated structure requires particular attention to the support and contact points.
Blocking access for servicing
The technician must be able to access the components and connections without dismantling half of the area around the unit.
Choosing the capacity solely according to the advertised BTUs
The building’s actual sizing requirements remain decisive.
Neglecting winter defrosting
The water produced by the heat pump must be taken into consideration, particularly on a platform where drainage can freeze.
An AirGreen installation adapted to L’Île-Perrot’s actual constraints
This Fujitsu AIRSTAGE Altair 700 wall-mounted heat pump installation in L’Île-Perrot shows exactly why we assess the building before determining the installation method.
The unit is compact, efficient, and built around modern R-32 Inverter technology. However, its performance over several years also depends on the support, location, clearances, piping, electrical work, and commissioning.
At AirGreen, we carry out heating, air conditioning, and HVAC installations in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore, the South Shore, and in the West Island and surrounding municipalities such as L’Île-Perrot.
On this project, the elevated metal structure is one of the most important details of the final result. It keeps the Fujitsu above the platform, while the isolators beneath the unit contribute to a cleaner installation better suited to managing vibrations.
At first glance, the result looks simple: a heat pump on its support.
For us, that is precisely what a good HVAC installation should look like once completed. The calculations, constraints, and technical decisions remain behind the work; the homeowner gets a well-integrated, accessible system ready to provide heating and cooling.