A Fujitsu Altair 700 installation perfectly integrated above patio doors in Saint-Louis-de-Gonzague
At Saint-Louis-de-Gonzague, we completed an installation of a Fujitsu AIRSTAGE Altair 700 wall-mounted heat pump in a room where the available wall space had to be used precisely. The interior layout presented a very practical constraint: a large opening consisting of two glass doors occupied almost the entire central section of the wall, with curtains installed on either side and very little usable space for a wall-mounted unit.
We chose a location directly above the patio doors, centered over the opening. This position makes use of a section of wall that is needed neither for furniture nor storage, while providing the indoor unit with a height that is favorable for distributing air throughout the room.
The result is particularly clean. The Fujitsu AIRSTAGE is visually aligned with the doors, without interfering with the curtains or adjacent openings. This installation clearly illustrates an often-underestimated reality: choosing a heat pump is not based solely on its BTU rating or energy efficiency. The location of the indoor unit can directly affect comfort, maintenance, airflow, and even the overall appearance of the room.
Why the space above the doors was the right choice
In this installation in Saint-Louis-de-Gonzague, the available wall space was largely occupied by glass doors and their trim.
Installing the unit on a side wall may have seemed simpler at first glance, but it could have directed the airflow less evenly throughout the room. Centering the installation above the doors instead allows the airflow to spread into the interior space.
This choice also avoids several common problems:
- block a section of wall that could be used for furniture;
- install the unit too close to a corner;
- interfere with the movement of the curtains;
- create a visually unbalanced layout;
- blow directly toward a person sitting very close by.
We always seek to position a wall-mounted heat pump in an area where it can truly make use of its air-distribution capacity.
A compact indoor unit that facilitates this type of integration
The Fujitsu AIRSTAGE Altair 700 series is particularly interesting when there is relatively limited wall space above a door or window.
According to the Fujitsu technical data sheet, the indoor unit measures approximately:
- 32 13/16 in. wide;
- 10 5/8 in. high;
- 8 3/4 in. deep;
- for a weight of approximately 22 lb.
These dimensions make it easier to integrate the unit into spaces where a larger unit might seem too imposing or lack clearance.
In the photo of this installation, we can see that the unit fits neatly between the ceiling and the top of the doors while remaining fully visible and accessible.
A centered installation that also improves the visual appearance
Aesthetics are rarely the main consideration in an HVAC installation, but they remain important.
An indoor unit installed slightly off-center above a large opening can give the impression of unfinished work, even when the installation is technically correct.
Here, we sought logical alignment with the double doors.
The Fujitsu Altair 700 is installed directly in line with the opening, creating a much more natural integration into the room.
The curtains remain clear on both sides, the rod remains accessible, and the unit does not interfere with the frames.
The Fujitsu Altair 700 series: two available capacities
Fujitsu documentation for this series presents two models:
09KMAS1 – 9,000 BTU/h
12KMAS1 – 12,000 BTU/h
The complete combinations are as follows:
- ASUH09KMAS for the indoor unit with AOUH09KMAS1 outdoors;
- ASUH12KMAS with AOUH12KMAS1 for the 12,000 BTU version.
The indoor photo does not allow us to read the equipment nameplate. Therefore, we cannot determine with certainty whether this specific installation in Saint-Louis-de-Gonzague uses the 9,000 or 12,000 BTU version.
We always prefer to avoid assigning a capacity based on appearance alone, especially when two models use identical or very similar enclosures.
Heating capacities exceeding nominal cooling capacities
The 9,000 BTU model offers a nominal cooling capacity of 9,000 BTU/h, but a nominal heating capacity of 12,000 BTU/h.
The 12,000 BTU model offers:
- 12,000 BTU/h of nominal cooling capacity;
- 14,000 BTU/h of nominal heating capacity.
This difference is interesting because it shows why a heat pump should never be analyzed solely based on its commercial designation.
The 09KMAS1 model can modulate between 3,100 and 12,100 BTU/h in cooling mode, and between 2,800 and 14,500 BTU/h in heating mode.
The 12KMAS1 can modulate between 3,100 and 13,800 BTU/h in cooling mode, and between 2,800 and 15,000 BTU/h in heating mode.
Why this modulation matters in a room with a lot of glazing
The glass doors visible in this installation play an important role in the room’s thermal load.
In summer, glazed surfaces can let in more heat depending on their orientation and exposure to the sun. In winter, they can also account for a significant portion of heat loss compared with a well-insulated wall.
A heat pump with Inverter technology can adjust its capacity to these changes.
When strong solar gains rapidly increase the indoor temperature, the compressor can operate at a higher capacity. Once the room stabilizes, the system reduces its output.
This modulation helps maintain a more consistent temperature instead of constantly cycling on and off.
A SEER2 reaching 30.0
The Altair 700 series delivers particularly high cooling efficiency.
The 09KMAS1 model is rated at a SEER2 of 30.0, while the 12KMAS1 reaches a SEER2 of 27.5.
In heating mode, the HSPF2 for Region V indicated by Fujitsu is:
- 9,9 for the 9,000 BTU model;
- 8,5 for the 12,000 BTU model.
The nominal COP2 is 4.64 and 4.32, respectively.
These figures make it possible to compare several wall-mounted heat pumps more meaningfully when the homeowner is looking to reduce energy consumption or replace an older, less efficient system.
A system designed to operate in heating mode down to -15 °C
Fujitsu documentation indicates a heating range from -15 °C to 24 °C for both Altair 700 models.
In cooling mode, the operating range is specified as -10 °C to 50 °C.
For a property in Saint-Louis-de-Gonzague, this data must be interpreted correctly.
The unit can operate in heating mode down to -15 °C, but the choice of the primary heating system must always take the building as a whole into account.
We therefore analyze the needs based on factors such as:
- the area served;
- insulation;
- heat loss through windows and doors;
- the building’s orientation;
- the ceiling height;
- the adjacent rooms;
- the presence of other heating sources.
A heat pump must be sized for the actual project, not based solely on an approximate square-footage figure.
The technical details of the Altair 700 that make a difference during an HVAC installation
Only 19 dB(A) in quiet mode
The indoor unit’s sound level can be particularly important in a living room, bedroom, or family room.
Fujitsu indicates that the indoor sound level can drop to 19 dB(A) in cooling mode and 21 dB(A) in heating mode in quiet mode.
At low speed, the unit is rated at 30 dB(A) in cooling mode and 33 dB(A) in heating mode.
At medium speed, the levels are 35 and 38 dB(A), while at full speed they reach 40 and 42 dB(A).
This low acoustic signature is particularly appreciated when the unit is installed in a room used every day.
Air distribution designed for comfort
The Fujitsu specifications indicate four fan speeds plus an automatic mode.
In cooling mode, the indoor airflow can reach approximately 400 cu. ft./min at high speed, with intermediate levels of around 324, 253, and 153 cu. ft./min depending on the setting.
In this installation above patio doors, this airflow allows the air to leave the unit at a favorable height and distribute throughout the room.
The vertical louver is motorized, allowing the airflow direction to be adjusted.
Positioning in relation to the curtains: a detail that should not be overlooked
The curtains visible on either side of the doors are an excellent example of a decorative element that can affect a heat pump installation.
If the curtains had been installed higher or closer to the center, they could have interfered with the unit.
It must be prevented from allowing a fabric to:
- cover the air intake;
- be lifted by the airflow;
- touch the unit;
- complicate opening the panel;
- limit access to the filters.
In this project, the unit's position allows for clear separation between the heat pump and the curtains.
Access to the filters remains essential after installation
A wall-mounted heat pump must remain accessible.
The Altair 700 uses washable filters, according to the manufacturer's documentation.
This means the homeowner must be able to periodically access the front panel to remove and clean the filters.
An installation that is too close to the ceiling, a shelf, or trim can make this work unnecessarily difficult.
At AirGreen, we always take future access into account in our projects.
An installation must not only be possible on the day of the project. It must remain practical for HVAC maintenance for many years.
Refrigeration piping: 1/4 in. liquid and 3/8 in. gas
Both capacities in the Altair 700 series use the same refrigeration pipe dimensions:
1/4 in. for the liquid line
3/8 in. for the gas line.
The specified minimum piping length is 10 feet.
The maximum length is 66 feet, while the maximum permitted vertical difference is 49 feet.
The specifications also indicate a refrigerant charge covering up to 49 feet.
This information is essential when the outdoor unit cannot be placed directly behind the indoor unit.
In homes where the heat pump is installed above a patio door, the exterior layout of the building may sometimes require going around a structure, deck, or traffic area.
The ability to accommodate up to 66 feet of piping therefore provides good flexibility, provided all Fujitsu installation criteria are followed.
A relatively compact electrical supply: 208 to 230 V and 15 A
Both Altair 700 models operate at 208 to 230 V, single-phase, 60 Hz, with a 15 A circuit breaker indicated in the technical specifications.
For the 9,000 BTU model, Fujitsu specifies a maximum current of 6.4 A in cooling mode and 9.4 A in heating mode.
For the 12,000 BTU model, these values are 6.9 A and 9.4 A, respectively.
Even when the electrical requirements seem modest, we must always verify the circuit actually present in the building before commissioning.
An older installation does not automatically guarantee that the wiring, circuit breaker, or existing connections are suitable for the new equipment.
R-32 at the heart of this new Fujitsu series
The Altair 700 uses R-32 refrigerant.
Fujitsu states that R-32 has a global warming potential of 675, compared with 2,088 for R-410A, representing an announced reduction of approximately 68% in GWP.
For homeowners replacing an older heat pump, this transition to R-32 is an important detail.
The equipment and work procedures must be adapted to this type of refrigerant, and the installation must be carried out according to the manufacturer's specifications.
Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity
The Fujitsu AIRSTAGE Altair 700 also offers built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling remote monitoring and control through the AIRSTAGE mobile app.
This feature is particularly useful for homeowners who want to change their settings remotely.
It becomes possible to prepare the home's temperature before returning, check certain settings without going to the unit, or more easily adjust a room that experiences significant temperature variations.
An installation that must account for the door frame and wall structure
Installing a heat pump directly above double doors also requires knowing what lies behind the interior finish.
The presence of a lintel, studs, or other structural elements must be taken into account when choosing the mounting point.
The route of the lines must also be carefully planned to avoid damaging the door structure.
This type of project demonstrates why an apparently simple installation still requires considerable on-site experience.
A particularly relevant high position for air conditioning
Warm air tends to accumulate in the upper parts of a room.
The Fujitsu unit installed at a high position can therefore draw in air from the upper area before cooling it and redistributing it throughout the living space.
In a room with several glass surfaces, this advantage can be particularly appreciated during the summer.
Positioning above the doors also avoids directing cold air directly at the face of a person seated very close to the unit.
What to avoid during a similar installation
An installation above a door or large window requires several checks beforehand.
We particularly avoid:
- insufficient space between the unit and the ceiling;
- a unit that encroaches on the curtains;
- insufficient fastening;
- a condensate drain without an adequate slope;
- incompatible refrigerant piping;
- difficult access to the filters;
- airflow immediately blocked by a piece of furniture;
- an unbalanced position that detracts from the room’s aesthetics.
These are often the details that make the difference between a merely functional installation and a professional HVAC installation.
A Fujitsu Altair 700 integrated without sacrificing living space
The main strength of this installation in Saint-Louis-de-Gonzague is probably its intelligent use of space.
The unit occupies a wall area that would otherwise have had little use.
The rest of the walls remains available, the curtains retain their function, and the doors remain fully accessible.
The result is discreet, logical, and suited to the room’s configuration.
At AirGreen, that is exactly what we seek when installing a wall-mounted heat pump: making the system operate under favorable conditions without unnecessarily imposing the equipment on the interior layout.
AirGreen for Fujitsu heat pump installation in Montérégie and Greater Montreal
Our projects take us to work in very different buildings in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, the South Shore, and Montérégie.
An installation like this Fujitsu AIRSTAGE Altair 700 in Saint-Louis-de-Gonzague shows why every project must be assessed individually.
Here, the challenge was not a long visible line set or a sloped ceiling, but rather integrating the unit into a wall dominated by two large glass doors and curtains.
We chose a high, centered, and functional position while preserving the necessary access to the unit.
The Altair 700 series then brings its own advantages: Inverter technology, high SEER2 efficiency ratings, quiet operation, R-32 refrigerant, built-in Wi-Fi, and a compact indoor design.
When a heat pump is properly sized, installed in the right location, and commissioned according to the manufacturer’s specifications, these features can genuinely translate into everyday comfort.