Installation of a Fujitsu AIRSTAGE Orion XLTH wall-mounted heat pump in Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe-aux-Trembles, Montreal
AirGreen installation of a Fujitsu Orion XLTH in Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe-aux-Trembles: R32 outdoor unit, stable support, preparation for cold climates, and heating down to -26 °C.
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.
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.
The refrigerant lines, the communication cable and the drain go through the wall in a single opening, sealed against water, cold air and insects.
Two insulated copper pipes connect the two units. Outside, a line cover can protect them from sun, knocks and weather.
A shut-off switch near the outdoor unit isolates it safely for service. It must stay accessible at all times.
The compressor and the fan. In heating mode it captures heat from the outdoor air, even in winter, and moves it inside.
On the ground or on the wall, it keeps the unit above accumulated snow. The unit stays clear and defrost water can drain away.
The fan needs to blow freely. Storage, a fence or a wall too close, and efficiency drops while noise goes up.
A compact outdoor installation in Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe-aux-Trembles, designed down to the details of support and commissioning
This installation completed by our AirGreen team in Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe-aux-Trembles, in eastern Montreal, highlights a stage that is often shown less frequently in wall-mounted heat pump projects: preparing and positioning the outdoor unit before the job is fully completed.
In the photo, we can clearly see a Fujitsu AIRSTAGE Orion XLTH with R-32 installed near the building on a gravel area. The unit rests on separate support points fitted with isolation elements beneath its feet. The large front fan is protected by its grille, the mechanical and electrical compartment is accessible on the right side, and the R32 marking is clearly visible.
Another detail makes this photo particularly representative of a real HVAC job site: documents and work gloves are still placed on top of the unit. We are clearly at a stage where installation, inspections, or commissioning are underway. This is precisely when we check what will make the difference between a heat pump that is simply connected and a properly prepared HVAC installation designed to operate summer after summer and winter after winter.
In Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe-aux-Trembles, a heat pump must not only be efficient when it is 30 °C outside. It must be able to handle long periods below freezing, snow accumulation, defrost cycles, and the significant temperature variations typical of Montreal.
The Fujitsu AIRSTAGE Orion XLTH series presented in the provided documentation is specifically a single-zone range designed for cold climates, with heating operation rated down to -26 °C (-15 °F). It uses R-32 refrigerant, an inverter compressor, and a basic base-pan heater suited to very cold regions.
Why the outdoor unit’s footing deserves as much attention as the heat pump itself
When a customer reviews a quote, the BTUs, brand, performance, and rebate naturally attract their attention. Yet an outdoor unit’s performance over several years also depends on how it is physically installed.
At this Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe-aux-Trembles project, the unit is not simply placed directly on the gravel. The feet rest on separate elements that provide a stable base and separation between the heat pump and its immediate support.
This detail serves several practical purposes:
- maintain a stable footing;
- avoid direct and uneven contact with the gravel;
- limit unnecessary vibration transmission;
- keep the unit properly level;
- make it easier to access the fastening points;
- maintain some separation between the machine’s base and the outdoor surface.
An outdoor unit that is not properly seated can generate vibrations, unwanted noise, or shift over time if the underlying ground settles or moves.
We therefore place as much importance on the base as on the refrigerant connection itself.
Gravel around the unit: an environment that requires careful winter planning
The photo also shows that the outdoor unit is located above a gravel area.
This configuration can be relevant because it generally allows water to drain more easily than a completely impermeable surface. However, in winter, we must always consider what will happen during defrost cycles.
When operating in heating mode, a heat pump extracts heat from the outdoor air. When conditions promote frost formation on the heat exchanger, the unit periodically performs a defrost cycle.
The water generated must then be able to leave the unit’s base without gradually forming a block of ice beneath the equipment.
Fujitsu documentation specifically indicates that the Orion XLTH has a base pan heater designed for extremely cold climate regions.
This type of feature is especially useful in an installation in Montreal.
An outdoor unit designed to continue heating down to -26 °C
The Orion XLTH series by Fujitsu includes five main models: 09K, 12K, 15K, 18K, and 24K.
The manufacturer indicates a heating operating range of -26°C to 24°C for all capacities listed in its technical data sheet. In cooling mode, the stated range extends from -10°C to 50°C.
For a homeowner in Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe-aux-Trembles, this makes it possible to view the heat pump as a true heating appliance, rather than merely an air conditioner capable of providing slight heating in the fall.
However, two concepts must be distinguished: the minimum operating temperature and the actual capacity available at low temperatures.
What the Fujitsu data sheet reveals at -21°C and -26°C
The Orion XLTH documentation provides particularly useful data for our climate.
At -21°C, Fujitsu indicates a maximum heating percentage, relative to the reference rated capacity, of:
- 154% for the 9K;
- 124% for the 12K;
- 126% for the 15K;
- 127% for the 18K;
- 95% for the 24K.
At -26°C, the values indicated are respectively:
- 127 %;
- 102 %;
- 109 %;
- 106 %;
- 80 %.
These figures explain why we never compare heat pumps solely based on the number of BTUs listed in their commercial name.
Capacity at 8°C, -8°C, -15°C, or -21°C may be much more important in determining how a system actually performs during a Montreal winter.
Multiple capacities, but one principle: size correctly
The Fujitsu data sheet lists the following rated cooling capacities:
- 9K : 9,000 BTU/h;
- 12K : 12,000 BTU/h;
- 15K : 14,500 BTU/h;
- 18K : 18,000 BTU/h;
- 24K : 22,000 BTU/h.
At rated heating capacity, they are respectively 12,000, 16,000, 18,000, 21,600, and 25,200 BTU/h.
The nameplate visible in our photo is too small for us to confirm the exact capacity of the photographed system with certainty. We therefore prefer to leave this information unspecified rather than arbitrarily assigning a model to this installation.
On site, capacity is selected based on factors such as floor area, insulation, windows, exposure, ceiling height, room layout, and heat loss.
Installing a larger unit without justification is not an improvement.
A compact outdoor unit for Montreal properties
The available spaces around homes, duplexes, and plexes in Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe-aux-Trembles can vary enormously.
In some projects, we have a large yard. In others, we work along a foundation, in a side passage, or near a patio.
The Orion XLTH series offers a relatively compact outdoor unit. According to the specification sheet, the 9K, 12K, and 15K models use an outdoor unit approximately:
- 799 mm wide, or 31 7/16 in.;
- 632 mm high, or 24 7/8 in.;
- 290 mm deep, or 11 7/16 in.
This shallow depth is particularly practical when the equipment must be installed close to the building while preserving the available space around it.
The Fujitsu Orion XLTH: the technical characteristics that genuinely influence our installation
The R32 marking visible on the job site is not merely decorative
In the photo, the symbol R32 appears clearly on the front panel of the unit.
The Fujitsu document indicates that all models in this series use R-32 refrigerant. The manufacturer reports a GWP of 675 for R-32 compared with 2,088 for R-410A, representing an indicated reduction of 68%.
For us, this refrigerant change has a very concrete consequence: installation methods, circuit handling, connections, testing, and commissioning must be carried out by personnel who understand the equipment's requirements.
A careful installation involves more than simply connecting the two units quickly and starting the machine.
Inverter technology: the heat pump modulates rather than operating only at full speed
The Orion XLTH series uses an Inverter compressor.
The principle is particularly useful for everyday comfort: rather than operating constantly according to a rigid on-off cycle, the system adjusts its capacity based on demand.
In a Montréal home, needs change throughout the day. The sun may heat certain rooms, wind may increase heat loss, an exterior door may be opened frequently, and the desired temperature may vary.
Modulation allows the system to better respond to these variations.
Fujitsu specifically combines its Inverter technology with faster temperature adjustment and more consistent comfort.
Energy efficiency: up to 33.1 TRÈS2 depending on the model
The table on page 4 of the documentation presents particularly interesting efficiency figures:
- 33.1 TRÈS2 for the 9K;
- 30,5 for the 12K;
- 27,5 for the 15K;
- 25,5 for the 18K;
- 24,0 for the 24K.
The CPSC2 in region V ranges from 9.4 to 10.7 depending on capacity.
These differences are important when comparing several units. A heat pump range does not have a single efficiency rating: performance depends on the combination of models and the selected capacity.
ENERGY STAR and cold climate
The different capacities listed in the technical data sheet carry the ENERGY STAR ratings presented by Fujitsu, including the cold-climate classification.
For a homeowner wishing to check a possible financial incentive for a heat pump, we nevertheless always recommend working with the exact indoor unit number, outdoor unit number, and applicable AHRI reference.
A commercial name such as “Fujitsu Orion XLTH” should not, by itself, be used to confirm a subsidy amount.
The pipe dimensions change completely depending on the capacity.
A very important technical aspect of this series concerns the piping diameters.
For the Orion XLTH 9K and 12K models, Fujitsu states:
liquid 1/4 in — gas 3/8 in.
For the 15K model:
liquid 1/4 in — gas 1/2 in.
For the 18K and 24K models:
liquid 3/8 in — gas 5/8 in.
This information is particularly important when replacing an old heat pump.
We regularly meet customers in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, and South Shore who wish to reuse the lines already present in the building. This may sometimes be possible, but only after verification.
The diameter, condition of the copper, type of previous refrigerant, run length, and configuration must all be analyzed.
Up to 50 metres of piping for certain capacities
The specification sheet also indicates different maximum lengths depending on the model:
- 25 m (82 ft) for the 9K and 12K models;
- 30 m (98 ft) for the 15K;
- 50 m (164 ft) for the 18K and 24K models.
This provides some flexibility when the outdoor unit cannot be located directly behind the indoor unit.
In some properties in Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe-aux-Trembles, this allows us to choose a more logical outdoor location without being forced to place the unit exactly at the wall exit point.
The electrical system must be checked before installation.
The Orion XLTH operates on a 208 to 230 V, 60 Hz, single-phase power supply.
The specification sheet states:
- 15 A for the 9K and 12K models;
- 20 A for the 15K, 18K, and 24K models.
This check is part of preparing for the installation.
We do not choose a heat pump independently of the building in which it will be installed. The electrical panel, available circuit, wiring distances, and machine capacity must form a coherent whole.
Outdoor noise: an important consideration in residential areas
The documentation indicates outdoor sound levels of 46 to 49 dB(A) in cooling mode, depending on capacity, and up to 50 dB(A) in certain heating configurations.
The unit's positioning can therefore affect the comfort of occupants and neighbors.
Whenever possible, we avoid creating a situation in which vibrations are transmitted directly to a structure or the fan blows toward an obstacle that is too close.
The visible supports beneath this installation demonstrate the importance of a stable, clean base.
Indoors, operation can be as low as 23 dB(A)
The Orion XLTH series is also designed for relatively quiet indoor operation.
The 9K and 12K models are rated at 23 dB(A) in quiet mode, the 15K at 26 dB(A), and the 18K and 24K models at 30 dB(A).
For a unit installed in a living room, office, or near a bedroom, this feature matters greatly.
Good HVAC comfort is not just about temperature. Noise, drafts, and temperature stability are part of the everyday experience.
Built-in Wi-Fi and several operating modes
Fujitsu documentation mentions built-in Wi-Fi connectivity for remote monitoring with the AIRSTAGE app. It also lists several modes and features, including energy saving, minimum heat, automatic defrost, automatic restart, and several fan speeds.
The indoor unit also uses highly corrosion-resistant copper ProCore coils, according to Fujitsu.
What we check before considering the installation complete
The presence of documents and work gloves on the photographed unit is a reminder that an installation is not complete when the outdoor unit is placed in position.
Before leaving a job site, several checks must be carried out according to the project configuration:
- unit fastening and stability;
- compliance of the connections;
- refrigerant circuit tightness;
- drainage;
- power supply;
- cooling and heating operation;
- remote control response;
- indoor airflow;
- absence of unusual noises or vibrations;
- explanations to the homeowner about operation and maintenance.
This commissioning phase is an integral part of our work.
Mistakes we recommend avoiding with a ground-level outdoor unit
Installing the heat pump directly on an unstable surface
A base that shifts can alter the unit’s level and create vibrations over time.
Forgetting what will happen during defrosting
Winter drainage must be considered from the time of installation.
Placing the equipment against an obstacle
The outdoor unit must be able to exchange air properly and remain accessible for maintenance.
Ignoring vibrations
Poor support can transmit vibrations to the building structure and turn a normally quiet machine into a source of noise.
Allowing snow to accumulate around the unit
A heat pump designed for -26 °C still needs to breathe. During the winter, homeowners must keep the area immediately around the unit sufficiently clear.
Choosing the BTU rating without calculating the requirements
Greater capacity does not compensate for poor selection or poor installation.
An installation specifically adapted to the realities of eastern Montréal
This project in Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe-aux-Trembles highlights what often determines the quality of an installation: the discreet decisions.
The customer ultimately sees a Fujitsu heat pump. We also consider the foundation, support points, position relative to the building, airflow, connections, defrost behavior, service access, and preparation of the equipment for several Quebec winters.
This is the approach we apply at AirGreen in our projects in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore, and on the South Shore.
The Fujitsu AIRSTAGE Orion XLTH is particularly well suited to this type of project thanks to its operation down to -26 °C, its Inverter compressor, R-32 refrigerant, base pan heater, and performance ratings reaching a TRÈS2 of 33.1, depending on the selected capacity.
But we always come back to the same principle: the best heat pump will not deliver its full performance if the HVAC installation is not completed with the same care given to selecting the equipment.
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.
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.
Model, capacity and price, in writing. We also check whether the model qualifies for assistance programs.
Floors and furniture protected, wall plate position marked level, wall opening located.
A single opening, with the slope the drain needs to flow outside.
Set on a stand raised above the snow, with the clearances the manufacturer requires.
Connected, insulated and protected. The opening is then sealed against water, cold air and insects.
A dedicated circuit and an accessible disconnect near the outdoor unit.
Leak test, vacuum, then start-up and a check of heating and cooling.
Remote, modes, filters: we show you the essentials before we leave.
- 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.
- The quoteModel, capacity and price, in writing. We also check whether the model qualifies for assistance programs.
- Getting readyFloors and furniture protected, wall plate position marked level, wall opening located.
- The wall openingA single opening, with the slope the drain needs to flow outside.
- The outdoor unitSet on a stand raised above the snow, with the clearances the manufacturer requires.
- Lines, cable and drainConnected, insulated and protected. The opening is then sealed against water, cold air and insects.
- The electrical workA dedicated circuit and an accessible disconnect near the outdoor unit.
- Tests and start-upLeak test, vacuum, then start-up and a check of heating and cooling.
- The walkthroughRemote, modes, filters: we show you the essentials before we leave.
And at your place?
Two quick checks with real numbers: what heat costs, and what your current heaters add up to in BTU/h.
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.
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.
- Clean the filters more often when the unit runs a lot.
- Keep plants away from the outdoor unit.
- Check that no water drips from the indoor unit.
- Rake the leaves around the outdoor unit.
- Test heating before the first cold days.
- Book periodic maintenance before winter.
- Keep snow away from the stand and the front of the unit.
- Let the unit defrost: it is normal.
- Never hit the ice on the fins; call us if the unit stays iced up.
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What people ask us about this kind of work
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Wall-mounted or multi-zone: how do I choose?
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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).