A compact installation in Sainte-Marie-Madeleine where the outdoor unit had to integrate neatly into a glass-enclosed terrace
At Sainte-Marie-Madeleine, we completed an installation of a FUJITSU AIRSTAGE ORION XLTH wall-mounted heat pump+ in a residence where the location of the outdoor unit required particular attention. The jobsite photo shows a very concrete situation: the outdoor heat pump is located on a terrace, near a brick wall and beneath a large window, with a glass wall immediately to the left.
In such an environment, an installation cannot be planned solely based on the piping length. The unit’s stability, the clearance required for air exchange, winter drainage, accessibility for maintenance, and visual integration on a terrace used by occupants must all be taken into account.
We therefore installed the outdoor unit on a raised metal support, rather than directly on the floor. This configuration is particularly relevant in Quebec: it helps keep the equipment away from accumulations of water, ice, and snow and facilitates the management of water produced during defrost cycles.
The visible result is clean and compact. The FUJITSU unit fits between the glazed wall and the brick façade without unnecessarily obstructing the terrace. The refrigerant piping enters the building near the unit and is protected by a brown line-set cover that blends in with the masonry.
Why this outdoor installation required more precision than a simple ground-level installation
When a wall-mounted heat pump is installed on a terrace, several constraints arise at the same time.
For this Sainte-Marie-Madeleine project, we had to consider, among other things:
- the proximity of the glazing;
- the brick façade;
- the window above and behind the unit;
- the space available for the support;
- clearance in front of the fan;
- people’s movement on the terrace;
- the routing of the refrigerant lines;
- water drainage in winter;
- potential vibrations;
- future access for HVAC maintenance.
The photo clearly shows that the outdoor unit is not simply resting on four blocks. We used a metal structure to keep it above the terrace level. Separate support points bear the chassis, while the unit itself is secured to the support.
This installation provides a more defined base and allows free space to be maintained beneath the heat pump.
Clearance around the outdoor unit remains essential
A heat pump exchanges a tremendous amount of air with the outdoors.
The front-facing fan must be able to draw in and expel air without significant obstruction. Installing a unit too deeply in an enclosed corner, too close to a solid railing, or facing an obstacle can impair its operation.
Here, despite the relatively limited space, the condenser’s front remains unobstructed. The glass wall is positioned to the side rather than directly in front of the fan.
This type of decision is important because an excellent unit installed in the wrong position can perform less well than a more modest machine installed correctly.
A line-hide cover suited to the brick façade
Another interesting detail of this project concerns the finish around the refrigerant line passage.
The line-hide cover visible on the wall was chosen in a reddish-brown shade that blends with the masonry. Instead of a highly contrasting white duct running across a red brick façade, the technical passage blends more naturally into the building.
This type of finish may seem secondary before the work begins. Yet once the installation is complete, it is precisely what the homeowner will see for years.
At AirGreen, we therefore consider the piping route and exterior finish from the planning stage of the project.
FUJITSU ORION XLTH+: a heat pump designed for cold climates
The FUJITSU AIRSTAGE ORION XLTH+ belongs to Fujitsu’s single-zone H series. The technical documentation provided presents three configurations: 09KTAP1, 12KTAP1, and 15KTAP1. They are designed for heating and cooling, with a heating operating range down to -30 °C.
The exterior photo clearly identifies a FUJITSU AIRSTAGE unit using R-32 refrigerant, but the detailed nameplate is not visible enough to confirm which of the three capacities is installed at this site. We therefore prefer not to arbitrarily assign a specific capacity to the photographed unit.
The range nevertheless includes:
- 09KTAP1 : 9,000 BTU/h at nominal cooling;
- 12KTAP1 : 12,000 BTU/h at nominal cooling;
- 15KTAP1 : 14,500 BTU/h at nominal cooling.
At nominal heating, the capacities are 12,000, 15,300, and 17,400 BTU/h, respectively.
Heating capacity remains high as temperatures drop
The minimum operating temperature is important, but it does not tell the whole story.
In the middle of winter, what also matters is the amount of heat the unit can actually deliver when the outdoor temperature becomes very low.
The FUJITSU specifications indicate that at -30 °C, the three configurations retain maximum capacities corresponding to 113%, 103%, and 101% of their rated reference capacity, respectively. At -26 °C, these values rise to 147%, 128%, and 116%.
For a homeowner in Sainte-Marie-Madeleine, Longueuil, Montreal, Laval, the South Shore, or the North Shore, this information is far more meaningful than a simple “cold climate” logo.
It makes it possible to better evaluate the heat pump as a true heating appliance, rather than merely as a reversible air conditioner used in spring and fall.
The base pan heater is particularly valuable in an installation like this
FUJITSU documentation specifies that the outdoor unit of the ORION XLTH+ is equipped with a base pan heater designed for extremely cold climates.
This feature is directly relevant to the type of installation visible in Sainte-Marie-Madeleine.
In heating mode, an outdoor heat pump can accumulate frost on its heat exchanger. The system then periodically initiates a defrost cycle. The resulting water must be able to drain away before refreezing beneath the unit.
Installing the heat pump on a raised support helps create space beneath the unit for this drainage.
A common mistake: installing a heat pump too close to the ground
On some sites we inspect, the outdoor unit is located almost at ground level or at the level of a terrace.
This can become problematic when:
- snow accumulates in front of or behind the unit;
- defrost water forms a mass of ice;
- the drainage outlets become blocked;
- the fan draws in snow;
- technical access becomes difficult.
A heat pump designed to operate down to -30 °C must also be installed appropriately for an environment that can reach -30 °C.
The unit and the installation form a complete system.
Behind this FUJITSU installation in Sainte-Marie-Madeleine: efficiency, quiet operation, R-32, and technical details to know
Exceptionally high energy efficiency
The ORION XLTH+ series offers highly impressive efficiency levels.
Depending on the selected capacity, the FUJITSU specifications indicate SEER2 values of:
- 33,5 for the 09KTAP1;
- 31,5 for the 12KTAP1;
- 28,7 for the 15KTAP1.
The HSPF2 values for Region V are 11.5, 11.3, and 10.7, respectively.
The three configurations are also presented in the documentation as meeting ENERGY STAR, ENERGY STAR Cold Climate, and ENERGY STAR Most Efficient classifications.
These figures are important, but they never replace proper sizing.
Why we do not size a heat pump solely according to square footage
It is common for a homeowner to ask us:
“How many BTUs does my home need?”
Floor area is only part of the answer.
When selecting a wall-mounted heat pump in Sainte-Marie-Madeleine, we must also consider factors such as:
- the quality of the insulation;
- the number of windows;
- the building’s orientation;
- ceiling height;
- the presence of a basement;
- whether the rooms have an open or closed layout;
- air infiltration;
- the amount of sunlight received;
- the existing heating system;
- winter heating requirements;
- the possible location of the indoor unit.
An oversized unit is not automatically preferable.
Inverter technology allows the machine to adjust its capacity precisely according to demand.
Inverter technology: a broad modulation range
The product-line documentation shows very broad capacity ranges.
For the 12KTAP1 model, for example, the cooling capacity ranges from 3,100 to 17,300 BTU/h, while the heating capacity ranges from 4,500 to 27,300 BTU/h.
This modulation is particularly useful on days when demand is moderate.
Instead of operating only in on-off cycles, the Inverter compressor can adjust its operation. This helps maintain a more stable temperature and reduce comfort fluctuations.
R-32 refrigerant clearly visible on the installed unit
In the photo of the Sainte-Marie-Madeleine project, the label R32 is directly visible on the side of the outdoor unit.
FUJITSU states in its documentation that R-32 has a global warming potential of 675, compared with 2,088 for R-410A, representing a 68% reduction according to the reference used by the manufacturer.
R-32 therefore enables this generation of heat pumps to significantly reduce the refrigerant’s GWP compared with R-410A.
1/4 in. – 3/8 in. refrigerant piping
The three ORION XLTH+ configurations presented in the documentation use the same pipe sizes:
- 1/4 in. liquid side;
- 3/8 in. gas side.
FUJITSU specifies a minimum length of 10 ft and a maximum length of 66 ft, with a maximum vertical difference of 49 ft. The indicated factory charge covers up to approximately 49 ft of piping.
This point becomes particularly important when a new heat pump replaces an existing system.
We never automatically assume that an old set of pipes can be reused. The diameter, condition of the copper, refrigerant compatibility, and manufacturer's requirements must be checked.
Compact outdoor unit: a real advantage in limited spaces
The photographed installation shows exactly why the outdoor format matters.
On this terrace, we had to work around a window, a brick wall, and a glass partition.
Depending on the configuration, the outdoor units in the range are approximately 31 7/16 in. to 32 5/16 in. wide. The 12KTAP1 and 15KTAP1 models are approximately 28 3/16 in. high and 12 3/8 in. deep.
This compactness makes it easier to integrate the unit into areas where available space is more limited.
However, this does not mean that the unit can be placed just anywhere. The manufacturer's clearances remain essential for maintaining adequate airflow.
Relatively quiet outdoor operation
The documentation indicates the following outdoor sound levels:
- 44 dB(A) for the 09KTAP1 configuration;
- 48 to 49 dB(A) for the 12KTAP1;
- 51 to 49 dB(A) for the 15KTAP1, depending on cooling or heating mode.
On a terrace or near windows, sound level is particularly important.
We must also prevent an improperly stabilized installation from turning normal low-level vibrations into noise transmitted to the structure.
This is another reason why the base, support, and mounting points are important.
Up to 23 dB indoors
According to the technical data sheet, the 09KTAP1 and 12KTAP1 indoor units can operate at just 23 dB(A) in quiet mode, while the 15KTAP1 reaches 26 dB(A).
For a bedroom, office, or living room, this feature can be highly appreciated.
A heat pump that heats efficiently but becomes constantly noticeable acoustically can ultimately reduce the comfort it was intended to improve.
Built-in Wi-Fi and AIRSTAGE control
The ORION XLTH+ also features built-in Wi-Fi connectivity with remote control through the AIRSTAGE app.
The documentation also mentions compatibility with several optional interfaces and controllers, including BACnet and Modbus solutions for more advanced integrations.
In a residence, Wi-Fi is mainly useful for:
- change the temperature remotely;
- check that the appliance is operating properly;
- prepare the house before returning;
- adjust the settings according to your habits;
- avoid certain oversights during an extended absence.
ProCore copper coils inside
FUJITSU also specifies that the indoor unit uses highly corrosion-resistant ProCore copper coils.
This is a technical detail that receives less attention during purchasing than an efficiency rating, but it directly concerns the design and durability of the indoor heat exchanger.
The question of financial assistance: always verify the exact system
FUJITSU documentation identifies this series' configurations with ENERGY STAR ratings for cold climates.
This may be relevant for financial assistance programs associated with energy-efficient heat pumps in Quebec. However, eligibility and the amount must never be determined solely from the name “ORION XLTH+”.
The indoor model, outdoor model, certified combination, and applicable program criteria must all be verified.
For our customers, this verification is important: a nominal 12,000 BTU heat pump does not automatically mean that the calculation for financial assistance will be based on exactly 12,000 BTU.
Electrical requirements vary according to the selected capacity
The series operates at 208 to 230 V, 60 Hz, single-phase.
The specification sheet states:
- a 15 A breaker for the 09KTAP1;
- a 20 A breaker for the 12KTAP1;
- a 20 A breaker for the 15KTAP1.
This verification must be completed before installation.
In some buildings, particularly when replacing an old heat pump, the existing circuit may not exactly meet the requirements of the new machine.
What the photo from Sainte-Marie-Madeleine shows about a well-planned installation
This installation is interesting because it brings together several details that a homeowner could easily underestimate before the work begins.
The height of the outdoor unit
The support keeps the condenser above the patio. This is beneficial for winter drainage and protection against ground-level accumulation.
Stability
An outdoor unit has a compressor and a fan. An adequate base helps limit movement and vibrations.
The short piping route
The refrigerant line runs directly toward the wall adjacent to the unit. A simple route can reduce unnecessary lengths and make finishing easier.
Integrating the line-set cover
The chosen color blends in with the brick rather than creating a highly visible white line on the façade.
Technical access
The unit remains accessible. We can service it later without having to dismantle a permanent structure that completely surrounds the condenser.
Mistakes we seek to avoid on this type of project
During our HVAC installations in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, the South Shore, and Montérégie, certain mistakes regularly recur in equipment installed previously.
Among the issues we want to avoid:
-
Installing the unit directly at snow accumulation level.
A low-temperature unit must have an environment suited to its winter operation. -
Blocking the condenser's front.
The space available on a terrace should not be optimized at the expense of airflow. -
Neglecting vibrations.
An outdoor unit near a window or living area must be installed on a stable base. -
Choosing the piping route solely because it is the fastest to install.
The route must remain logical, protected, and aesthetically acceptable. -
Reusing pipes without checking their diameter.
The ORION XLTH+ uses 1/4 in. liquid and 3/8 in. gas lines. -
Forgetting maintenance access.
The technician must be able to access the outdoor unit several years from now, not just on the day of installation. -
Choosing too many BTUs as a precaution.
Proper sizing remains preferable to systematic oversizing.
A heat pump designed for Quebec, installed according to the actual building
This FUJITSU ORION XLTH+ wall-mounted heat pump installation in Sainte-Marie-Madeleine clearly shows that a successful project depends as much on the equipment as on its placement.
The ORION XLTH+ offers several features suited to our climate: heating down to -30 °C, an Inverter compressor, a base pan heater, R-32 refrigerant, high energy efficiency, quiet operation, and built-in Wi-Fi.
But all these features must be supported by a consistent installation.
On this project, the terrace, glazing, and brick façade dictated part of our work. The elevated support, unit positioning, and line-set cover finish resulted in a compact, clean installation without turning the outdoor equipment into a visual or physical obstacle.
AirGreen for your FUJITSU installations in Sainte-Marie-Madeleine and Greater Montreal
At AirGreen, we install wall-mounted heat pumps, central systems, and various heating and air conditioning equipment, taking the actual building into account rather than applying the same solution to every property.
Whether the project is in Sainte-Marie-Madeleine, Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore or the South Shore, we assess the required capacity, the layout of the property, the piping, the electrical supply, airflow, the location of the outdoor unit, and the finishing, among other factors.
A heat pump must operate properly in January, cool efficiently in July, and remain practical to maintain for many years after installation.
This is the logic that guides our installations.