A compact wall-mounted installation in Napierville with the Fujitsu AIRSTAGE Altair 700
In Napierville, this installation allowed us to integrate a Fujitsu AIRSTAGE Altair 700 wall-mounted heat pump into a space where visual simplicity, everyday comfort, and energy efficiency had to go hand in hand. In the installation photo, the indoor unit is positioned very close to the ceiling on a clear wall, preserving living space while promoting good air distribution throughout the room.
The result clearly illustrates what we seek at AirGreen when an HVAC installation must remain discreet: a properly levelled wall-mounted unit, appropriate clearance around the appliance, and positioning that does not visually overwhelm the room.
This heat pump belongs to the Fujitsu H Series Altair 700, available in nominal configurations of 9,000 BTU/h and 12,000 BTU/h for cooling. However, the photo alone does not make it possible to determine with certainty whether this is the 09KMAS1 or 12KMAS1 model; this information must be confirmed on the unit’s rating plate or in the installation’s technical documentation.
What is certain is that the Altair 700 platform offers several particularly appealing features for a residence in Napierville: R-32 refrigerant, an Inverter compressor, built-in Wi-Fi, quiet operation, a compact design, and heating performance down to -15°C.
Why Indoor Unit Positioning Matters
A wall-mounted heat pump should never be installed solely in the location that seems easiest for routing the lines. The positioning of the evaporator directly influences:
- air circulation;
- temperature uniformity;
- the level of comfort experienced;
- perceived noise;
- access for HVAC maintenance;
- the routing of the refrigerant lines and drain;
- the installation’s final appearance.
In this Napierville installation, the indoor unit is positioned in the upper part of the wall, near the ceiling. This arrangement keeps the wall surface available and allows the lower motorized louver to distribute air throughout the room without any immediately visible obstruction in the photo.
The Fujitsu Altair 700 has an indoor unit measuring just 834 mm wide, 270 mm high, and 222 mm deep, or approximately 32 13/16 in × 10 5/8 in × 8 3/4 in. Its relatively compact form makes this type of installation easier in rooms where the space between the ceiling, openings, and furniture may be limited.
A wall-mounted heat pump designed for heating and cooling
The Fujitsu AIRSTAGE Altair 700 is a ductless split system designed to provide heating and cooling for one zone.
Fujitsu documentation presents two capacities for this series.
Altair 700 09KMAS1
The 09KMAS1 model delivers:
- 9,000 BTU/h nominal cooling capacity;
- cooling modulation from 3,100 to 12,100 BTU/h;
- 12,000 BTU/h nominal heating capacity;
- heating modulation from 2,800 to 14,500 BTU/h;
- a 30.0 TRÈS2 seasonal efficiency rating;
- a 9.9 CPSC2 Region V;
- a 16.4 TRE2.
Altair 700 12KMAS1
The 12KMAS1 version offers:
- 12,000 BTU/h nominal cooling capacity;
- modulation from 3,100 to 13,800 BTU/h;
- 14,000 BTU/h nominal heating capacity;
- heating modulation from 2,800 to 15,000 BTU/h;
- a 27.5 TRÈS2;
- a 8.5 CPSC2 Region V;
- a 13.5 TRE2.
These modulation capabilities are important in a home because an Inverter heat pump does not simply operate in on-off mode. The compressor can adjust its operation according to the room’s actual needs, helping maintain a more stable temperature and reducing the comfort fluctuations typical of a system that would operate constantly at full capacity.
A system capable of heating operation down to -15 °C
For an installation in Quebec, winter performance is an essential criterion.
The Fujitsu Altair 700 series has a stated heating operating range of -15 °C to 24 °C, while cooling can operate between -10 °C and 50 °C.
This means that the heat pump can continue producing heat when outdoor temperatures fall below freezing.
Nevertheless, an important distinction must be made between a heat pump’s minimum operating temperature and the capacity required to fully heat a property during periods of extreme cold.
In Napierville, as elsewhere in Montérégie, on the South Shore, in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, or on the North Shore, we consider, among other factors:
- the area of the zone;
- the insulation level;
- wind exposure;
- the number of windows;
- the building’s orientation;
- heat losses;
- the existing heating system;
- the room’s use.
A 9,000 or 12,000 BTU heat pump should therefore not be selected solely based on a home’s approximate floor area.
Up to 33% additional heating capacity
Fujitsu also states that the outdoor unit in the Altair 700 series can provide up to 33% more heating capacity than the stated nominal capacity, depending on operating conditions.
This reserve capacity is particularly useful during rapid temperature changes, when the system must quickly restore comfort after a setpoint reduction or following a period of absence.
The documentation also lists several modes, including:
- economy mode;
- energy-saving mode;
- intensive operation mode;
- minimum heat mode;
- automatic defrosting;
- automatic restart.
Automatic defrosting is particularly relevant for a heat pump used in winter in Quebec. When outdoor moisture freezes on the outdoor unit’s heat exchanger, the system must periodically remove this buildup to maintain its performance.
Only 19 dB indoors in quiet mode
One of the Altair 700’s most appealing advantages is its low noise level.
In quiet mode, the indoor unit can operate at only 19 dB(A) in cooling mode and 21 dB(A) in heating mode.
Depending on the selected speed, the indoor sound level gradually increases:
- low speed: 30/33 dB(A);
- medium speed: 35/38 dB(A);
- high speed: 40/42 dB(A);
- quiet mode: 19/21 dB(A).
For a heat pump installed in a living room, bedroom, office, or living area, this variation in speed makes it possible to adjust the airflow to current needs.
The indoor unit can reach a maximum airflow of approximately 680 m³/h, or 400 CFM, while its quiet mode reduces the airflow to approximately 260 m³/h or 153 CFM.
What this Fujitsu Altair 700 installation reminds us of before choosing a wall-mounted heat pump
The installation’s efficiency also depends on the piping
An excellent heat pump that is poorly installed cannot deliver the same results as a properly sized and commissioned system.
The Fujitsu Altair 700 uses refrigerant lines of:
Liquid: 1/4 in
Gas: 3/8 in
These dimensions apply to models 09KMAS1 and 12KMAS1 presented in the technical data sheet.
The recommended minimum piping length is 10 ft, while the maximum length can reach 66 ft. The factory refrigerant charge covers up to approximately 49 ft of piping, according to Fujitsu specifications.
The maximum permitted height difference between the indoor and outdoor units is also 49 ft.
These figures are particularly useful when a homeowner wants to install the indoor unit on a floor far from the available outdoor condenser location. They provide some flexibility, but never replace precise planning of the refrigerant line route.
A relatively light electrical supply
The two models in the Altair 700 lineup presented by Fujitsu use:
208 to 230 V / 60 Hz / single-phase
The technical data sheet also specifies a 15 A circuit breaker.
For model 12KMAS1, the stated maximum current is:
- 6.9 A in cooling mode;
- 9.4 A in heating mode.
For model 09KMAS1:
- 6.4 A maximum in cooling mode;
- 9.4 A maximum in heating mode.
These values can facilitate system integration in several properties, but each installation must nevertheless be assessed based on the electrical panel's characteristics, the available circuit, the manufacturer's requirements, and applicable electrical standards.
R-32: a major change in this Fujitsu generation
The Fujitsu Altair 700 uses R-32 refrigerant.
According to Fujitsu, the global warming potential of R-32 is approximately 675, compared with 2,088 for R-410A, representing a reported reduction of 68% in GWP.
The transition to refrigerants with lower global warming potential is now one of the major changes observed in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning industry.
For homeowners, this also means that it is preferable to choose a contractor familiar with the installation, commissioning, and maintenance procedures specific to the new refrigerants.
Built-in Wi-Fi for remotely controlling the heat pump
The Altair 700 also includes Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing remote monitoring and control through the AIRSTAGE mobile app.
For several homeowners in Napierville, Montreal, or the South Shore, this feature has become very useful.
Depending on the configuration, it is possible to adjust the temperature remotely rather than unnecessarily leaving the house at a high or low temperature all day.
Fujitsu also offers several accessories and control options, including wall-mounted controllers, 24 V interfaces, and solutions compatible with the BACnet and Modbus protocols. These may be of interest in buildings requiring more advanced integration with a management or automation system.
ProCore copper coils
The indoor unit also uses ProCore coils, made of highly corrosion-resistant copper, according to Fujitsu.
In an installation intended to operate during both humid cooling periods and winter, the quality of the heat exchangers is an important factor in the system's durability.
However, this does not eliminate the need for maintenance.
We always recommend keeping the filters clean and having the condition of the evaporator, fan, condensate drain, and outdoor unit inspected when a significant accumulation of dust or debris appears.
Mistakes we strive to avoid during a wall-mounted installation
A wall-mounted heat pump installation in Napierville must be planned well beyond the visible location of the indoor unit.
Among the mistakes we avoid:
- choosing capacity solely based on the number of square feet;
- installing the unit where its airflow will be blocked;
- neglecting the slope and condensate drainage;
- using piping with an inadequate diameter;
- creating an unnecessarily long refrigerant line route;
- placing the condenser too close to an obstruction;
- neglecting the clearances required for maintenance;
- forgetting about future accessibility for cleaning;
- selecting a heat pump based on the advertised minimum temperature without verifying its actual heating capacity.
A successful installation must be designed as a complete system: sizing, location, electrical supply, piping, drainage, mechanical installation, evacuation, commissioning, and operational verification.
Energy eligibility: verify the exact model before calculating financial assistance
The Fujitsu technical data sheet lists the Altair 700 models as meeting various ENERGY STAR classifications, including designations related to cold climates.
This is a relevant consideration when a homeowner evaluates the financial assistance programs available for a heat pump in Quebec.
However, we avoid determining a rebate solely based on the trade name “Altair 700”.
The exact model number, the indoor/outdoor unit combination, the capacity, the applicable certification, and the program requirements must be verified before confirming an amount.
For this series, the technical combinations presented by Fujitsu notably include:
9,000 BTU:
- indoor: ASUH09KMAS
- outdoor: AOUH09KMAS1
12,000 BTU:
- indoor: ASUH12KMAS
- outdoor: AOUH12KMAS1
An installation that remains visually discreet
The photo of this project in Napierville mainly highlights an aspect that is often underestimated: an HVAC installation is now part of a home's decor.
The Fujitsu indoor unit features a very clean white front panel with the discreet Fujitsu and AIRSTAGE inscriptions. The air outlet flap is located beneath the unit and remains largely hidden when the unit is turned off.
Once installed near the ceiling, as in this project, the heat pump takes up relatively little visual space.
For us, this aesthetic result must never come at the expense of technical requirements. We always seek the best possible balance between:
performance, air circulation, technical access, drainage, piping length, and final appearance.
AirGreen for the installation of a Fujitsu system in Napierville and Greater Montreal
At AirGreen, we install wall-mounted heat pumps in Napierville, as well as in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore.
A Fujitsu Altair 700 heat pump can be a particularly appealing solution when a homeowner is looking for a compact wall-mounted system with Inverter technology, heating and cooling, built-in Wi-Fi, R-32, and very quiet indoor operation.
However, our work does not consist solely of choosing a high-performing system on paper.
We must ensure that its capacity is truly suitable for the building, that the location will allow for good air distribution, that the piping route complies with the manufacturer's limits, and that the installation will allow for easy maintenance throughout the unit's service life.
This installation in Napierville represents exactly this approach: integrating a Fujitsu AIRSTAGE Altair 700 in a clean and discreet manner, while respecting the technical parameters that allow a wall-mounted heat pump to deliver the expected comfort in both summer and winter.