In several central Montreal neighborhoods—and particularly in the Plateau-Mont-Royal —narrow backyards, tight side passages, and old walls transform an HVAC installation into a true work of art. At AirGreen , this is exactly the type of configuration we often encounter: limited clearance, high humidity, restricted access for maintenance… all while having to guarantee stable performance in both summer and the depths of a Quebec winter.
The photo shows a Midea outdoor unit installed in a narrow corridor, with obvious constraints regarding ventilation, water drainage, and maintenance. Here's how we approach this type of project to deliver a clean, durable, and quiet result.
A logical choice for the Plateau: the wall-mounted heat pump (mini-split)
In this type of building (plex, condominium, renovated apartment), a wall-mounted heat pump is often the best solution:
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No need for conduits (ideal when the existing structure is not suitable).
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Zone-by-zone heating and air conditioning (precise comfort).
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Installation is generally quick, with minimal impact on the building envelope.
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Excellent energy efficiency to reduce electricity bills.
Here, the outdoor configuration corresponds well to a single-zone installation (a single outdoor unit supplying a single wall-mounted indoor unit).
Brand: Midea — Selected model: Midea28 (consistent and suitable for Quebec)
In terms of product range, a very coherent choice for this type of installation in Montreal is the Midea28 , a wall-mounted heat pump designed for northern conditions and four-season use.
Why this model “fits” well in the Montreal context
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Typical capacity well suited for residential use (often 12,000 to 24,000 BTU depending on area and insulation).
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Very good seasonal yield (when the installation is done correctly).
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Stable operation even when the temperature drops, which is essential for a serious primary or supplementary heating system.
(The exact dimensions are always validated on site: volume, orientation, insulation, floors, solar gains, etc. But in the Plateau, you frequently come across 12k–18k for a typical dwelling, and 18k–24k for open or less insulated spaces.)
Visible installation details: what the image tells us (and what it implies)
1) Installation in a narrow passage: the main issue = air
An outdoor unit needs to breathe. In a narrow corridor, the risk is that it will recycle its own air , which can:
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reduce efficiency,
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increase the noise,
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accelerate wear and tear,
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trigger more frequent defrost cycles in winter.
Our AirGreen approach:
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Respect (and sometimes optimize) the recommended clearances.
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Orient the unit to maximize the exhaust of hot/cold air without a “return wall”.
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Avoid areas where obstacles (fences, nearby walls, pipes) create recirculation.
2) Support and vibration: essential in dense environments
Installation can be mounted on supports (base/anti-vibration type). In urban areas, acoustic comfort is a major issue: it benefits the customer, the neighbors, and even the building structure.
Best practices that we apply:
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Addition of high-quality anti-vibration pads .
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Robust fixings and precise leveling.
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Routing of refrigerant lines and cables to limit resonance.
3) Humidity, dirt, moss/algae: a “classic” problem in rear passageways
The wall in the photo suggests a humid and poorly ventilated environment. Under these conditions, the unit can get dirty more quickly (dust, leaves, debris), which impairs heat transfer.
What is planned:
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A positioning that limits the suction of debris from the ground.
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Realistic access for maintenance (yes, even if it's tight).
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Clear recommendations to the client: gentle seasonal rinsing + periodic professional maintenance.
4) Water management (condensation and defrosting)
In heating mode, a heat pump generates water during defrost cycles. In a narrow passage, if the water doesn't collect properly, you can quickly end up with:
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ice on the ground,
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splashes on walls,
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risks of blockage or corrosion.
Our method:
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Plan the flow of defrost water (slope, clearance under the unit).
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Prevent water from falling directly onto a freezing surface and rising back up towards the device.
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Check the stability and installation height according to the context.
Key steps in an AirGreen “clean” installation in the Plateau
1) On-site assessment (essential in an urban environment)
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Actual clearance measurements (not theoretical).
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Analysis of noise, neighbors, and condominium constraints (if applicable).
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Selection of the location for the indoor unit (airflow, comfort, aesthetics).
2) Drilling and wall penetration: sealing + finishing
The Plateau area has many bricks, old walls, and partial renovations. A poorly designed passageway can lead to air infiltration, humidity, or a loss of efficiency.
We pay attention to:
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airtightness (air/water),
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the drainage slope,
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the clean finish (pipe cover, joints, protection).
3) Connections and commissioning
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Vacuuming performed as expected.
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Verification of pressures and behavior under load.
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Heating and air conditioning tests.
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Explanation to the customer (methods, instructions, maintenance, best practices).
Expected result: immediate comfort and lasting effectiveness
A Midea Midea28, well-established in an area like Plateau-Mont-Royal, is:
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stable air conditioning during heat waves,
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efficient heating for mid-season and winter,
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quieter operation
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an improved lifespan thanks to intelligent placement and maintenance access planned from the outset.
At AirGreen , our priority is not just to “install a machine”, but to create an installation that can withstand Montreal : weather, urban constraints, humidity, neighborhood, and the realities of existing buildings.
Maintenance tips (especially for narrow rear passages)
For this type of location, we recommend:
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Keep the area clear (leaves, debris, dust).
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Check that nothing is obstructing the ventilation (fence, objects, accumulated snow).
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Plan for periodic maintenance: coil, fan, general check, and appropriate cleaning.