An installation being commissioned in a narrow backyard typical of Montreal
This Samsung WindFree™ MaxHeat wall-mounted heat pump installation in Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension represents exactly the type of project where the quality of the work depends as much on planning as on the technical steps that remain invisible after our installers leave.
In the photo taken during the project, the outdoor unit has already been placed on its raised support, but commissioning is not yet complete. The refrigeration gauges are connected to the unit, a vacuum pump is set up on the ground, and the tools required for the final checks are still present. This image therefore shows an essential moment in the HVAC installation: when we verify the circuit before putting the heat pump into operation permanently.
The building has several features commonly found in this part of Montreal:
- a brick rear façade;
- a small concrete terrace surrounded by a guardrail;
- a narrow outdoor passage;
- a fence separating the neighbouring properties;
- a door located near the work area;
- a roof overhang above the terrace;
- limited space for positioning the outdoor unit;
- a refrigerant line that must run up to the indoor unit.
In such a compact environment, it is not enough to choose an open spot and place the machine there. We must take into account occupant movement, access to the door, clearance in front of the heat exchanger, proximity to the neighbours, the height required for winter, and future access to the technical components.
A vertically installed outdoor unit to accommodate the available space
The configuration of the Samsung outdoor unit visible in the photo is particularly interesting. Its vertical design makes it possible to concentrate the footprint while providing a large heat-exchange surface.
In a narrow backyard in Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension, this type of design can facilitate the system’s integration between the building, the guardrail, and the property line.
We installed the outdoor unit near the wall, inside the terrace, without blocking the main access. However, the appliance remains sufficiently accessible to allow:
- checking the connections;
- reading the nameplate;
- electrical diagnostics;
- cleaning of the heat exchanger;
- refrigerant measurements;
- inspection of the service valves;
- HVAC maintenance work;
- the eventual replacement of a component.
An appliance placed in a corner that is too tight may operate on the day of installation while becoming almost impossible to service afterward. We always prefer to anticipate service needs rather than create an arrangement that will have to be modified a few years later.
Why we elevated the heat pump
The unit rests on a metal structure rather than directly on the concrete terrace. This decision is particularly important for a heat pump designed for winter heating.
When heating the home, the outdoor unit extracts heat from the air. Its heat exchanger may then accumulate frost. The heat pump periodically initiates a defrost cycle to melt this accumulation.
This operation produces water, which must be able to drain beneath the unit. If the unit is installed too close to the ground, the water may freeze around its base and gradually create a mass of ice.
The elevated installation offers several advantages:
- it leaves room for defrost water to drain;
- it keeps the unit’s base away from snow accumulation;
- it reduces exposure to leaves, soil, and debris;
- it facilitates inspection beneath the unit;
- it provides greater protection for the heat exchanger against splashes;
- it improves access to the connections;
- it helps maintain functional winter clearance.
However, the structure had to remain proportionate to the space. A base that was too wide would have obstructed movement on the terrace and created an obstacle near the railing.
An installation suited to an existing brick façade
The buildings in Villeray, Saint-Michel, and Parc-Extension frequently have older brick walls. The lines must be routed precisely to avoid unnecessary damage to the masonry.
On this project, the refrigerant lines and wiring are grouped inside a white line-hide cover that runs vertically along the façade. The route then changes direction beneath the soffit to reach the indoor unit’s location.
This finish protects the components against:
- ultraviolet rays;
- rain;
- shocks;
- temperature variations;
- debris;
- accidental movement of the lines;
- premature deterioration of the insulation.
The line-set cover also provides a much cleaner finish than leaving a set of pipes exposed on the brick.
The change in direction at the top of the wall
The visible curve near the soffit is not improvised. Copper lines must not be bent sharply, as excessive deformation could reduce their internal diameter or weaken the material.
We maintain a sufficient bend radius and secure the line-set cover to support the route without placing tension on the connections.
The route must also take the indoor unit’s drainage into account. When drainage relies on gravity, the condensate pipe must maintain a continuous slope toward the outside.
The Samsung WindFree™ MaxHeat: a heat pump designed for cold weather
The Samsung WindFree™ MaxHeat is designed to provide cooling in summer and heating during periods of extreme cold. The range is available in capacities including 9,000 to 24,000 BTU/h, and Samsung states that, for certain configurations, efficiency can reach approximately 24 SEER2. The manufacturer also indicates strong heating capacity down to approximately -30°C, depending on the exact installed combination.
The precise capacity of this installation must always be confirmed using the nameplates on the indoor and outdoor units. A photograph of the outdoor unit alone is not sufficient to determine the BTU capacity with certainty.
At AirGreen, we select the capacity based on several factors:
- the floor area actually served;
- the layout of the home;
- wall and roof insulation;
- the condition of the windows;
- sun exposure;
- ceiling height;
- the number of enclosed rooms;
- air infiltration;
- the number of occupants;
- the desired temperature;
- the presence of electric baseboards;
- the heating load in cold weather.
In a Montreal duplex or triplex, two homes with the same floor area may require different solutions. An upper floor exposed to the roof does not behave like a ground floor above a basement. An open-plan area does not distribute air in the same way as a home divided by several doors.
WindFree™ comfort without a direct blast of cold air
The WindFree™ technology allows the indoor unit to distribute cooled air through numerous micro-openings rather than continuously maintaining a concentrated airflow.
Samsung describes this mode as a gentle airflow designed to limit discomfort caused by direct cold drafts.
This feature is particularly useful when the indoor unit is installed:
- in a living room;
- near a table;
- facing a sofa;
- in a bedroom;
- near a workstation;
- in an open-plan area where occupants remain in the same place for long periods.
Operation generally takes place in two stages. The unit first uses its main louver to quickly bring the room close to the requested temperature. It can then switch to WindFree™ mode to maintain comfort with more dispersed airflow.
Inverter technology for more stable temperatures
The inverter compressor adjusts its speed according to the home’s actual demand. Unlike a system that operates only at full capacity or is switched off, the heat pump can gradually reduce its output as the temperature approaches the setpoint.
This modulation helps to:
- reduce temperature fluctuations;
- limit frequent starts;
- maintain a more consistent noise level;
- improve efficiency at partial load;
- support better dehumidification;
- adapt consumption to actual needs.
Sizing remains essential. An oversized heat pump can quickly reach its setpoint and run shorter cycles. An undersized unit may struggle to maintain comfort during extreme conditions.
The technical steps visible in the photo that protect the compressor and performance
The gauges connected to the outdoor unit
The instruments visible on the heat exchanger are used to monitor the refrigeration system during commissioning. In particular, they allow technicians to check the pressure and verify the system’s behavior at each stage.
Their presence indicates that the worksite is not simply a mechanical installation. Before authorizing final operation, we must ensure that the system is clean, leak-free, and prepared in accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements.
The vacuum pump placed on the terrace
The orange and black pump visible on the floor is used to evacuate the refrigeration system.
When copper lines are installed, they contain air and moisture. These elements must be removed before opening the valves that release the refrigerant from the outdoor unit.
Proper evacuation helps prevent:
- the presence of moisture in the system;
- contamination of the compressor oil;
- acid formation;
- irregular operating pressures;
- reduced heat transfer;
- premature wear;
- difficult-to-diagnose failures.
This step is invisible once the heat pump is operating, but it directly affects its reliability.
Why simply opening the valves is not enough
One poor practice is to use the unit's refrigerant to purge air from the lines. This method does not guarantee moisture removal and may result in the release of refrigerant.
Instead, we use a vacuum pump and appropriate instruments to properly prepare the circuit before startup.
Leak testing of refrigerant connections
The lines are connected to the outdoor unit's valves with flared fittings. The quality of these connections is one of the most important factors in preventing refrigerant losses.
A flare must be:
- uniform;
- clean;
- free of cracks;
- properly aligned;
- tightened to the appropriate torque;
- checked before commissioning.
Insufficient tightening can allow a slow leak. Excessive tightening can crush or weaken the copper. Precision is therefore more important than force.
We carry out the necessary checks before opening the circuit and starting up the unit.
A2L refrigerant and new work practices
Recent systems may use an A2L-classified refrigerant, meaning it is mildly flammable according to the applicable classification. This requires appropriate procedures, tools, and precautions.
The presence of an A2L refrigerant does not make the heat pump dangerous when it is installed according to regulations. However, it requires a professional approach to:
- handling the circuit;
- leak detection;
- refrigerant recovery;
- ventilating the work area;
- tool use;
- keeping ignition sources away;
- any necessary repair of the lines.
A professional HVAC installation must take these requirements into account from the start of site preparation.
Maintain good airflow around the unit
The visible side in the photo is primarily the outdoor coil. It must draw in a large volume of air to transfer heat.
We therefore avoided placing the heat pump directly against the fence or enclosing it in a closed space.
After installation, the owner must avoid accumulating the following around the unit:
- patio furniture;
- bags;
- storage bins;
- tall plants;
- construction materials;
- a cover;
- decorative panels;
- objects that could be sucked against the coil.
An obstruction increases the load on the system and may reduce its heating or cooling capacity.
Limiting noise and vibrations in a dense area
In Montreal's central neighborhoods, the distance between two buildings is sometimes very small. The location must therefore take into account both the owner's comfort and that of the neighbors.
The structure beneath the unit must be rigid and level. Anti-vibration isolators can be installed between the unit and its support to reduce mechanical transmission.
We also check that:
- the lines do not strike the brick;
- the line-set cover is securely fastened;
- no metal part is free to vibrate;
- the support does not move;
- the unit is not located in a space that creates strong resonance;
- the clearances allow the fan to operate normally.
A quiet unit installed on an unstable structure can become more disruptive than a slightly noisier unit that is properly isolated.
Keeping the terrace usable
The unit is located near the guardrail rather than in front of the door. This positioning preserves the passage between the interior and the yard.
During planning, we take daily movements into account:
- door opening;
- occupant traffic;
- moving objects;
- use of the terrace;
- access to the stairs;
- snow removal;
- yard maintenance;
- future technician access.
A heat pump should not become a permanent obstacle simply because a location seemed convenient on the day of installation.
The ladder and work at height along the façade
The ladder visible in the photo shows that the line route rises above the easily accessible area. Work at height requires additional preparation, especially in a narrow space enclosed by a guardrail and a fence.
We must protect:
- the brick façade;
- the soffit;
- the line-set cover;
- the neighboring windows;
- the guardrail;
- the circulation space;
- the occupants and neighboring properties.
The layout is determined before drilling to avoid unnecessary relocations and poorly aligned finishing sections.
Common mistakes avoided on this project
This wall-mounted heat pump project in Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension highlights several mistakes we strive to prevent:
- place the outdoor unit directly on the concrete;
- block the passage to the door;
- place the unit against the fence;
- neglect the defrost water;
- leave the lines exposed;
- bend the copper too sharply;
- open the valves without pulling a vacuum;
- tighten the fittings without checking them;
- forget to provide service access;
- create an unstable structure;
- installing the outdoor unit without considering the surrounding neighborhood;
- promising a grant without verifying the exact combination;
- choosing capacity solely based on floor area.
Using the heat pump with electric baseboards
In many Montreal residences, electric baseboards remain in place after a heat pump is installed.
They can provide supplementary heating in remote rooms or during periods of particularly intense cold. To give priority to the heat pump, we generally recommend setting the baseboards a few degrees below the wall-mounted unit’s setpoint.
For example:
- heat pump at 21°C;
- baseboards at 18 or 19°C;
- interior doors open whenever possible;
- relatively stable temperature;
- fewer frequent setpoint changes.
This method allows the heat pump to provide most of the heating while maintaining supplementary protection in less well-served areas.
The maintenance required after installation
The outdoor heat exchanger must remain clean to maintain efficient heat transfer. In a backyard, it may accumulate:
- pollen;
- leaves;
- plant fibers;
- dust;
- debris;
- dirt carried by rain;
- materials from nearby construction work.
Do not use a high-pressure jet directly on the fins, as they may become deformed.
The indoor unit also requires regular maintenance:
- filter inspection and cleaning;
- airflow check;
- drainage check;
- condensate pan cleaning;
- turbine inspection;
- thorough cleaning when necessary.
Properly planned ductless heat pump maintenance helps preserve performance, prevent odors, and reduce the buildup of contaminants.
Verify LogisVert eligibility before counting on the grant
Certain Samsung WindFree™ MaxHeat combinations may be eligible for financial assistance through the LogisVert program, but eligibility depends on the exact indoor and outdoor unit numbers or the AHRI number.
Hydro-Québec provides homeowners with a tool to estimate financial assistance based on the model number or AHRI reference. The application generally must be submitted within nine months of the installation date.
The residential program may offer assistance of up to 6 700 $, depending on the equipment and applicable conditions. This maximum does not represent an automatic amount for every installation.
Before confirming financial assistance, the following must be verified:
- the indoor unit number;
- the outdoor unit number;
- the AHRI reference;
- the required certification;
- the recognized capacity at low temperatures;
- the installation date;
- the type of residence;
- the rules in effect at the time of the request.
We recommend keeping the detailed invoice, proof of payment, and photographs of the rating plates.
Complete commissioning before we leave
Once the refrigeration circuit has been prepared, we start the system and check its operation.
Commissioning includes, among other things:
- checking the electrical power supply;
- verifying communication between the units;
- starting the system in cooling or heating mode;
- listening for abnormal vibrations;
- checking the airflow;
- validating the drainage;
- performing a final inspection of the connections;
- testing the remote control;
- explaining the functions to the homeowner;
- cleaning the work area.
The photograph was taken before the final cleanup, while our instruments were still connected. It highlights part of the work that clients usually no longer see once the project is complete.
The result for this Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension residence
This installation makes it possible to integrate a Samsung WindFree™ MaxHeat wall-mounted heat pump into a backyard where every available space had to be used intelligently.
The outdoor unit is:
- elevated to facilitate winter drainage;
- installed close to the building without blocking the door;
- protected by a stable structure;
- accessible for maintenance;
- connected by a clean line-set route;
- positioned to keep the terrace functional;
- prepared according to a complete evacuation and verification procedure.
The homeowner now benefits from a system capable of providing air conditioning, dehumidification, and modulating heat, with the gentle airflow option offered by WindFree™ technology.
At AirGreen, we install heat pumps in Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension, throughout Montreal, as well as in Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore. We adapt each project to the building’s structure, outdoor space, surrounding properties, line-set route, and the occupants’ actual needs.
A good HVAC installation is about more than simply having a new unit mounted on a bracket. It includes route planning, masonry protection, mechanical stability, leak testing, evacuation, drainage, clearances, and complete system validation before use.