In this lovely high-ceilinged loft in Southwest Montreal, our team was called in to solve a very real challenge: how to efficiently heat and cool a high-ceilinged space above a stairwell without compromising the aesthetics of the place or the flow of traffic?
Our solution: the installation of a new-generationSharp wall-mounted heat pump , strategically positioned high on the main wall overlooking the staircase. The result: consistent comfort in both summer and winter, controlled energy consumption, and a clean installation that blends seamlessly into the home's contemporary décor.
The project: a bright loft, but difficult to air-condition.
The accommodation is a two-level loft-style apartment, with:
-
A large window overlooking an exterior brick wall, which brings in plenty of light… and heat in the summer.
-
An open stairwell connects the ground floor and the upper floor, allowing warm air to rise in winter and warm outside air to flow in during summer.
-
An exposed wooden beam ceiling , which adds a lot of character, but complicates the positioning of HVAC equipment a little.
The client wanted:
-
A discreet, silent and efficient system.
-
A solution capable of managing the temperature variations of Montreal's climate, from -25°C in winter to +30°C and more in summer .
-
A clean installation, with the ducts hidden and the least possible visual impact on the main wall and the staircase.
The chosen solution: Sharp wall-mounted heat pump
For this project, we recommended a Sharp wall-mounted heat pump for its excellent performance/reliability/price ratio and its ability to operate in both air conditioning and heating.
Main characteristics of the installed system (typical profile of a recent Sharp wall unit):
-
Power adapted to the space : a capacity of approximately 12,000 BTU, ideal for this open-plan volume.
-
Inverter technology : the heat pump continuously adjusts its power according to demand, which improves comfort and reduces energy consumption.
-
Four-season operation : efficient heating even in the cold weather typical of southwest Montreal.
-
Reduced noise level : perfect for a loft where living room, staircase and workspace coexist.
The Sharp brand is already well known in our portfolio of wall-mounted heat pump projects: this system integrates perfectly with the needs of condo, loft and urban apartment owners in Greater Montreal.
Strategic positioning of the internal unit
The Sharp wall unit was installed high on the wall overlooking the stairwell . This choice was not purely aesthetic:
-
The air blown at the top of the stairwell naturally descends and spreads throughout the space.
-
The central position allows it to cover both the floor and the volume near the stairs , avoiding areas that are too hot at the top and too cool at the bottom.
-
The clearance in front of the device is excellent: nothing blocks the airflow (neither nearby walls, nor beams, nor furniture).
The photo shows the wall opening next to the head: this is where we ran the refrigeration lines, the condensation drain and the power supply , all to reach the outdoor unit on the brick side, in the most direct way possible.
Installation details: cleanliness, safety and performance
Installation in a stairwell requires special attention:
-
Working height : we used a secure stepladder and took all necessary precautions to work safely above the stairs.
-
Precise drilling of the wall : the technical hole was carefully made to limit the opening, maintain the insulation and prevent air infiltration.
-
Condensation drain management : the drain was installed with an adequate slope to evacuate water to the outside or to a suitable drainage point, without risk of drips or moisture on the wall.
-
Refrigerant line routing : The refrigerant pipes were carefully insulated and concealed, then connected to the outdoor unit according to manufacturer's standards and building code.
-
Preparation for finishing : the visible wall opening will be closed and repaired neatly (jointing, plastering, painting) for an almost invisible integration.
As always, we proceed to:
-
A rigorous vacuuming of the refrigeration lines.
-
A leak test to ensure there are no refrigerant leaks.
-
A complete start-up of the heat pump with measurements taken (temperature, pressure, current) to validate that the Sharp device is operating within the recommended parameters.
Four-season comfort in a Southwest loft
Thanks to this Sharp wall-mounted heat pump, the customer now benefits from:
-
Effective air conditioning in the summer , even during heat waves when the large window exposed to the sun caused the temperature to rise rapidly.
-
Efficient heating during the shoulder seasons and in winter , which reduces the load on other heating systems and lowers the energy bill.
-
With consistent comfort between the bottom and top of the stairwell, whereas previously the heat stagnated at the ceiling and the ground floor remained cooler.
-
With quiet operation , ideal for working, relaxing or entertaining, without unpleasant background noise.
The heat pump thus becomes the main comfort solution in this urban loft, while offering significant energy savings compared to a traditional air conditioner and electric baseboard heaters alone.
An installation that respects the aesthetics of the place
The owner was very keen to preserve the character of the exposed wood, the glass railing, and the clean lines of the walls . Therefore, we have:
-
Align the Sharp wall unit harmoniously with the wall and the stairwell.
-
The length of exposed cable trays is limited as much as possible, with preference given to routing them inside the wall.
-
Planned a clean wall finish (drywall repair, uniform painting) so that the installation blends into the decor.
The end result: discreet, contemporary equipment, perfectly suited to the style of the loft.
AirGreen: Your HVAC partner in the Southwest and throughout Greater Montreal
At AirGreen, we regularly install Sharp wall-mounted heat pumps in condos, lofts, single-family homes and plexes in Montreal, on the South Shore, the North Shore and in Laval.
For each project, we:
-
Let's analyze the volume to be air-conditioned , the orientation, the ceiling height and the insulation.
-
We recommend the appropriate capacity and model based on your specific situation.
-
Let's plan the routing of the conduits to minimize the visual impact.
-
Let's perform an installation that complies with the manufacturer's standards and the Quebec Building Code .
-
We offer a complete after-sales service : maintenance, diagnostics, repair, advice to optimize the use of your heat pump.
Do you have a loft, an open staircase, or a space that is difficult to temperature control?
If, like this customer in Southwest Montreal, you live in a loft with high ceilings , large windows or a stairwell that is difficult to keep comfortable, a Sharp wall-mounted heat pump installed by AirGreen is an ideal solution.
Contact us for a free evaluation of your wall-mounted heat pump project in Greater Montreal. We would be happy to offer you a customized, high-performance solution that integrates seamlessly into your home.