Installation of a Zephyr wall-mounted heat pump in Southwest Montreal
In Southwest Montreal, we installed a Zephyr wall-mounted heat pump with an outdoor unit mounted on a wall bracket under the balcony. An ideal solution for narrow backyards: discreet, efficient, designed for Quebec winters, and easy to maintain.
Take a tour of the installation
Each number is a point we check on site. Switch between summer and winter to watch air and heat move.
In summer, the outdoor unit rejects the house's heat outside.
Generic illustration of this type of installation, not a survey of this job site. Tap a number.
Mounted level on a wall plate, high enough for the air to reach the whole room, with enough space around it to slide the filters out easily.
The refrigerant lines, the communication cable and the drain go through the wall in a single opening, sealed against water, cold air and insects.
Two insulated copper pipes connect the two units. Outside, a line cover can protect them from sun, knocks and weather.
A shut-off switch near the outdoor unit isolates it safely for service. It must stay accessible at all times.
The compressor and the fan. In heating mode it captures heat from the outdoor air, even in winter, and moves it inside.
On the ground or on the wall, it keeps the unit above accumulated snow. The unit stays clear and defrost water can drain away.
The fan needs to blow freely. Storage, a fence or a wall too close, and efficiency drops while noise goes up.
In many parts of Montreal, outdoor space is precious: narrow streets, compact backyards, balconies, and staircases all share the same volume. It was precisely in this type of configuration that we installed a Zephyr wall-mounted heat pump in the Southwest borough . The goal: to provide year-round comfort (air conditioning in the summer, efficient heating in the shoulder seasons and winter) while respecting the constraints of a typical brick building on the Island of Montreal.
A discreet system, designed for Montreal residential use
The installed system is a Zephyr brand wall-mounted heat pump (mini-split/wall unit) . The compact outdoor unit, designed to supply an indoor wall-mounted unit (not visible in the photo), is clearly visible, making it ideal for duplex/triplex dwellings and townhouses.
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No large network of conduits required
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Rapid increase in comfort in the main living areas
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Good energy efficiency , particularly when replacing older electric space heaters or a window air conditioner
Regarding the model, the photo does not allow for a reliable reading of the nameplate. We therefore deliberately remain consistent and cautious: this is a Zephyr “new generation” wall-mounted heat pump , in a compact residential format (often chosen for needs of 9,000 to 18,000 BTU depending on the surface area, sunlight and insulation).
Location selection: optimizing space without compromising performance
In this installation, the outdoor unit is mounted on wall brackets , under an overhang/balcony and against a brick facade . This choice is common in Montreal, and it addresses several realities:
1) Clear the courtyard and avoid passageways
In a shared or narrow backyard, placing a unit on the ground can create conflicts of use (traffic, bicycles, bins, snow removal). Wall mounting allows you to keep the ground clear .
2) Reduce the risks associated with snow and ice
In winter, snow and ice buildup can impede airflow and compromise the stability of a ground-based unit. Elevating the unit improves its resilience during the cold season—a particularly important consideration in Greater Montreal.
3) Partially protect the equipment
The overhang provides additional protection against direct rain and some debris, without completely enclosing the unit. At AirGreen, we always emphasize the same principle: protect, yes—but never suffocate . A heat pump needs clearance and good airflow to maintain its performance.
Prominent installation details visible in the photo
While a photo doesn't tell the whole story, we can confirm several typical elements of a well-executed installation:
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Sturdy wall mount : the metal structure is sized to keep the unit stable and reduce movement.
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Service access : the location allows access to the fittings and the technical area for maintenance (pressure, diagnostics, etc.).
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Insulated refrigerant lines : we see the pipes (lines) with insulation, essential to limit losses, avoid condensation and protect efficiency.
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Cable management : Power and communications are routed neatly to minimize exposure to the elements and maintain a tidy finish.
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Height and clearance : the unit is not glued to the ground, which also helps with leaves, dust and debris.
These are details that seem simple, but make a big difference to the lifespan of the equipment, the noise level , and the ease of maintenance year after year.
Typical constraints of a brick building: what we take care of
Installing a heat pump on a brick wall, especially under a balcony, requires special attention. At AirGreen, we work with methods adapted to the realities of Montreal residential buildings:
Secure and vibration-resistant mounting
Brick and masonry require proper fixing. We prioritize anchors and an installation method that aim for two objectives: strength and vibration reduction . The result: quieter operation and a more comfortable installation for occupants.
Drainage and condensation: preventing “surprises”
In cooling mode, a heat pump generates condensation (inside, via the wall unit). Outside, there may also be water due to defrosting in winter. A well-designed installation includes realistic water management, avoiding areas where it could cause problems (walkways, sensitive areas, neighboring properties).
Clearances and air circulation
Under an overhang, particular attention must be paid to clearances. We ensure that the unit breathes properly: air intake , air exhaust , and space to prevent the recirculation of hot/cold air which would reduce efficiency.
Comfort, performance and savings: what to expect with a Zephyr wall-mounted unit
A properly sized and installed Zephyr wall-mounted heat pump can transform everyday life:
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Summer : stable air conditioning, without the noise and discomfort of window units
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Mid-season : very efficient heating, often more economical than electric baseboard heaters alone.
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Winter : maintaining comfort with intelligent heating management (and normal defrost cycles for this type of appliance)
And above all: comfort is not just “temperature”. It is also consistency, noise level, ambient air quality (less excessive humidity in summer), and the overall feeling of a home becoming more pleasant to live in.
Why installation matters as much as brand
Two identical houses can have completely different results with the same machine, simply because of the installation. That's why, at AirGreen, we focus on:
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The right positioning (performance + maintenance + neighborhood)
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The quality of the fittings (sealing, reliability, durability)
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The finish (cleanliness of the line transitions, exterior aesthetics, protection of the components)
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The “Montreal” logic : snow, ice, temperature fluctuations, tight backyards
This approach reduces the risk of problems, optimizes efficiency, and ensures peace of mind for the client.
Conclusion: a Zephyr solution perfectly suited to the Southwest
This installation perfectly illustrates what's sought after in the Southwest: a Zephyr wall-mounted heat pump installed intelligently, compactly, and in harmony with the local architecture. A well-thought-out wall mounting, a protected location under the balcony, and a clean finish: everything is in place for reliable comfort, summer and winter.
The big day, step by step
The main steps of this kind of job at AirGreen. Every house has its quirks: the estimate brings them out.
We look at the room, the outside wall, the line route and where the outdoor unit will go. That is where the capacity gets chosen.
Model, capacity and price, in writing. We also check whether the model qualifies for assistance programs.
Floors and furniture protected, wall plate position marked level, wall opening located.
A single opening, with the slope the drain needs to flow outside.
Set on a stand raised above the snow, with the clearances the manufacturer requires.
Connected, insulated and protected. The opening is then sealed against water, cold air and insects.
A dedicated circuit and an accessible disconnect near the outdoor unit.
Leak test, vacuum, then start-up and a check of heating and cooling.
Remote, modes, filters: we show you the essentials before we leave.
- The on-site estimateWe look at the room, the outside wall, the line route and where the outdoor unit will go. That is where the capacity gets chosen.
- The quoteModel, capacity and price, in writing. We also check whether the model qualifies for assistance programs.
- Getting readyFloors and furniture protected, wall plate position marked level, wall opening located.
- The wall openingA single opening, with the slope the drain needs to flow outside.
- The outdoor unitSet on a stand raised above the snow, with the clearances the manufacturer requires.
- Lines, cable and drainConnected, insulated and protected. The opening is then sealed against water, cold air and insects.
- The electrical workA dedicated circuit and an accessible disconnect near the outdoor unit.
- Tests and start-upLeak test, vacuum, then start-up and a check of heating and cooling.
- The walkthroughRemote, modes, filters: we show you the essentials before we leave.
What would it look like at your place?
Two quick checks with real numbers: what heat costs, and what your current heaters add up to in BTU/h.
Conversion: 1 W = 3.412 BTU/h. An indication, not a load calculation: baseboards and furnaces are often stronger than the real need, and they can stay as backup. AirGreen confirms the capacity on site.
Four mistakes we do not make
Flip each card to see what we do instead.
Your own project, step by step
What to do, season by season
Three habits per season for this unit. They take a few minutes and prevent many calls.
- Clean the indoor unit's filters.
- Clear leaves and debris left on the outdoor unit by winter.
- Test cooling before the first hot days.
- Clean the filters more often when the unit runs a lot.
- Keep plants away from the outdoor unit.
- Check that no water drips from the indoor unit.
- Rake the leaves around the outdoor unit.
- Test heating before the first cold days.
- Book periodic maintenance before winter.
- Keep snow away from the stand and the front of the unit.
- Let the unit defrost: it is normal.
- Never hit the ice on the fins; call us if the unit stays iced up.
Is your home ready?
Check what applies at your place. A "no" is not a refusal: it is what we sort out during the estimate.
Four statements: true or false?
It all comes down to details you have just seen.
1. In heating mode, the outdoor unit can produce water.
During defrost cycles. That water must drain away without forming ice.
2. You pick the capacity with a simple square-footage rule.
Windows, insulation, orientation and how the room is used all count. Capacity is chosen on site.
3. A multi-zone connects several indoor heads to a single condenser.
One head per room, all on the same condenser. Each room keeps its own temperature.
4. The disconnect can sit behind the patio furniture.
It must stay accessible: it is what shuts the unit off for service.
0 / 4 right answers
What people ask us about this kind of work
Does a wall-mounted heat pump heat in winter?
Wall-mounted or multi-zone: how do I choose?
Where does the outdoor unit go?
Are there grants?
Do I need a permit?
How cold can it heat?
How much can I save?
How is the LogisVert assistance calculated?
Is it noisy?
The outdoor unit is covered in ice: is that normal?
Does AirGreen hold the required licences?
Is the estimate free?
No question matches. Write to us: we answer.
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Text and photo: a real AirGreen Climatisation & Chauffage job. The diagrams are generic illustrations of the type of installation, not a survey of this job site. Sources of the added figures: airgreen.ca product pages (NEEP / AHRI performance), Hydro-Québec (Heat pumps page, LogisVert, read on 13 October 2026), Régie de l’énergie (rate D as of 1 April 2026).