Context: A Montreal condo that wants comfort without hassle
In a typical brick building in Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension , our client wanted to stabilize the temperature of her open living area while reducing summer humidity. The available outdoor space: a narrow balcony overlooking the interior courtyard. The constraints: not encroaching on traffic, controlling noise for neighbors, respecting condominium regulations and ensuring accessibility for HVAC maintenance . We recommended a single-zone Tosot Inverter heat pump , sized to cover the sensitive load of the living room and adjoining bedroom.
What AirGreen offers in this type of environment
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Precise thermal diagnosis : orientation, glazing, ceiling height, internal contributions and air infiltration.
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Sizing : 9k–15k BTU/h range depending on room configuration, with mid-season modulation margin.
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Balcony installation : galvanized metal support with snow clearance, anti-vibration and flow management.
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Short refrigeration path : controlled drilling and preferred gravity drainage .
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Standardized commissioning : deep vacuum, verified charge, leak test.
Choosing the right equipment: why a Tosot Inverter?
Tosot outdoor units are sleek, compact, and suitable for tight spaces like Montreal balconies. The inverter electronics finely modulates power: the machine operates at low speed for a long time rather than alternating on and off, which improves comfort, reduces noise , and lowers consumption. For homes in Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , the North Shore , and the South Shore , this behavior translates into tangible savings during long hot periods.
Outdoor installation: stability, silence and durability
Support and clearances
We mounted the unit on a galvanized frame anchored to the balcony. The silent blocks absorb micro-vibrations; the positioning complies with the manufacturer's clearances on the sides, rear, and front. The height allows for snow removal in winter and prevents debris from being sucked in.
Flow management
Winter defrost cycles produce water. We've planned a directed flow to a drop point that won't bother downstairs neighbors, with controlled drips and protection against icicle formation.
Accessibility and neighborhood
The passageway is maintained on the balcony. The fan is oriented to blow towards the open area, not towards the patio door. At inverter speed, the noise level remains very low; we validate this with partial load measurements during commissioning.
Refrigeration and drilling process: clean and optimized
Length and aesthetics
The route is carried out through the brick wall closest to the interior head to minimize the length of the copper connections. The pipes are thermally insulated and protected by a discreet light-colored cover to blend in with the facade. Less length = better efficiency and lower pressure losses.
Drilling and sealing
We drill at a slight outward slope to encourage gravity drainage of the condensate from the indoor unit. The drilling is sealed (fireproof foam/air barrier + sealant) to prevent any water or air infiltration and to maintain the insulation of the home.
Indoor unit: diffusion and daily comfort
Placement and airflow
The wall-mounted head is positioned high on the wall opposite the balcony, to draw in the stratified hot air and sweep the living room without blowing directly onto the sofa. The motorized shutter directs the airflow along the ceiling, increasing the range and preventing drafts.
Silence and feeling
In low mode, the sound level fades into the room's ambiance. Inverter control eliminates abrupt restarts: the temperature remains stable, humidity is better controlled, and you gain a feeling of freshness without excessive cold.
Power supply and safety
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Dedicated circuit to the condo's electrical panel, compliant gauge and differential circuit breaker according to local standards.
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Waterproof disconnect switch near the outdoor unit to facilitate service interventions.
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Drip loops on cables to prevent water from migrating into electrical boxes.
Commissioning: the AirGreen signature
Methodology
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Brazing under nitrogen to avoid internal oxidation.
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Nitrogen pressure test , hold and trace; if the pressure remains stable, we move on to drawing.
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Deep vacuum down to < 500 microns, stabilized.
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Opening valves and checking suction/discharge temperatures, superheat and subcooling.
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Acoustic validation under partial load: the inverter must settle low, without parasitic vibrations.
Documentation
We provide the customer with the intervention sheet , serial numbers , proof of leakage and the parameters recorded. This traceability facilitates any future HVAC maintenance and the eligibility procedures for efficiency programs when applicable.
HVAC Maintenance: The Schedule That Extends Life
To be done by the occupant
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Filters : rinse with lukewarm water every 2 to 3 months during periods of intensive use.
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Clearances : keep 60 cm free in front of the outdoor unit and clear snow in winter.
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Dehumidification mode : to be used in humid weather to limit the feeling of dampness.
To be entrusted to AirGreen
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Annual maintenance : gentle cleaning of the evaporator, drain check, electrical check, probe and speed test.
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Extensive maintenance (heavy use or dusty environment) every 24–36 months: partial disassembly, fan inspection, tightening and complete diagnosis.
Rigorous HVAC maintenance maintains seasonal performance, prevents odors, and protects the inverter compressor.
Grants and eligibility criteria
Some wall-mounted heat pumps may be eligible based on their certified performance (low operating temperatures, SEER/HSPF, recognized certification). Upon submission , we confirm eligibility based on technical data sheets and AHRI or equivalent registrations. AirGreen supports the process for projects in Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , North Shore and South Shore .
What to avoid (and what we did avoid)
Common mistakes in co-ownership
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Units placed on the floor on balconies: water accumulation, traffic jams, vibrations.
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Interior drain without slope : source of leaks and stains.
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Excessive refrigeration lengths : efficiency losses and trapped oil.
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Poor group alignment : fan projecting towards the facade and increasing the perceived noise.
Our solutions
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Sturdy and discreet raised support ;
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Gravity drain with continuous slope and protected outlet;
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Direct and careful route ;
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Fine adjustment of speeds and airflow for consistent comfort.
Result: clear comfort and peaceful co-ownership
From the moment it is switched on, the apartment benefits from a rapid drop in temperature and, above all, a reduction in humidity without overcooling. The neighbors hear practically nothing in steady mode. The client benefits from an energy-efficient system, easy to use, and ready for effective supplemental heating in spring and fall.
Do you have a balcony and are unsure about its feasibility?
Each building has its own specific requirements: regulations, access, orientation, and balcony structure. Our AirGreen team assesses on-site:
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Possible locations of the outdoor unit (balcony, wall, slab, roof);
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Capacity adapted to your rooms (9k–15k BTU/h in most condos);
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Options : condensate pump if the architecture requires it, external cover, snow guard , discreet wiring;
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Schedule and detailed quote including HVAC installation and maintenance .
We operate throughout Greater Montreal : Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , North Shore , South Shore .
FAQ — Tosot condominiums and heat pumps
Is the balcony a good place for a heat pump?
Yes, provided that clearances are respected, vibrations and flow are controlled. A raised support and a good choice of orientation guarantee performance and silence.
What if the slope for the drain is not possible?
We are installing a silent micro-condensate pump with an overflow detector. In this project, gravity was preferred.
What about noise for the neighbors?
The inverter often operates at low speed ; we validate the noise level during commissioning and adjust the settings if necessary.
Is this compatible with subsidies?
Depending on the exact model and its certified low-temperature performance, yes. We verify each file and provide the required documents.
Conclusion
This HVAC installation of a Tosot Inverter in Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension demonstrates a comprehensive approach: accurate sizing , careful installation on a balcony, short and airtight installation , meticulous commissioning , and scheduled maintenance . The result: year-round comfort, a discreet system, and a respected neighborhood.