A precise and careful HVAC upgrade for stable comfort in a Villeray plex
In a typical Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension plex apartment, we installed a Tosot wall-mounted heat pump (residential wall-mounted series). The project had three clear objectives: efficiently cool the living area in the summer , provide reliable supplemental heating during the off-season , and reduce the energy bill compared to the exclusive use of electric baseboards. Our intervention combines HVAC engineering and careful finishing , respecting the constraints of a Montreal home with low ceilings and white interior walls where aesthetics count as much as performance.
Context of intervention and thermal diagnosis
Before any installation, we carry out a thermal assessment of the main rooms: exposure of the facades, quality of insulation, air infiltration, occupancy habits. Here, the living room and the adjoining kitchen represent the priority area . The open configuration justifies a single interior head correctly positioned to cover the air circulation towards the corridor.
Discussions with the owner confirmed a need for consistent comfort without oversizing. A capacity of 9,000 to 12,000 BTUs is generally suitable for this type of open space in a plex, subject to insulation and ceiling height.
Why a Tosot wall-mounted heat pump?
The Tosot brand (Gree group) has established itself in residential HVAC solutions for its operating stability , its responsive inverter and controlled noise levels . The selected wall-mounted series offers:
-
a speed modulator that finely adjusts the power according to the thermal load;
-
an exchanger optimized for good cooling and light heating performance;
-
a simple remote control and a discreet display on the front for feedback (here, the instruction visible in the center of the unit).
Without displaying a precise reference - the model label is not visible - we select the most relevant configuration in terms of air flow , cold operating range and electrical compatibility with the housing.
Implantation of the inner head: millimeter precision
Installed at the top of the wall , the interior headboard benefits from sufficient upper clearance to avoid any recirculation of hot air against the ceiling. We center the support bar so that the air jet runs along the ceiling for 2 to 3 m before descending gently; this dynamic improves temperature homogeneity without direct air currents on the sofa or dining table.
Level shimming and controlled wall clearance prevent vibration. The vents and vanes are set for a long horizontal sweep, ideal for rectangular rooms.
Optimized refrigerant path and discreet finishes
We favor direct drilling to the outside to minimize the length of connections (insulated copper): less pressure loss, better efficiency and easier maintenance . The exterior capping is chosen in white to blend in with the light masonry or the facade cladding; it protects the pipes against UV and frost.
The collars , elbows and cuts are adjusted to the millimeter for a clean finish. Inside, we take care to perfectly align the air outlet with the lines of the wall and ceiling, a detail that enhances the perceived quality.
Condensate management: priority to gravity
The layout of the premises allows for gravity drainage . We apply a regular slope towards the outside, doubled with an anti-siphon elbow when necessary. The drain pipe, insulation included , passes through the wall via a waterproof sheath .
In cases where gravity is not possible (long spans, obstacles), we integrate a silent condensate pump with level sensor . Here, the sufficient slope avoids this component, reducing maintenance and the risk of noise.
Electricity and protections
The heat pump is connected to a dedicated circuit with a compliant circuit breaker , wired from the existing electrical panel . Outside, the condenser unit (not visible in the photo) is powered via a waterproof disconnect box . We check:
-
tightening and labeling connections;
-
grounding ;
-
caliber selectivity to avoid false triggers.
Condenser installation: stability and clearances
In the streets of Villeray, we favor two configurations: galvanized wall brackets with silentblocs (to free up floor space) or base on slab with anti-freeze anchors . Rear and side clearances are respected to ensure good air flow and facilitate winter maintenance (de-icing, cleaning of the coil).
Commissioning: rigor and traceability
Our standardized steps ensure reliability :
-
Clean flares and brazing , drained by vacuum pump down to 500 microns then leak test .
-
Load weighing according to the actual length of the links (adjustments if necessary).
-
Functional tests in cooling and heating : verification of blowing temperatures , intensities , static pressure , sound levels .
-
Setting of auto/eco modes , fin sweep and time settings according to the use of the accommodation.
Results obtained in the living area
-
Cooling : rapid drop in interior temperature with a uniform blowing that reaches the corridor.
-
Additional heating : pleasant in mid-season, reducing the need for baseboards and stabilizing humidity .
-
Acoustic comfort : at the low level , the interior noise level becomes almost imperceptible during a movie night or a video call.
Good usage practices
-
Moderate setting (22–24°C in summer, 20–22°C in winter) to limit cycles and save energy .
-
Dehumidification mode during humidity peaks; it alleviates the feeling of heat without lowering the temperature too low.
-
Vanes oriented to sweep the room and avoid direct blowing onto the occupants.
HVAC Maintenance: Simple and Essential
Regular HVAC maintenance protects the investment:
-
Clean filters every 4 to 8 weeks during periods of heavy use.
-
Annual inspection : pressures, temperatures, electrical tightening, condition of insulation, cleaning of the external condenser .
-
Winter condenser clearance (snow/ice) to maintain airflow.
Grants and Eligibility
In Greater Montreal ( Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, South Shore ), several programs encourage energy efficiency. A recent and efficient wall-mounted heat pump may be eligible depending on its technical specifications (seasonal performance, certification). We support our clients in verifying criteria , documentation and preparing the file , in order to optimize the total cost of the project.
Advice on location in plexes in Villeray and similar neighborhoods
-
Choose the main room (living room/kitchen) as the main diffusion area.
-
Minimize the length of the connections: direct drilling and shortest route .
-
Favor gravity for the drain when the architecture allows it.
-
Take care with the finishes : aligned capping, watertight holes, level installation for a discreet finish.
What makes the AirGreen difference
-
Thermal analysis based on actual use of the accommodation.
-
Customized installation plan and clean execution (surface protection, precise layout, documented tests).
-
After-sales service : usage advice, maintenance reminders and rapid availability during high season .
-
Local expertise in Montreal buildings (plexes, alleys, balconies, restricted access), guaranteeing deadlines met and safe interventions.
Summary sheet — Tosot wall-mounted heat pump (residential series)
-
Type : single-zone wall-mounted heat pump
-
Use : summer cooling / additional heating and inter-season
-
Advantages : inverter modulation, stable blowing, low noise level , simplified maintenance
-
AirGreen installation : direct drilling, short connections, gravity drain , discreet white finishes
-
Regions served : Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, South Shore
In conclusion, this HVAC installation in Villeray offers the owner year-round comfort , tangible energy savings and careful visual integration . It is the combination of diagnosis , a coherent choice of equipment and meticulous execution that ensures a lasting result.
