Four-season comfort and careful integration on a typical Rosemont rear terrace
In a Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie plex, our team installed a Zephyr wall-mounted heat pump to efficiently air condition and heat a Montreal home with wood floors and light-filled rooms. The goal: to provide stable comfort year-round while respecting the constraints of a narrow rear balcony , surrounded by a wooden fence and a side brick wall —a very common context in the Greater Montreal real estate market.
Project context: limited outdoor space, high demands
The client wanted a compact, quiet and efficient system, capable of maintaining a consistent temperature during the heatwaves of August as well as the cold of January. The space available for the outdoor unit was limited to the terrace platform, with pedestrian traffic, a guardrail and a fence creating tight clearances . We therefore planned a layout that respected ventilation distances while freeing up passage onto the terrace.
Equipment selection and sizing
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Equipment type: Zephyr wall-mounted heat pump (mini-split) – outdoor unit on raised support, wall-mounted indoor head in the main room.
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Target capacity: 9,000 to 12,000 BTU for the area served (bedroom and adjacent living space), depending on heat loss, orientation and glass area.
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Technology: High-efficiency inverter compressor for fine modulation and significant energy savings .
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Acoustics: reduced exterior noise level thanks to anti-vibration mounting and a rigid structure .
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Control: remote control and Wi-Fi option for intuitive management of instructions.
The sizing takes into account Montreal's climate data , the sensitive load linked to the glazing and the building's insulation. Our philosophy remains the same: aim for the right capacity to avoid short cycles, preserve the longevity of the components and obtain optimal performance .
Outdoor installation: stability, ventilation and longevity
For the outdoor unit, we opted for a raised aluminum support mechanically attached to the decking, with anti-vibration pads under the feet. This configuration offers several concrete advantages:
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Fan clearance : the front face remains free, ensuring airflow without recirculation, despite the fence and guardrail .
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Protection against moisture and snow : the elevation limits direct exposure to puddles and winter accumulation.
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Reduction of solid-borne transmissions : the isolators and the rigidity of the frame reduce vibrations towards the terrace and the house.
We checked the manufacturer's recommended side and rear clearances to ensure heat dissipation and easy access for HVAC maintenance . The positioning also provides a service corridor for cleaning the coil and checking connections.
Refrigeration and electrical path: cleanliness and protection
The refrigerant connection route has been designed to be as short as possible (approximately 2 to 4 meters between the outdoor unit and the indoor head), limiting pressure losses and promoting seasonal efficiency. We have:
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made a single hole with sleeve and careful sealing on the adjacent wall;
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applied continuous tube insulation and a dark, UV- and impact-resistant protective sheath ;
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integrated a power and communication cable in the same sheath for a clean finish;
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installed an external disconnect switch nearby, in accordance with good practice and local electrical requirements.
This compact, discreet layout, perfectly aligned with the patio furniture , respects the aesthetics while facilitating maintenance operations.
Condensate management and useful details
On the interior side, gravity drainage is preferred whenever the architecture allows: downward trajectory, minimum slope ensured, watertight junctions . This choice results in fewer moving parts and quiet operation . When the configuration requires it, we integrate a low-noise condensate pump , but here the gravity configuration meets the customer's needs.
Result: controlled comfort, contained noise, respected aesthetics
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Balanced thermal comfort in the area served, with homogeneous diffusion from the wall head.
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External noise contained thanks to anti-vibration mounting and compliance with clearances.
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Neat finish : straight sheaths, aligned fixings, stainless steel screws.
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Easy access for seasonal maintenance (cleaning the grille, rinsing the coil, checking the tightness of the terminal blocks).
AirGreen Recommended HVAC Maintenance
To maintain performance and warranty, we offer annual maintenance :
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Cleaning the filter and visual inspection of the inner head .
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Gentle washing (at low pressure) of the outdoor condenser to remove dust and pollen.
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Electrical check : tightening, disconnector, condition of cables.
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Drain check : slope, absence of obstruction, flow test.
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Reading of parameters (temperatures, intensity, ventilation) to validate inverter modulation .
This maintenance extends the lifespan, stabilizes consumption and prevents drops in performance during heat peaks or cold periods.
Points of vigilance in Montreal contexts
Homes in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore share recurring constraints:
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Narrow balconies and compact backyards : the art is to reconcile ventilation and circulation .
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Old brick walls : controlled drilling, repair of the air barrier and impeccable waterproofing .
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Potential noise pollution : anti-vibration mounts and careful decoupling .
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Snow and ice : raising the unit, maintaining clearances around the grilles.
Our experience on hundreds of residential construction sites allows us to anticipate these challenges and deliver a durable and elegant HVAC installation .
Subsidies and energy performance
Efficient wall-mounted heat pumps designed for our winters may be eligible for assistance programs when seasonal performance and cold resistance criteria are met. We support our clients in verifying eligibility and preparing files , harmonizing the choice of model with the requirements in force in Greater Montreal .
Why Zephyr for this project?
The Zephyr wall-mounted range meets the expectations of this accommodation: fine modulation , compactness , easy maintenance , robust finishes and controlled operating costs . Coupled with a well-considered installation, it offers an excellent comfort/consumption ratio , without compromising on the aesthetics of the terrace.
The AirGreen method: rigor, cleanliness, transparency
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Load study and selection of suitable capacity rather than costly oversizing.
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Shortest route to limit losses and weak points.
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Aligned finish , stainless steel fixings, straight ducts and watertight passages.
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Return to service with temperature, current and pressure control in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.
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Usage tips : ventilation settings, filter cleaning, seasonal setting management.
In summary, this Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie project perfectly illustrates our approach: a heat pump installation that respects the architecture of the site, optimizes performance , and improves daily comfort, summer and winter.
Do you live in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, or the South Shore and are considering a wall-mounted heat pump ? AirGreen assesses your space, recommends the appropriate brand and capacity , and performs a clean and sustainable installation that takes into account the realities of Montreal's building industry.