An upgraded brick loft: four-season comfort without sacrificing industrial character
In a loft in the Le Sud-Ouest district , in the heart of a building with raw charm (concrete ceiling, exposed brick walls , contemporary lighting), we installed a Zephyr wall-mounted heat pump – R-32 range . The client's objective was clear: stabilize the temperature in summer and winter, reduce the energy bill and respect the aesthetics of a very open living space where every detail counts.
Why a wall-mounted heat pump in a brick loft?
Montreal lofts combine generous volumes with significant thermal inertia . In summer, the brick stores heat; in winter, the air stratifies under the concrete ceilings. A well-positioned wall-mounted heat pump provides:
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long-range horizontal air diffusion , ideal for open-plan rooms;
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high heating efficiency in cold weather thanks to the inverter and R-32 refrigerant ;
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discreet integration that preserves the character (no visible conduit, minimal cover);
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efficiency gains that support eligibility for grant programs when meeting required specifications (extreme cold performance, ENERGY STAR® certification).
Reading space and choosing positioning
The indoor unit is placed near the concrete ceiling , centered on a section of exposed brick . This positioning meets three requirements:
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Optimal air circulation in the living area and adjoining kitchen;
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Ultra-short refrigeration path (direct rear outlet through the brick), limiting losses and improving responsiveness;
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Respect for design : the white facade of the equipment aligns with the decorative wood line of the wall, without encroaching on the suspended lighting fixtures.
Salient installation details
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Core drilling through the brick and block, waterproof lining and air barrier mastic on both the interior and exterior sides to maintain the continuity of the envelope.
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High density insulated copper refrigeration connections , estimated length < 3 m , brazed under nitrogen and placed under deep vacuum .
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Condensate drainage by gravity behind the unit, controlled slope and non-return valve.
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Discreet exterior cladding (light color), mechanically anchored in the joints to protect the masonry .
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Dedicated power supply with appropriate circuit breaker and external disconnect switch within reach of the condenser.
On the exterior side, depending on the access constraints specific to buildings in the Southwest , two scenarios are typical. Here, we have chosen to install on anti-vibration supports on the exterior wall, clear of the passage and raised for the winter season. This choice ensures unobstructed air circulation , limits the transfer of vibrations and facilitates maintenance .
Zephyr equipment (R-32 range): what it brings to everyday life
Without going into a specific commercial reference, the R-32 range from Zephyr emphasizes:
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reliable low temperature heating (extreme cold range for Montreal's climate);
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variable speed compressor reduces on/off cycles and noise ;
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multi-stage filtration improving air quality ;
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dehumidification mode useful in the off-season in lofts with high inertia ;
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remote control and smart functions (programming, automatic restart).
Immediate result : uniform comfort , less overheating near the kitchen and a very low noise level , compatible with loft life (working from home, listening to music, receptions).
Key steps: our AirGreen methodology
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Technical survey : airflow measurements, identification of obstacles (beams, light fixtures, metal shelves), identification of the electrical network.
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Masonry validation : choice of location of drilling in a joint (and not in full brick), anti-corrosion stainless steel anchors .
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Pre-fabrication : bending and insulation of connections, preparation of the cover and cutting of the passage hole with a water core drill (dust management and surface protection).
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Installation and connection : brazing under nitrogen , vacuum < 500 microns, leak test .
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Commissioning : checking for overheating/subcooling , checking currents, testing in hot and cold conditions .
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Finishing : sealing, clean touch-ups on brick, adjustment of shutters to avoid drafts in the dining area.
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Customer training : best practices, HVAC maintenance (filter cleaning, condenser clearances, inspection frequency).
Construction site challenges and solutions provided
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Old brick and thin joint : low vibration diamond drilling, anchors in the mortar beds to prevent bursting.
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Decorative skylights and light fixtures : layout template so that the unit's service door opens freely; shutters directed to sweep the length of the loft without blowing on the table.
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Structural noise management : anti-vibration pads and spacers on the condenser, electrical cable separated from metal elements.
Tips for using a loft
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Auto-inverter mode to smooth temperature when occupancy varies;
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In summer , favor a moderate setting (22–24°C) and activate dehumidification during humid episodes;
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In winter , maintain clearance around the condenser and check after storms;
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HVAC maintenance : cleaning of filters every 4–6 weeks, annual inspection of pressures and the exchanger, inspection of the cover and fasteners .
Grants and Eligibility
New-generation, high-efficiency R-32 wall-mounted heat pumps may be eligible for assistance in Quebec when they meet low-temperature heating performance criteria and ENERGY STAR® certification. Our team supports each client in:
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verification of admissible models ;
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the collection of technical documents ;
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submission of applications for Montreal, Laval , Longueuil , as well as on the North Shore and the South Shore .
What the customer gains
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Four-season comfort in an open-plan space;
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Lower electricity consumption compared to a resistive auxiliary heater;
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Enhancement of the loft with a simple and reversible installation;
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Peace of mind thanks to certified implementation and local after-sales service .
Why AirGreen for your HVAC installation in Montreal
We master the constraints of Montreal buildings : period masonry, flat roofs , narrow alleys, condominiums, acoustic requirements. Our construction sites are planned to minimize visible intervention , preserve materials and deliver a clean result . For residents of Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore and South Shore , we offer:
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On-site technical assessments ;
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Selection of recent equipment (R-32 / R-454B depending on the range);
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Installations compliant with code and manufacturers' standards;
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HVAC maintenance and rapid troubleshooting.
Southwest Project Review
At the end of the installation day, the owner benefits from healthier air , a stable temperature and a very low noise level . The equipment integrates naturally into the brick wall, the technical paths are invisible , and consumption is controlled. This is exactly what we are looking for in this type of loft: performance , discretion , durability .
AirGreen – Custom HVAC installations and maintenance for wall-mounted heat pumps and multi-zone systems throughout Greater Montreal .