A high-rise, clean installation designed for Montreal winters
At AirGreen , we have just installed a Zephyr wall-mounted heat pump on the brick rear facade of a typical Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie plex. The goal is clear: to provide four-season comfort without compromising aesthetics, while respecting the constraints of a tight urban building—spiral staircases, close windows, and a narrow interior courtyard.
What this configuration changes on a daily basis
We prefer to install the unit high up on brackets . This choice protects the unit from snow accumulation, frees up floor space and improves air intake . The result: less risk of re-icing during winter defrosting, less dust sucked up in the spring and quieter operation for the neighbours.
Building context: a typical Montreal plex
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Orange brick facade with stone window sills;
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External spiral staircase very close to the installation area;
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Stacked windows (ground floor and upper floor) with short sills;
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Shared backyard, narrow passages, priority clearance management.
This design requires minimizing the drilling and the length of the connections while maintaining the regulatory clearances: side, rear and top of the condenser.
Brand choice: Zephyr, compact and suitable for plexes
The Zephyr wall-mounted unit stands out for its compact chassis , low noise levels and a recent range compatible with current winter performance requirements. For this project, the selected power covers the main living area , with the possibility of adding a second head later if the upper apartment wants to connect to a multi-zone unit from the same family.
Key advantages of the Zephyr range (recent wall)
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Inverter technology ensuring smooth starts and significant savings;
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Extended heating range in cold weather , adapted to the Montreal climate;
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Multi-stage filtration improving indoor air quality;
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Grant compatibilities when efficiency and extreme cold criteria are met (see below).
Technical details of the installation (what we don't always see but which makes all the difference)
Support and anchoring
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High-strength galvanized brackets , fixed in the load-bearing brick with chemical anchors.
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Anti-vibration pads under the base of the condenser to limit transmission to the masonry wall.
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Usable height : comfortable clearance under the unit for the defrost water chute and periodic maintenance.
Refrigerated and electrical route
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Short refrigerant connection (≈ 1 to 1.5 m) : the interior head is located behind the neighboring window; minimized pressure losses, optimized efficiency.
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Discreet cladding under the metal cornice, aligned with the brick joint for clean integration.
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Accessible external disconnect box , installed at the same level as the unit: safety and electrical compliance.
Drilling and sealing
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Drill at an angle downwards towards the outside to naturally evacuate any condensation;
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Vapor barrier sleeve and flame retardant foam to prevent air and moisture infiltration;
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Finished with stone-colored elastomeric mastic to preserve the aesthetics.
Commissioning
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Deep vacuum and nitrogen leak test ;
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Check superheat/subcool to validate the charge;
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Fine adjustment of fan levels and silent night mode .
Why this high installation is ideal for a brick plex
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Snow and ice : unit stays clear; fan doesn't stir up powder; less risk of ice cubes in the bin.
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Security & vandalism : equipment out of reach limits shocks and manipulation.
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Acoustics : Distance from the floor and side walls reduces sound reflections.
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Maintenance : direct access via the balcony ladder; simplified cleaning of the fins and inspection of the connections.
Savings and comfort: what the customer gains
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Effective additional heating in very cold weather, reducing the use of electric baseboard heaters.
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Precise air conditioning in summer with adjusted airflow to avoid creating drafts in narrow rooms.
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Better controlled energy bill thanks to the inverter and the short connection which limits losses.
Grants and eligibilities (Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, South Shore)
Depending on the capacity chosen and the efficiency class (recent models, often Energy Star, low temperature heating range), a Zephyr wall-mounted heat pump may be eligible for provincial and municipal grant programs. We support our customers in:
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Verification of criteria (capacity, seasonal efficiency, performance at −25/−30 °C);
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Preparation of the file and collection of evidence (detailed invoices, installation photos, serial numbers).
Pitfalls to avoid in a plex
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Undersized brackets : they sag and open cracks in the mortar.
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Poorly designed capping : it condenses and can stain the brick; we keep generous radii of curvature and firm joints.
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Lack of clearances from the spiral staircase: risk of recirculation of hot air in winter; we moved the unit away to ensure free flow.
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Defrost management : Water drains from above; it would freeze on the ground. The chosen location avoids the ice rink at the bottom of the patio door.
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Multiple drillings : we favor a single, perfectly sealed passage .
Instructions for use and maintenance (owner-occupied or tenant version)
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Internal filter : clean every 4 to 6 weeks during the season.
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Exterior Clearance : Keep the rear of the unit free of cobwebs and dust.
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Heating mode in very cold weather : leave the device at a constant setting ; avoid ON/OFF cycles which consume more.
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Annual AirGreen service : electrical inspection, gentle washing of the fins , verification of tightening torques and insulation of the connections.
Deadlines and on-site coordination
The work can be completed in half a day in most cases for a simple wall configuration like this:
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Protection of brick and balcony;
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Installation of brackets and drilling;
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Route of connections;
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Connections, tests, vacuuming ;
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Fast commissioning and customer training .
Concrete result
The Zephyr wall-mounted heat pump now delivers stable heating during cold spells and precise cooling in the summer, without taking up floor space or obstructing traffic in the courtyard. The facade retains its plex character ; the installation is straight, clean, and accessible —the three AirGreen criteria for a sustainable installation.
Why AirGreen for your HVAC installation in Greater Montreal
We understand the realities of Montreal buildings : brick walls, interior courtyards, tight staircases, borough regulations. Our team plans every detail: clearances , anchors adapted to masonry , short refrigeration paths , and aesthetic integration . We operate in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore and the South Shore , in installation, HVAC maintenance and after-sales service.
AirGreen – Wall-mounted, multi-zone, and central heat pumps. Clean, compliant installations designed for our climate.