Precise comfort and respected aesthetics in an apartment with Montreal character
At AirGreen , we were commissioned to install a Zephyr R-32 wall-mounted heat pump in a typical Plateau-Mont-Royal apartment. The goal: to provide reliable heating in winter and controlled cooling in summer , without altering the charm of the period moldings and woodwork. The result combines HVAC performance , visual sobriety , and silence —exactly what occupants of historic buildings in the heart of Montreal are looking for.
Customer context: respect for heritage and four-season comfort
The apartment features crown moldings , deep doorways , and a wrought iron balcony overlooking a street lined with brick facades. The client's priorities were clear:
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Thermal stability all year round, including living rooms;
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Low noise level for teleworking and at night;
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Discreet integration into a decor with warm tones;
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Minimal technical route to preserve surfaces and limit drilling.
We chose a single-zone wall configuration : a strategic indoor head to cover the living room/office, and an outdoor condenser positioned at the rear, out of sight of the street.
Why the Zephyr R-32 wall-mounted heat pump?
The Zephyr R-32 range meets the efficiency and environmental requirements of urban households:
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High seasonal efficiencies thanks to the inverter and R-32 refrigerant, more efficient than R-410A;
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Cold weather heating capacity (operational range designed for Montreal climate);
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Fine modulation : the device adjusts to the actual load, limiting on/off cycles;
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Noise level contained both indoors and outdoors;
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Compatibility, depending on the configuration selected, with certain energy efficiency aids in Quebec for heat pumps .
This combination helps reduce consumption while ensuring stable comfort , including during periods of marked heat or cold.
Integration into an apartment with heritage character
To preserve the aesthetics of the place, the Zephyr head was positioned high , immediately under the ceiling molding . This placement:
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frees up walls for furniture (bookcase, shelves);
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promotes uniform air diffusion without blowing directly onto the occupants;
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leaves the windows and natural light completely unobstructed.
The white capping follows the line of the cornice to the exit wall , then passes through the envelope with a constant slope for reliable gravity drainage . The refrigerant connections are continuously insulated and carefully secured to prevent hum. The passage has been sealed to ensure the continuity of the air barrier and prevent infiltration.
Technical steps for a careful HVAC installation
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Survey : identification of solid anchor axes while respecting the moldings; measurement of clearances for maintenance.
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Installation : wall template, anchors adapted to the support, laser level control.
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Drilling : controlled angle towards the outside, vapor barrier and sealing; gravity drain sized.
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Brazing and vacuuming : nitrogen leak test, deep vacuum to micron-meter, stability verified.
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Electrical connection : dedicated circuit, panel marking, compliant external service box .
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Commissioning : configuration, checking of blowing temperatures, balancing of air flow for the open area.
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Customer handover : HVAC usage tips and maintenance schedule.
The total route of the connections is deliberately short : this limits pressure losses, improves efficiency and simplifies maintenance.
Measured results: comfort, silence, precision
From the first day of operation, the occupants noted:
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a rapid drop in temperature during heat waves;
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stable heating without jolts during evening thaws;
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very low perceived noise thanks to the acoustic profile of the Zephyr head;
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pleasant air quality from integrated filtration.
These performances last over time provided that a few simple maintenance steps are followed.
AirGreen Recommended HVAC Maintenance
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Filters : rinse every 4 to 6 weeks during heavy use.
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External condenser : free clearance of one meter in front of the grille; natural defrosting respected.
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Drain : pre-winter inspection to eliminate any risk of freezing.
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Annual maintenance : cleaning of coils, electrical check, pressures, blowing temperature, tightening of connections and examination of capping .
We offer maintenance plans for Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore and South Shore , ensuring rigorous monitoring of Zephyr devices as well as other brands installed by our teams.
Usage tips to maximize efficiency
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Set temperature : Maintaining a reasonable range (e.g. 22–23°C in summer, 20–21°C in winter) improves efficiency and comfort.
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Orientation of the flaps : for cooling, direct the flow slightly upwards to promote air mixing; for heating, direct it lower to limit stratification.
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Automatic mode : useful in mid-season; in the middle of winter/summer, use the dedicated mode for fine control.
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Interior doors : when open, the heat pump serves the open area better; when closed, it prioritizes the main room.
Special features of Plateau-Mont-Royal: what we take into account
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Old buildings with irregular walls: choice of anchors and suitable screw lengths;
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Narrow balconies and exterior stairs : position the condenser to preserve circulation and safety;
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District and co-ownership regulations : proactive communication on clearances, condensate management and hood aesthetics;
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Close proximity : optimized acoustic settings, silent blocks and fan speed.
Our approach aims for a sustainable installation , aligned with the daily uses of urban housing.
Grants and Compliance
Depending on the capacity and classification of the equipment selected, heat pumps can meet the criteria of efficiency programs . We support the client in:
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eligibility verification ;
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preparation of documents (detailed invoice, photos of the HVAC installation );
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submission to the relevant bodies.
Why AirGreen for your HVAC project?
Our added value is based on three pillars:
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Precise sizing : a selection of equipment that corresponds to the thermal reality of each room;
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Impeccable execution : short routes, clean finishes, matching capping , watertight drillings;
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Follow-up : annual HVAC maintenance and technical support to maintain performance throughout the seasons.
For apartments, plexes and condos in Greater Montreal , we design facilities that respect the architecture while offering lasting comfort .