Installation of a Zephyr residential series wall-mounted heat pump in Plateau-Mont-Royal

The performance of a compact system with an outdoor unit on the roof: comfort, silence and efficiency

At AirGreen , we carry out HVAC installations designed for Montreal buildings: plexes, condominiums, flat-roofed buildings. This Plateau-Mont-Royal project highlights a Zephyr wall-mounted heat pump from the residential series , whose outdoor unit is installed on the building's white roof. The objective: to provide four-season comfort inside while freeing up floor space in the courtyard and minimizing noise impact for the neighborhood.

Project profile and comfort objectives

The co-owner wanted:

• effectively air-condition the main living area in summer;

• reduce the bill for electric baseboards in winter;

• preserve the facade and the backyard (no ground compressor);

• ensure easy access for maintenance without disturbing occupants.

After load calculations and on-site measurements, we recommended a high-efficiency Zephyr inverter wall-mounted heat pump, coupled with a condenser installation on the flat roof — a solution particularly suited to buildings in downtown Montreal .

Installed equipment and technical criteria

• Brand : Zephyr

• Range : residential series (single-zone)

• Type : wall-mounted heat pump (mini-split)

• Compressor : inverter technology, fine modulation for stable comfort

• Efficiency : high seasonal coefficients, significant reduction in consumption versus electric baseboards

• Operating range : reliable heating in cold weather (sizing and programming adapted to the Montreal climate)

• Eligibility : depending on configuration and approval criteria, the system can be integrated into energy efficiency programs recognized in Quebec.

Installation strategy: outdoor unit on the roof

Supports, anti-vibrations and membrane protection

To ensure the installation lasts and protect the roof's waterproofing, we have:

• fixed the outdoor unit on composite pads placed on distribution rails in order to distribute the loads;

• added anti-vibration pads under the feet of the device to reduce the transmission of vibrations to the structure;

• respected a peripheral setback to maintain the circulation of air from the condenser and facilitate maintenance access;

• aligned the route of the connections on an existing technical path , for a clean aesthetic and unhindered roof drainage.

Electricity and safety

• Installation of a disconnect box near the unit for safe maintenance operations (mandatory in Quebec).

• UV- sheathed wiring , crimped and labeled connections, torque tightened.

• Check the circuit breaker and cable size according to the actual circuit length.

Refrigeration and sealing

• Insulated copper lines (outgoing/return) with high-density closed insulation, continuity ensured at the connections.

• Brazing under nitrogen to avoid internal oxidation.

• Nitrogen leak tests (pressure test) then deep vacuum (< 500 microns) with vacuum holding.

• Roof passage via waterproof technical chimney and membrane-compatible flashings , sealed in accordance with roofers' rules.

Condensate management

Inside, the drainage is gravity-driven thanks to an optimized route. This approach limits additional mechanical components and reduces the risk of breakdown (no condensate pump).

Interior integration: discreet comfort and controlled diffusion

The wall head is positioned for:

• sweep the main living area without blowing directly on the occupants;

• work in silent mode at night (reduced ventilation, fine modulation);

• facilitate access to washable filters for routine HVAC maintenance .

We have set up:

• eco instructions (summer/winter);

• the orientations of shutters according to volumes and air corridors;

• an automatic restart in the event of a micro-power cut.

Construction site challenges and AirGreen solutions

• Reflective white roof and wind exposure : judicious orientation of the condenser to avoid the backflow of hot air and limit the wind effects on the exchanger.

• Existing roof crossing : reuse of the technical passage by restoring its waterproofing level , for a cleaner site and simplified future maintenance.

• Co-activity in co-ownership : coordinated schedule, minimized nuisances , secure access routes, clear information for occupants.

Results: comfort, savings and silence

• Immediate comfort in summer with a uniform temperature, without unpleasant drafts.

• Efficient additional heating in mid-season and mild winters, reducing baseboard consumption .

• Exterior silence : installation on the roof keeps noise away from windows and the courtyard, which is beneficial for neighbors.

• Preserved aesthetics : no ground unit on the facade or in the courtyard, priority given to architecture.

AirGreen Best Practices for Montreal Flat Roofs

1. Clearances and snow removal : Leave clearance under the unit and around the covers to prevent snow/ice build-up.

2. Traffic routes : Maintain a safe path for technicians and never obstruct drains.

3. Anchors and loads : favor non-perforating solutions when the structure and the membrane require it; otherwise, call a roofer for anchors through the membrane.

4. UV protection : UV-rated sheathing and insulation, tapes and sealants suitable for freeze/thaw cycles.

5. Maintenance plan : annual inspection of the heat pump (exchanger, fans, connections, cooling load) and visual inspection of the roof.

HVAC Maintenance: The Schedule We Recommend

• Quarterly by the occupant : cleaning of wall head filters , dusting of grilles, checking of clearances.

• Annual by AirGreen : gentle washing of the outdoor exchanger, subcooling control, electrical tightening, insulation test, parameter update and performance report.

• Pre-winter : checking the fixings and anti-vibration mounts, inspecting the sealing of the crossings, heating test .

Grants and financing: focus on savings

Depending on the configuration and certification of the Zephyr residential series , the project can be integrated into energy efficiency assistance programs . We support our clients in Greater Montreal — Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, South Shore —to verify eligibility, prepare documents, and maximize the investment.

Why entrust your installation to AirGreen?

• Mastery of urban constraints (flat roofs, access, co-ownership).

• Rigorous execution : refrigeration, electrical and sealing checked.

• Turnkey service : load study, equipment selection, installation, commissioning, HVAC maintenance and grant support.

• Regional coverage : rapid interventions in Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , North Shore and South Shore .

Operating tips to extend lifespan

• Maintain a stable setpoint rather than frequent variations.

• Use dehumidification mode during humid summer episodes for increased comfort.

• Clear the outdoor unit after heavy snowfall; never scrape the exchanger with a metal tool.

• Schedule annual maintenance with our teams to maintain performance and warranty.

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By choosing a Zephyr wall-mounted heat pump with a rooftop condenser, occupants benefit from discreet comfort , controlled consumption , and an installation perfectly suited to the architecture of the Plateau-Mont-Royal plexes. Our teams ensure that every detail—from the anti-vibration mount to the service disconnect —is designed for long-term performance.