Installation of a Zephyr residential series wall-mounted heat pump in Plateau-Mont-Royal
In the Plateau-Mont-Royal region, AirGreen is installing a Zephyr wall-mounted heat pump on a flat roof: a raised chassis, short cooling path, integrated disconnect, and waterproof finishes. A durable HVAC system ready for Montreal's winter.
Take a tour of the installation
Each number is a point we check on site. Switch between summer and winter to watch air and heat move.
In summer, the outdoor unit rejects the house's heat outside.
Generic illustration of this type of installation, not a survey of this job site. Tap a number.
Mounted level on a wall plate, high enough for the air to reach the whole room, with enough space around it to slide the filters out easily.
The refrigerant lines, the communication cable and the drain go through the wall in a single opening, sealed against water, cold air and insects.
Two insulated copper pipes connect the two units. Outside, a line cover can protect them from sun, knocks and weather.
A shut-off switch near the outdoor unit isolates it safely for service. It must stay accessible at all times.
The compressor and the fan. In heating mode it captures heat from the outdoor air, even in winter, and moves it inside.
On the ground or on the wall, it keeps the unit above accumulated snow. The unit stays clear and defrost water can drain away.
The fan needs to blow freely. Storage, a fence or a wall too close, and efficiency drops while noise goes up.
A successfully completed project on a flat roof, in the heart of the Plateau-Mont-Royal, where we transformed an underutilized technical space into a discreet engine of four-season comfort. At AirGreen , we combine load studies, HVAC installation know-how and durable finishes to offer a reliable, quiet heat pump that's ready for Montreal's winter.
A flat roof construction site designed for longevity and silence
The building is a typical Plateau plex, with rooftop access and unobstructed views. Our client wanted a compact system that would be efficient in summer, spring, and fall, without compromising the aesthetics of the interior courtyard. The solution: a Zephyr wall-mounted heat pump (capacity sized between 12,000 and 18,000 BTUs depending on the calculated load) with an outdoor unit installed on the roof. This configuration frees up the facades, reduces noise transmission to the living areas, and simplifies regulatory clearances.
Structuring points of the site
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Gravelled flat roof with parapet: ideal for mounting on a raised support to ensure drainage and snow removal.
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Existing technical path in the immediate vicinity: perfect for watertight penetration of refrigeration connections and the electrical supply.
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Secure service access : allows for quick maintenance for HVAC servicing without disturbing neighbors.
Equipment selection and sizing
We size each system based on a load calculation (envelope, orientation, infiltration, floors, glazing). The profile of the housing and the surface area served lead us to a Zephyr wall-mounted heat pump from the residential range, known for its ease of maintenance, stable performance and compatibility with the cold winters of Greater Montreal .
Why a mural on this project?
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Modularity : one indoor head is sufficient for the main zone; the multi-zone option remains possible later.
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Seasonal efficiency : excellent for air conditioning (“ wall-mounted air conditioner ” in summer) and very good in mid-season for heating.
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Reduced footprint : discreet indoor mounting, condenser away from living spaces.
Grants: Several wall-mounted heat pumps are eligible for current programs when they meet Energy Star and cold weather performance criteria. We always validate eligibility on a case-by-case basis for Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , North Shore and South Shore , and we provide support for the process.
Installation Details — What Makes the AirGreen Difference
Support and anti-vibrations
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Raised galvanized frame mounted on continuous skids/bases, with treated wood crosspieces and anti-vibration pads under the support points. The raised height (~45 cm) keeps the unit above snow accumulation and preserves free air circulation.
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Clearances respected on all sides: maintenance and defrosting remain optimal, static pressure on the fan side remains low, for stable performance and a contained noise level.
Refrigeration path and sealing
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Short refrigerant connections (≈ 3 to 5 m) between the outdoor unit and the indoor head: less pressure loss, better responsiveness, and often no additional refrigerant charge required compared to the factory charge.
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Penetration through existing metal cap : collar, vapor barrier and polyurethane sealant ensure water and air tightness. UV-resistant insulation is continuous up to the interior head to prevent thermal bridges and condensation.
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Tube curvature radius respected: reliability of brazing and stability of capillaries/solenoid valves.
Electricity and protections
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Chassis-mounted disconnect box within reach of the technician, compliant with the Code. Dedicated feed from the main panel (double-pole breaker as per the nameplate), mechanical conduit to the roof, waterproof cable glands on all entries.
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Grounding checked, torque tightened and insulation tested.
Quality controls
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High pressure nitrogen test with foam solution on all joints.
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Deep vacuum (< 500 microns) with lift control; guarantees a dry and clean circuit.
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Supervised start-up : checking compressor/fan intensity, overheating/subcooling, blowing temperature, and calibration of comfort parameters (shutters, speeds).
Condensate management
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In summer , drainage is by gravity from the interior head (guaranteed slope, anti-odor siphon and protected outlet).
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In winter , the management of defrosted frost on the roof is provided for by the positioning and clearances of the support; no projection onto pedestrian surfaces.
Aesthetics, acoustics and neighborhood
The rooftop installation preserves the Plateau's historic facades. The anti-vibration pads and the rigidity of the frame limit the transmission of low frequencies. Defrost cycles remain imperceptible indoors, and the direction of the airflow keeps any disturbance away from neighboring windows and terraces.
Result for the customer
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Immediate comfort in the living room thanks to soft and even diffusion.
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Lower operating costs in the off-season in heating mode and maintenance of stable coolness in summer.
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Simplified HVAC maintenance : accessible washable filter, easy roof access for the outdoor unit, quick annual preventive inspection.
Practical advice and mistakes to avoid
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Don't underestimate the load : an overly optimistic 9,000 BTU will run at full speed and wear out prematurely. We size with a reasonable comfort margin.
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Avoid excessive line runs : beyond certain lengths, efficiency drops and an additional charge becomes necessary. Here, the proximity of the technical cap guarantees an efficient route.
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Protect insulation from UV rays and birds: continuous sheaths and mechanical fasteners prevent tearing.
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Respect snow clearances : raising and orienting fans are critical on Montreal flat roofs.
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Schedule annual HVAC maintenance : cleaning the evaporator, flushing the rooftop condenser, checking tightenings and updating comfort settings.
Deadlines and coordination
This type of HVAC installation is generally completed in one day : morning for tracing, drilling and installing the frame; afternoon for refrigeration, electrical, vacuum and commissioning. Coordination with the building manager/syndic is anticipated (roof access, protection of circulation).
Why AirGreen for your project in Greater Montreal?
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Proven local expertise on flat roofs ( Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , North Shore , South Shore ).
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Careful execution : durable supports, waterproof finishes, complete adjustments upon commissioning.
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Support for subsidies when the equipment and the file allow it.
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Attentive after-sales service : Our HVAC maintenance visits extend lifespan and maintain seasonal performance.
What's next?
The system installed today is scalable: adding a second head if an additional room or floor needs to be air conditioned/heated, integrating smart controls (Wi-Fi), and an annual maintenance plan. In the Plateau, as elsewhere in Greater Montreal, we provide clean, sustainable solutions that are perfectly suited to the local architecture.
Summary sheet — Plateau-Mont-Royal installation
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Type : Zephyr wall-mounted heat pump (residential range).
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Context : mounting on flat roof with raised galvanized frame and anti-vibration .
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Route : short refrigeration connections (≈ 3–5 m) via sealed technical cap.
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Electrical : dedicated power supply, chassis disconnect box .
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Objective : 4-season comfort, preserved aesthetics, easy maintenance.
Are you considering a similar HVAC installation in Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , on the North Shore or South Shore ? Contact us: a technical visit is sufficient to validate the capacity, the layout and the feasibility of possible subsidies.
The big day, step by step
The main steps of this kind of job at AirGreen. Every house has its quirks: the estimate brings them out.
We look at the room, the outside wall, the line route and where the outdoor unit will go. That is where the capacity gets chosen.
Model, capacity and price, in writing. We also check whether the model qualifies for assistance programs.
Floors and furniture protected, wall plate position marked level, wall opening located.
A single opening, with the slope the drain needs to flow outside.
Set on a stand raised above the snow, with the clearances the manufacturer requires.
Connected, insulated and protected. The opening is then sealed against water, cold air and insects.
A dedicated circuit and an accessible disconnect near the outdoor unit.
Leak test, vacuum, then start-up and a check of heating and cooling.
Remote, modes, filters: we show you the essentials before we leave.
- The on-site estimateWe look at the room, the outside wall, the line route and where the outdoor unit will go. That is where the capacity gets chosen.
- The quoteModel, capacity and price, in writing. We also check whether the model qualifies for assistance programs.
- Getting readyFloors and furniture protected, wall plate position marked level, wall opening located.
- The wall openingA single opening, with the slope the drain needs to flow outside.
- The outdoor unitSet on a stand raised above the snow, with the clearances the manufacturer requires.
- Lines, cable and drainConnected, insulated and protected. The opening is then sealed against water, cold air and insects.
- The electrical workA dedicated circuit and an accessible disconnect near the outdoor unit.
- Tests and start-upLeak test, vacuum, then start-up and a check of heating and cooling.
- The walkthroughRemote, modes, filters: we show you the essentials before we leave.
What would it look like at your place?
Two quick checks with real numbers: what heat costs, and what your current heaters add up to in BTU/h.
Conversion: 1 W = 3.412 BTU/h. An indication, not a load calculation: baseboards and furnaces are often stronger than the real need, and they can stay as backup. AirGreen confirms the capacity on site.
Four mistakes we do not make
Flip each card to see what we do instead.
Your own project, step by step
What to do, season by season
Three habits per season for this unit. They take a few minutes and prevent many calls.
- Clean the indoor unit's filters.
- Clear leaves and debris left on the outdoor unit by winter.
- Test cooling before the first hot days.
- Clean the filters more often when the unit runs a lot.
- Keep plants away from the outdoor unit.
- Check that no water drips from the indoor unit.
- Rake the leaves around the outdoor unit.
- Test heating before the first cold days.
- Book periodic maintenance before winter.
- Keep snow away from the stand and the front of the unit.
- Let the unit defrost: it is normal.
- Never hit the ice on the fins; call us if the unit stays iced up.
Is your home ready?
Check what applies at your place. A "no" is not a refusal: it is what we sort out during the estimate.
Four statements: true or false?
It all comes down to details you have just seen.
1. In heating mode, the outdoor unit can produce water.
During defrost cycles. That water must drain away without forming ice.
2. You pick the capacity with a simple square-footage rule.
Windows, insulation, orientation and how the room is used all count. Capacity is chosen on site.
3. A multi-zone connects several indoor heads to a single condenser.
One head per room, all on the same condenser. Each room keeps its own temperature.
4. The disconnect can sit behind the patio furniture.
It must stay accessible: it is what shuts the unit off for service.
0 / 4 right answers
What people ask us about this kind of work
Does a wall-mounted heat pump heat in winter?
Wall-mounted or multi-zone: how do I choose?
Where does the outdoor unit go?
Are there grants?
Do I need a permit?
How cold can it heat?
How much can I save?
How is the LogisVert assistance calculated?
Is it noisy?
The outdoor unit is covered in ice: is that normal?
Does AirGreen hold the required licences?
Is the estimate free?
No question matches. Write to us: we answer.
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Text and photo: a real AirGreen Climatisation & Chauffage job. The diagrams are generic illustrations of the type of installation, not a survey of this job site. Sources of the added figures: airgreen.ca product pages (NEEP / AHRI performance), Hydro-Québec (Heat pumps page, LogisVert, read on 13 October 2026), Régie de l’énergie (rate D as of 1 April 2026).