A four-season upgrade designed for the comfort of a North Shore lodge
At AirGreen , we installed a Zephyr wall-mounted heat pump in a single-family home in Sainte-Thérèse . The client's goal was clear: replace an aging system with a reliable, quiet, and efficient HVAC solution capable of providing year-round heating and cooling without compromising the aesthetics of the facade or accessibility for maintenance.
Site Context and Design Principles
The gray brick rear facade, partially sheltered by a wooden structure, provided an ideal location for the outdoor unit. We favored a layout that respects the required clearances around the fan and facilitates air circulation . The choice of the sheltered area protects the condenser from direct weather, while leaving a free passage for the evacuation of hot air in summer and for the air intake in winter.
Our technical priorities from the design stage:
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ensure short refrigeration journeys to limit pressure losses;
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position the unit at a comfortable working height to simplify maintenance;
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preserve the integrity of the brick through suitable anchors and careful sealing;
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organize reliable gravity drainage to avoid any stagnation of water near the foundation.
Support, anchoring and anti-vibration: the basis of a sustainable installation
The Zephyr unit is mounted on sturdy wall brackets . We used specific masonry anchors and installed silent blocks to dampen compressor vibrations. This installation reduces sound transmission to the structure and stabilizes the unit during speed variations.
Support Highlights:
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leveled and oversized brackets for the load;
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stainless steel bolts and lock washers;
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slight slope towards the outside to promote the flow of condensates;
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sufficient wall clearance for HVAC maintenance (coil cleaning, fan control, valve access).
Refrigeration path, supply and condensate management
The wiring and refrigeration lines take a short, hidden and protected route. In this sheltered context, we have planned:
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a UV protective sheath on the insulation to preserve performance over the seasons;
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bending radii respected so as not to stress the copper;
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perfect sealing of the drilling with vapor barrier and elastomer sealant;
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an independent gravity drain , avoiding the use of a condensate pump and reducing maintenance points.
Commissioning: precision and method
The successful commissioning of a heat pump is measured down to the millimeter: leak testing, deep vacuum, overheating/subcooling checks, electrical calibration and functional testing in cooling and heating modes. We follow a rigorous protocol to stabilize pressures, validate compressor safety and optimize the inverter curve . The result: a smooth start, stable cycles , and quiet operation on a daily basis.
Why the Zephyr met the customer's need
The Zephyr Residential Series is a balanced solution for homeowners looking for:
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a compact wall-mounted air conditioner/heat pump for the main living spaces;
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competitive seasonal performance and controlled operating costs;
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reduced noise level thanks to the large diameter fan and modern control electronics;
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proven reliability and easy access to parts for AirGreen service .
In our configuration, the machine serves the main living room and contributes to mid-season heating, while providing measured and comfortable air conditioning during hot spells.
HVAC Installation Practices That Make a Difference
For consistent performance in Greater Montreal, we systematically apply:
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sealing of crossings (high density cellular foam + sealant);
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drain slope and frost-free discharge point;
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defrosting checked in heating mode and droplet management under the base;
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mechanical protection of lines in transit areas;
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clear electrical marking on dedicated circuit breaker.
These attentions extend the life of the compressor, reduce the risk of service calls and optimize comfort .
Maintenance recommended to maintain performance
Regular HVAC maintenance is essential:
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cleaning the inner head filters every 4 to 8 weeks during use;
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annual inspection of fittings, insulation and supports (tightening, corrosion, UV);
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gentle washing of the outdoor condenser in spring (without high pressure);
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verification of the refrigeration parameters and the inverter card by our technicians.
With these actions, the heat pump maintains its seasonal performance and remains silent.
What the customer gains at Sainte-Thérèse
In use, the customer already notices:
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greater comfort in the living area;
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mid-season energy savings thanks to modulating heating mode;
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reduced external noise thanks to anti-vibration mounting and sheltered location;
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a clean aesthetic : tidy cables and lines, preserved facade.
Grants and local compliance
Several energy efficiency programs in Quebec encourage the use of wall-mounted heat pumps that meet specific performance criteria. When a model is eligible, we assist our clients with the documentation and process . Our team always checks the electrical compliance and the suitability of the device for the building envelope to maximize the chances of eligibility.
AirGreen Tips for an Informed Choice
For a project on the North Shore, Montreal, Laval, Longueuil or the South Shore , we recommend:
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Size the BTU capacity according to the envelope (orientation, insulation, windows);
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Favor a sheltered installation , without air recycling, with free clearances;
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Limit the length of refrigeration lines to improve efficiency;
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Plan maintenance : clear access, controlled height, labeled circuit breaker;
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Secure drainage (gravity if possible) to avoid frost and splashing.
Installation sheet — Zephyr in Sainte-Thérèse
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Device Type : Zephyr Wall-Mounted Heat Pump (Residential Series)
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Layout : brick rear facade, under wooden canopy , wall brackets with silent blocks
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Route : short lines, protective sheath and waterproof sealants
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Drainage : gravity to frost-free zone
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Commissioning : vacuum, cold/hot mode tests, electrical checks
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Objective : mid-season heating + air conditioning of living areas, stable comfort and reduced noise
AirGreen, your HVAC partner in Greater Montreal
Our team of certified installers operates daily in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil , and on the North Shore and South Shore . We design custom HVAC systems tailored to local architecture: single-family homes, plexes, condos, and co-ownerships. From load analysis to commissioning, we deliver clean, reliable, and durable results—and we remain available for HVAC maintenance and seasonal optimization.
