A discreet and efficient upgrade for a Montreal apartment, designed for four-season comfort
At AirGreen , we have just installed a Zephyr wall-mounted heat pump in a home in the Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension neighborhood. This area, made up of plexes and apartment buildings with sometimes thin partitions and typical ceiling heights, requires quiet, compact and very well-integrated HVAC solutions. Our team chose a Zephyr wall-mounted head – Residential Series coupled with an outdoor inverter -modulated condenser, to ensure precise comfort in both summer and winter, while reducing energy bills.
Context: an apartment that overheats in summer and cools down too quickly in winter
The client wanted a wall-mounted air conditioner capable of quickly cooling living spaces during Montreal's heatwaves, but also providing real support for supplemental heating during the transitional cold. The objective: a silent, discreet, and energy-efficient heat pump solution, without major ductwork. The configuration of the load-bearing walls and the proximity of a wall facing the exterior made the wall-mounted heat pump particularly relevant.
Sizing and capacity selection
Before any HVAC installation , we carry out a precise sizing: measurement of the rooms, orientation of the windows, air infiltration rate, occupancy habits. In this accommodation, the comfort zone to be treated (open living/dining room + hallway) is around 35–40 m². We recommended a capacity of 12,000 to 15,000 BTU depending on the usage profile, sufficient for the majority of hot days and very effective in spring and fall for supplemental heating.
Inner head positioning: ergonomics and performance
The Zephyr head is installed high up , centered on a clear interior wall, with generous clearance above the door frame. This positioning:
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Promotes even distribution of air along the ceiling before descending, avoiding layers of hot/cold air.
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Allows free air intake (no obstructive shelf or cornice).
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Avoids direct radiation onto the sofa and passageway, limiting the feeling of drafts.
The facade displays a discreet display (set temperature) readable from the room, and the motorized shutters provide vertical and horizontal scanning to cover the entire open area.
Refrigeration and electricity path: short, neat, sustainable
We favor the shortest possible connections to reduce pressure losses and optimize compressor response. Here, the rear outlet of the wall head allowed us to pass directly through the wall to the outside. The routing of the lines (fridge + communication + power supply) is:
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Assembled in a white waterproof trunking , matching the wall, for a clean finish and easy maintenance.
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Continuously insulated (high density pre-insulated copper tubes) to avoid parasitic condensation and preserve efficiency.
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Extended to the external condenser via a route of approximately 1.5 to 2.5 m , ideal in urban environments where compactness is required.
The electrical connection is made on a dedicated circuit with a compliant external cut-off device. Each crimp is brazed with nitrogen , then the assembly is pressurized and held in a deep vacuum before opening the fluid: this is the basis of a reliable HVAC installation over the long term.
Condensate management: gravity-based, silent and safe
The high point of the head in relation to the exterior drilling allowed us to opt for gravity drainage - robust, silent and without mechanical maintenance. The slope is continuous and visible during inspection , and we have provided anti-freeze protection for the exterior section. On the facade, the drip is guided away from the cladding to avoid stains and icicles in winter.
The outdoor condenser: stability and calm in the inner courtyard
The Zephyr condenser is installed outdoors, free from any obstacles, on anti-vibration supports . In dense environments like Villeray, we pay particular attention to:
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Air intake and discharge (no obstacles or recirculation).
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Limiting vibration transmissions to masonry.
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Management of defrost water in winter to prevent ice near footpaths.
This approach guarantees quiet operation for the home and the neighborhood, even at night .
Comfort and performance: modulation for savings
Inverter technology adjusts power to actual needs. Result:
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Stable temperature without “yo-yo”.
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Reduced consumption by avoiding on/off cycles.
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Increased component longevity .
Many of our customers in Montreal, Laval and Longueuil choose this configuration precisely for this constant comfort and control of energy costs .
Noise and air quality: a priority in urban areas
The Zephyr – Residential Series fan head offers very low noise levels at lower speeds. We recommend using Auto or Low mode in the evening for optimal acoustic comfort. Regarding air quality, the washable filter captures dust and lint; simple monthly HVAC maintenance (vacuuming and rinsing the filter) is enough to maintain airflow and limit consumption.
Control and usage habits
The system delivered with remote control allows:
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Simple time programming (reduction at night, gentle recovery when waking up).
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Dry setting useful on humid days to balance dehumidification and comfort.
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Heat mode in mid-season to limit the use of electric baseboards.
Our advice for use: maintain a realistic setting (23–24°C in summer; 20–21°C in the off-season), let the machine modulate rather than alternating between complete stops and restarts at high power.
Maintenance and longevity
To maintain performance:
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Clean filters every 4–8 weeks depending on usage.
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Clear the condenser (leaves, snow, dust) every season.
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Schedule annual HVAC maintenance by our technicians: checking currents, inspecting insulation, tightening connections, checking condensates, deep cleaning of the evaporator and fan.
A well-maintained system will maintain its performance and quietness for many years.
Grants and Eligibility: What You Need to Know
Many Energy Star and cold-weather efficient wall-mounted heat pumps are eligible for incentives in Quebec. Eligibility depends on certified performance and low-temperature performance . We assess with each client whether the proposed system meets the criteria and provide administrative support if necessary.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid (and How We Anticipate Them)
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Head too close to the ceiling → loss of sweep and noise: we maintain a suitable clearance and adjust the shutters to bring the air to the heart of the room.
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Winding refrigeration route → pressure losses: we favor a short, straight route .
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Drain without slope → risk of leaks: slope measured, water test and frost protection.
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Shared electrical overpower → trips or parasites: dedicated circuit and verification at the panel.
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Built-in condenser → hot air recirculation: side and rear clearances respected, calibrated anti-vibration .
Deadlines and construction site
This type of residential HVAC installation is generally completed in one day , excluding special requests (complex crossings, lengths beyond precharges, addition of a condensate pump). We plan the passages and the restart with the occupant to minimize the impact on daily life.
Result: immediate comfort, neat aesthetics
The home now benefits from rapid cooling in summer, clean and responsive supplemental heating in the off-season, and very low noise levels . The interior aesthetic remains refined : the white Zephyr facade blends into the wall, the cable channel is discreet, and the controls are intuitive. On the exterior, the condenser is stable, protected, and easy to access for maintenance.
Why AirGreen for your project in Montreal, Laval, North Shore and South Shore?
Our strength: accurate diagnosis , impeccable installations and ongoing support . We operate throughout Greater Montreal — Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , North Shore and South Shore —with teams trained in the realities of local buildings (flat roofs, narrow walkways, masonry, balconies). Each project is tailor-made : capacity, acoustics, aesthetics, budget and, where applicable, grant assistance .
Express Fair: Questions our customers often ask
Does the wall-mounted heat pump completely replace the main heating system?
In many cases, it covers a large part of the needs outside of extreme cold. For cold spells, it acts as a complement to existing systems.
And winter at –20°C?
Zephyr Inverter models maintain useful capacity at low temperatures; we size and position the outdoor unit to limit frost effects and ensure efficient defrosting .
What minimal maintenance should I do myself?
Clean the filters regularly and clear the outdoor unit. For everything else, our annual HVAC maintenance takes care of the technical details.
In summary, this Zephyr wall-mounted heat pump installation in Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension demonstrates our ability to deliver precise comfort , careful integration , and lasting efficiency in a typical Montreal urban environment. If you are looking for a wall-mounted air conditioner / heat pump solution for a plex, condo, or house in Greater Montreal , our team will support you from design to commissioning—and beyond.