A complete HVAC upgrade at ground level: four-season efficiency, neat installation and ready for Montreal's winter
Site context and objectives
In the backyard of a brick plex in Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension , we are installing a Zephyr central heat pump to provide heating and cooling for the home through an existing duct network. The mandate: to deliver a durable, quiet, and easy-to-maintain HVAC system , while limiting the visual impact on the facade and anticipating the constraints specific to Greater Montreal (snow, freeze/thaw cycles, runoff).
Why a Zephyr central heat pump for this plex?
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Duct compatibility : the home has a network of ducts; the central solution allows for consistent comfort room by room, without multiplying the number of wall heads.
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Inverter regulation : fine modulation of power, better temperature stability and controlled consumption.
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Low noise levels : The dual fan unit is designed for quiet operation, ideal for interior courtyards.
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Service and parts : locally supported range, quick access to consumables and clear maintenance procedures.
Exterior integration: an installation designed to last
We position the unit at ground level on adjustable anti-vibration feet , placed on compacted slabs to prevent subsidence. This configuration provides:
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Vibrational decoupling between the unit and the masonry.
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Useful height for frost flow during defrost cycles.
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Easy maintenance : front access to service parts.
Visible details of the installation:
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Orientation : clear space in front of the grille to ensure air flow; distance from corner walls maintained.
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Condensate management : vertical PVC drain nearby, sized for gravity drainage outside the trampling zone; slope verified.
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Connection protection : high-density black insulation on refrigeration lines; generous bend radius to preserve the integrity of the copper.
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Short path : wall crossing at a short distance from the coil, limiting pressure losses and the risk of parasitic air intake.
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Runoff management : we plan a drainage bed under the installation area and clearance spaces for snow.
Refrigeration connections and power supply
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Wall penetration made with clean drilling, vapor barrier and peripheral sealing for airtightness.
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Protected cabling : routing in UV and impact resistant sheath, with stainless steel fixings for durability.
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Service disconnect : placed within regulatory range, labeled and tested; tightenings checked to torque.
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Estimated line length : short to medium between wall and unit, which optimizes seasonal performance.
Interior integration (air manager)
On the interior side, the air handling unit is connected to the existing plenum. Our key actions:
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Revision of the ducts : sealing of the junctions, re-application of the tapes and mastic, checking of the flow rates at the vents.
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Filtration : high efficiency media adapted to the box, pressure losses measured so as not to penalize ventilation.
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Condensates : continuous slope from the tray to the drain; anti-overflow safety on installations where water seal is sensitive.
Challenges encountered and AirGreen solutions
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Limited space and nearby tree
We maintain the required front clearance for fan blowing and adjust the positioning to avoid capturing leaves; seasonal maintenance of the perimeter is planned with the customer. -
Yard under construction
The exterior development project (geotextile, temporary pallets) requires rigorous management of cleanliness and leveling. We stabilize the slab, check the horizontality of the feet and protect the site insulation. -
Multiple penetrations in the facade
Existing openings (PVC drains, old pipes) are re-caulked and aligned for a coherent facade; our capping and ducts follow a clear and minimalist trajectory.
Best practices that we systematically apply
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Respect clearances around the condenser for efficient defrosting and stable airflow.
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Anti-vibration under feet and vibrometer control when required.
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Generous bend radii and anti-friction flanges at contact points.
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Raising the base to clear blown snow and prevent dust from being sucked in.
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Tightening to the prescribed torque, leak testing, thorough vacuuming and weight loading according to specifications.
What the customer gets
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Consistent comfort throughout the home via the duct network.
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Simple controls (programmable thermostat), night reduction scenarios and gentle recovery in the morning.
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Operating costs contained thanks to modulation and adequate sizing.
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Clear HVAC maintenance , with a visit schedule and documented checkpoints.
Recommended maintenance (annual plan)
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Spring : cleaning of batteries, drain check, visual inspection of insulation and external capping , repressurization of the network if necessary.
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Late summer/early fall : electrical check, tightening, defrost test, clearing leaves around the unit and drain .
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Winter : maintains an air corridor around the condenser; gentle snow removal without hitting the coils.
Ergonomics of use and operating advice
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Thermostat : aim for a stable setting; avoid large day/night differences which increase cycles.
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Air vents : clear of furniture and fabrics to take advantage of the air mixture; adjust the registers to balance the rooms.
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Monitoring : listen for abnormal noise variations, check for prolonged frost, check filters every 30 to 60 days depending on use.
Grants and Compliance
High-efficiency central heat pumps are often eligible for financial assistance when efficiency and cold weather performance criteria are met. We confirm eligibility based on the exact configuration (unit number, declared efficiencies) and provide the necessary documentation for the application.
Safety, aesthetics and neighborhood
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Discreet pipe layout and capping matching the brick for clean integration.
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Limited nuisance : positioning away from bedroom windows and immediate neighbors, vibration control.
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Service access respected to allow rapid troubleshooting without dismantling landscaping.
Key steps of our AirGreen method
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Thermal assessment and survey of existing ducts.
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Proposal with suitable capacities and accessories (filters, control, plenum heater if required).
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Installation plan validated with the customer (location, clearances, evacuations).
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Installation : drilling, drawing lines, brazing, vacuuming , start-up.
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Checks : pressures, intensities, blown/return temperatures, instructions.
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Delivery : instructions for use, HVAC maintenance plan, reminder of clearances to maintain in winter.
Frequently asked questions about common situations (Montreal plex)
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Nearby basement window : we direct the airflow to avoid air recirculation and noise pollution.
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Presence of trees : minimal clearance and gentle pruning of nearby branches; temporary protective netting during work periods.
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Frost drainage : no accumulation under the unit; if necessary, a bed of river rocks is installed for infiltration.
Project sheet – at a glance
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Type : central heat pump for duct network.
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Brand : Zephyr .
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Installation : on the ground, anti-vibration feet on stabilized slab.
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Facade : brick; insulated refrigeration connections , short and protected path.
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Water management : vertical PVC drain , controlled slope.
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Neighborhood : Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension (Montreal).
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AirGreen Services : HVAC installation , commissioning, HVAC operation and maintenance advice, grant support.
For your home in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore and South Shore
We size the heat pump according to the actual building load, check the condition of the ducts and recommend the most appropriate configuration (power, flow rates, accessories, control). Our team responds quickly throughout Greater Montreal , coordinating access and site schedules with the occupants.
Ready to take your comfort to the next level while controlling your energy costs? We're here to help.