A preserved loft look: high wall installation on exposed brick and short crossing for discreet comfort in an open space
Project background
In the heart of Griffintown in the Southwest sector of Montreal , we are installing a Zephyr wall-mounted heat pump in a loft-style condo: concrete ceiling , exposed brick wall , large French window to a rear balcony. The client's objective: a quiet and efficient HVAC solution that respects the industrial aesthetic of the place while maintaining a stable temperature in summer and winter.
The area to be treated corresponds to an open living area (living room/dining room/kitchen). The choice of a wall-mounted heat pump is essential for its inverter modulation , its small footprint and the speed of intervention without duct work. We retain a capacity adapted to the building envelope and the volume to be served, in the common range 12,000–15,000 BTU for this type of apartment.
Interior headboard layout: high wall on brick
We position the head high wall , centered on a brick span, under the concrete ceiling. This placement has several benefits:
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Even diffusion : the airflow follows the ceiling and then descends, which balances the temperature in the open area.
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Compliant clearances : easy access to the hood for filter maintenance, no recirculation of hot air during heating.
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Short refrigeration path : the head is installed against a wall facing outside, which reduces the length of the connections and pressure losses.
The anchor support is sized for the brick . We use suitable anchors , a precise drilling template, and ensure flatness to avoid any vibration. The jointing remains intact and the finish is neat to maintain the desired loft aesthetic.
Drilling, crossing and finishing
A single hole is made behind the head for the passage of insulated copper connections, the communication cable and the condensate drain . The crossing is protected by a sheath , then sealed on the inside (air barrier mastic) to prevent infiltration.
Outside, we install an outlet cover and discreet casing in a neutral color to protect the lines and maintain a clean facade. The total visible length between the interior and the outdoor unit remains short (≈ 3–5 m) .
The drain is gravity- fed with a regular slope; this silent solution reduces maintenance compared to a sump pump. We secure the outlet to prevent splashing onto the balcony in summer.
Outdoor unit and power supply
The Zephyr condenser is positioned on the balcony or on an adjacent exterior wall according to building regulations. We prefer:
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wall brackets with anti-vibration pads , to preserve the peace and quiet of the neighborhood;
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sufficient clearance around the unit for heat exchange;
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an approved external disconnect switch , accessible for maintenance.
The main power supply is provided to the condenser, on a dedicated circuit breaker . The communication link connects the head to the outdoor unit. We check the caliber , the grounding , and affix the normative labeling in accordance with the Quebec Electrical Code .
Key steps (AirGreen method)
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Thermal balance : surface area, free height, orientation of glazing, air infiltration, adjoining neighborhood.
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Tracing : head axis, sheath location, routing of connections, disconnector area.
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Controlled drilling of the brick and installation of the sheath; interior/exterior waterproofing .
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Passage of insulated copper connections , shaping of flares, protected soldering , casing cladding.
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Deep vacuum , leak test , load and compensation according to actual length.
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Electrical connection of the condenser and checking of tightening.
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Complete commissioning : cooling/heating tests, superheating/subcooling readings, delta T control.
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Customer discount : usage instructions, filter cleaning, good off-season heating practices.
Result: stable comfort and respect for aesthetics
The heat pump ensures a consistent temperature throughout the living area while remaining discreet. The high-wall installation prevents drafts when seated. In summer, dehumidification improves comfort without overcooling; in mid-season, the heating mode reduces reliance on electric baseboard heaters and smooths out bills.
Special technical points in a Griffintown loft
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Exposed brick and concrete ceiling : suitable anchors and careful treatment of the air barrier.
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Close proximity : choice of a low-noise condenser and orientation of the blowing to protect neighboring balconies.
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Condensate management : prioritized gravity drainage, protected exit onto the balcony to avoid water marks.
HVAC Maintenance: The Routine That Extends System Life
Annual maintenance maintains performance and protects the warranty:
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washing the inner head filters and dusting the exchanger;
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cleaning the outdoor coil, checking the blades and clearances ;
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checking pressures , insulation of connections and the disconnector ;
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drain control (slope, cleanliness, flow).
We offer HVAC maintenance plans for Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , the North Shore and the South Shore .
Grants and Eligibility
High-performance wall-mounted heat pumps installed by a qualified contractor may be eligible for certain assistance programs in Quebec depending on their capacity, low-temperature performance, and applicable criteria. We assist our customers with pre-verification , installation photos , serial numbers , and the required detailed invoicing .
Technical details of this achievement
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Type : single-zone wall-mounted heat pump for open living area.
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Brand : Zephyr (interior wall head).
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Layout : high wall on brick, under concrete ceiling.
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Refrigeration path : short (≈ 3–5 m ) with direct wall crossing.
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Condensates : gravity drainage to the outside.
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Outdoor unit : balcony or adjacent wall, brackets with anti-vibration , disconnect switch nearby.
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Objectives : four-season comfort, visual discretion, simplified maintenance.
AirGreen Tips for a Co-Ownership Project
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Validate the building regulations (location of the condenser, noise level, casing color).
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Size the capacity based on internal inputs and southwest-facing glazing.
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Favor a short route to limit refrigerant recharges and facilitate maintenance.
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Schedule annual maintenance to stabilize consumption and extend lifespan.
AirGreen, your HVAC partner in Montreal
Our teams operate weekly in Griffintown , Le Sud-Ouest , Ville-Marie , Laval , Longueuil , on the North Shore and the South Shore . Our signature: impeccable HVAC installation , clear advice, complete commissioning documentation and support for subsidies when applicable.