Immediate comfort above an entrance door: a millimeter-precise installation in a Montreal brick plex
Context: stabilizing the temperature of a vestibule open to the living area
In a typical Southwest Montreal apartment (Saint-Henri/Griffintown area), the entrance opens directly onto the living room. Frequently opening the exterior door created drafts in winter and heat gain in summer. We recommended a Zephyr wall-mounted heat pump to provide precise cooling during heat waves and efficient supplemental heating in the shoulder seasons, without major renovations or ductwork.
Why Zephyr for this project?
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Fine regulation thanks to the variable speed compressor, to maintain a stable temperature without jolts.
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Quiet operation : ideal for an entrance adjoining the living area and bedrooms.
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Compact format allowing high installation above a door, while respecting the clearances necessary for air intake.
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Discreet front display showing the setpoint (24°C) , practical for checking operating status at a glance.
The Zephyr branding is identifiable on the interior facade. Since the exact model is not visible, we are sticking with the Zephyr wall family used by AirGreen for apartments and plexes in Greater Montreal.
Installation details: clean, short and optimized
Inner head positioning
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Installation in the upper part , centered above the door frame in order to exploit the ceiling height and circulate the air throughout the vestibule.
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The vanes are oriented to sweep the living area laterally , without blowing directly onto the occupants when they pass through the door.
Refrigeration and electrical routing
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Ultra-short route (so-called back-to-back installation): the connections cross the load-bearing wall in the immediate vicinity of the unit, which reduces pressure losses and improves efficiency .
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Single hole with controlled slope for gravity drainage of condensates; passage protected by sleeve and vapor barrier .
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Communication and power cable sized according to manufacturer; dedicated circuit breaker and external disconnect on condenser side.
Finishing and integration
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White finishes coordinate with the moldings and door frame for a clean visual integration .
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Anti-UV grouting around the edge of the drilling and continuous insulation of the suction line to prevent any condensation on the walls.
Site constraints and AirGreen solutions
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Proximity to the lintel : we chose a compatible fixing plate with low upper clearance, while maintaining the space required for air intake and maintenance access .
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Frequent door openings : configure a downward air sweep at startup to break the cold/hot air curtain when coming and going.
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Risks of infiltration : careful sealing, re-installation of the air barrier and installation of acoustic foam around the transit to eliminate whistling and micro-leaks.
Commissioning: verified performance, instant comfort
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Nitrogen test then deep vacuum with ascent control; validation of the circuit's tightness.
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Reading of pressures and intensities , measurement of ΔT in blowing/suction and calibration of user parameters (setpoint, auto speed, night mode).
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Activation of the defrost program and checking of the indoor sensor for stable heating at low temperature.
Results for the client
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Thermal stabilization of the vestibule and living room, with a set point of 24°C maintained without over-ventilation.
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Reduction of humidity in summer thanks to the dehumidification mode, reducing the feeling of discomfort when opening the door.
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Very low noise level , compatible with 24/7 use even at night.
Best practices for an “over the door” installation
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Sufficient height : leave the recommended clearance between the ceiling and the hood so that the exchanger can breathe.
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Properly oriented fins : favor a flow tangent to the ceiling to push the temperate air to the back of the room.
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Regular maintenance : dust the filters every 2–3 months; a clean filter improves COP and acoustic comfort.
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Gravity drain : check the slope and, on the north-facing facade, provide a drain heating cable on the exterior side if necessary.
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Mechanical protection : when the unit is in transit, avoid shocks when opening the door (stops and jacks adjusted).
Tips for saving money without sacrificing comfort
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In summer: aim for 22–24°C , automatic ventilation and oscillating vanes to avoid dead zones near the windows.
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In the off-season: leave the heat pump on low speed continuously rather than repeatedly turning it on and off.
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In winter: do not hide the unit with temporary coats/wardrobes; this stifles recovery and degrades performance.
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Program night mode to further reduce noise and adapt the flow during sensitive hours.
Compliance, Security and Eligibility
Our installations comply with the NBC , the Quebec Electrical Code , and the manufacturer's guidelines . High-efficiency wall-mounted heat pumps are often eligible for financial assistance depending on their performance level and the configuration of the home. We take care of:
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verification of technical criteria (low temperature capacities, seasonal efficiency);
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documentary collection (serial numbers, technical sheets);
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support for submitting files.
What the customer remembers
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Four-season comfort immediately felt at the entrance and in the living area.
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A discreet and reliable solution, without major renovation.
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Clear AirGreen monitoring : maintenance, seasonal adjustments, after-sales support.
Summary technical sheet
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Type : wall-mounted heat pump
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Brand : Zephyr (residential wall family)
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Location : The Southwest (brick plex)
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Interior layout : above the entrance door , ceiling clearance respected
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Route : back-to-back , single drilling, gravity drain
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Electricity : dedicated circuit breaker, compliant external disconnection
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Finish : white integration coordinated with the moldings, anti-UV joints
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Commissioning : nitrogen + deep vacuum , ΔT validation, night mode and oscillation settings
AirGreen: the benchmark HVAC installation in Greater Montreal
We support owners and co-owners in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore for carefully designed wall-mounted heat pump projects, adapted to plexes and condos . Our strengths: precise sizing , short installation times , discreet finishes and attentive after-sales service .
Next steps for a similar project
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Thermal assessment of areas (m², sunshine, infiltration).
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Choice of power and functions (dehumidification, night mode, Wi-Fi).
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Installation plan : route, capping color, drain management.
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Checking potential aid and preparing the file.
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AirGreen installation and certified commissioning , then annual maintenance .
Keywords worked on : heat pump , wall-mounted heat pump , wall-mounted air conditioner , HVAC installation , HVAC maintenance , Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , North Shore , South Shore , Zephyr , Southwest .