A bracket-mounted condenser, brick-colored cladding and four-season comfort designed for a Montreal plex
Housing context and expectations
In a red brick duplex in Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie , our clients wanted a discreet HVAC system that provided heating and cooling without cluttering the balcony. The typical configuration of plexes— brick facade , metal balcony , soffit curtain —requires a clean, quiet, and weather-protected exterior installation. We selected a Zephyr wall-mounted heat pump : a compact, reliable solution suitable for homes in Montreal, Laval , Longueuil , the North Shore , and the South Shore .
Location selection: performance and neighborhood
The condenser is mounted on sturdy wall brackets , anchored into the brick. This positioning offers several advantages:
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Optimal airflow around the front grille and sides, away from blind spots.
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Natural protection under the balcony soffit, limiting snow accumulation and direct rain.
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Reduced vibration transmission thanks to the anti-vibration pads visible under the chassis.
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Easy maintenance : access to the housing, service valve and drip tray without disassembling the assembly.
We respect the minimum clearances around the fan and preserve the passage on the balcony for the safety of the occupants.
Aesthetic integration: capping matching the brick
The routing of the refrigerant connections , the communication cable and the power supply is protected by a brown metal capping , placed vertically from the interior head then horizontally above the patio door. The advantages:
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Visual harmony with the existing brick and metal elements.
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UV and frost protection for insulation, with easy access for HVAC maintenance.
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Slope management for the condensate drain (gravity evacuation to the planned discharge point).
Each cowling junction is sealed with a climate-appropriate elastomer, ensuring watertightness and durability .
Structure and anchors: safety and longevity
Our teams check the quality of the substrate (solid brick/grouting), the absence of cracks and the load-bearing capacity. We use:
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Anchor rods and dowels suitable for masonry.
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Spacers ensuring flatness between joints and bricks.
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Galvanized brackets sized for weight and dynamic loads (starts, icing, winds).
Blue pads under the unit reduce vibration and protect the bracket coating. The unit stays out of the snow zone while maintaining sufficient ground clearance for frost drainage in defrost mode.
Refrigeration and drilling
Inside, the wall head is installed high above an opening. We make a single hole through the wall, equipped with a sleeve and a vapor barrier . Outside:
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Continuously insulated copper lines (high density closed cell).
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Anti-UV tape under the hood.
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Soft elbows to preserve pressure drop and compressor longevity.
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Anti-vibration loop before entry on the valves.
The total length of the links remains within the manufacturer's recommended range to maintain seasonal performance.
Electricity and compliance
The dedicated power supply comes from the electrical panel via a circuit calibrated according to the nameplate. We install:
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An accessible external circuit breaker .
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A shielded communication cable to the head.
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Proper grounding .
Continuity , polarity and insulation tests complete the electrical lot, in compliance with the Quebec Construction Code and good HVAC installation practices.
Commissioning: AirGreen protocol
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Nitrogen test to detect any micro-leaks.
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Deep vacuum draw to the recommended threshold.
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Opening of valves , control of pressures and temperatures (superheating/subcooling).
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Checking the intensities , direction of rotation of the fan and defrosting .
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Remote control settings (modes, instructions, auto speed, timer).
The result: quiet operation, fast temperature rise times and even distribution throughout the living area.
Why Zephyr on this type of building
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Compactness : fits in without encroaching on the balcony circulation.
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Modulation : maintaining stable temperature with low consumption .
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Controlled acoustics **: ideal for close proximity.
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Maintenance access : panels can be removed without removing the unit.
For similar buildings in Greater Montreal , this heat pump format meets the needs of efficient supplemental heating and targeted air conditioning while remaining discreet.
Best practices specific to Montreal plexes
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Anticipate roof runoff : underside protected by the soffit, but provide clearance for frost drainage.
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Avoid backflow : do not direct air towards a tight angle; respect lateral clearances.
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Cut the vibration bridges : pads + flexible loop of the connections.
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Do not drill into weak joints : focus on areas of sound, well-jointed brick.
HVAC Maintenance: Recommended Schedule
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Every 1–2 months in summer : rinse the inner head filters .
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In spring : gentle washing of the external battery, straightening of fins if necessary.
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In autumn : check the drain , check the cover and the circuit breaker.
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Annually : professional inspection (pressures, probes, tightening, leak detection).
Regular maintenance ensures performance , reliability and air quality .
Ease of use: winning settings
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Auto mode with low speed to stabilize the temperature without drafts.
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Orientation of the shutters : for cooling, slightly upwards; for heating, tilt towards the occupied areas.
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Door between rooms left ajar to equalize temperatures.
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Eco-friendly actions : closed windows, blinds lowered on the sunny side during peak periods.
Grants and Eligibility (Benchmarks)
Depending on the equipment configuration (high seasonal efficiency, new generation refrigerant) and the programs in effect, certain financial assistance may apply for residences in Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , North Shore and South Shore . We verify eligibility on a case-by-case basis and prepare the necessary documents.
Installation review
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Heavy duty wall brackets with anti-vibration pads .
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Brown cladding coordinated with the brick, clean vertical and horizontal course.
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Gravity drain and weatherproof seals.
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Maintenance access and circulation on the balcony preserved.
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Rigorous commissioning to guarantee silence, comfort and savings.
Do you have a similar project in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore or South Shore?
Our AirGreen teams are experts in HVAC installation in plexes, condos, and houses. From thermal studies to HVAC maintenance , we deliver balanced, durable, and well-designed heat pump and wall-mounted air conditioning systems, perfectly suited to local architecture.
Express FAQ
Can the condenser remain under a closed balcony?
Yes, if the clearances are respected and air can circulate freely. Our layout maintains a clear air intake .
Should we fear frost in winter?
Defrosting is provided by the appliance. We maintain a clearance under the unit for water drainage and monitor the flow.
Will the metal capping heat up in the sun?
It is ventilated and protects the insulation. No impact on performance; above all, it facilitates maintenance .