Mastered comfort in a Rosemont duplex: a discreet, precise HVAC installation designed for Montreal winters
Context and objectives of the project
In a typical Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie duplex with white ceilings and narrow openings, our clients wanted to improve four-season comfort without encroaching on the space. Their priority: a quiet, wall-mounted heat pump with gentle diffusion near a busy passageway, while preserving the interior aesthetics. We recommend a wall-mounted Zephyr unit, perfectly suited to apartments and plexes in Greater Montreal (Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore , South Shore ), for its balance of performance, fine control, and low noise levels.
Why Zephyr for this type of housing?
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Efficiency and stability : fine modulation of the compressor to maintain a stable temperature, summer and winter.
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Quiet operation : ideal near a hallway, staircase or opening.
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Compact size : fits easily above a door without blocking airflow.
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Simple HVAC maintenance **: direct access to the filter and exchanger for periodic cleaning.
Keywords : heat pump , wall-mounted air conditioner , HVAC installation , HVAC maintenance , Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , North Shore , South Shore .
Site analysis and technical constraints
The chosen wall overlooks an interior opening. The main constraints:
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Limited ceiling height : the device must breathe from above. We maintain sufficient clearance for suction.
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Passageway : Avoid direct airflow onto users. We adjust the shutters for laminar diffusion to the adjacent room.
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Wiring routing : The unit is located on an interior wall. We opted for discreet capping on the right side, leading to the technical exit and the outdoor compressor.
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Condensate management : favor gravity when the altitude allows it; otherwise, use a silent micro-pump. Here, the slope allows gravity flow, limiting maintenance and noise risks.
Preparation: tracing, drilling and protection
Before any intervention:
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Protection of floors and frames, temporary dismantling of nearby accessories.
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Tracing the template with a laser to ensure perfect horizontality despite the overhang of the molding above the door.
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Precise drilling to the required diameter with watertight crossing (sleeve + vapor barrier).
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Place the mounting plate , avoiding any hollow areas of unreinforced gypsum.
Please note : A poorly positioned plate impairs condensate flow and can create vibrations. Our teams systematically check the flatness and verticality before hanging the wall head.
Interior head installation: aesthetics and performance
The Zephyr unit is fixed at the top of the wall , just above the lintel. This placement:
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Promotes air mixing and reduces stratification.
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Frees up circulation space under the appliance.
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Avoid nearby obstacles (curtain rods, frames).
We add a discreet deflector (bottom edge) to guide the flow away from the passage axis and stabilize the airflow. The motorized shutters are set for a gentle sweep in cooling mode and a more pronounced tilt in heating mode to bring the tempered air towards the occupied zone.
Connection routing: clean capping and easy maintenance
The refrigerant connections, communication cable and drain pass through a vertical white cover located to the right of the unit:
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Visual integration : capping matches the wall for a clean finish.
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Future access : removable without damaging the wall, useful for HVAC maintenance .
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Drain slope : respect the 1 to 2% continuous up to the evacuation point.
On the outside, we finish with an anti-infiltration cap and a frost-resistant elastomer seal. The connections are continuously insulated with anti-UV tape under the hood.
Power supply and compliance
Our partner electricians carry out:
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Dedicated bypass from the panel, circuit breaker sized according to the nameplate.
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Cable routing to the outdoor unit, grounding and accessible outdoor circuit breaker.
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Continuity and insulation tests.
The whole thing meets the requirements of the Quebec Construction Code and good industry practices.
Commissioning: professional methods
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Nitrogen leak test to eliminate any doubt about flared fittings.
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Deep vacuum draw to the manufacturer's recommended threshold.
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Fluid opening , pressure and temperature control (superheating/subcooling).
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Calibration of thermistors and verification of condensation in cold mode.
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Remote control settings: temperature range, auto speed, memory orientation, night mode.
Result measured upon delivery: temperature stabilized at 21–22°C in heating and 23–24°C in cooling in the targeted area, with a very low noise level on the landing.
Customer result: comfort, aesthetics and controlled operating costs
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Immediate comfort : flow directed out of the corridor, no feeling of draft.
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Quiet : The Zephyr head remains discreet even at medium speeds.
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Energy efficiency : modulation that reduces on/off cycles, guaranteeing savings.
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Easy maintenance : accessible front filter; removable capping for inspection.
HVAC Maintenance: Simple and Effective Schedule
To preserve performance and air quality:
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Every month during use: dust and rinse the filters .
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Twice a year : preventive cleaning of the internal exchanger, inspection of the drain (slope and cleanliness).
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Annually : complete check by our AirGreen technicians (pressures, probes, electrical tightening, sealing, gentle washing of the external fins).
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Winter : Keep the outdoor unit clear of snow and ice; provide a snow guard if the roof drips over it.
Instructions for use for optimal comfort
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Auto mode + low speed in the off-season for stable support without over-stressing.
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Orientation of the shutters : slightly upwards in cooling mode (the air falls naturally), lower in heating to bring heat to the occupied areas.
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Open door between rooms**: allows the temperature on the landing and the adjacent room to be balanced.
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Eco-friendly actions : close windows when in operation, lower blinds slightly on the sunny side during the hottest hours.
Pitfalls to avoid in similar accommodations
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Lack of ceiling clearance : free space above the unit is required for proper suction; sticking the unit to the ceiling reduces efficiency.
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Drain without slope : encourages overflow; prefer gravity when possible.
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Poorly positioned drilling : risk of whistling and thermal bridges; always seal around the sheath.
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Undersizing : A room opening onto a staircase often requires a capacity margin. We validate the thermal load before making a recommendation.
And if you are in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore or South Shore
Our teams operate throughout Greater Montreal . Whether it's for a wall-mounted heat pump , a wall-mounted air conditioner , a MultiZone system, a central heat pump , a ducted unit or a cassette , we adapt the HVAC installation to the architecture of your home: plex, downtown condo, suburban house or triplex with a typical exterior staircase.
Technical FAQ (cases encountered in plex)
Can the head be placed above a door?
Yes, provided that the minimum height and ceiling clearance are respected. We validate the suction and diffusion before installation.
Do you need a condensate pump?
Only if the gravity slope is impossible. Here, the slope is assured; maintenance is simplified.
Is there a risk of the unit blowing down the stairs?
We adjust the direction and, if necessary, add a discreet deflector to channel the flow towards the living space.
What this installation demonstrates
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Clean integration into a constrained space (above an opening).
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Neat hooded path , compatible with future maintenance.
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Fine-tuning for draft-free comfort in high-traffic areas.
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Strict commissioning methodology to ensure watertightness and longevity.
Next steps with AirGreen
Are you planning a similar HVAC installation in Montreal, Laval , Longueuil , on the North Shore or South Shore? We carry out the thermal assessment , sizing , installation and HVAC maintenance with a single objective: lasting, discreet and energy-efficient comfort.