Three independent systems on wall brackets: winter performance, silence and exemplary maintenance access for a Montreal triplex
Context: a brick triplex, distinct needs
In a triplex in Montreal's Le Sud-Ouest neighborhood, each apartment had a different usage profile: a ground floor occupied year-round, a family floor with variable schedules, and a third level more susceptible to summer overheating. The co-owners' goal: to replace energy-intensive window units with efficient wall-mounted heat pumps capable of providing cooling in the summer and reliable back-up heating in the mid-season, while controlling noise levels both indoors and outdoors.
We proposed three Sharp mono-split systems (ZU1, R-32 range) , installed in parallel in order to preserve the energy independence and billing of each home.
Why Sharp ZU1 (R-32) range for this project
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High cooling and heating efficiencies , suitable for brick buildings subject to solar gains and envelope losses.
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R-32 refrigerant : better volumetric efficiency and reduced GWP compared to R-410A.
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Extreme cold : performance maintained during the cold snaps typical of Montreal , limiting the need for traditional supplementary heating.
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Quiet : Low noise outdoor fans, ideal for a side yard or alley.
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Easy maintenance : clear architecture and accessible components for quick HVAC maintenance .
Outdoor installation: three aligned condensers, same clearances, same performance
The side facade in brick and rendered basement offered a perfect linearity. We have:
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Fixed each condenser on galvanized wall brackets , at a height above the snow level and away from leaves accumulated on the ground.
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Respect the prescribed clearances for suction and blowing, with a constant center distance between units to avoid any air recirculation.
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Anti-vibration pads were placed under each frame to cut off any transmission of vibrations to the masonry.
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Integrated a disconnection box per system, clearly identified, to secure interventions.
The white capping follows a continuous horizontal strip and then divides towards each unit: a clean aesthetic, superior protection of the lines and immediate technical reading in the event of a diagnosis.
Refrigeration path: short and legible lines
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Wall crossings at the right of each condenser to reach the corresponding interior heads; the line lengths are optimized to limit pressure losses and preserve capacity.
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Brazing under nitrogen , deep vacuum (≤ 500 microns stabilized) and documented leak test ; vacuum resistance is confirmed before opening the valves.
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Continuous insulation on the suction tube, thermal break at the masonry crossing, and fireproof sealing at the crossing.
Condensate Management and Montreal Winter
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Controlled slopes and drains provided to avoid any glazing at the base of the wall.
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Outdoor courtyard snow guard not required here due to installation height and no roof overhead; anchors prepared if configuration changes.
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Clearance maintained with ladders and bins present on the site: service areas remain free for maintenance.
Electrical distribution: safety and independence
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Dedicated power supply per dwelling, circuit breaker calibrated according to the nominal current of each condenser, verified earthing .
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Cables protected in the common trunking, clear identification of circuits (Accommodation 1, 2, 3) to facilitate any interventions by the condominium association.
Interiors: discreet wall heads, immediate comfort
Each accommodation receives a wall head placed high on a load-bearing wall, with:
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Longitudinal blowing to cover the day area;
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Gentle dehumidification in summer for a cool feeling without overcooling;
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Orientation of the shutters set: in air conditioning slightly above the horizontal to bring the flow to the ceiling; in heating lower to deposit the heat at occupation height.
Instrumented commissioning
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Leak scanning via electronic detector, validation of overheating/subcooling at target values.
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Acoustic measurements at 1 m: check that each unit is below the threshold agreed with the co-owners.
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Calibration of interior probes to match the temperature felt in the center of the rooms.
Results: three homes, three profiles, consistent comfort
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In summer , each apartment quickly lowers its latent load: the atmosphere remains dry despite the heat waves.
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In mid-season , heating from heat pumps reduces the number of times old systems (electric or boilers) start up, with a direct saving on the bill .
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Silence preserved in the courtyard and inside; the facade remains neat , the chutes perfectly level .
Recommended HVAC maintenance
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Every 1–2 months during use: clean the internal filters .
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Annual : gentle washing of the external battery , checking of the condensate flow rate , checking of tightening torques and line insulation .
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Every 2–3 years : in-depth maintenance (evaporator, turbine, settings), performance report submitted to the union .
Grants and Eligibility
Recent high-efficiency R-32 wall-mounted heat pumps are often eligible for programs available in Quebec, including for apartment buildings when the criteria are met. We guide owners in Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , as well as the North and South Shores : verification of requirements, installation documents and technical justifications.
Good practices and pitfalls avoided
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Avoid recirculation : center distances and clearances respected between condensers.
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Protect the lines : common waterproof capping and identification by housing.
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Prevent nuisances : anti-vibration pads and height outside the contact zone with snow and debris.
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Do not undersize : capacity chosen according to the actual volume, the orientation of each apartment and the glazing rate .
Why AirGreen for your multi-housing projects?
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Mastery of Montreal brick facades , narrow alleys and restricted technical access.
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Selection of recent brands (Sharp, Fujitsu , Gree , Midea , etc.) in R-32/R-454B for a reduced carbon footprint and higher efficiencies .
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Rigorous HVAC installation , instrumented commissioning , planned HVAC maintenance and grant support.
Our approach: lasting comfort , controlled consumption and finishes that enhance your building.