A summer in Montreal can quickly turn a condo into a furnace if air conditioning issues aren’t anticipated and handled properly. At AirGreen, we know that installing a wall-mounted air conditioner or a wall-mounted heat pump in a condominium often raises legitimate concerns, both legal and technical. This article was written to meet the specific needs of condo owners, condo boards, and property managers in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore and the South Shore, to help you get through the hot season in comfort, compliance, and peace of mind.
Understanding Air Conditioning Rules in Condominiums
Installing an air conditioning system in a condo doesn’t depend solely on your willingness or budget. First and foremost, you need to refer to the declaration of co-ownership, which outlines the rights and responsibilities of the condo owners.
Common vs. Private Areas: A Critical Distinction
One of the first points to clarify is the location of the outdoor unit. A wall-mounted air conditioner or heat pump requires an outdoor unit often placed on a balcony, the roof, or a building façade. These surfaces are generally considered common areas, meaning that you must obtain authorization from the condo board before moving forward with installation.
The Owners' Meeting: An Essential Step
In most cases, a resolution must be passed at the general meeting, with a qualified majority (75% or more depending on the declaration of co-ownership). This approval ensures that the installation respects the building’s aesthetics, safety, noise levels, and does not cause issues for other residents.
The Rights of the Condo Owner: What You’re Entitled To
As a condo owner, you have the right to peacefully enjoy your unit—including during heatwaves. More and more courts recognize that access to adequate cooling is part of the right to minimum comfort, especially for seniors or vulnerable people.
That being said, this right must be exercised within the legal framework and the internal procedures of your condo building.
Key Steps for a Compliant Installation
At AirGreen, we’ve helped many clients throughout Montreal, Laval, and both shores with condo air conditioning projects. Here are the steps we always recommend:
1. Review the Declaration of Co-Ownership
Before even providing a quote, we review the specific clauses related to mechanical installations, pipe routing rights, noise restrictions, and maintenance obligations.
2. Consultation with the Condo Board
We work with the client to prepare a comprehensive file for the board, which includes:
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The model of heat pump or air conditioner being proposed (e.g., Fujitsu KZAH R-32 or Gree Lomo R32)
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Technical specifications (noise level, dimensions, BTU, energy efficiency)
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Installation plans
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A letter of commitment for future maintenance and repairs
3. Professional and Discreet Installation
Once the project is approved, our team schedules a fast, smooth installation. We use rooftop or wall brackets that minimize visual impact and greatly reduce vibrations and noise.
Case Study: Successful Installation in Le Plateau-Mont-Royal
A real example: last July, we installed a Fujitsu KZAH 12,000 BTU R-32 wall-mounted heat pump in a condo located on Berri Street in Montreal. The client, a young couple, wanted to cool their condo in preparation for the birth of their child.
Challenges faced:
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Century-old heritage building
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Limited access for the outdoor unit
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Noise restrictions imposed by the condo board
AirGreen’s solutions:
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Selection of an ultra-quiet model (21 dB)
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Wall installation at the rear of the building using an anti-vibration mount
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Recessed piping to preserve the building’s exterior aesthetic
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Condo board approval obtained in less than 2 weeks thanks to our complete technical file
The result: a fully compliant installation, zero neighbour complaints, and optimal comfort starting in early August.
Advantages of Wall-Mounted Heat Pumps in Condominiums
High Energy Efficiency
The models we recommend, such as the Fujitsu KZAH R-32 or the Gree Lomo R32, offer some of the highest SEER and HSPF ratings in their class, significantly reducing both cooling and heating costs.
Quiet and Compact
Perfect for shared environments, these units are designed to minimize noise, a key factor in condos.
Eligible for Grants
Several installations we’ve completed in condos have allowed clients to benefit from the Hydro-Québec LogisVert program, with rebates of up to $1,860.
Best Practices to Avoid Conflicts
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Communicate early with your condo board
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Choose a certified contractor like AirGreen who’s experienced in condo realities
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Respect the maintenance requirements of your unit
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Keep written records of all approvals obtained
Why Choose AirGreen for Your Condo Air Conditioning
At AirGreen, we’re known throughout Greater Montreal for our human approach, deep technical knowledge in residential HVAC, and ability to navigate the administrative complexities of condo installations. Whether you’re in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore or South Shore, we guide you through every step with precision and transparency.
Our promise:
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Installations that respect condo rules
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Units tailored to your real needs
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A smooth experience—stress-free and conflict-free