Restoring Comfort in Historic Buildings with Modern, Quiet Air Conditioning
In the Plateau-Mont-Royal area, in Montréal, a century-old six-unit building was facing significant heat issues during the summer despite several attempts to adapt over the decades. Thick load-bearing walls, high ceilings, a tiny inner courtyard, and outdated electrical configurations made modernization difficult. It was in this context that the building owner reached out to AirGreen to completely rethink the building's air conditioning system, with a clear goal: install a high-performance, discreet, and energy-efficient wall-mounted solution, without compromising the architectural integrity of the building.
Initial Diagnosis: When the Charm of an Old Building Becomes a Technical Challenge
The structure of the building, typical of the early 20th century, posed numerous challenges:
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No central air ducts, nor existing conduits
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Outdated electrical meters, not suited for multi-zone air conditioning
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Narrow balconies and limited access to the outer walls
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Tenants already in place, which required a quick and minimally intrusive intervention
Given this situation, several installers had declined the project. AirGreen, with its expertise in HVAC in Montréal, proposed a tailored approach.
AirGreen’s Solution: Inverter Heat Pumps with Low Consumption
After a thorough analysis, we recommended installing six Fujitsu KZAH R32 wall-mounted heat pumps, one per unit. This model proved to be the best option due to:
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Its compact size, perfect for tight spaces
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Its low noise level, both indoors and outdoors
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Its R-32 refrigerant, environmentally friendly
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A high seasonal efficiency (SEER over 21)
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Eligibility for Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert program, with rebates up to $1,704 per unit
Technical Details of the Installation Completed by AirGreen
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Model Installed: Fujitsu KZAH R32 | 9,000 BTU per unit
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Technology: High-performance Inverter compressor
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Refrigerant: R-32, with low global warming potential
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Installation: Discreet wall drilling, ducts painted to match the façade
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Acoustics: As low as 21 dB(A) indoors, 45 dB(A) outdoors
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Project Duration: 3 days for the entire building
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Support: Complete rebate applications handling
The Result: Cooler, Quieter, and More Valuable Apartments
In less than a week, all tenants enjoyed unprecedented thermal comfort:
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Stable temperatures, even during heatwaves
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A reduction in ambient noise thanks to the ultra-quiet units
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A significant increase in rental property value
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Optimized electricity consumption, with no overload on the system
Owner Testimonial
“I was worried it would be too complicated, but AirGreen coordinated everything perfectly. My tenants are thrilled, and I know I’ve invested in something durable.”
Why Air Conditioning in Historic Buildings Requires Specific Expertise
In this type of project, mistakes can be costly:
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A poor sizing of the units leads to premature wear
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Incorrect drilling could damage the structure or aesthetic of the building
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A noisy system reduces tenants' quality of life
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Unclaimed rebates result in lost money
That’s why we always perform a customized study, tailored to each building, each façade, and each consumption profile.
AirGreen: HVAC Experts in the Heart of Montréal’s Heritage
Over the years, we’ve modernized the air conditioning in dozens of historic buildings in Outremont, Ville-Marie, Villeray, Plateau-Mont-Royal, and Rosemont, all while respecting the unique architectural constraints of these neighborhoods.
Our commitment:
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To offer invisible yet effective solutions
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To guarantee zero noise disturbance and zero aesthetic damage
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To fully support owners through all administrative procedures
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To provide fast, flexible after-sales service, adapted to multi-unit buildings
A Trusted HVAC Partner, Summer and Winter
At AirGreen, we know that every project is unique. That’s why our approach is always:
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Customized, from the initial study
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Flexible, to accommodate the realities of the tenants
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Durable, with guaranteed devices and easily available parts
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Eco-friendly, thanks to the exclusive use of next-generation refrigerants
Bring New Life to Your Historic Buildings with Modern Air Conditioning
Historic buildings should not mean thermal discomfort. Thanks to our mastery of high-efficiency wall-mounted systems, we turn these spaces into true urban oases, without compromising on aesthetics or tranquility.
Contact AirGreen today for a free quote, a complete diagnostic, or an on-site technical visit. Your comfort – and your tenants’ – starts with a well-thought-out HVAC installation.