A One-of-a-Kind HVAC Installation by AirGreen in the Heart of Downtown Montréal
At AirGreen, we frequently take on technical challenges that require advanced HVAC installation expertise. But some projects push the limits of what’s possible. One such case was a job in Montréal, where we had to install a Bosch BOVA 60,000 BTU central heat pump on a steep 45-degree sloped roof, in the middle of winter, with major safety and logistical constraints.
This one-of-a-kind project allowed us to demonstrate not only our technical know-how but also our ability to adapt to non-standard working conditions, while maintaining high standards for energy performance and safety.
Project Background: A High-Volume Commercial Building
Our client was the manager of a three-story commercial building located in the heart of the Plateau-Mont-Royal in Montréal. They wanted to replace an old gas system with a more eco-friendly solution, eligible for the Hydro-Québec LogisVert grant.
Constraints identified during the site evaluation:
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Limited roof access (no exterior staircase or internal hatch)
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A 45-degree pitched roof covered in slippery slate shingles
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Need for a high-performance HVAC system for 4,200 sq. ft. of space
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Urgency to complete installation before the fiscal year-end
Preparatory Steps: Safety and Logistics for a Rooftop Installation
Even before beginning the Bosch central heat pump installation, we developed a rigorous work plan:
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Consulted a structural engineer to verify the roof’s load capacity
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Designed a custom galvanized steel mount anchored to the roof joists
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Developed a CNESST-compliant safety plan: harnesses, lifelines, certified anchor points
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Scheduled a 90-foot crane to lift the equipment to the rooftop
The Real-World Installation: Cold, Wind, and an Extreme Slope
On the day of the job, temperatures hovered around -18 °C with gusts up to 30 km/h. One wrong move on the sloped surface could have been dangerous.
Here’s what we did:
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Safely lifted the Bosch BOVA 5-ton central heat pump using an industrial crane
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Precisely positioned it on the galvanized mount with anti-vibration pads
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Connected it to pre-installed ductwork on the lower floor
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Performed pressure testing, vacuuming, and full commissioning in under 48 hours
Technical Challenges Encountered
Despite our careful planning, several issues had to be addressed on-site:
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Excess condensation due to direct wind exposure ➝ solution: added a directional anti-freeze wind baffle
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Airflow balancing problems in parts of the building ➝ adjusted dampers and manually balanced airflow
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Frequent defrosting caused by ambient temperature ➝ reprogrammed the Bosch control board’s defrost cycle
Results Achieved: Optimal Efficiency and Performance
Just weeks after commissioning, the client reported:
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A 38% reduction in monthly energy consumption compared to the old gas system
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Improved comfort in previously underserved areas (northeast corner, conference room)
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Zero breakdowns or service interruptions, even during a -27 °C cold snap
Why You Can Trust AirGreen for Complex HVAC Installation Projects
This jobsite proves that every HVAC installation is unique, and that choosing the right partner makes all the difference. At AirGreen, we deliver:
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Thorough technical analysis before every project
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Flawless logistical execution, even in high-difficulty environments
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Expertise with Bosch, Lennox, Fujitsu, Gree, and more
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The ability to handle emergencies and non-standard jobs without compromising on quality
Whether it’s a single-family home, a high-rise condo, or a commercial building with difficult access, we have the team, the experience, and the tools to meet and exceed your expectations.