A precise HVAC installation project in a brick condo, designed for 4-season comfort in the heart of Montreal
Client background and objectives
In Plateau-Mont-Royal , many condos feature exposed brick walls and ceilings punctuated by recessed lighting . Here, our client wanted a four-season air conditioning and heating solution that was quiet , energy-efficient , and perfectly integrated into her living space. We recommended a Gree Clivia R32 – 12,000 BTU wall-mounted heat pump , a suitable choice for a small to medium-sized open-plan space, typical of apartments in the area.
Why the Gree Clivia R32 for the Plateau?
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R-32 refrigerant : more efficient and with lower global warming potential than R-410A.
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Adapted capacity (9k to 24k BTU) : precise sizing according to the volume and envelope of the building, essential for brick plexes and condos in Plateau , Rosemont or Villeray .
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Low temperature heating : maintains comfort in the off-season and in light winter; in the event of intense Montreal cold, the machine continues to provide effective support.
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Quiet operation : ideal for home workspaces, bedrooms and open living rooms.
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Frequent eligibility for efficiency programs (depending on configuration and files) in Greater Montreal ( Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, South Shore ).
Key steps for a careful HVAC installation in an urban environment
1) Technical visit and sizing
At AirGreen , we start by taking measurements : room volume, ceiling height, insulation, facade orientation, air infiltration around historic windows and ambient noise . This condo has an exposed brick wall (high inertia) and a gypsum party wall; we validated a 12,000 BTU for a main living area with open air circulation to the hallway.
Points checked:
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Wall head location for longitudinal diffusion along the wall, without direct blowing towards the workstation.
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Gravity path of condensate (priority) to avoid an additional pump.
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Compressor distance ↔ internal head targeted ≤ 3 m to limit pressure losses and facilitate vacuuming .
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Proximity and electrical capacity (dedicated circuit breaker), in accordance with the Code and manufacturer's requirements.
2) Positioning of the inner head
We fixed the head at the top of the wall , ~20 cm from the ceiling , to allow optimal suction and efficient air sweeping, while respecting the required clearances . The presence of recessed spotlights required us to take precise level and use a laser tracer to avoid any drilling into the ceiling structure.
Details visible in the photo:
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Modern white wall head with adjustable shutter .
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Adjacent exposed brick wall, typical of buildings on the Plateau .
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Standard working height (2.2–2.5 m) ensuring easy maintenance (filters).
3) Drilling and crossing the wall
The choice of a back-to-back drilling allowed the refrigeration lines and the condensate pipe to be taken directly outside, as short as possible . We use a diamond drill bit with suction for a clean drilling in the masonry, then an insulated sleeve . The condensate slopes are tested with water to check the gravity flow.
AirGreen Best Practices:
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Vapor barrier and perimeter sealing to prevent air and moisture infiltration.
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Butyl tape and polyurethane sealant for exterior sealing.
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White UV capping (or color of your choice) to protect the lines.
4) Installation of the outdoor unit
In the alleys and interior courtyards of Plateau-Mont-Royal , we favor:
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Robust wall brackets on masonry, anti-vibration silent blocks .
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Minimum height ≥ 30 cm from the ground for snow, and rear clearance respected.
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Orientation taking into account air discharge so as not to disturb neighbors, and municipal codes .
When the facade is very visible, we offer aesthetic solutions : brick-colored capping, shortened pipes, and discreet routing .
5) Refrigeration connection and vacuum drawing
We form large radius bends to preserve the insulation of R-32 lines. The flared fittings are made with a torque meter , then tested with nitrogen and soapy water . We carry out a high vacuum (≤ 500 microns) , stabilization , and commissioning with control of the supply/return temperatures and superheating/subcooling according to the Gree technical data sheet.
6) Start-up, adjustments and customer education
The Gree Clivia R32 offers auto, cooling, heating, dehumidification and night mode . We set:
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Comfort setting summer: 23–24°C, winter: 21–22°C .
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Orientation of the shutters to sweep the length of the room, without direct air current.
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HVAC programming and maintenance: filter cleaning every 4 to 6 weeks during periods of intensive use, annual maintenance recommended by our teams.
Result: comfort, silence and aesthetics
The result is minimalist : the head blends into the light wall, the brick retains its character . The noise level measured at 1 m in low mode allows for a video conference without disturbance. The blowing covers the main living area, and the electricity consumption remains contained thanks to the inverter technology and R-32 .
Salient technical details of this installation
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Type : Gree Clivia R32 single-zone wall-mounted heat pump – 12,000 BTU .
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Configuration : back-to-back , estimated lines ≈ 2.5–3 m , gravity condensate .
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Exterior finish : white UV capping ; brackets + silentblocs .
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Electrical : dedicated circuit, compliant circuit breaker, standardized interconnection wiring.
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Tests : nitrogen tightness , deep vacuum , performance verification .
Grants & eligibility (according to files)
High-efficiency R-32 wall-mounted heat pumps are often eligible for government or municipal assistance, depending on criteria (efficiency, maintenance temperature, residence, energy audit). We support our clients in Montreal, Laval and Longueuil until the file is put together , and we guide households on the North Shore and South Shore with regard to specific requirements.
HVAC Maintenance: Our Tips for Longevity
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Filters : monthly rinsing in summer, gentle brushing; complete drying before replacing.
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Internal battery : periodic professional cleaning to maintain thermal exchange.
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Outdoor unit : clear leaves and snow, free space for air discharge.
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Annual inspection : check of pressure switches , temperatures , integrity of insulation and fixings .
Regular HVAC maintenance protects the warranty , maintains efficiency and prevents overconsumption .
What this installation teaches for brick buildings in Greater Montreal
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Strategic placement : aim for longitudinal blowing to homogenize the temperature without drafts.
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Gravity first : condensate by natural slope when possible, guarantee of reliability and silence .
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Short distances : compact refrigeration lines = fewer losses and more stable commissioning .
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Respect for aesthetics : discreet capping and carefully aligned brackets , particularly in areas with high heritage value ( Plateau, Outremont, Ville-Marie ).
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Winter forecast : protect the outdoor unit and plan snow clearance (snow guard if necessary).
AirGreen: Your Local HVAC Partner
We install, maintain, and optimize wall-mounted heat pumps throughout Greater Montreal : Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, South Shore . Our method —thermal study, thoughtful installation, clean finishing, meticulous commissioning—ensures lasting comfort and controlled savings , without compromising on aesthetics.
Need a free estimate? Our team offers you precise sizing , clear deadlines , and A-to-Z grant assistance.
Quick Fair (useful)
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Typical area for 12,000 BTU : 400–600 sq ft depending on insulation and sunlight.
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Noise level : very low at minimum speed (ideal for teleworking).
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Winter : efficient heating in the off-season; plan for additional strategy in extreme cold depending on the building.
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Maintenance : annual recommended; regular filters by the occupant.
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Availability : rapid interventions in Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , and planned tours on the North Shore and South Shore .
Conclusion
This Gree Clivia R32 wall-mounted heat pump installation in Plateau-Mont-Royal demonstrates the balance between performance , discretion and architectural integration in a brick condo. By focusing on proper sizing, a gravity path , and rigorous commissioning , AirGreen delivers 4-season comfort ready for the climatic realities of Greater Montreal .