A DoubleZone heat pump installed under an outdoor structure, with a compact integration on a brick wall
In Îles-Laval, AirGreen carried out the installation of a GREE FREE MATCH R32 DoubleZone heat pump, a 2 zones – 2 heads solution designed to offer precise comfort in two distinct spaces of a residence, while limiting outdoor clutter. This project clearly illustrates a common reality in residential installations in the Laval area: it is not enough to choose a good machine, it must also be installed in the right place, with the right clearances, the right supports, and a finish adapted to the building.
In the site photo, we see a GREE outdoor unit installed high on a red brick wall, under an existing metal structure. The available space was limited, with a nearby window, an outdoor light fixture under the unit, a circulation area at the bottom of the wall, and a height constraint imposed by the upper structure. This type of environment requires precise execution, as every centimeter counts to ensure performance, safety, future maintenance access, and the final appearance.
The decision to opt for a GREE FREE MATCH R32 DoubleZone heat pump was particularly wise. Instead of installing two separate outdoor units to air condition and heat two different zones, the client benefits from a single outdoor unit capable of powering two indoor heads. This approach is ideal for houses, condos, or apartments where you want to improve comfort in two rooms without multiplying equipment on the facade.
Why choose a DoubleZone heat pump in Îles-Laval?
A DoubleZone installation meets a very specific need: better control of the temperature in multiple areas of the house. In many residences in the Îles-Laval, a single wall unit does not always adequately cover all the rooms. Houses can have warmer zones in summer, colder rooms in winter, bedrooms separated from the main area, or floors that do not respond the same way to temperature changes.
With a 2-zone heat pump – 2 heads, each space can be controlled independently. This means a living room can be kept at a comfortable temperature during the day, while a bedroom, office, or another zone can be adjusted according to its actual use. For the client, the result is more flexible, more comfortable, and often more efficient than a system that tries to treat the whole house from a single air outlet.
The GREE FREE MATCH R32 series is designed for this type of multi-zone project. It allows combining one outdoor unit with several compatible indoor units, depending on the chosen configuration. In this specific case, the installation was done in DoubleZone version, meaning two indoor heads connected to a single outdoor unit. The refrigerant R32, visible on the device label, is part of the new generation of refrigerants used in modern HVAC systems.
A compact wall installation, but technically demanding
One of the most interesting aspects of this installation is the location of the outdoor unit. It was installed under an exterior structure, directly on a brick wall, with metal wall mounts. This choice frees up floor space, protects the device from certain snow accumulations, and keeps a cleaner integration around the residence.
However, a wall installation under a structure requires special attention. Our team had to check several elements before finalizing the installation:
- strength of the brick wall to receive the anchors;
- exact positioning of the wall mounts;
- necessary clearance around the outdoor unit;
- future access for HVAC maintenance;
- vibration management;
- passage of refrigerant lines and cables;
- protection of visible components;
- integration with the windows, the lighting fixture, and the structure above.
An outdoor unit should never be simply “hung” on the wall without thought. It produces vibrations, expels air, must remain accessible, and requires sufficient clearance to function properly. In this project, the supports were installed to keep the unit stable, straight, and well clear of the wall. The support points were chosen to provide a durable fixing in the brick, while respecting the position of the joints and the facade configuration.
A brick facade that demands a clean finish
The red brick wall visible in the photo already gave a very defined character to the facade. In such a context, the finish becomes essential. A poorly aligned installation, disorderly visible ducts, or poorly fixed cables can harm the building's appearance, even if the machine works well.
At AirGreen, we place great importance on the final presentation. In this installation in the Îles-Laval, the outdoor unit is positioned compactly, above the outdoor light fixture, between existing openings and under the metal structure. The whole remains consistent with the facade and does not visually overload the space.
The black cable visible on the right side runs neatly down the wall, with regular fasteners. This type of detail is important: a poorly secured cable or line can deteriorate over time, move with the wind, or create an impression of incomplete work. Here, the goal was to deliver a clean, reliable, and easy-to-inspect installation.
The GREE FREE MATCH R32: an efficient multi-zone solution for Laval and the greater Montreal area
The GREE FREE MATCH R32 is particularly well suited for projects where multiple rooms are to be served with a single outdoor unit. For customers in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore, this solution offers a good balance between comfort, flexibility, and outdoor discretion.
In a DoubleZone configuration, the exact BTU capacity depends on the chosen combination between the outdoor unit and the two indoor heads. This is a crucial point: a multi-zone system is not sized solely based on a global figure. You need to analyze the load of each room, the distance between units, the line routing, sun exposure, ceiling height, insulation, and the actual use of the spaces.
An improperly sized system can cause several problems: a room that does not reach the desired temperature, cycles that are too short, insufficient dehumidification in summer, or unnecessarily high consumption. Our role is to select a configuration that fits the building, not just to choose a machine based on a quick estimate.
Comfort by zones: a tangible daily advantage
In this project, the choice of a DoubleZone heat pump allows the client to enjoy better-distributed comfort. Two indoor units mean two control zones. This can transform the daily experience in a residence where rooms do not behave the same way.
For example, a living area exposed to the sun may require more air conditioning in the afternoon, while a bedroom may need a more stable temperature in the evening. In winter, a room farther away or less well served by the existing system may benefit from additional heating. The heat pump then becomes a versatile solution, used both for summer cooling and heating during much of the cold season.
The inverter technology, indicated on the outdoor unit, also allows the compressor to modulate its operation rather than simply stopping and restarting at full power. This modulation helps maintain a more consistent temperature, reduce comfort fluctuations, and improve efficiency when demand is not at its maximum.
Installation details that distinguish a professional HVAC project
The right location for the outdoor unit
The choice of location is one of the most important steps in a HVAC installation. In this project in the Îles-Laval, the space under the outdoor structure offered an interesting but demanding solution. The unit had to be installed high enough to clear the ground space, without being too close to the upper structure. It also had to maintain reasonable access for maintenance and stay away from elements that could impair its operation.
Poor placement can cause problems with noise, air circulation, snow accumulation, water drainage, or technical access. Our team therefore analyzed the immediate environment before fixing the supports: window positions, light fixture location, metal structure above, existing brick, duct routes, and possibility of future intervention.
Vibration management and device stability
An outdoor wall-mounted heat pump must be securely fixed, especially when installed on a brick facade. The visible supports under the unit were chosen to ensure good stability and keep the device level. A stable installation helps reduce vibrations transmitted to the wall, protect refrigerant connections, and preserve the acoustic comfort of the occupants.
In residential areas like Laval, Longueuil, or certain neighborhoods of Montreal, the proximity between houses can make outdoor noise particularly significant. Even when the device is designed to operate quietly, poor mounting can amplify vibrations. That is why our team pays special attention to supports, alignment, and anchor points.
Routing of lines and protection of connections
A multi-zone installation involves several connections: refrigerant lines, communication cable, power supply, and drainage depending on the interior configuration. In a DoubleZone project, route planning is even more important because two indoor units must be connected to the same outdoor unit.
Passages must be designed to limit unnecessary lengths, protect the lines, avoid mechanical stress, and maintain a clean finish. Connections must also remain accessible for future inspections. In this project, the outdoor integration was done compactly to preserve the building's aesthetics and comply with the physical constraints imposed by the structure.
Commissioning and final checks
Once the physical installation is complete, commissioning is a decisive step. It allows verifying that the system works correctly, that both zones respond properly to controls, that connections are compliant, and that operating parameters are consistent with the installed configuration.
During an AirGreen installation, we place importance on the following checks:
- validating operation in cooling and heating modes;
- inspecting the connections;
- checking the stability of the outdoor unit;
- testing both indoor heads;
- observing the compressor's behavior;
- explaining the operation to the client;
- usage and HVAC maintenance tips.
These steps allow the client to start using their system with confidence as soon as the work is completed.
Subsidies and eligibility: what you need to remember
Clients installing a heat pump in the greater Montreal area are often interested in available subsidies. For a system like the GREE FREE MATCH R32, eligibility must always be validated according to the exact combination installed: outdoor unit, indoor heads, capacity, certification, AHRI number, and program rules in effect at the time of installation.
At AirGreen, we help our clients better understand these elements during the quote process. A clear invoice, precise machine identification, and well-documented configuration can facilitate the client's procedures after installation. Since programs can change, we always recommend validating final eligibility according to the criteria applicable at the time of the project.
Mistakes to avoid with a DoubleZone heat pump
A 2 zones – 2 heads project must be carefully prepared. Several mistakes can compromise the system's performance or durability.
The first mistake is choosing a heat pump solely based on price. A cheaper system, but poorly suited to the rooms to be treated, can end up costing more in the long run due to discomfort, consumption, and future corrections.
The second mistake is neglecting the placement of the indoor heads. A head placed too close to an obstacle, in a poorly oriented corridor, or facing a sensitive area can create discomfort, even if the capacity seems adequate.
The third mistake is underestimating the importance of the outdoor unit. In this project, the installation under a structure required serious consideration of clearances, sturdiness, and access. These are details that directly affect performance.
The fourth mistake is not thinking about maintenance. A heat pump must be cleaned, inspected, and maintained. A device that is hard to access or poorly positioned complicates interventions and can lead to additional costs.
An AirGreen installation designed to last
This project in the Îles-Laval demonstrates the importance of a comprehensive approach. The GREE FREE MATCH R32 is an interesting machine for multi-zone projects, but its value strongly depends on the quality of the installation. Here, our team had to deal with a brick facade, limited space, a structure above the unit, nearby windows, and a requirement for a clean finish.
The result is a compact, sturdy installation tailored to the building. The client now benefits from a DoubleZone heat pump capable of managing two spaces independently, with a single outdoor unit well integrated into the facade. For AirGreen, this type of project perfectly represents our approach: taking the time to understand the building, choosing a suitable solution, performing a clean installation, and delivering a reliable system.
Whether in the Îles-Laval, Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore or the South Shore, we know that every home has its own constraints. That’s why we never treat an installation as just a simple equipment setup. We consider it a complete project of comfort, efficiency, and technical integration.