Installation of a GREE FreeMatch R32 MultiZone heat pump in Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie

Four-season comfort for a brick duplex: two wall-mounted heads connected to a GREE R-32 condenser, neat black capping and optimized snow clearance

Building context and client objective

In a typical Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie duplex , with a red brick side façade and a rendered base, the owners wanted to air condition two separate living spaces upstairs and improve the mid-season supplemental heating—without invading the courtyard or increasing the number of openings. We recommend a GREE FreeMatch R32 MultiZone heat pump (2 zones), suitable for Montreal plexes: a single compact condenser powers two interior wall-mounted heads , each managing the temperature in its zone.

Why the GREE FreeMatch R32 solution here

• 2-zone modularity : independent control of two closed rooms (bedrooms/living room-office) with a single outdoor unit.

• R-32 refrigerant : better mass efficiency, reduced charge and lower GWP than R-410A.

• Extreme cold operating range specific to recent GREE series, relevant for Greater Montreal .

• Quiet : inverter compressor and external fan with progressive rotation.

• Grant compatibility : depending on configuration/efficiency ratings, this heat pump may be eligible; we will assist with the application.

Implementation: constraints and installation principles

The construction site is taking place in a narrow side alley (cobblestones), with frequent passage for rear access. The refrigeration lines must remain flush with the wall to avoid any snagging and maintain the usable width.

Constraints identified:

1. Solid brick with hard joints → rigorous drilling, sleeve and vapor barrier for waterproofing.

2. Snow and frost in winter → clear the outdoor unit from the ground to keep it free from accumulations.

3. Occupant circulation and future maintenance → limit returns, take care of curvature radii, keep a clear path.

4. Aesthetics on the side facade → harmonize the color of the accessories.

Engineering decisions

• Galvanized wall brackets with anti-vibration pads; clearance of approximately 40–50 cm from the finished level for snow and defrost drainage.

• UV black capping : a low horizontal line follows the base, then two vertical risers serve the rooms upstairs. This choice reduces the drilling surface and makes the visual reading clearer.

• Optimized line lengths :

  • Low horizontal: ~7–9 m cumulative;

  • Vertical climbs: ~2.5–3 m each.
    These values ​​remain within the load limits recommended by GREE, limiting load and oil losses.

• Condensate : gravity drainage from the heads to the outside (continuous slope), integrated into the capping. Under the condenser, a white defrost drain is directed to a non-traffic area to prevent ice in winter.

• Electrical : Dedicated circuit from the panel; external circuit breaker near the condenser (out of field), waterproof sheath and cable glands.

• Brick protection : suitable dowels, anti-marking nylon washers, sealing of holes with polyurethane mastic .

Installation process

1. Protection of paving stones and walls; laser marking of axes.

2. Installing brackets with a level; checking center distances for future maintenance.

3. Targeted drilling (calibrated diameter for lines and condensates), installation of sleeves .

4. Preparation of insulated copper connections : progressive bending, calibrator expansion; brazing under nitrogen when required.

5. Black capping routing : fixings with regular center distances, UV collars; gentle radii in changes of direction to preserve the load.

6. Deep vacuum (≤ 500 microns), leak test , stabilization; opening of valves and control of pressures/parameters.

7. Commissioning : measurement of supply/return temperatures at each head, verification of compressor intensity and modulation.

8. Finishing touches : re-plastering at the hole(s), siliconizing the ends, aligning the covers.

9. Customer training : instructions by zone, energy optimization, HVAC maintenance routine.

Expected result for occupants

• Fast and even cooling in each zone; reduced humidity during summer peaks.

• Effective supplementary heating in spring and autumn, limiting the need for main heating.

• Low aisle-side noise thanks to anti-vibration pads and progressive modulation.

• Clean facade : the black capping visually blends into the brick joints and provides lasting protection for the connections.

Sizing and selection of heads

Selection method

We size each head according to the load calculation (surface area, orientation, glazing, infiltration, occupancy). In this duplex, the configuration guides towards 9,000 to 12,000 BTU per zone. The FreeMatch R32 platform accepts several types of indoor units (wall-mounted/cassette/console); here, wall-mounted units are preferred for their quick installation and simple maintenance.

MultiZone special features to remember

• Capacity distribution : the condenser modulates according to cumulative demands; a reserve is kept to avoid performance drop when only one head is operating.

• Balanced lengths : keeping comparable lengths per branch limits overheating imbalances.

• Maintenance : An annual plan maintains optimal heat exchange and ensures the longevity of the expanders.

AirGreen Best Practices on Brick Facades in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore and South Shore

Installation and structure

• Brick/masonry compatible anchoring , suitable drill bits, dust blowing before sealing.

• Spacers on brackets to avoid direct metal-coating contact and resonances.

• Gutter and outlet management : respect clearances, keep the unit away from drains/shovel blows.

Winter and defrosting

• Provide free drainage from the defrosting tray to avoid ice on the ground; if necessary, we add a drain extension.

• Snow guard recommended if exposed to sloping roofs.

HVAC Maintenance

• Internal filters : vacuum every 4 to 6 weeks during heavy use; gentle wash if there is build-up.

• Batteries : periodic professional cleaning (evap/condenser), checking of fins and exchange surfaces .

• Checks : electrical tightening, probes, condensate tray, fan test.
  Regular HVAC maintenance maintains seasonal performance and protects warranties.

Grants and Compliance

• Recent high-efficiency heat pumps operating with R-32 are generally eligible for several programs in Quebec under certain conditions (efficiency ratings, type of housing, replacement of an existing system, etc.). Our team gathers the documents (technical data sheets, serial numbers, before/after photos) and guides the application.

• Compliance : Wiring according to the Canadian Electrical Code, brazing/vacuum drawing according to good practices, refrigerant managed by certified technicians .

What distinguishes this Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie installation

• Two zones served by a single GREE FreeMatch R32 condenser: less external space requirement.

• Black UV capping and veneered path : safe passages, controlled aesthetics on red brick.

• Elevation on brackets : performance preserved in winter and easy maintenance.

• Optimized lengths : increased efficiency, reduced losses, better modulation.

Usage tips to maximize efficiency

• Summer setpoint: 23–24°C, Auto fan ; close the room door for fine control.

• Additional heating : 21–22°C continuous rather than on/off; take advantage of inverter modulation.

• Orientation of the shutters : direct the flow towards the central volume, not directly onto the workstations.

• Cleaning : Keep the condenser area clear (leaves, snow), especially during defrosting.

Technical summary report

• Type : MultiZone 2-head heat pump .

• Brand : GREE .

• Range : FreeMatch R32 (recent residential series, R-32).

• External mounting : wall brackets with pads, horizontal black capping + 2 vertical risers, directed defrost drain .

• Context : duplex in Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie, narrow side driveway.

• Objective : independent comfort by zone, seasonal efficiency and discreet integration.

And for your project?

Whether you are in Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , on the North Shore or the South Shore , we evaluate the feasibility of MultiZone (or single wall ) according to the volumes, the envelope and the uses. At AirGreen, we take care of the sizing , the HVAC installation , the subsidies and the maintenance to guarantee lasting comfort and a controlled energy bill.