Client context and objectives
At AirGreen , we are currently working on a brick residential building in the heart of Saint-Léonard . The owner wanted a compact HVAC solution to air condition the main space in the summer and provide efficient heating support in the off-season, without cluttering the land or disrupting the aesthetics of the side facade overlooking the pedestrian walkway. Our recommendation: a Gree wall-mounted heat pump – Livo R32 range , in a single-zone 12,000 BTU configuration (ideal range for an open living area of 35 to 55 m² depending on the insulation).
Why the Gree Livo R32 range for this project?
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R-32 refrigerant with low GWP compared to R-410A, therefore a better environmental profile and optimized thermal performance.
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Compactness of the outdoor condenser and low noise level , ideal for narrow side aisles typical of Montreal plexes .
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Very good seasonal efficiency in air conditioning and light heating; compatible with the usual requirements of provincial programs when the efficiency criteria are met.
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Reliable electronics, locally available parts, and easy maintenance—a plus for simple preventative HVAC maintenance .
Our HVAC installation approach on this site
Site analysis and preparation
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Brick facade on semi-buried basement: we aim for a layout that respects standard clearances (air discharges, obstacles, openings, ground).
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Presence of a landscaped driveway with white stone borders: our team plans a protected intervention zone to avoid any deterioration.
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Two basement windows and a service exit: the unit's mounting must maintain access and limit acoustic transfers inside.
Fixing on wall brackets and vibration management
We install the condenser on professional-grade galvanized brackets , sized for dynamic loads and treated with anti-corrosion treatment. Anti-vibration pads mechanically isolate the unit from the masonry to limit any sound transmission to the building—a crucial consideration in terraced or semi-detached houses in Montreal and the North Shore / South Shore .
Height and snow removal
The condenser is deliberately raised above the foundation sole, providing:
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ground clearance to prevent the accumulation of snow and ice;
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better drainage of defrost condensates ;
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free air circulation around the exchanger.
This height also prevents debris from being thrown up during heavy rains or spring thaws.
Crossing and refrigerated journey
In this single-zone configuration, the refrigerant connection (insulated copper + communication cable) exits at the rear of the condenser , which reduces the visual impact and limits the effective length to ± 3–5 m between the indoor unit and the condenser. A clean hole, with the correct diameter, is made with a vapor barrier sleeve to ensure the casing is watertight. The aesthetics are neat thanks to a short and perfectly aligned route .
Power supply and safety
An external disconnect box is installed in the immediate vicinity of the condenser, in accordance with the Code. The dedicated circuit joins the main panel via a conduit properly fixed to the masonry. We systematically validate:
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circuit breaker calibration ,
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grounding ,
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polarity and voltage under load,
to ensure smooth commissioning.
Condensate management
In air conditioning , the gravity slope of the indoor unit drain is sufficient; no condensate pump is required here, which reduces noise and maintenance. In heating mode , defrost condensate drains under the condenser, away from traffic. If necessary, we offer controlled drip solutions for paved surfaces.
Vacuuming, charging and testing
Our technicians carry out:
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Deep vacuum (≤ 500 microns) with stability test;
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Progressive opening of the valves, leak testing and reading of operating parameters (pressure, intensity, supply/return temperature);
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Checking airflow and quiet mode ;
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Fine configuration of the remote control and explanation of the modes to the customer (Eco, Night, Auto defrost, Anti-cold air draft).
Result: discreet comfort and tangible efficiency
Perceived performance
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Responsive and consistent air conditioning in the main area, with a gentle indoor blower and very low outdoor noise levels – appreciable in a residential area.
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Stable mid-season heating down to moderate negative temperatures; the system relieves the load on existing electric radiators and reduces bills during mid-seasons.
Aesthetic integration
The side-mounted installation, bracket mounting , and flush wiring maintain a clean facade. From the driveway, the unit remains discreet and does not encroach on the passageway, a point often overlooked during an HVAC installation in an urban area.
Noise and neighborhood
Thanks to the anti-vibration pads and the Quiet mode setting, the noise environment remains very low. This is a key criterion for closely spaced houses in Saint-Léonard , Anjou or Montréal-Nord , where the distance between neighbors is limited.
Best practices and usage tips
For the heat pump in the Montreal climate
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Maintain a clear area of 30–60 cm around the condenser (vegetation, snow).
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In winter, do not obstruct the base: defrosting requires free flow.
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Clean the indoor unit filter every 4–6 weeks during peak season.
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Schedule annual HVAC maintenance : check connections, drain, electrical tightening, load operation, and clean the coil.
Energy savings
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Use the moderate setting (23–24°C in summer; 20–21°C in the off-season).
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Activate Eco mode and time programming to reduce unnecessary cycles.
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Combine the heat pump with simple practices (solar shading in the afternoon, sealing of openings) for increased overall efficiency.
Notable technical points of this project
Observed implantation details
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Outdoor unit anchored to the wall on the plastered foundation area, above the basement windows; working height optimized for maintenance.
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Short refrigeration length , direct crossing, which improves efficiency and reduces pressure losses .
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Disconnect box within easy reach of technicians; clean and aligned electrical routing.
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Narrow but clear side aisle, allowing free ventilation of the condenser and easy access to the service.
Challenges and solutions
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Proximity of openings (basement windows): we strictly respect vertical and horizontal clearances, with the air discharge oriented away from the bays.
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Landscape protection : tarpaulins and temporary guardrails along the mineral massif to prevent any projections.
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Winter management : increased height + clear orientation = less risk of persistent frost .
Grant Eligibility and Compliance
The new generation of R-32 wall-mounted heat pumps offer efficiencies that, depending on the exact configuration (BTU, climate-controlled version, SEER/HSPF coefficients), can meet the financial assistance criteria in effect in several programs in Quebec. We systematically verify:
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the efficiency levels of the indoor unit + condenser assembly ( AHRI certificates),
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the low temperature operating range (down to −25°C/−30°C for some variants),
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documentary requirements (detailed invoice, installation photos, proof of electrical compliance).
Our team supports the client step by step to maximize eligibility when the chosen model meets the scales.
Quick comparison: wall-mounted heat pump vs. alternative solutions
Compared to a wall-mounted air conditioner alone
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The heat pump offers reversible heating , therefore a higher return on investment in Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , and on the North Shore / South Shore , where the mid-seasons are long.
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Reduced annual consumption thanks to COP > 1 in light heating, where electric baseboards would be at 1:1.
Compared to a central heat pump
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Less investment and work (no conduits).
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Ideal for light renovations when you want to minimize drilling and preserve the existing interior.
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Modularity: possibility of evolving towards a MultiZone if other rooms need to be covered later.
AirGreen Maintenance and Warranty
We offer an annual HVAC maintenance plan :
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gentle washing of the exchangers,
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control of operating parameters ,
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checking the fixings, the anti-vibration pads , the drain , and the electrical disconnection ,
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updated usage advice based on site history.
The manufacturer's warranty applies according to the Livo R32 range model, and our installation warranties cover labor under AirGreen terms. Our goal: lasting reliability and peace of mind in all seasons.
Conclusion: a clean , optimized and scalable installation
This HVAC installation in Saint-Léonard demonstrates the balance sought by many homeowners: four-season comfort , discreet integration , controlled consumption, and simplified maintenance . The Gree wall-mounted heat pump (Livo R32 range) perfectly meets the needs for air conditioning in the summer and efficient backup in the spring and fall, while integrating without compromise into the brick architecture so characteristic of the Montreal sector.
Are you planning a similar project in Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , on the North Shore or the South Shore ? Our AirGreen team will assist you from sizing to grants , with careful installation and concrete advice to get the most out of your heat pump on a daily basis.