A perfectly integrated interior head above a door, for four-season comfort without encroaching on space
In a typical Plateau-Mont-Royal apartment, we are installing a Gree wall-mounted heat pump (model from the wall-mounted range ), positioned high in the ceiling , just above a door frame . This choice of installation addresses three common challenges in Montreal homes: optimizing a limited space , preserving the aesthetics of an interior with period moldings , and providing discreet but efficient HVAC comfort , summer and winter.
Client background and objectives
The owner wanted:
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reliable heating in very cold weather and rapid air conditioning during heat waves;
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minimalist visual integration , without blocking a section of wall;
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a quiet HVAC installation that respects the traffic constraints in a narrow corridor.
After inspection, we selected a Gree compact wall-mounted head , compatible with low-temperature performance (down to approx. -25°C depending on the range), combined with a low-noise external compressor. This family of devices, popular in Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , on the North Shore and South Shore , stands out for its reliability , energy efficiency and the availability of parts .
Choice of location: high and centered, above a door
Placing the wall head just below the ceiling and above a door has several advantages:
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Optimal diffusion : the longitudinal blowing runs along the ceiling, then falls gently into the clearance, supplying the adjacent rooms.
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Zero wasted space : the device does not encroach on furniture or a passageway.
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Aesthetics : the line remains aligned with the moldings, limiting the visual impact.
Technical points covered by our teams:
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Upper ventilation clearance : we respect the minimum ceiling clearance required by the manufacturer to avoid air recirculation.
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Door opening : check the opening angle to eliminate any risk of contact with the hood or shutter.
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Level and rigidity : installation on mounting plate with anchors adapted to the support (gypsum/wood or masonry), to eliminate any parasitic vibration.
Management of refrigerant connections and drain: clean, discreet, durable
In older buildings, a technical chimney is not always available. We favor:
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minimal drilling in the load-bearing partition;
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a discreet interior cowling to guide connections to the shortest exit;
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a gravity drain when the natural slope allows it. Otherwise, we install a silent condensate pump , with a water trap and non-return valve to prevent odors from rising.
To preserve acoustics:
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silent blocks if necessary on the pipe path;
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collars spaced evenly to eliminate any buzzing.
Power supplies and communications
We draw a dedicated power supply from the panel (circuit breaker compliant with the system rating), on certified cable and protected routing. The communication cable between the indoor unit and the compressor is shielded according to the requirements, in order to limit electromagnetic interference and guarantee stable dialogue between electronic boards.
Commissioning: AirGreen method
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Calibrated flares (flare gauge) and controlled tightening torque .
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Vacuum drawing down to the micron threshold, leak test and vacuum maintenance.
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Readmission of factory refrigerant , adjustment as needed according to line length.
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Controls : overheating/subcooling, current, temperature differences in cooling/heating mode, drain check under load.
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Settings : adjustment of shutters , night mode , eco settings and dehumidifier .
Result: immediate comfort, preserved aesthetics
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Blowing directed towards the corridor, which then redistributes towards the living room and bedrooms.
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Low noise : the inner head remains almost inaudible at low speed.
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Aesthetics : pale color and smooth hood that blend into the architecture.
Best Practices for a Head Over a Door
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Clearances : maintain minimum distances around the device (top, sides, front).
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Airflow : avoid immediate obstacles (ceiling drop, shelf).
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HVAC Maintenance :
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filters washed every 2–3 months during intensive periods;
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exchanger and turbine cleaned annually ;
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drain control (priming, absence of biofilm) at each visit.
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Remote control : activate the frost protection and night mode functions to reduce consumption without sacrificing comfort.
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Montreal winter : program a gradual ramp-up to protect the compressor during restarts in very cold weather.
Subsidies and efficiency
Depending on the range chosen and the energy efficiency criteria (SEER/HSPF), this type of wall-mounted heat pump may be eligible for assistance programs . We confirm eligibility upstream (model, AHRI , low temperature performance) and support the customer in the administrative process .
What makes the AirGreen difference
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Precise diagnosis of architectural constraints (doors, moldings, false ceilings).
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Clean finishes : careful hooding, watertight crossings , condensate management without risk of overflow.
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Controlled acoustics : choice of fixings, fan balancing, shutter adjustments.
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After-sales service : reminder for annual maintenance , availability of parts and qualified technicians covering Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , the North Shore and the South Shore .
Daily usage tips
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Maintain a stable setpoint (e.g. 22–23°C) rather than frequent variations.
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In summer, use the dehumidification mode for noticeable comfort with reduced consumption .
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In winter, leave the shutters slightly upwards: the warm air will circulate along the ceiling before falling back down, making the room more uniform.
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Schedule a filter reminder on the remote control or our customer portal.
In summary
Installing a wall-mounted heat pump high above a door is a winning strategy in the narrow apartments of Plateau-Mont-Royal : comfort is immediate , integration is discreet , and energy performance is guaranteed. With AirGreen, every detail—from anchors to vacuum draft , from drain to acoustics —is treated with a rigor that guarantees the sustainability of the investment.
Need a careful HVAC installation in Greater Montreal? Our advisors will guide you on sizing (BTU) , grant eligibility , and installation deadlines , then our certified teams will take over to deliver a clean , reliable , and aesthetic result.