Project

Installation of a Gree (R-32 range) wall-mounted heat pump in Le Sud-Ouest

Gree wall-mounted head (R-32) installed in a condo in the Southwest : high position near the window, gravity drain, short refrigeration path and neat finish. AirGreen HVAC installation for quiet comfort in Montreal.

By AirGreen Climatisation & Chauffage Admin6 min read
Installation of a Gree (R-32 range) wall-mounted heat pump in Le Sud-Ouest
Installation of a Gree (R-32 range) wall-mounted heat pump in Le Sud-Ouest
–chapters in this story
6 minreading time
–type of installation
2026year published
The tour

Take a tour of the installation

Each number is a point we check on site. Switch between summer and winter to watch air and heat move.

Generic diagram: wall-mounted heat pump, indoor and outdoor units

In summer, the outdoor unit rejects the house's heat outside.

Generic illustration of this type of installation, not a survey of this job site. Tap a number.

  1. Mounted level on a wall plate, high enough for the air to reach the whole room, with enough space around it to slide the filters out easily.

  2. The refrigerant lines, the communication cable and the drain go through the wall in a single opening, sealed against water, cold air and insects.

  3. Two insulated copper pipes connect the two units. Outside, a line cover can protect them from sun, knocks and weather.

  4. A shut-off switch near the outdoor unit isolates it safely for service. It must stay accessible at all times.

  5. The compressor and the fan. In heating mode it captures heat from the outdoor air, even in winter, and moves it inside.

  6. On the ground or on the wall, it keeps the unit above accumulated snow. The unit stays clear and defrost water can drain away.

  7. The fan needs to blow freely. Storage, a fence or a wall too close, and efficiency drops while noise goes up.

The job

Four-season comfort in an urban condo: a discreet, well-placed Gree wall-mounted headboard designed for city living.

The context: optimizing a compact space without compromising on comfort

In a renovated apartment in Southwest Montreal , the owner wanted an efficient, quiet, and visually understated HVAC system. The interior layout—light walls, finished ceilings with recessed lighting, a small corner return window , and a high ventilation grille —called for a compact wall-mounted solution. We selected a Gree R-32 (new generation) heat pump , sized to provide reliable heating in the winter and precise cooling in the summer, with minimal impact on aesthetics.

Why a Gree wall-mounted heat pump (R-32) here?

  • Inverter modulation : power adjusts continuously, limiting temperature variations and current draws.

  • R-32 refrigerant : better volumetric efficiency and reduced environmental footprint compared to R-410A.

  • Quiet operation : ideal for compact living rooms and bedrooms.

  • Simplified maintenance : accessible filters and plannable maintenance reminders.

  • Cold climate compatibility of Montreal, Laval , Longueuil , North Shore and South Shore when the outdoor unit of the same series is selected with the correct temperature range.

Locating and positioning the inner head

We prefer a high installation, away from the ceiling to allow the suction to breathe and optimize diffusion :

  • Lateral position above the doorway : this frees up the main wall and allows air to be swept along the entire length of the room.

  • Clearances respected on the sides for access to the hood and filter.

  • Direct outward rear penetration to reduce the apparent length of the cowling and maintain a clean appearance.

Result: the Gree headboard blends naturally into the interior architecture, without obstructing the curtains or the window opening.

Refrigeration path and drain management

In this configuration, we create a neat through passage :

  • Hole saw coring with vapor barrier sleeve and controlled outward slope for gravity drain .

  • Communication cable and conductors routed in the same sheath, separated and fixed according to standards.

  • High density insulation of copper lines to prevent condensation in the partition.

  • Externally, the UV capping is minimalist and follows the shortest angle towards the roof/yard unit, which reduces pressure losses and improves efficiency .

When gravity flow is not possible, we can integrate a silent condensate pump with anti-overflow tray; here, the available slope makes the pump unnecessary , reducing maintenance.

Electricity and safety

  • Dedicated circuit protected at the panel; rating in accordance with the nameplate of the selected Gree assembly.

  • External local disconnect for maintenance.

  • Grounding and cable routing in a UV and impact resistant sheath, with metal clamps.

This approach simplifies interventions and ensures compliance of the work.

Commissioning and quality controls

Our protocol includes:

  1. Nitrogen test and leak test of the solder joints.

  2. Deep vacuum , stabilization and verification of vacuum resistance.

  3. Refrigerant release and superheat/subcooling readings.

  4. Mode settings, automatic shutter sweeping and setpoint adjustment for consistent comfort.

  5. Customer review: using the remote control, filter maintenance, seasonal best practices.

Air diffusion: precision and daily comfort

The blowing geometry of the Gree wall head allows:

  • Vertical sweep to push tempered air away from the wall, without direct air current on the occupants.

  • Horizontal sweep to cover the room evenly, including areas near the window.

  • Silent mode for nighttime and soft restart to avoid jolts.

The positioning avoids air collisions with the hood, recessed lights and existing wall grille.

Integration into a Southwest condo: constraints and solutions

  • Tight spaces and freshly painted walls: surface protection and dust-free drilling (continuous suction).

  • Acoustic management : silent blocks under the plate, controlled tightening, anti-vibration cable.

  • Co-ownership access : coordination of schedules to limit disturbances in common areas.

  • Aesthetics : aligned exterior outlets, sober-colored capping ; inside, smooth sealing and finishing touches.

Sizing and choosing capacity (BTU)

We carry out a load calculation taking into account:

  • From the surface area , orientation and solar gains of the room.

  • Peripheral sealing (window, weatherstripping).

  • Uses (living room, bedroom, office).

For this type of housing unit, typical capacities range from 9,000 to 12,000 BTU for an open main room, to 18,000 BTU if the area serves several volumes. The goal: to avoid oversizing, which causes short cycles, unnecessary noise, and premature wear.

HVAC maintenance: maintaining performance over time

To ensure high seasonal efficiency :

  • Clean and vacuum the filters every 6 to 8 weeks during use.

  • Annual inspection: battery, fan , electrical connections, defrost settings (outside), drain condition.

  • Exterior clearance maintained in winter (snow/ice) to preserve the ventilation of the unit.

AirGreen offers maintenance plans tailored to condominiums and plexes in Greater Montreal.

Grants and Eligibility

Latest generation R-32 heat pumps with inverter modules and cold weather performance may be eligible for local financial assistance programs when efficiency criteria are met. We support our clients in Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , North Shore and South Shore in preparing files (technical specifications, proof of installation).

What the customer gains

  • Stable comfort all year round and silence every day.

  • Energy savings thanks to inverter modulation.

  • Visual discretion : compact wall unit, integrated near the window.

  • Fast and predictable maintenance , with parts and service available locally.

AirGreen best practices to remember for successful interior installation

  • Leave 5–7 cm under the ceiling and respect the side clearances.

  • Provide a gravity drain with a continuous slope and vapor barrier.

  • Take care with the alignment of the plate and the flatness of the wall to avoid vibrations.

  • Minimize the length of backhaul connections to keep SEER/HSPF as high as possible.

  • Document the installation (technical photos, serial numbers) for service and support programs .

A local team, urban expertise

In dense neighborhoods like Griffintown , Saint-Henri, and Pointe-Saint-Charles, mastering short routes , interior finishes , and co-ownership constraints makes all the difference. We put this expertise to work on heat pump , wall-mounted air conditioner , multi-zone , and central system projects throughout Greater Montreal.


Useful keywords: heat pump , wall-mounted heat pump , wall-mounted air conditioner , HVAC installation , HVAC maintenance , Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , North Shore , South Shore , Gree , R-32 , Inverter .

The steps

The big day, step by step

The main steps of this kind of job at AirGreen. Every house has its quirks: the estimate brings them out.

Step 1 of 9The on-site estimate

We look at the room, the outside wall, the line route and where the outdoor unit will go. That is where the capacity gets chosen.

  1. The on-site estimateWe look at the room, the outside wall, the line route and where the outdoor unit will go. That is where the capacity gets chosen.
  2. The quoteModel, capacity and price, in writing. We also check whether the model qualifies for assistance programs.
  3. Getting readyFloors and furniture protected, wall plate position marked level, wall opening located.
  4. The wall openingA single opening, with the slope the drain needs to flow outside.
  5. The outdoor unitSet on a stand raised above the snow, with the clearances the manufacturer requires.
  6. Lines, cable and drainConnected, insulated and protected. The opening is then sealed against water, cold air and insects.
  7. The electrical workA dedicated circuit and an accessible disconnect near the outdoor unit.
  8. Tests and start-upLeak test, vacuum, then start-up and a check of heating and cooling.
  9. The walkthroughRemote, modes, filters: we show you the essentials before we leave.
Your numbers

What would it look like at your place?

Two quick checks with real numbers: what heat costs, and what your current heaters add up to in BTU/h.

Size checkYour baseboards, in BTU/h
–BTU/h of installed electric heat

    Conversion: 1 W = 3.412 BTU/h. An indication, not a load calculation: baseboards and furnaces are often stronger than the real need, and they can stay as backup. AirGreen confirms the capacity on site.

    Mistakes avoided

    Four mistakes we do not make

    Flip each card to see what we do instead.

    Going further

    Your own project, step by step

    Through the seasons

    What to do, season by season

    Three habits per season for this unit. They take a few minutes and prevent many calls.

    • Clean the indoor unit's filters.
    • Clear leaves and debris left on the outdoor unit by winter.
    • Test cooling before the first hot days.
    At your place

    Is your home ready?

    Check what applies at your place. A "no" is not a refusal: it is what we sort out during the estimate.

    0 / 6 checked
    True or false

    Four statements: true or false?

    It all comes down to details you have just seen.

    1. In heating mode, the outdoor unit can produce water.

    2. You pick the capacity with a simple square-footage rule.

    3. A multi-zone connects several indoor heads to a single condenser.

    4. The disconnect can sit behind the patio furniture.

    Frequently asked questions

    What people ask us about this kind of work

    12 questions
    Does a wall-mounted heat pump heat in winter?
    Yes, it heats and cools. Its capacity drops in very cold weather; the operating range depends on the model and is listed on its spec sheet.
    Wall-mounted or multi-zone: how do I choose?
    One wall head and one condenser outside: the direct solution for a room or an open area. For two to five rooms, a multi-zone puts one head in each room on a single condenser.
    Where does the outdoor unit go?
    Where it stays above the snow, clear and accessible, away from walkways. We decide it with you during the estimate.
    Are there grants?
    Depending on the model and your situation, assistance programs may apply, including Hydro-Québec's LogisVert. AirGreen checks the model number before quoting an amount. See the grants.
    Do I need a permit?
    Rules vary from city to city: location, distances, noise. See permits and by-laws, and we check for your address.
    How cold can it heat?
    It depends on the model. According to Hydro-Québec, newer models work down to a temperature between −15 °C and −25 °C, and some cold-climate models are certified lower. The minimum temperature is on each unit's spec sheet.
    How much can I save?
    Hydro-Québec says a heat pump can be up to three times more efficient than baseboards for heating in the colder months. The result depends on the house, the climate and how it is used.
    How is the LogisVert assistance calculated?
    For ENERGY STAR cold-climate certified heat pumps, Hydro-Québec lists assistance of $120 per 1,000 BTU/h of heating capacity at −8 °C. AirGreen checks the exact model before quoting an amount; only Hydro-Québec confirms the assistance granted. See the grants.
    Is it noisy?
    The sound level depends on the model and is listed in decibels on each unit's spec sheet. Location matters too: when possible, we avoid putting the outdoor unit under a bedroom window.
    The outdoor unit is covered in ice: is that normal?
    Some frost is: the unit runs defrost cycles. Never hit the ice. If the unit stays iced up or stops heating, call us.
    Does AirGreen hold the required licences?
    Yes. AirGreen holds RBQ licence 5645-9605-01, subclasses 15.8 Ventilation, 15.10 Refrigeration and 16 Electricity.
    Is the estimate free?
    Yes. The on-site estimate is free and the quote follows within 24 hours. Book my free estimate.

    Could this job help a neighbour?

    Share
    Similar projects

    More jobs to see, near you

    By town, by equipment or by region: browse more than 4,700 published projects.

    Each dot: a town where AirGreen has published projects. The glowing dot: this job.

    All our projects

    Your project

    Every house has its constraints. We see them before we install.

    The on-site estimate is free and the quote follows within 24 hours.

    • RBQ licence5645-9605-01 · 15.8, 15.10, 16
    • EstimateOn site, free
    • QuoteWithin 24 hours

    Text and photo: a real AirGreen Climatisation & Chauffage job. The diagrams are generic illustrations of the type of installation, not a survey of this job site. Sources of the added figures: airgreen.ca product pages (NEEP / AHRI performance), Hydro-Québec (Heat pumps page, LogisVert, read on 13 October 2026), Régie de l’énergie (rate D as of 1 April 2026).

    Leave a comment