A well-thought-out urban project: condensing on a terrace, clean brick crossing and secure power supply
Building context and comfort objectives
At AirGreen , we are working on a brick plex in Plateau-Mont-Royal . The client wants to efficiently air condition and heat their living space without compromising the aesthetics of the facades. We offer a Gree R-32 wall-mounted heat pump , renowned for its efficiency and compactness, perfectly suited to Montreal apartments with balconies or terraces.
Choice of equipment
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Type : wall-mounted heat pump ( mini-split ).
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Brand : Gree .
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Refrigerant : R-32 (new generation, low GWP).
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Capacity : sized selection after calculating the loads (brick envelope, orientation, glazing). Typical power levels range from 9,000 to 18,000 BTU for a main room in plex.
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Objective : to ensure four-season comfort with a high COP and consistent performance in cold Montreal weather.
Expected result: reduction in heating consumption during the off-season, silent air conditioning in summer and stable air quality thanks to inverter operation.
How to install a neat HVAC system suitable for brick buildings
Outdoor installation: stability and clearances respected
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Support : the condenser is placed on a raised aluminum base , mechanically anchored and detached by anti-vibration pads. This elevation keeps the machine out of water and blown snow.
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Clearances : Respect clearances around the side air intake and the front blower to ensure performance and facilitate maintenance.
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Surface : the terrace receives protection under the feet to preserve the membrane .
Routes: clean, short and efficient
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Continuously insulated dehydrated copper refrigerant lines with a short run (≈ 2 to 3 m visible) .
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Capping : black finish matching the aesthetics of the brick and frames, with curvature radii respected to avoid any stress on the tubes.
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Wall Pass-Through : Unique diamond crown drilling , waterproof sleeve and fire retardant foam for a durable air barrier.
Power supply: compliance and safety
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Outdoor disconnect box adjacent to the condenser, shielded cable in sheath, dedicated circuit breaker for the indoor panel.
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Grounding checked, tightening torque checked on terminal blocks, clear identification of circuits for future maintenance.
Commissioning: metrological rigor
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Flaring to gauge, torques controlled by dynamometer.
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Nitrogen test and vacuum ≤ 500 microns with vacuum resistance.
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Valve opening, balancing, control of superheating/subcooling , intensity and ΔT in cooling and heating mode.
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Condensate check: discreet gravity outlet; if the slope was insufficient, a mini-pump would have been provided.
Why Gree R-32 is suitable for Plateau plexes
Performance and silence
Gree's latest generation R-32 units offer fine modulation and low noise levels on both the condenser and evaporator sides. This quietness ensures peace and quiet for occupants on balconies or terraces.
Cold weather performance
Gree's recent R-32 series maintain useful capacity at low temperatures thanks to the inverter compressor and electronic injection control (depending on the range). In Greater Montreal, this translates into reliable heating up to the usual cold of winter, while maintaining very good HSPF .
Top Rated Refrigerant
R-32 has a lower global warming potential than R-410A and requires less charging , contributing to reduced environmental impact and optimized operating costs.
Practical details specific to this installation
Constraints resolved
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Brick facade : clean drilling, suitable anchors and proper sealing to prevent infiltration.
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Limited space between windows: lateral installation of the condenser with unobstructed air circulation.
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Terrace protection : plates and pads to distribute the load and protect the membrane.
Aesthetics and maintenance
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Discreet capping and straight lines for a neat finish.
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Maintenance access : the height of the base makes it easier to wash the coil , check connections and clear drains.
Durability and guarantees
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Tubes, cables and fixings rated for exterior use in the Montreal climate (UV, freeze/thaw).
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Documented commissioning to validate manufacturer warranties and our AirGreen commitments in HVAC installation .
AirGreen Tips for Brick Buildings in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore and South Shore
Sizing without overcapacity
We avoid oversizing. A 9k–12k BTU wall unit often covers an open-concept living room/kitchen; an 18k BTU is considered for large spaces or unfavorable exposures. Proper sizing ensures effective dehumidification and longevity .
Choosing the location of the condenser
On the terrace or balcony, we favor:
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Free blowing outwards,
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Controlled vibrations ,
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Secure access for maintenance,
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Distance from sensitive areas (bedrooms, immediate neighbors).
Grants and Eligibility
Many R-32 wall-mounted heat pumps meet current program requirements (seasonal efficiency, cold weather performance). We verify eligibility for you based on capacity , SEER/HSPF ratings and operating range .
What the customer sees after installation
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Immediate comfort and rapid temperature rise in heating mode.
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Noise controlled on the terrace and inside.
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Optimized power consumption thanks to modulation.
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A clean integration that respects the typical brick architecture of the Plateau.
Recommended HVAC maintenance
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Clean the filters inside every 2–3 months during the season.
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Condenser washing in spring and fall.
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Annual inspection by our AirGreen technicians: electrical checks, pressures, ΔT, sealing and updating of sealants.
Why AirGreen
We combine field engineering , careful finishing and grant support for residential projects in Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , North Shore and South Shore . Our team plans each heat pump installation to last and be easy to maintain.