Installation of a Gree (R-32 range) wall-mounted heat pump in Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie

A careful installation on a Montreal balcony: four-season comfort, R-32 efficiency and sound insulation on the menu

Project context and site specifics

In Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie , we are working in a typical Montreal brick plex. The available outdoor space is located on a concrete balcony, protected by a metal railing. Our client's goal: a compact HVAC system that provides winter supplemental heating and summer air conditioning, while remaining discreet for the neighborhood. We selected a new-generation Gree wall-mounted heat pump with R-32 refrigerant (a recent model, adapted to the local climate), ideal for urban housing where floor space is limited and noise reduction is essential.

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

Montreal's densely populated residential areas require sleek, reliable, and easy-to-maintain equipment. The Gree R-32 range meets these criteria:

• High seasonal efficiencies, thanks to the inverter compressor and R-32 optimization.

• Compact size of the outdoor condenser, well suited to balconies.

• Low noise levels, valuable on facades overlooking the street or courtyard.

• Parts and service readily available in Greater Montreal .

If necessary, this family of devices can be configured to provide good capacity maintenance in cold weather, which improves comfort in the off-season and limits the use of electric heaters.

Outdoor installation: stability, clearances, silence

We install the outdoor unit on a raised aluminum support fixed to the concrete balcony. This choice has three concrete objectives:

1. Winter protection : sufficient elevation to remain above the usual accumulation of snow and avoid ice blocks during defrosting periods.

2. Vibration management : anti-vibration pads under each foot to mechanically decouple the device from the slab and reduce the transmission of structure-borne noise to the home and neighbors.

3. Simplified maintenance : clearance under the unit for easy cleaning and quick visual inspection.

The side and rear clearances are respected to ensure good air intake and efficient evacuation in defrost mode. The fan orientation allows for free blowing without air recirculation, limiting consumption and frost.

Refrigeration path and power supply: short, clean, sustainable

From the outdoor unit, the refrigerant lines (insulated copper) and the communication/power cable pass through the masonry through a properly sealed hole. In this configuration, the connection length remains short—a direct advantage for pressure drops, fluid load, and overall efficiency.
We :

• install continuous insulation on the suction line to prevent condensation in summer;

• let's seal the wall-balcony passage with a vapor barrier and a brick-compatible mastic;

• we plan for the drainage of condensates on the evaporator side (interior) by gravity slope when the architecture allows it, or by lifting pump if necessary.

On the electrical side, the device is powered by a dedicated circuit breaker that complies with the nameplate and Code requirements (compliant wire gauge and size). An external disconnect switch is accessible for maintenance.

Rigorous commissioning: guaranteed performance

Nitrogen priming and deep vacuum are carried out to a target level (order of magnitude: 500 microns) with maintenance and leak testing. We validate:

• the balance of pressures and temperatures;

• absorbed intensity vs. expected power;

• the absence of leaks on each flared connection;

• the operation of the defrost.

This protocol ensures stable performance and increased compressor longevity.

Result: discreet comfort and controlled consumption

On this accommodation, the user gains:

• uniform cooling of the rooms served in summer;

• an efficient heating supplement in spring and autumn;

• a reduction in perceived noise thanks to anti-vibration pads and careful installation;

• direct maintenance access on the balcony, without scaffolding or roof access.

Recommended preventive maintenance

To maintain performance and air quality:

• Cleaning the inner head filters every 1 to 2 months during heavy use season;

• Gently rinse the outdoor battery in spring and fall;

• Annual check of electrical connections , tightening of flares and condensate drainage;

• Periodic inspection of the studs and the tightening of the support .

An annual HVAC maintenance contract remains the best insurance against reduced performance and summer breakdowns.

Good practices and mistakes to avoid on balconies

• Maintain ≥ 30 cm of free clearance at the rear and sides of the unit;

• Avoid obstacles in the way of blowing and any recirculation of hot air;

• Do not lean the device against vibrating objects (guardrails, privacy screens) without decoupling;

• Plan for winter snow clearance and defrost the discharge area if necessary;

• Protect the connections against UV rays and impacts, with covering when the aesthetics of the facade require it.

Grants and eligibility (Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, South Shore)

Several programs encourage efficient heat pumps in Greater Montreal. Eligibility depends on seasonal performance , cold weather capacity maintenance , and building characteristics. Recent R-32 ranges often benefit from their performance and low fluid load. We validate the criteria, BTU sizing, and necessary documentation on a case-by-case basis to maximize financial assistance in your area ( Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , North Shore , South Shore ).

And what about sizing?

BTU selection is based on:

• the surface and orientation of the targeted parts;

• insulation (walls, roof, windows);

• internal gains (occupancy, devices);

• the usage profile (air conditioning priority vs. additional heating).

In brick plexes in Rosemont, the 9,000 to 18,000 BTU power levels cover the majority of living areas per indoor head; a precise thermal analysis remains essential to avoid undersizing or overconsumption.

What we bring to this type of project

• A balcony-friendly installation study , which anticipates snow, runoff and acoustics;

• A short and watertight path of the connections to preserve yields;

• Clean finishes (sealing, vapor barrier, stainless steel fasteners) designed to last in the Montreal climate ;

• Complete support for registering manufacturer warranties and annual maintenance .

Conclusion

In a tight urban context, the Gree R-32 wall-mounted heat pump stands out as a compact, efficient, and neighborhood-friendly solution. Installed on a raised support with vibration treatment , it delivers four-season comfort while simplifying maintenance. This expertise applies throughout Greater Montreal — Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , North Shore , and South Shore —with fine-tuning to suit your building and comfort priorities.