Simple and precise comfort for a Montreal apartment: our no-compromise HVAC installation approach
Project context and client expectations
In this bright apartment in Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie , the owners wanted to stabilize the temperature of an open living space (living room/kitchen) while reducing operating costs. They wanted a discreet, quiet unit that performed well in mid-season and peak summer, with minimal visible accessories inside. Our recommendation: a Gree R-32 wall-mounted heat pump , renowned for its seasonal performance and reliability, perfectly suited to urban housing in Greater Montreal.
Equipment Choice: Why Gree (R-32)
We often direct our customers to Gree when the objective is to combine energy efficiency , compactness and resistance to the Quebec climate. The major advantages of the R-32 range :
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R-32 refrigerant : higher efficiency (SEER/HSPF) and lower charge at equal performance, with a reduced carbon footprint compared to R-410A generations.
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Stable operation in cold weather (injection technologies and optimized defrosting according to series), ideal for topping up in the off-season.
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Silent operation of the interior head, essential in an open living space.
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Improved filtration options and simple remote control, with the possibility of Wi-Fi control depending on the configuration chosen.
Depending on the room's thermal load and orientation, we have chosen a typical capacity for this type of open area (often 9,000 to 12,000 BTU ). This range covers the majority of living room-kitchens in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore and South Shore , ensuring efficient operation without oversizing.
Site preparation: discretion and precision above all
Before the HVAC installation , we carry out:
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Checking clearances : here, the interior head is placed approximately 150–180 mm from the ceiling to optimize air intake and diffusion, with sufficient lateral clearance for maintenance.
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Validation of the shortest refrigeration route to reduce pressure losses and preserve seasonal efficiency.
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The choice of the drilling point (≈ 65–70 mm) at a slight downward angle towards the outside to promote gravity drainage of condensates — the preferred solution when feasible, as it is silent and requires no mechanical maintenance.
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The location of the dedicated electrical outlet (exterior or interior depending on configuration), protected and compliant with the Code, with appropriate circuit breaker.
Drilling, connections and interior finishing
On this project, the configuration of the walls allows us to have a short connection route (approximately 2.5 to 3.5 m from the outdoor unit), limiting extensions and ensuring an excellent thermal response. The copper tubes are flared and brazed according to the rules of the art, the insulation is continuous and the connections are tested with nitrogen under pressure before deep vacuum.
Inside, the aesthetics are neat:
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No visible chute in the living area (thanks to a rear exit), or, when required, discreet white capping of HVAC caliber, aligned and leveled.
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Finishing of the holes with collars and sealing for perfect watertightness.
Condensate management: priority to gravity
The drain is installed with a constant slope and a service trap to prevent odors from rising. When gravity is not possible, we install a silent condensate pump with a vibration dampener and maintenance access. Here, gravity was chosen, ensuring operation without additional noise.
Outdoor unit and fixing
Even though the photo provided shows the inner head, our standard for the outer unit remains unchanged:
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Galvanized wall brackets or base on stable slab (depending on facade, snow and runoff).
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Sufficient snow clearance and orientation to avoid ice accumulation.
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Snow guards and de-icing clearances as needed.
These elements ensure the longevity of the compressor and consistent performance in winter.
Rigorous commissioning
Our technicians carry out:
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Nitrogen leak test , then high vacuum to ≤ 500 microns (stabilized).
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Opening of valves , control of blowing and return temperatures.
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Checking the currents and electrical polarity .
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Calibration of comfort settings (auto speed, oscillation, Heat/Cool/DRY mode) and user briefing .
The result: even blowing in cooling mode and a gradual increase in heating , without streaks of cold air and with an almost imperceptible noise level at low speed — essential for working or watching television in the living room.
Expected returns and savings
As a replacement for a conventional wall-mounted air conditioner or an electric auxiliary heater, a properly sized wall-mounted heat pump provides:
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Reduced summer consumption thanks to a high SEER (R-32 series).
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An effective mid-season heating supplement that relieves the strain on electric baseboards.
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Improved air quality via integrated filtration.
When the installed series meets recognized efficiency criteria, it may be eligible for certain current grant programs (depending on capacity, efficiency, and housing conditions). We validate these criteria with you at the time of the proposal.
Acoustic comfort and air diffusion
The chosen position, close to the ceiling and unobstructed, maximizes controlled stratification : the treated air sweeps the volume then falls back without creating unpleasant air currents. In night mode, the minimum speed drops to a very low noise level , guaranteeing peaceful nights even in heat waves.
HVAC Maintenance: What We Implement
To ensure sustainability and maintain yields , we recommend:
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Clean the filters every 4 to 8 weeks during use.
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Annual inspection by AirGreen: refrigeration pressure, exchangers (evaporator/condenser), condensate tray, fans, connections, mode calibration.
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Exterior winter check : clearing snow and ice around the unit.
Pitfalls to avoid (AirGreen feedback)
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Oversize capacity: the machine cycles too much, loses efficiency, ages prematurely.
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Place your head too low or stuck in a recess: poor air diffusion.
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Unnecessarily long refrigeration journey : losses and slowness in reaching the set point.
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Drain without slope or not insulated in cold area: risk of odors or freezing.
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Non-dedicated power supply : false tripping.
Why entrust the installation to AirGreen?
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Local HVAC specialist : daily interventions in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore and South Shore .
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Certified teams and complete tools (high flow vacuum pumps, digital manifolds, leak detectors).
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Advisory approach : thermal sizing, grant assistance, choice of brand and R-32 series according to your priorities (silence, extreme cold, connectivity).
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Installation and monitoring guarantee : we remain your single point of contact for maintenance and optimization.
Results obtained at the client's premises
Upon commissioning, the set temperature is quickly reached with a blowing temperature around 6–9 °C below ambient temperature in air conditioning mode and a stable hot blowing temperature in heating mode. Occupants report constant comfort , without excessive noise, and have already observed a reduction in the use of electric baseboards in the off-season.
And what about your accommodation?
Whether you are in a condo in the Plateau , a house in Chomedey , a semi-detached house in Brossard or a triplex in Terrebonne , we adapt the sizing , the route and the fixing to your architectural reality. Our goal: a clean, durable, efficient HVAC installation — and a visually preserved interior.
Need an estimate or technical advice?
At AirGreen, we size, install and maintain your Gree R-32 wall-mounted heat pump for four-season comfort throughout Greater Montreal.