Careful integration on wall brackets in a typical Montreal alleyway
In a quiet alleyway in Plateau-Mont-Royal , in the heart of Montreal, we modernized the comfort of a brick duplex by installing a GREE wall-mounted heat pump (R-32 refrigerant) . The owner wanted a discreet, four-season system that was efficient in heating even in the coldest months and quiet to preserve the tranquility of the backyard. We designed a compact installation on wall brackets at the window sill, perfectly suited to the narrow facades and metal railings so common in the area.
Context: urban constraints, comfort requirements
The building has all the Plateau codes: red brick , stone-supported windows and steel railings . The space available on the side wall is cramped and subject to air circulation restricted by the fence and the ramp . We therefore opted for a raised configuration, at mid-height, in order to:
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clear the unit of floor clutter (bins, furniture, vegetation);
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maintain a safe distance from passersby and alleyway litter;
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facilitate seasonal HVAC maintenance .
The choice of GREE R-32 met three objectives: energy efficiency , reliable heating in winter and low noise level on the terrace side.
The solution chosen by AirGreen
Equipment type: GREE R-32 generation wall-mounted heat pump ( mini-split ).
Installation: galvanized steel wall brackets with mechanical anchors, anti-vibration pads visible under the legs, offset calculated to respect the clearances of the fan and the rear air intake.
Refrigeration path: direct wall pass-through behind the unit, very short length reducing pressure losses and improving overall efficiency.
Condensate drainage: gravity , thanks to the natural slope towards the outside; protection against dripping on the facade and winter defrosting.
Power supply: Dedicated circuit from the interior panel, protection in accordance with the Quebec Electrical Code and the device nameplate, exterior service interruption provided as needed for maintenance.
Installation details that make the difference
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Wall brackets : sized for the load, laser leveled, anchored in the brick with expansion anchors and neoprene washers to limit vibration transmission to the masonry.
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Anti-vibration : blue pads under the device (clearly visible) to dampen micro-vibrations of the compressor at low speed.
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Clearances : compliance with a sufficient frontal plenum despite the ramp ; the orientation of the air outlet prevents recirculation against the wall and the guardrail.
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Aesthetics : compact passage of connections just behind the unit; no superfluous visible pipes, which preserves the brick line .
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Height : position outside snow and runoff zones , practical for HVAC maintenance while remaining accessible from a secure stepladder.
Results obtained
Upon commissioning, the customer notes:
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rapid cooling of the floor in the afternoon, when the facade is in the sun;
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stable heating in spring and autumn, with tight modulation at low consumption;
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a reduction in noise perceived in the courtyard thanks to anti-vibration pads and positioning which directs the breath away from relaxation areas.
GREE's R-32 technology offers a better coefficient of performance than R-410A generations, with a reduced environmental impact (lower GWP). For a duplex in the Plateau, where the spaces are often open and the masonry is inertial, this fine modulation translates into consistent comfort and tangible energy savings .
Why GREE R-32 is suitable for Plateau-Mont-Royal
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Compactness : ideal format for narrow walls and typical walkways .
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Silence : fan and inverter compressor limit speed increases; perfect for avoiding noise pollution in co-ownerships and shared alleys.
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Heating efficiency : extreme cold performance depending on the configuration chosen, adapted to Montreal winters .
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Simplified maintenance : clear front access, condenser cleaning and annual inspection made easy.
Construction site challenges and AirGreen solutions
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Proximity to a metal guardrail
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Risk : air recirculation and blowing noise.
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Solution : Shim the unit for optimal alignment; check front and side clearances ; test flow with an anemometer pressure gauge during commissioning.
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Old solid brick masonry
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Risk : tearing if drilling is not suitable.
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Solution : progressive drilling , anchors adapted to the brick and not to the joints, controlled tightening torque, peripheral sealing joint .
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Condensate and frost management
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Risk : dripping on walls or slabs is harmful in winter.
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Solution : gravity outlet with controlled slope, clearing of the drainage area, recommendation of preventive de-icing during freeze-thaw episodes.
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Good practices for use and maintenance
To ensure the longevity and efficiency of your heat pump :
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Keep the 60–90 cm area in front of the fan free of any obstacles .
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Clean the condenser twice a year (spring/end of summer) and replace/vacuum the indoor head filters every 4 to 8 weeks depending on usage.
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In winter, avoid snow accumulation under the unit and check drainage .
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Schedule annual AirGreen HVAC maintenance : pressure check, electrical inspection, tightening connections, updating modulation settings.
Grants and Compliance
Efficient R-32 wall-mounted heat pumps like the GREE installed here may be eligible for energy efficiency programs in Quebec when the configuration meets seasonal performance and low-temperature heating capacity criteria. We support our clients in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore to document the installation, provide technical evidence , and optimize the application.
What the customer remembers
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Immediate comfort in the rooms facing the alley, summer and winter;
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Noise controlled thanks to anti-vibrations and thoughtful positioning;
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Sober aesthetics that respect the architecture of the Plateau;
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Easy maintenance access , no footprint.
AirGreen: rigor, cleanliness, performance
Each HVAC installation in a dense urban environment requires specific know-how : calculation of clearances , mastery of masonry anchors , management of vibrations and condensates , and a sense of aesthetics .
Our team operates throughout Greater Montreal with the same requirement: to deliver a lasting, documented result that is easy to live with on a daily basis.
In short
This GREE wall-mounted heat pump (R-32) mounted on brackets in Plateau-Mont-Royal illustrates the AirGreen signature: clean work , relevant technical choices, and four-season comfort for Montreal's brick duplexes and plexes.
AirGreen – Experts in heat pumps and HVAC installation in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore and South Shore.