Context: an open, lively living space, to be kept cool… and dry
At AirGreen , we are working in a typical Plateau-Mont-Royal apartment: a kitchen open to a small living room, light ceilings, a door opening onto a rear terrace, and high occupancy during the day. The priority need is precise cooling , regular dehumidification during heat waves, and additional heating in mid-season, without noise or drafts in the food preparation area. We are choosing a latest generation Gree wall-mounted heat pump with R-32 (recent residential range), sized for rooms of 20 to 35 m² depending on the building envelope.
Why a Gree R-32 wall-mounted heat pump for the Plateau?
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High energy efficiency thanks to R-32 refrigerant, which improves heat exchange and reduces GWP compared to R-410A.
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Low temperature heating mode to comfortably get through the Montreal off-seasons without putting excessive strain on the main system.
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Quiet at low speeds, ideal for a kitchen-living room space where people communicate, cook and work.
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Fine moisture management : dry mode limits persistent odors and improves comfort during humid periods.
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Intuitive connectivity and remote control to adapt the instructions at the drop of a hat.
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Potential eligibility for aid when the series reaches the required coefficients and performance in extreme cold – a file that we structure for our clients in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, South Shore .
Thermal load study and capacity selection
In this type of apartment, internal inputs (appliances, cooking, roasting/coffee making equipment, human presence) are added to the solar inputs in the afternoon. Our load calculation takes into account:
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of the useful kitchen-living room area,
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orientation and glazed surface,
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insulation of party walls,
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actual use (cooking preparation, teleworking, evenings).
We target a range of 9,000 to 12,000 BTU/h depending on losses, in order to avoid oversizing which leads to short cycles, unstable regulation and poor humidity management.
HVAC Installation : What We Do, Step by Step
1) Positioning of the inner head
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Installation high on the wall , back from the kitchen, to circulate the air in the living room without blowing directly onto the work surface.
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Silent blocks and dowels adapted to the support to eliminate any vibration transmission to the partition.
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Air blade adjustment: gentle horizontal sweep in comfort mode, lowered orientation in dehumidification mode.
2) Drilling, connections and finishing
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Clean core drilling (≈ 65 mm) with controlled outward slope for reliable gravity drain .
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Passage of the refrigeration line (typically 1/4–3/8 R-32 compatible), the communication cable and the condensate pipe over a short route estimated between 2 and 4 m towards the rear facade.
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Exterior finish in discreet white capping , paintable on request to blend in with woodwork or brick.
3) Refrigeration connections and tests
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Flaring to torque with R-32 rings, application of compatible oil, binocular loupe control of the bearings if necessary.
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Nitrogen pressurization (≈ 550 psi) for leak testing.
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Deep vacuum ≤ 300 microns with controlled vacuum holding; purging of non-condensable gases.
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Load release, stabilization and subcooling/superheat control .
4) Commissioning and configuration for kitchen-living room use
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Check current , voltage , polarity , and dedicated circuit breaker.
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Complete test of cooling , heating , dry and fan modes.
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Anti-draft settings for food preparation: automatic speed with limited ceiling, orientation of the shutters avoiding the work surface.
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Wi-Fi integration/remote control (depending on series) to schedule lowering before returning home.
The details that make the difference in a Plateau home
Gravity drain rather than pump
In a kitchen-living room, silence is paramount. We favor gravity drains , which are more reliable and maintenance-free. The condensate pump is only integrated as a last resort, with a vibration trap and maintenance access.
Short route = high return
A reduced refrigeration path and limited bends improve operating pressures and actual capacity . Here, the installation near the rear facade allows us to stay within the manufacturer's optimal lengths.
Aesthetics and ergonomics
The interior headboard fits above the kitchen furniture , between frames and wall decorations, without obstructing the opening of French doors or the installation of curtains. The supply vent remains accessible for maintenance.
Results observed after start-up
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Rapid reduction in perceived temperature, even during cooking.
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Better controlled humidity : the air becomes lighter, stagnant odors are reduced.
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Low noise level at low speed; conversations remain natural.
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Consistent comfort in the living area thanks to controlled sweeping and optimized air intake.
HVAC Maintenance: Maintaining Performance Throughout the Seasons
Properly scheduled maintenance ensures the long-lasting efficiency of any HVAC system :
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Every 2–3 months in summer : gentle rinsing of filters, visual inspection of the internal battery.
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Annually : washing of the outdoor unit, electrical check, superheat/subcooling readings, tightening of connections, checking of drain level and slope.
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Good kitchen practices : high-performance hood in parallel, limitation of greasy aerosols which clog the exchangers.
We offer AirGreen maintenance plans tailored to apartments in Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , North Shore and South Shore .
Grants and compliance in Quebec
Several Gree R-32 series meet the required thresholds for seasonal efficiency and cold weather heating ; they may be eligible for applicable programs. Our team prepares: detailed quotes, proof of installation, photos, and technical documents necessary for applications for Greater Montreal . We also validate the electrical suitability (circuit breaker rating, external power supply, communication) according to the selected model.
Common Mistakes to Avoid (and How We Prevent Them)
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Oversize the appliance in a kitchen-living room → we size by load, not by intuition.
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Forget about humidity control → dry mode and the appropriate speed are set upon commissioning.
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Drill without slope → systematic control of the gravity drain and flow tests.
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Neglect sealing → nitrogen + deep vacuum required; electronic detection before charge release.
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Approximate wiring → clear identification, protected routing, compliance with communication polarities.
Why AirGreen for your apartment in Plateau, Verdun or Laval?
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Specialists in urban housing (plexes, condos, co-ownerships) with old building fabric.
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Clean finishes : discreet cappings, clean drilling, careful condensate management.
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Identical quality procedure on each site, from taking measurements to start-up .
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Support from A to Z : selection of wall-mounted heat pump , installation, HVAC maintenance and grant application.
Next step
Do you want similar comfort in Plateau-Mont-Royal or elsewhere in Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , on the North Shore or the South Shore ? Contact us: we study the load, suggest the most suitable R-32 Gree , and install with the AirGreen level of care .