Installation of a Gree Livo R32 wall-mounted heat pump in Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce
Installation of a Gree Livo R32 wall-mounted heat pump in Côte-des-Neiges–NDG: precise positioning in the corridor, discreet gravity drain, white capping and optimized commissioning. AirGreen solution for Montreal and surrounding areas.
Take a tour of the installation
Each number is a point we check on site. Switch between summer and winter to watch air and heat move.
In summer, the outdoor unit rejects the house's heat outside.
Generic illustration of this type of installation, not a survey of this job site. Tap a number.
Mounted level on a wall plate, high enough for the air to reach the whole room, with enough space around it to slide the filters out easily.
The refrigerant lines, the communication cable and the drain go through the wall in a single opening, sealed against water, cold air and insects.
Two insulated copper pipes connect the two units. Outside, a line cover can protect them from sun, knocks and weather.
A shut-off switch near the outdoor unit isolates it safely for service. It must stay accessible at all times.
The compressor and the fan. In heating mode it captures heat from the outdoor air, even in winter, and moves it inside.
On the ground or on the wall, it keeps the unit above accumulated snow. The unit stays clear and defrost water can drain away.
The fan needs to blow freely. Storage, a fence or a wall too close, and efficiency drops while noise goes up.
A precise construction site in a narrow corridor: four-season comfort, careful aesthetics and minimal nuisance
Context of the residency and objectives of the project
In a typical Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce (Montreal) apartment, our client wanted to improve the comfort of a living space where air circulation was limited: a hallway serving the bedroom and the main room. The constraints: low textured ceiling, frequent traffic, ceiling fan light fixture in the immediate vicinity, and the impossibility of multiplying the openings. We recommend a Gree Livo R32 wall-mounted heat pump for its compactness, its resistance to cold, and its ideal performance/price ratio for the housing stock in the area.
Why the Livo R32 range for this type of apartment?
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Cold climate performance : The Livo R32 maintains stable capacity when the thermometer drops — a tangible asset for Montreal , Laval and the North Shore .
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R-32 refrigerant : reduced carbon footprint and increased efficiency compared to the older generation R-410A.
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Low noise levels : perfect for narrow passage areas and an adjacent bedroom.
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Discreet format : a low-protrusion interior header fits above the door frame without compromising aesthetics.
Key steps in HVAC installation
1) Millimeter-precise implantation of the inner head
We positioned the high wall unit above the lintel to promote even air stratification toward the bedroom and the main room. The space coexists with a ceiling fan-light: we calibrated a functional clearance to avoid any mechanical conflict (blades/shutters) and any parasitic vibration. Adjustable temporary supports were used to maintain perfect level before final anchoring—a crucial point in a hallway where a few millimeters count.
2) Condensate management: invisible gravity
In this type of corridor, the slope is limited. We design a discreet gravity path , housed behind the casing, to evacuate the condensation water to the outside without an apparent pump. The result: increased reliability, zero additional noise and simplified HVAC maintenance .
3) Short and clean refrigeration path
To limit pressure losses and preserve interior aesthetics:
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Single opening above the frame, towards the nearest exterior wall.
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Sheathed and insulated refrigeration connections , protected by white capping to match the paint.
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Optimized total length (≈ 3–4 m), guaranteeing performance and balanced pressure of the R-32 fluid.
4) Dedicated power supply and compliance
We draw a dedicated circuit (15/20 A depending on the capacity chosen) with a residual current device (RCD) if required. The proximity disconnect is placed outside, near the compressor, in accordance with the code. Low voltage communication between units is channeled and labeled, for ease of maintenance.
5) Commissioning and balancing
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Deep vacuum until stabilization.
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Leak check and load according to manufacturer's specifications.
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Measurement of supply/return temperatures and adjustment of the airflow to propel temperate air along the corridor without creating an uncomfortable draft at the entrance to the room.
Result: controlled comfort in a complex space
The hallway becomes a natural plenum that distributes heat in winter and coolness in summer. The existing ceiling fan can still be used at low speed to circulate the air in summer, without disturbing the unit. The entire project maintains a minimalist visual signature: flush capping, a single hole, and no audible condensate pump.
Usage tips to maximize effectiveness
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Auto mode in mid-season , but favor Heating in winter and Cooling in summer for fine control.
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Horizontal louvers oriented to push air toward the living area; moderate vertical angle to avoid blowing directly toward the bedroom at night.
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HVAC maintenance : filter cleaning every 4 to 6 weeks during peak periods; annual inspection of the outdoor unit and refrigeration circuit.
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Doors ajar : In air conditioning mode, leave the doors half open to help with air transfer without overloading the unit.
Managing constraints specific to Montreal corridors
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Limited ceiling height : we avoid bulky models and set the template precisely to maintain a comfortable passage.
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Nearby obstacles (ceiling lights/fans): our technicians validate the sweep radius and the travel of the shutters to prevent any contact.
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Night noise : selection of a silent profile (“Quiet” mode) and anti-vibration dampers on the outdoor unit anchors.
Expected performance and savings
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High seasonal COP thanks to the R-32 Inverter compressor: reduced operating costs compared to traditional electric convectors.
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Cold resistance adapted to winter peaks in Montreal, Longueuil and the South Shore : maintaining capacity without excessive use of electrical backup.
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Air quality : washable filtration that captures dust and allergens — a welcome plus in apartments near busy roads.
Grants and Eligibility
R-32 efficient wall-mounted heat pumps are generally eligible for assistance programs in Quebec, subject to performance criteria and installation by a licensed contractor. We support our customers in Laval , Longueuil , North Shore and South Shore : cost estimates, file preparation and technical certifications.
Preventive maintenance: our annual protocol
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Disassembly and thorough cleaning of the evaporator (coil, turbine, tray).
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Gravity flow control and drain disinfection.
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Checking tightening torques, line insulation and wiring.
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Inspection of the outdoor unit: clean evaporator, intact blades, clear clearances (snow/foliage), tray and defrost.
What this installation changes on a daily basis
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Quick comfort : the blowing in the corridor creates a “column” effect towards the bedroom and the living room.
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Visual and sound discretion : the whole thing blends into the environment, with perceived noises < whispered conversation in night mode.
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Simplified maintenance : filters accessible from the front, no lifting pump to monitor, clear access to the external capping for any intervention.
When to favor a similar configuration
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Apartments and condos with central corridor circulation .
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Presence of a ceiling fan nearby: feasibility if the clearances and opening angle of the shutters are respected.
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Need a short refrigeration path , with single drilling and clean finish.
Possible options and variants
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Capacity 9,000 to 18,000 BTU depending on the heat load of adjacent rooms.
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Remote wall thermometer for more accurate monitoring of the living area.
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Colored capping (black/ivory) for special exterior facades.
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Multi-zone if the apartment requires a second head (additional bedroom, office).
Why entrust your project to us?
Our team, specialized in HVAC installation in Greater Montreal, is adept at handling tricky configurations: narrow hallways, limited openings, cohabitation with light fixtures, and aesthetic requirements. We deliver a clean, efficient, and durable result, backed by an installation guarantee and proactive HVAC maintenance service. Whether you are in Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , the North Shore , or the South Shore , we size the equipment, optimize the route, and handle grant applications.
The unit on this job, in figures
The range as published on airgreen.ca: pick a size to see its capacity in deep cold.
| Size | Heating at −8 °C | Heating at −15 °C | Coldest certified point | COP at −15 °C | SEER | HSPF | Indicative LogisVert aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gree Livo R32 9 000 (115 V) | 10,000 | 7,600 | −25 °C: 5,700 | 1.86 | 20.5 | 8.8 | – |
| Gree Livo R32 9 000 | 9,600 | 7,600 | −25 °C: 5,500 | 1.94 | 20.5 | 8.8 | – |
| Gree Livo R32 12 000 (115 V) | 9,700 | 8,500 | −25 °C: 6,500 | 1.75 | 19.0 | 8.5 | – |
| Gree Livo R32 12 000 | 9,700 | 9,100 | −25 °C: 6,500 | 1.8 | 19.0 | 8.5 | $1,164 |
| Gree Livo R32 18 000 | 15,300 | 12,100 | −25 °C: 10,200 | 1.85 | 20.0 | 8.5 | $1,836 |
| Gree Livo R32 24 000 | 19,200 | 15,700 | −25 °C: 10,500 | 1.75 | 19.0 | 8.5 | $2,304 |
| Gree Livo R32 30 000 | 24,000 | 23,000 | −25 °C: 16,900 | 1.8 | 22.0 | 9.0 | $2,880 |
| Gree Livo R32 36 000 | 27,400 | 24,600 | −25 °C: 21,000 | 1.8 | 21.0 | 8.5 | $3,288 |
According to NEEP, it delivers 10,000 BTU/h at −8 °C (17 °F), as much as at 8 °C. It heats as hard in moderate cold as in mild weather.
According to NEEP, its certified maximum capacity at −25 °C (−13 °F) is 5,700 BTU/h, 63% of its nominal 9,000 BTU size.
At 8 °C, its certified maximum capacity reaches 13,300 BTU/h, 48% more than its nominal 9,000 BTU size.
According to NEEP, its COP at −15 °C is 1.94: the highest of the Livo R32 line, which ranges from 1.75 to 1.86 at that temperature.
According to NEEP, its certified maximum capacity at −25 °C (−13 °F) is 5,500 BTU/h, 61% of its nominal 9,000 BTU size.
At 8 °C, its certified maximum capacity reaches 13,136 BTU/h, 46% more than its nominal 9,000 BTU size.
According to NEEP, it delivers 8,500 BTU/h at −15 °C, against 9,100 for the Gree Livo R32 12 000.
At −25 °C, its certified minimum capacity is 1,800 BTU/h (3,070 at 8 °C). It slows down instead of cycling on and off.
According to NEEP, its certified heating capacity at −15 °C (5 °F) is 8,500 BTU/h, 71% of its nominal 12,000 BTU size. Its COP there is 1.75.
According to NEEP, it delivers 9,100 BTU/h at −15 °C, against 8,500 for the Gree Livo R32 12 000 (115 V).
At −25 °C, its certified minimum capacity is 1,800 BTU/h (3,070 at 8 °C). It slows down instead of cycling on and off.
According to NEEP, its certified heating capacity at −15 °C (5 °F) is 9,100 BTU/h, 76% of its nominal 12,000 BTU size. Its COP there is 1.80.
At 8 °C, its certified maximum capacity reaches 22,500 BTU/h, 25% more than its nominal 18,000 BTU size.
According to NEEP, its certified minimum capacity is at least 7,000 BTU/h at every temperature. In a small, well-insulated room it will cycle on and off more often: size it carefully.
According to NEEP, its certified heating capacity at −15 °C (5 °F) is 12,100 BTU/h, 67% of its nominal 18,000 BTU size. Its COP there is 1.85.
At −25 °C, its certified minimum capacity is 3,100 BTU/h (5,800 at 8 °C). It slows down instead of cycling on and off.
According to NEEP, its certified heating capacity at −15 °C (5 °F) is 15,700 BTU/h, 65% of its nominal 24,000 BTU size. Its COP there is 1.75.
According to NEEP, its certified heating capacity at −15 °C (5 °F) is 23,000 BTU/h, 77% of its nominal 30,000 BTU size. Its COP there is 1.80.
According to NEEP, its COP at −25 °C is 1.54: the highest of the Livo R32 line, which ranges from 1.30 to 1.52 at that temperature.
At −25 °C, its certified minimum capacity is 7,000 BTU/h (10,000 at 8 °C). It slows down instead of cycling on and off.
According to NEEP, its certified heating capacity at −15 °C (5 °F) is 24,600 BTU/h, 68% of its nominal 36,000 BTU size. Its COP there is 1.80.
Data read live from the airgreen.ca page of each size (NEEP / AHRI certified performance). When the title names the installed size, it is highlighted; otherwise the whole range is shown. The aid shown is today’s, using Hydro-Québec’s rule ($120 per 1,000 BTU/h at −8 °C); amounts quoted in the article date from its publication. Only Hydro-Québec confirms the assistance granted.A dash in the aid column: amount to be confirmed for this model.
The big day, step by step
The main steps of this kind of job at AirGreen. Every house has its quirks: the estimate brings them out.
We look at the room, the outside wall, the line route and where the outdoor unit will go. That is where the capacity gets chosen.
Model, capacity and price, in writing. We also check whether the model qualifies for assistance programs.
Floors and furniture protected, wall plate position marked level, wall opening located.
A single opening, with the slope the drain needs to flow outside.
Set on a stand raised above the snow, with the clearances the manufacturer requires.
Connected, insulated and protected. The opening is then sealed against water, cold air and insects.
A dedicated circuit and an accessible disconnect near the outdoor unit.
Leak test, vacuum, then start-up and a check of heating and cooling.
Remote, modes, filters: we show you the essentials before we leave.
- The on-site estimateWe look at the room, the outside wall, the line route and where the outdoor unit will go. That is where the capacity gets chosen.
- The quoteModel, capacity and price, in writing. We also check whether the model qualifies for assistance programs.
- Getting readyFloors and furniture protected, wall plate position marked level, wall opening located.
- The wall openingA single opening, with the slope the drain needs to flow outside.
- The outdoor unitSet on a stand raised above the snow, with the clearances the manufacturer requires.
- Lines, cable and drainConnected, insulated and protected. The opening is then sealed against water, cold air and insects.
- The electrical workA dedicated circuit and an accessible disconnect near the outdoor unit.
- Tests and start-upLeak test, vacuum, then start-up and a check of heating and cooling.
- The walkthroughRemote, modes, filters: we show you the essentials before we leave.
What would it look like at your place?
Two quick checks with real numbers: what heat costs, and what your current heaters add up to in BTU/h.
Baseboards and electric furnaces turn 1 kWh of electricity into 1 kWh of heat. A heat pump delivers more: that is its COP. At Hydro-Québec’s rate D (11.142¢/kWh above 40 kWh a day, since 1 April 2026):
Hydro-Québec: a heat pump can be up to three times more efficient than baseboards for heating in the colder months.
Estimate per kWh of heat, at the chosen temperature, using the certified COP from the product page. Taxes, access charge and backup heat not included.
Conversion: 1 W = 3.412 BTU/h. An indication, not a load calculation: baseboards and furnaces are often stronger than the real need, and they can stay as backup. AirGreen confirms the capacity on site.
Four mistakes we do not make
Flip each card to see what we do instead.
Your own project, step by step
What to do, season by season
Three habits per season for this unit. They take a few minutes and prevent many calls.
- Clean the indoor unit's filters.
- Clear leaves and debris left on the outdoor unit by winter.
- Test cooling before the first hot days.
- Clean the filters more often when the unit runs a lot.
- Keep plants away from the outdoor unit.
- Check that no water drips from the indoor unit.
- Rake the leaves around the outdoor unit.
- Test heating before the first cold days.
- Book periodic maintenance before winter.
- Keep snow away from the stand and the front of the unit.
- Let the unit defrost: it is normal.
- Never hit the ice on the fins; call us if the unit stays iced up.
Is your home ready?
Check what applies at your place. A "no" is not a refusal: it is what we sort out during the estimate.
Four statements: true or false?
It all comes down to details you have just seen.
1. In heating mode, the outdoor unit can produce water.
During defrost cycles. That water must drain away without forming ice.
2. You pick the capacity with a simple square-footage rule.
Windows, insulation, orientation and how the room is used all count. Capacity is chosen on site.
3. A multi-zone connects several indoor heads to a single condenser.
One head per room, all on the same condenser. Each room keeps its own temperature.
4. The disconnect can sit behind the patio furniture.
It must stay accessible: it is what shuts the unit off for service.
0 / 4 right answers
What people ask us about this kind of work
Does a wall-mounted heat pump heat in winter?
Wall-mounted or multi-zone: how do I choose?
Where does the outdoor unit go?
Are there grants?
Do I need a permit?
How cold can it heat?
How much can I save?
How is the LogisVert assistance calculated?
Is it noisy?
The outdoor unit is covered in ice: is that normal?
Does AirGreen hold the required licences?
Is the estimate free?
No question matches. Write to us: we answer.
More jobs to see, near you
By town, by equipment or by region: browse more than 4,700 published projects.
Each dot: a town where AirGreen has published projects. The glowing dot: this job.
Every house has its constraints. We see them before we install.
The on-site estimate is free and the quote follows within 24 hours.
Text and photo: a real AirGreen Climatisation & Chauffage job. The diagrams are generic illustrations of the type of installation, not a survey of this job site. Sources of the added figures: airgreen.ca product pages (NEEP / AHRI performance), Hydro-Québec (Heat pumps page, LogisVert, read on 13 October 2026), Régie de l’énergie (rate D as of 1 April 2026).