Installation of a GREE Livo R32 wall-mounted heat pump in Griffintown
Condo in Griffintown: GREE Livo R32 on raised support , waterproof electrical conduit, short lines and gravity drain . High-performance AirGreen HVAC installation for Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore and South Shore.
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.
Four-season comfort for a condo with balcony: GREE condenser on raised support , electrical supply under sealed conduit and ultra-short refrigeration path for maximum efficiency in downtown Montreal
Background and objectives
In a modern condo in Griffintown (Le Sud-Ouest) , we are installing a GREE R-32 wall-mounted heat pump to air condition the main living area and provide stable supplemental heating during the off-season. The client is looking for a solution:
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discreet on the balcony,
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quiet for the immediate neighborhood,
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efficient despite urban constraints (corridor winds, restricted spaces),
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durable and easy to maintain HVAC .
Our selection is a GREE – Livo R32 range in single zone , perfectly suited to open-plan condos in Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , North Shore and South Shore .
Why the GREE R-32 range here
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Seasonal efficiency optimized by inverter and R-32 (better thermodynamic properties than R-410A, reduced load).
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Extreme cold operating range adapted to the climate of Greater Montreal.
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Low noise level on the balcony and interior sides, essential in dense environments.
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Easy maintenance : clear access to components, washable filters on the wall head.
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Potential eligibility for provincial support programs based on configuration effectiveness.
Exterior installation: millimeter precision on balcony
The condenser is placed on a raised galvanized steel support mechanically anchored to the concrete slab of the balcony. This choice:
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lifts the unit off the ground (≈ 30–40 cm) to release defrosting in winter and facilitate cleaning;
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relieves vibrations using pads and spacers;
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maintains sufficient clearances for rear air intake and front blowing.
On the left, the power supply runs in a sealed conduit to an external disconnect box that complies with the Canadian Electrical Code. The routing is clean and accessible for any work.
The refrigeration path is deliberately very short : direct outlet behind the indoor unit, crossing of the dividing wall towards the balcony, connection to the condenser less than 2 to 3 meters cumulative lines. Less length means less pressure losses , better modulation and increased seasonal efficiency .
Interior integration and air diffusion
The wall-mounted head is installed high on the living room wall, free from the lintel to promote recirculation. The damper is adjusted to bring air to the center of the open area without blowing directly onto the workstations. Access to the filters remains easy for regular maintenance. The orientation of the vent reduces the stratification effect under the ceiling.
Technical installation details
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Support : galvanized frame, mechanical anchors on slab, level and plumb checked by laser.
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Vibrations : anti-vibration pads under the feet, insulating washers at the clamping points.
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Electrical : circuit dedicated to the housing panel, rating/circuit breaker according to the nameplate; proximity cut-off on the balcony.
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Refrigeration : progressive bending, calibrated expansions with a torque meter; deep vacuum then stabilization and leak testing.
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Condensate : gravity drain from the indoor head to the outdoors with a continuous slope ; the condenser defrost drain is directed to a free-flowing area to avoid ice.
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Finish : discreet conduit covers, UV silicone seals, watertight cable glands at the crossings.
Specific challenges in high-rise buildings and our solutions
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Limited space : the raised support helps to preserve the useful surface area of the balcony and prevents accidental contact.
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Corridor winds : blowing direction and maintaining clearances minimize recirculation of hot air in air conditioning mode.
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Structural noise : anti-vibration cutouts and controlled torque tightening limit transmission through the slab.
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Water management : drain layout so that defrosting does not disturb occupants or neighbors; if necessary, add a winter extension.
Sizing and capacity selection
We size the machine based on load calculations : surface area, exposure, glazing, infiltration, occupancy density and internal appliances. In the majority of condos with a living room of 30–45 m², a capacity of 9,000 to 12,000 BTUs more than covers the needs. The Livo R32 offers a very favorable efficiency/price ratio and fine modulation to avoid short cycles.
Commissioning: key checks
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Supply/return temperatures in cooling and auxiliary heating.
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Compressor intensity and modulation stability.
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Superheat/subcooling within recommended ranges.
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Defrost control in simulation (if cold period).
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Setting modes and remote control (times, Eco, Sleep).
Result for the occupants
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Rapid cooling , controlled humidity in summer.
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Gentle and constant supplemental heating in spring and autumn.
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Low noise level on the balcony and inside.
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Aesthetics : clean integration, clear and easy to maintain equipment.
HVAC usage and maintenance tips
Recommended settings
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Summer: setpoint 23–24°C , Auto fan ; let the machine modulate continuously.
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Winter (top-up): 21–22°C ; avoid frequent stops, favor modulation.
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On balcony: keep a clear perimeter around the condenser (plants, furniture).
Periodic maintenance
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Filters : Vacuum every 4–6 weeks with heavy use; gentle wash if buildup.
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Batteries (evaporator/condenser): periodic professional cleaning to preserve the exchange surface .
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Electricity and tightening : annual check, inspection of the circuit breaker and connections.
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Drain : check the slope and cleanliness, especially at the beginning of summer and before winter.
Regular HVAC maintenance maintains seasonal performance and secures warranties.
Grants, Compliance and Documentation
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High-performance R-32 heat pumps may be eligible for assistance programs in Quebec depending on their efficiency ratings, home type, and configuration. We prepare technical data sheets , serial numbers, and installation photos to facilitate the application process.
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All work complies with the Canadian Electrical Code and recognized refrigeration practices (vacuum drawing, accompanying nitrogen during brazing when required, leak tests).
What sets our Griffintown facility apart
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Ultra-short refrigeration path for optimal performance.
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Raised support anchored to slab: free defrosting, easy maintenance, safety.
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Waterproof electrical conduit and proximity cut-off : compliance and reliability.
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Neat and discreet finish , perfectly suited to city center condominiums.
When to consider an alternative configuration
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Multiple closed rooms to be treated: MultiZone GREE FreeMatch R32 solution (2–3 heads) for room-by-room control.
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House with existing ducts : R-32/R-454B central heat pump for overall comfort.
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Living area > 50–60 m² : higher capacity (18–24 kBTU) or addition of a second head.
Technical summary report
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Type : single-zone wall-mounted heat pump .
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Brand : GREE – Livo R32 range .
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Exterior installation : raised galvanized support , waterproof electrical conduit , clearances respected.
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Route : direct wall crossing, reduced line length , gravity drain .
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Location : Griffintown (Montreal) , configuration reproducible in many condos in Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , North Shore and South Shore .
Ready for controlled comfort in an urban environment
We support your project from selection to commissioning , then to annual maintenance . Our team guarantees a clean, efficient and durable HVAC installation , adapted to the requirements of condominiums in Greater Montreal.
How it goes, from the first call to the end
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 the unit delivers when it is cold
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.
And 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.
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.
Which type of equipment for your project?
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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.
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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).