Four-season comfort in a Montreal loft: discreet and efficient HVAC integration by AirGreen
At AirGreen , we installed a Gree Livo R32 wall-mounted heat pump in an open-concept loft in Griffintown , in the heart of Southwest Montreal . The space features minimalist lines, a black metal staircase, and reflective white surfaces: an environment that demands efficient , quiet, and aesthetically flawless HVAC integration . Our approach emphasizes precise sizing , quality workmanship , and the durability of the installation.
Why the Livo R32 range is the perfect fit for urban lofts
The Gree Livo R32 belongs to the recent generation of wall-mounted heat pumps operating with R-32 refrigerant , known for its reduced environmental footprint and improved performance . In a Montreal loft with a partially lowered ceiling, choosing this range has several advantages:
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High energy efficiency with inverter technology: fine modulation, optimized consumption and temperature stability in double-height volumes.
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Cold weather heating performance (down to -25°C depending on range configuration), meeting the needs of Greater Montreal all winter long.
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Quiet operation indoors, ideal for open-plan spaces where noise levels reverberate quickly.
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Improved filtration and air quality , appreciated in high-occupancy urban environments.
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Compatibility with energy efficiency programs usually offered in Quebec for energy-efficient heat pumps .
For this project, we selected a capacity of 12,000 BTU , sized according to the building envelope, the sunlight, the free height under the ceiling, and the desired air circulation towards the mezzanine .
Reading the place and strategic implantation of the inner head
The chosen wall, white and clear, is located in the immediate vicinity of the staircase . This position is not accidental:
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The airflow naturally follows the staircase and spreads towards the mezzanine, which promotes thermal balance between the ground floor and the upper floor.
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The installation height under the soffit allows gravity drainage of condensate, limits the risk of water stagnation and avoids the use of a pump .
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The device remains outside the passage areas , protecting the facade from any mechanical stress and reducing local turbulence.
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The motorized shutter can sweep widely without interfering with the staircase stringer.
This intelligent layout is crucial in loft-type homes where vertical air circulation is a major issue, especially in heating mode.
Technical installation details: rigor and finishes
Our certified technicians followed an execution sequence that guarantees the reliability and cleanliness of the work:
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Tracing and anchoring of the wall plate on solid support, laser control of horizontality for optimal condensate drainage.
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Single bore with low outward slope for gravity drain ; deburring and sealing for airtightness.
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Passage of refrigerant connections in insulated annealed copper, bent without the start of folds to preserve the charge and the longevity of the compressor.
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Exterior routing (not visible here) under white conduit covers matching the facade; curvature radius respected to minimize pressure losses.
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Electrical connections in accordance with the Building Code and HVAC practices: dedicated circuit breaker, validated cable section, cable clamps and marking.
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Deep vacuum with vacuum gauge, nitrogen leak test , and loading according to actual lengths.
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Commissioning : checking blown temperatures, pressures, intensity, configuration of ventilation parameters and defrosting instructions.
The visible result: a Gree Livo R32 head perfectly aligned under the soffit, clean finishes , no visible screws, and discreet capping that blends into the decor.
Airflow management: uniform comfort on the ground floor and on the mezzanine
In a loft, hot air tends to rise . So we have:
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Programmed a wide vertical sweep in heating mode to project the temperate air towards the living area, then encourage the gradual rise .
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Recommended Auto-Fan mode in mid-season to limit stratification and maintain thermal stability .
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Proposed the addition of a minimum clearance around the appliance (furniture and risers) to allow the intake to breathe and preserve efficiency .
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Validated the blowing speeds compatible with the desired acoustics: the Livo R32 excels at low flow rates , without compromising the achievement of the setpoint.
Safety, maintenance and sustainability: what we put in place
To maximize the lifespan of the heat pump:
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We install UV-resistant and freeze/thaw-resistant exterior line protectors .
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We provide a simple maintenance schedule : cleaning of washable filters every 4 to 8 weeks during periods of intensive use; dusting of the battery ; annual refrigeration inspection by our teams.
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We explain good winter practices : clearing around the condenser , managing blown snow , and judicious use of Heat mode to limit defrost cycles.
This discipline reduces operating costs , maintains seasonal yields and extends machine reliability .
Grants and administrative support
The Gree Livo R32 is one of the recent high-efficiency ranges that may be eligible for current support programs when the technical criteria are met (efficiency, maintenance temperature, installation by a licensed contractor ). We support our customers in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore and South Shore for:
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Check address and energy profile eligibility .
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Prepare installation proofs and technical documents.
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Optimize the choice of capacity to comply with the evaluation grids.
What makes AirGreen different on a construction site in a residential environment?
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Planning without surprises : appointments coordinated with the concierge, protection of common areas and furniture.
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Clean work : tarpaulin, vacuum cutting, removal of waste, restoration of premises.
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Documentary rigor : commissioning sheets, electrical identification, archive photos for the customer file.
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Post-installation follow-up : visit or check -up call after the first weeks of use, fine adjustments if necessary.
Tips for using Montreal lofts
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In summer, choose a Cool mode with a realistic setpoint (22–24°C) and active dehumidification : perceived comfort increases without excess consumption.
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In winter, let the heat pump run continuously at low modulation rather than alternating between stops and restarts; temperature stability limits stratification .
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Program an automatic sweep that covers the staircase: the air is distributed better on both levels .
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Schedule annual maintenance before the cold season to secure yields .
Territorial scope: the same standard of quality throughout Greater Montreal
We deploy the same engineering and execution methodology in the inner-city neighborhoods of Montreal (Le Sud-Ouest, Verdun, Ville-Marie, Plateau), in Laval and on the South Shore . Whether the context is an urban condo , a traditional plex or a suburban house , we adapt the sizing , installation logistics and finishes to respect the existing architecture and maximize efficiency .
Result
The installation of the Gree Livo R32 wall-mounted heat pump in Griffintown offers the owner stable comfort all year round, optimized consumption , and visual integration perfectly aligned with the aesthetics of the loft. It is a concrete demonstration of our commitment: sober, sustainable HVAC solutions adapted to the requirements of urban environments .
AirGreen — your HVAC partner in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore and the South Shore.