Four-season comfort for an urban condo, with a design designed around a patio door
At AirGreen , we have just installed a Gree Livo R32 wall-mounted heat pump in a condo in the Le Sud-Ouest district (Montreal) . The bright and compact home has a configuration that is very common in urban areas: an interior head mounted high on a side wall, in the immediate vicinity of a large patio door opening onto the balcony. This reality requires specific choices for the HVAC installation to ensure uniform air distribution, discreet operation and optimal performance in both summer and winter.
The context: optimizing an open-plan living space
The living area combines a living room and a dining area. Before our intervention, the owner relied on a wall-mounted electric convector for heating and had to manage glass surfaces responsible for significant solar gain in summer and heat loss in winter. The objectives were clear:
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improve thermal comfort throughout the room without creating a direct draft;
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stabilize humidity on hot days;
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reduce electricity consumption through inverter modulation and programming.
The Gree Livo R32 meets these expectations precisely: inverter compressor , low GWP R-32 refrigerant , low noise levels and fine control of the shutters.
Interior head location: close to a bay window, without compromising airflow
We fixed the unit high on the wall , about 10–15 cm from the ceiling, which promotes the Coanda effect : the air blows along the ceiling, then descends without a direct draft onto the occupants. The proximity of the patio door requires specific adjustments:
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Orient the shutters slightly towards the center of the room to avoid short-circuiting with the cold window in winter.
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In summer, moderate downward slope to increase the mixing rate and better capture ambient humidity.
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Recommendation to install a low-overhang thermal blind or curtain to limit direct sunlight, without blocking air intake.
The lateral positioning frees up traffic areas and facilitates access for HVAC maintenance (cleaning filters, inspecting probes, degreasing fins).
Route of connections: short crossing and gravity evacuation
The installation benefits from a direct passage to the exterior wall, just behind the head. This reduces the length of refrigerant connections , lowers pressure losses and simplifies future maintenance. Key points:
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Drilling with controlled slope towards the outside for a gravity condensate drain (no pump required, therefore less maintenance).
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Continuous high density UV insulation , exterior capping with sealed joints for a durable finish.
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Disconnection box near the outdoor unit (on the balcony) to secure any intervention.
In a condominium context, we always coordinate the layout of the pipes to respect the aesthetics of the facade and the regulations of the union.
Sizing and recommended use
For an open condo area, the 9,000–12,000 BTU range of the Livo R32 is generally well suited, subject to a load calculation that takes into account:
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actual insulation (walls, slab, glazing);
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orientation and solar gains ;
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of occupation and internal devices.
Objective: avoid oversizing (too short cycles, ineffective dehumidification) and maintain superior seasonal efficiency . Inverter modulation allows the temperature to be maintained continuously without jolts, with smoothed consumption .
Commissioning: the AirGreen method
We systematically apply a six-step protocol:
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Nitrogen test and brazing inspection.
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High vacuum to the micron, maintenance and control of ascent.
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Opening the fluid and checking for superheat/subcooling .
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Control of fan speeds and noise at different levels.
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Calibration of the shutters for the “side bay window” configuration.
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Customer training : time programming, eco mode, good dehumidification practices.
Result when switched on: uniform temperature in the living area, rapid drop in humidity on hot days and silence compatible with teleworking.
Why choose the Gree Livo R32 for Montreal
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R-32 : better volumetric performance and reduced environmental impact compared to R-410A.
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Inverter : precise modulation, significant energy savings in spring and autumn.
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Optimized exchanger : good behavior at low temperatures for winter backup.
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Easily accessible filters : simple maintenance to maintain efficiency and air quality.
Depending on the configuration chosen and the current scales, this type of heat pump may be eligible for subsidies in Quebec. We verify eligibility on a case-by-case basis (efficiency, nominal power, performance in cold climates).
Installation details can be seen in the photo
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Interior head placed at the corner of a dark wall, with upper clearances respected.
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Proximity to an existing electric convector : it remains as an emergency backup for episodes of extreme cold.
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Wall control within reach and free socket for maintenance accessories (backpack vacuum cleaner, testers).
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Patio door on the right side: justification for the specific adjustment of the shutters and the localized anti-overcooling programming.
Use and maintenance tips for the owner
To maintain the performance of the heat pump :
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Leave 30–50 cm clear around the head; avoid thick curtains in front of the device.
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Clean the filters every 4 to 8 weeks during use.
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In summer, use DRY mode on humid days with moderate temperatures.
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In winter, maintain a stable setting and avoid frequent switching between modes.
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Schedule annual HVAC maintenance : check pressures, sensors, fan, and inspect exterior capping on the balcony.
Pitfalls to Avoid in Condos with Patio Doors
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Blowing directed towards the window : risk of stratification and increased consumption.
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Blackout curtain stuck to the ceiling light in the head: obstruction of air intake.
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Refrigerant lines too long drawn around the edge of the balcony: pressure losses and complicated maintenance.
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No slope on the drain: internal drip during heat waves.
Our teams anticipate these points during the technical visit and suggest appropriate corrections (orientation of shutters, discreet sunshade, short lines).
Result: immediate comfort and better controlled bills
In use, the condo benefits from rapid cooling , better controlled humidity and discreet operation compatible with urban life. The existing convector remains a backup solution; the Gree heat pump provides the main comfort for the majority of the year, with savings linked to inverter modulation and time programming .
This achievement in Montreal reflects our way of doing things: rigorous sizing , clean execution and complete support , which we also deploy in Laval , Longueuil , on the North Shore and on the South Shore .
Why AirGreen
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Local expertise : thousands of residential installations in Greater Montreal.
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Durable finishes : cappings, seals, supports and anti-vibration shims.
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Complete service : choice of equipment, grant procedures, HVAC maintenance and responsive after-sales service.