An interior head placed in the entrance area: immediate comfort, clean integration and controlled air circulation
In this Montreal North home, we were commissioned to install a GREE Livo R32 wall-mounted heat pump to stabilize the temperature in an entrance area opening onto the living room. The location, at the junction of an exterior door and a low ceiling , imposes very concrete constraints: reduced clearances , risk of air infiltration through the door and cold passage to be carried out without harming the aesthetics. Our team designed a compact solution, compliant with the rules of the art, which combines performance , silence and a discreet finish .
Why the Livo R32 for this project?
The Livo R32 is one of the new generation wall-mounted units that runs on R-32 refrigerant , which is more efficient and has a lower GWP than R-410A. Its inverter finely modulates power, reducing on/off cycles and maintaining a stable temperature while limiting power consumption . For a hall open to the living room, it offers:
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regular heating during the cold Montreal weather;
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precise air conditioning from the first warm days;
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a low noise level compatible with living rooms;
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simple HVAC maintenance (washable filters and direct access under the hood).
Choice of location: managing door and ceiling constraints
The indoor unit is installed high up , above the door frame. We have:
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validated the top and side clearances in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations , in order to ensure free suction and avoid recirculation of hot air to the ceiling;
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oriented the shutters so that the blowing sweeps the volume of the living room and avoids the direct jet on the passage area;
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chose a position slightly off-center in relation to the doorway to limit turbulence linked to frequent openings of the door.
This approach ensures even diffusion and avoids cold spots on the floor often seen in vestibules.
Refrigeration and finishing journey: clean, short and serviceable
The architecture of the premises allows for a very short route to the outside. We have created:
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a single, clean, sealed hole (cellular foam + sealant) to prevent any infiltration of air and moisture;
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a continuous slope of the gravity condensate drain , eliminating the need for a pump and associated maintenance;
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a discreet exterior cover matching the facade, with continuous insulation on the refrigeration pair to preserve efficiency in heating mode;
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a mounting plate securely anchored in the structure, distributing loads and eliminating vibrations.
Inside, there is no visible wiring: the finish remains simple and blends naturally with the light color of the walls.
Settings: comfort without overconsumption
We always put the machine back into service with a usage profile adapted to the household habits:
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Winter : stable setting, automatic ventilation with priority to horizontal flow towards the living room to limit stratification on the ceiling;
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Summer : moderate setting (23–24°C) with vertical sweep to break up layers of warm air;
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Off-season : use of dehumidification mode when the air is mild but humid, in order to improve perceived comfort without unnecessarily lowering the setpoint.
This setting, combined with inverter modulation, allows measurable savings and extends the life of the compressor.
Management of air infiltrations linked to the door
A device placed near an exterior door must deal with cold air inlets in winter and hot air in summer. We have:
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checked the weather stripping and caulked the perimeter of the frame;
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programmed a soft restart after prolonged opening to avoid over-revving;
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explained to the customer the benefit of letting the door close completely before forcing the machine to raise the deposit.
The result: a welcoming entrance area that no longer disrupts the comfort of the living room.
Sizing and electrical connection
Even if the room seems small, the entrance communicates with a larger living space ; we therefore dimension the capacity on the connected volume (adjacent surfaces, free height, orientation, windows). The Livo R32 chosen has a sufficient modulation range to work most of the time at low speed , resulting in contained noise and reduced consumption . The electrical connection is carried out on a dedicated circuit , with compliant protections and clear marking in the panel.
Acoustics and comfort of use
The wall head is fixed on a rigid structure , with anti-vibration spacers if necessary. The defrost cycles (in heating) are managed automatically; we inform the customer of normal signs (flow noises, short pauses) to avoid any concern. In stabilized mode, the noise level remains very low, compatible with conversation and rest.
HVAC Maintenance: Simple and Predictable
To maintain performance:
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washable filters to be rinsed every 4–6 weeks during periods of heavy use;
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seasonal visual inspection of the hood and suction;
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Annual AirGreen inspection : check evap/condensation temperatures, tighten connections, clean exchanger and check drain .
Regular maintenance prevents fouling, limits odors and maintains indoor air quality .
What this installation changes for the customer
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Stable temperature in the entrance and living room, without a “cold wall” near the door;
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Minimal noise thanks to modulation and height implantation;
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Consumption optimized by R-32 and inverter;
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Aesthetics preserved , no visible network inside;
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AirGreen Service : commissioning documentation and seasonal usage advice.
Our AirGreen methodology in Greater Montreal
Whether in Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , on the North Shore or the South Shore , our construction sites follow a constant protocol:
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Thermal assessment and stress survey (doors, ceilings, clearances).
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Machine selection according to actual load profile and acoustic requirements.
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Interior/exterior layout plan : airflow, drainage , future maintenance.
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Careful execution : clean drilling, waterproofing , harmonized cover , certified anchors.
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Instrumented commissioning and customer training .
This rigor translates into reliable , durable and easy-to-use installations.
Grants and administrative support
High-efficiency wall-mounted heat pumps may be eligible for assistance programs when the performance criteria for heating in extreme cold are met. We support our clients in verifying eligibility , preparing files and submitting bids , in order to optimize the net cost of the project.
In short , the installation of this GREE Livo R32 in Montreal North illustrates how a demanding layout —adjacent door, low ceiling, discreet passage—can become an asset when you master air diffusion , sealing and finishing . The home gains immediate comfort , energy savings and aesthetic integration faithful to AirGreen standards.