Four-season comfort, installed above a heritage frame to serve several rooms without compromise
Background and objectives
In a typical Plateau-Mont-Royal apartment, with period moldings and narrow hallways, we modernized the comfort with a Gree Livo R32 wall-mounted heat pump . The mandate: to heat efficiently during the off-season and during moderate cold, to cool quietly in the summer, and to preserve the aesthetics of a heritage interior. The chosen location— above a door frame , at the top of the wall—allows the corridor to be supplied with air and the adjacent rooms to be irrigated, while keeping the unit discreet.
Why the Livo R32 range in this project
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Performance in Montreal climate : inverter compressor and heat exchanges optimized by R-32 (A2L) for high COP in mid-season and stable capacity below zero.
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Quiet : modulated fan speeds, ideal for an apartment.
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Compact format : thin casing that slides under the ceiling without distorting the moldings.
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Easy maintenance : washable filters accessible from the front and reliable electronics.
We favor the Livo R32 for plex renovations when it is necessary to combine performance , aesthetics and operating costs .
HVAC installation steps and technical choices
Load study and air strategy
We first perform a load calculation that includes surface area, ceiling height, insulation, infiltration, and orientation. Here, the main area (living room-hallway + opening onto the dining room) generally requires 12 to 15 kBTU depending on the envelope. Positioning at the top of the wall, above the door :
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exploits stratification for deep scanning;
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avoids direct blowing on occupants;
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allows air to be distributed to several rooms from the corridor.
Ceiling and side clearance is respected to ensure correct air return and preserve access to the filters.
Drilling, refrigeration connections and finishing
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Drilling on the upright side of the frame to cross the partition towards a peripheral wall;
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Insulated copper lines, vapor barrier at the crossings and white interior capping to blend in with the woodwork;
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Designed to be short and straight to the outside to limit pressure losses and maintain compressor performance.
In this plex configuration, the total distance to the condenser in the rear yard is typically between 6 and 8 meters , with only one clear change of direction to match the geometry of the corridor.
Condensate management: integrated micro-pump
Above an interior frame, gravity drainage is not always possible. We have integrated a silent condensate micro-pump with an anti-overflow sensor and reinforced PVC pipe, laid with a continuous slope to the discharge point. Advantages:
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reliability regardless of floor level or distance from the facade;
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simple maintenance (annual desludging);
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no marks on the moldings thanks to the discreet channel routing .
Outdoor unit and winter protection
On the courtyard side, the unit is installed on galvanized wall brackets at a clear height for snow. We plan:
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rear and side clearance for free airflow;
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easy service hatch and suitcase access;
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if necessary, snow guard and small awning which does not obstruct the intake/insufflation;
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clearing the traffic of neighbors, an essential element in the alleys of the Plateau .
Rigorous commissioning
Our protocols include:
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Flares to the manufacturer's torque , visual inspection of the lips;
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Nitrogen pressure test (proof) then deep vacuum < 500 microns, stabilization;
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Leakage control and evaporation/condensation temperature readings;
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Setting of shutter angles , silent night speeds, and setpoint limits.
Results and benefits for the client
Efficient additional heating
In mid-season and during moderate cold weather, the heat pump significantly reduces the need for electric baseboard heaters. A COP greater than 2 in real conditions provides significant savings compared to resistive heating alone.
Even cooling in summer
The Livo R32 ensures even horizontal sweeping . Positioning it above the passageway distributes cool air along the corridor and reduces hot spots in the side rooms.
Respect for the architectural character
The high-wall mounting, the thin trunking and the careful passage of the connections preserve the integrity of the period moldings and carpentry: a crucial point for the Plateau-Mont-Royal housing.
Recommended HVAC maintenance
User Routine
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Rinse or vacuum the filters every 4 to 8 weeks during use;
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Keep the drain chute and micro-pump bowl clean;
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Clear snow from the outdoor unit in winter for optimal airflow.
Annual AirGreen Visit
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Deep cleaning of evaporator/condenser;
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Electrical check, condensate pump pressure switch and ventilation calibration;
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Temperature control and comfort settings update.
Regular maintenance preserves performance , extends the life of the compressor and secures warranties .
Grants and eligibilities (benchmarks)
High-performance R-32 wall-mounted heat pumps that maintain their capacity in extreme cold may be eligible for assistance programs in Quebec. Eligibility depends on the specific model and certified performance. We assist homeowners in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore to verify criteria and prepare applications.
AirGreen tips for this type of apartment
1. Aim for the heart of traffic
Installing the head above a passageway allows several rooms to be served thanks to natural air movements, especially in adjoining plans.
2. Protect the woodwork
Painted or white drainpipes and careful drilling maintain the aesthetics. We avoid any visible paths through the moldings.
3. Take care of condensate management
When gravity is lacking, the micro-pump must be silent , equipped with an alarm contact and easy to access for maintenance.
4. Anticipate the Montreal winter
Raising the outdoor unit and maintaining clearance around the exchanger ensures efficient defrosting and reliable operation during snowfall.
Frequently asked questions
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Equipment type : Gree Livo R32 wall-mounted heat pump
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Location : top of wall, above a door frame , for air distribution to the corridor and adjacent rooms
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Connections : short, straight path, discreet internal capping ; nitrogen test + deep vacuum
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Condensates : silent micro-pump with anti-overflow safety
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Maintenance : regular filters + annual AirGreen visit
AirGreen, your HVAC partner in Greater Montreal
We install and maintain wall-mounted heat pumps from Gree, Fujitsu, Sharp, Midea, Hitachi, etc. Our approach: diagnosis , careful HVAC installation , instrumented commissioning and clear follow-up . Whether you are in Plateau-Mont-Royal , Laval , Longueuil , on the North Shore or the South Shore , we adapt the solution to your building and your lifestyle.