A careful exterior installation under a balcony, designed for four-season comfort and durability
At AirGreen , we work weekly in plexes and triplexes in the Plateau-Mont-Royal area . The local architecture—brick facades, concrete balconies, metal railings—requires precise implementation engineering for wall-mounted heat pumps . On this project, we installed a Gree Livo R32 (recent range with R-32 refrigerant ) in a back-to-back configuration with the indoor head. The objective: reduce refrigerant lengths , protect the outdoor unit from bad weather under the balcony , and preserve traffic flow in the alley.
Building context and choice of equipment
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Type of accommodation : typical Plateau plex, red brick facade , concrete/steel balcony , small front courtyard.
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Customer needs : quiet summer air conditioning, reliable additional heating in winter, low visual impact .
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Selected solution : Gree Livo R32 (wall-mounted series, single head), selected for its seasonal performance , its resistance to cold and its compatibility with subsidy programs for high-efficiency heat pumps in Greater Montreal.
Why the Livo R32 range?
The switch to R-32 reduces GWP compared to R-410A and is accompanied by inverter compressor optimizations. The Livo R32 offers stable heating at low temperatures (extreme cold end of the range), modulated airflow , and anti-corrosion treated fins ( Golden Fin type) visible here by the golden tint of the coil. It is a sustainable choice for an urban environment exposed to salt, frost and acid rain.
Balcony installation strategy: security, silence and efficiency
Installing an outdoor unit under a balcony is not something you can do on the spur of the moment. We follow a strict checklist:
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Air clearances : at least 12–18 in. at the rear and sides, sufficient height for intake and exhaust. The guardrail must not obstruct the face of the exchanger.
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Condensate discharge and defrosting : free area in winter for drainage, with raising on anti-vibration pads or mini-slab to prevent the accumulation of snow and ice.
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Vibrations and acoustics : high-density rubber pads , torque tightening, and fan orientation to reduce sound reflection towards the courtyard and neighboring facade.
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Winter protection : clearance from under the balcony, roof snow guard in case of runoff, and easy access for natural defrosting of the appliance.
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Maintenance : sufficient space to remove the grille and clean the exchanger during our HVAC maintenance visits .
Result: a compact installation, aesthetically discreet from the street, and efficient in summer and winter.
Optimized refrigerant path and clean finishes
This project takes advantage of a back-to-back route : the interior head is on the other side of the brick wall. The insulated copper connections and the communication cable pass through the masonry via a single, gently sloping borehole for the gravity drain . We:
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let's install a vapor barrier sleeve and an elastomeric mastic seal for airtightness;
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we test the nitrogen brazing and the strength of the fittings;
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Let's protect the exterior with a discreet, light-colored cover , aligned with the guardrail.
This approach reduces the length of piping, therefore pressure losses and electricity consumption . It also limits the visual impact on the facade.
Commissioning: AirGreen method
The performance of a heat pump depends on uncompromising commissioning:
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Deep vacuum with digital vacuum gauge.
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Nitrogen test (pressure build-up, controlled stability).
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Checking currents , blown temperatures , superheating/subcooling .
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Setting the flow and sweep so that the airflow in air conditioning mode does not directly target the rest areas.
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Customer training: filters, Heat/Cool/Dry modes, programming, winter/summer advice.
Management of Plateau constraints: co-ownership, access and neighborhood
Working on the Plateau means narrow streets , exterior stairs , close proximity :
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Coordination with co-owners for work slots and tool passage.
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Protection of surfaces (balcony, railing, brick) during drilling.
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Evening noise level : customer awareness of the use of silent modes when relevant.
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Winter snow removal around the appliance to maintain ventilation and prevent recirculation of cold air.
What the Livo R32 actually brings to everyday life
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Rapid cooling of living areas in summer thanks to the inverter compressor and precise shutter control.
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Economical heating in mid-season and mild winters, which relieves existing systems.
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Air quality : easy-to-maintain filtration; Dry mode manages humidity spikes in spring.
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Quiet : Modulating speeds reduces on/off cycles, ideal for rooms adjoining the balcony.
AirGreen Grant Eligibility and Coverage
In Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore and South Shore , high-efficiency R-32 wall-mounted heat pumps may be eligible for assistance programs (depending on configuration, performance and current criteria). We support our customers from sizing to documentation : serial numbers, installation photos, technical data sheets.
HVAC Maintenance: Keeping Performance at Peak
A simple HVAC maintenance plan preserves performance:
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Filters : Rinse every 4–8 weeks during use.
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External exchanger : gentle cleaning of the fins (no high pressure), flow check.
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Drain : inspection of the slope and the outlet point after winter.
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Annual AirGreen inspection : electrical checks, pressure/temperature readings, adjustments.
These actions maintain a high COP , reduce consumption and extend lifespan .
Common mistakes avoided on this site
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Unit too close to the guardrail: we have maintained the required clearance .
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No need for a condensate pump : the gravity drain avoids noise and unnecessary maintenance.
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Direct fixings to the balcony without decoupling: use of anti-vibration pads to limit solid transmissions.
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Piercing without vapor barrier : our waterproof sleeve protects the envelope and limits air bridges.
Deadlines and typical procedure
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Technical visit and site validation: 24–48 hours depending on availability.
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Planning : condominium approval if required.
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Installation : generally in one day (drilling, installation, connections, commissioning).
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Delivery : commissioning report and seasonal usage advice.
Balance sheet
The Gree Livo R32 wall-mounted heat pump installed under a balcony in Plateau-Mont-Royal offers four-season comfort , discreet integration , and long-lasting performance . The back-to-back installation and careful management of clearances guarantee maximum efficiency and controlled acoustics —exactly what Montreal plex occupants are looking for.
AirGreen designs and installs HVAC systems tailored to each building in Greater Montreal. Our commitment: precise sizing , impeccable finishes , and responsive after-sales service .