Installation of a Gree Livo R32 wall-mounted heat pump in Plateau-Mont-Royal
Plateau-Mont-Royal: Gree Livo R32 wall-mounted heat pump installed under a balcony, short back-to-back, anti-vibration pads and gravity drain. Neat finish and four-season comfort by AirGreen, HVAC expert in Montreal and surrounding areas.
Take a tour of the installation
Each number is a point we check on site. Switch between summer and winter to watch air and heat move.
In summer, the outdoor unit rejects the house's heat outside.
Generic illustration of this type of installation, not a survey of this job site. Tap a number.
Mounted level on a wall plate, high enough for the air to reach the whole room, with enough space around it to slide the filters out easily.
The refrigerant lines, the communication cable and the drain go through the wall in a single opening, sealed against water, cold air and insects.
Two insulated copper pipes connect the two units. Outside, a line cover can protect them from sun, knocks and weather.
A shut-off switch near the outdoor unit isolates it safely for service. It must stay accessible at all times.
The compressor and the fan. In heating mode it captures heat from the outdoor air, even in winter, and moves it inside.
On the ground or on the wall, it keeps the unit above accumulated snow. The unit stays clear and defrost water can drain away.
The fan needs to blow freely. Storage, a fence or a wall too close, and efficiency drops while noise goes up.
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 .
The unit on this job, in figures
The range as published on airgreen.ca: pick a size to see its capacity in deep cold.
| Size | Heating at −8 °C | Heating at −15 °C | Coldest certified point | COP at −15 °C | SEER | HSPF | Indicative LogisVert aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gree Livo R32 9 000 (115 V) | 10,000 | 7,600 | −25 °C: 5,700 | 1.86 | 20.5 | 8.8 | – |
| Gree Livo R32 9 000 | 9,600 | 7,600 | −25 °C: 5,500 | 1.94 | 20.5 | 8.8 | – |
| Gree Livo R32 12 000 (115 V) | 9,700 | 8,500 | −25 °C: 6,500 | 1.75 | 19.0 | 8.5 | – |
| Gree Livo R32 12 000 | 9,700 | 9,100 | −25 °C: 6,500 | 1.8 | 19.0 | 8.5 | $1,164 |
| Gree Livo R32 18 000 | 15,300 | 12,100 | −25 °C: 10,200 | 1.85 | 20.0 | 8.5 | $1,836 |
| Gree Livo R32 24 000 | 19,200 | 15,700 | −25 °C: 10,500 | 1.75 | 19.0 | 8.5 | $2,304 |
| Gree Livo R32 30 000 | 24,000 | 23,000 | −25 °C: 16,900 | 1.8 | 22.0 | 9.0 | $2,880 |
| Gree Livo R32 36 000 | 27,400 | 24,600 | −25 °C: 21,000 | 1.8 | 21.0 | 8.5 | $3,288 |
According to NEEP, it delivers 10,000 BTU/h at −8 °C (17 °F), as much as at 8 °C. It heats as hard in moderate cold as in mild weather.
According to NEEP, its certified maximum capacity at −25 °C (−13 °F) is 5,700 BTU/h, 63% of its nominal 9,000 BTU size.
At 8 °C, its certified maximum capacity reaches 13,300 BTU/h, 48% more than its nominal 9,000 BTU size.
According to NEEP, its COP at −15 °C is 1.94: the highest of the Livo R32 line, which ranges from 1.75 to 1.86 at that temperature.
According to NEEP, its certified maximum capacity at −25 °C (−13 °F) is 5,500 BTU/h, 61% of its nominal 9,000 BTU size.
At 8 °C, its certified maximum capacity reaches 13,136 BTU/h, 46% more than its nominal 9,000 BTU size.
According to NEEP, it delivers 8,500 BTU/h at −15 °C, against 9,100 for the Gree Livo R32 12 000.
At −25 °C, its certified minimum capacity is 1,800 BTU/h (3,070 at 8 °C). It slows down instead of cycling on and off.
According to NEEP, its certified heating capacity at −15 °C (5 °F) is 8,500 BTU/h, 71% of its nominal 12,000 BTU size. Its COP there is 1.75.
According to NEEP, it delivers 9,100 BTU/h at −15 °C, against 8,500 for the Gree Livo R32 12 000 (115 V).
At −25 °C, its certified minimum capacity is 1,800 BTU/h (3,070 at 8 °C). It slows down instead of cycling on and off.
According to NEEP, its certified heating capacity at −15 °C (5 °F) is 9,100 BTU/h, 76% of its nominal 12,000 BTU size. Its COP there is 1.80.
At 8 °C, its certified maximum capacity reaches 22,500 BTU/h, 25% more than its nominal 18,000 BTU size.
According to NEEP, its certified minimum capacity is at least 7,000 BTU/h at every temperature. In a small, well-insulated room it will cycle on and off more often: size it carefully.
According to NEEP, its certified heating capacity at −15 °C (5 °F) is 12,100 BTU/h, 67% of its nominal 18,000 BTU size. Its COP there is 1.85.
At −25 °C, its certified minimum capacity is 3,100 BTU/h (5,800 at 8 °C). It slows down instead of cycling on and off.
According to NEEP, its certified heating capacity at −15 °C (5 °F) is 15,700 BTU/h, 65% of its nominal 24,000 BTU size. Its COP there is 1.75.
According to NEEP, its certified heating capacity at −15 °C (5 °F) is 23,000 BTU/h, 77% of its nominal 30,000 BTU size. Its COP there is 1.80.
According to NEEP, its COP at −25 °C is 1.54: the highest of the Livo R32 line, which ranges from 1.30 to 1.52 at that temperature.
At −25 °C, its certified minimum capacity is 7,000 BTU/h (10,000 at 8 °C). It slows down instead of cycling on and off.
According to NEEP, its certified heating capacity at −15 °C (5 °F) is 24,600 BTU/h, 68% of its nominal 36,000 BTU size. Its COP there is 1.80.
Data read live from the airgreen.ca page of each size (NEEP / AHRI certified performance). When the title names the installed size, it is highlighted; otherwise the whole range is shown. The aid shown is today’s, using Hydro-Québec’s rule ($120 per 1,000 BTU/h at −8 °C); amounts quoted in the article date from its publication. Only Hydro-Québec confirms the assistance granted.A dash in the aid column: amount to be confirmed for this model.
The big day, step by step
The main steps of this kind of job at AirGreen. Every house has its quirks: the estimate brings them out.
We look at the room, the outside wall, the line route and where the outdoor unit will go. That is where the capacity gets chosen.
Model, capacity and price, in writing. We also check whether the model qualifies for assistance programs.
Floors and furniture protected, wall plate position marked level, wall opening located.
A single opening, with the slope the drain needs to flow outside.
Set on a stand raised above the snow, with the clearances the manufacturer requires.
Connected, insulated and protected. The opening is then sealed against water, cold air and insects.
A dedicated circuit and an accessible disconnect near the outdoor unit.
Leak test, vacuum, then start-up and a check of heating and cooling.
Remote, modes, filters: we show you the essentials before we leave.
- The on-site estimateWe look at the room, the outside wall, the line route and where the outdoor unit will go. That is where the capacity gets chosen.
- The quoteModel, capacity and price, in writing. We also check whether the model qualifies for assistance programs.
- Getting readyFloors and furniture protected, wall plate position marked level, wall opening located.
- The wall openingA single opening, with the slope the drain needs to flow outside.
- The outdoor unitSet on a stand raised above the snow, with the clearances the manufacturer requires.
- Lines, cable and drainConnected, insulated and protected. The opening is then sealed against water, cold air and insects.
- The electrical workA dedicated circuit and an accessible disconnect near the outdoor unit.
- Tests and start-upLeak test, vacuum, then start-up and a check of heating and cooling.
- The walkthroughRemote, modes, filters: we show you the essentials before we leave.
What would it look like at your place?
Two quick checks with real numbers: what heat costs, and what your current heaters add up to in BTU/h.
Baseboards and electric furnaces turn 1 kWh of electricity into 1 kWh of heat. A heat pump delivers more: that is its COP. At Hydro-Québec’s rate D (11.142¢/kWh above 40 kWh a day, since 1 April 2026):
Hydro-Québec: a heat pump can be up to three times more efficient than baseboards for heating in the colder months.
Estimate per kWh of heat, at the chosen temperature, using the certified COP from the product page. Taxes, access charge and backup heat not included.
Conversion: 1 W = 3.412 BTU/h. An indication, not a load calculation: baseboards and furnaces are often stronger than the real need, and they can stay as backup. AirGreen confirms the capacity on site.
Four mistakes we do not make
Flip each card to see what we do instead.
Your own project, step by step
What to do, season by season
Three habits per season for this unit. They take a few minutes and prevent many calls.
- Clean the indoor unit's filters.
- Clear leaves and debris left on the outdoor unit by winter.
- Test cooling before the first hot days.
- Clean the filters more often when the unit runs a lot.
- Keep plants away from the outdoor unit.
- Check that no water drips from the indoor unit.
- Rake the leaves around the outdoor unit.
- Test heating before the first cold days.
- Book periodic maintenance before winter.
- Keep snow away from the stand and the front of the unit.
- Let the unit defrost: it is normal.
- Never hit the ice on the fins; call us if the unit stays iced up.
Is your home ready?
Check what applies at your place. A "no" is not a refusal: it is what we sort out during the estimate.
Four statements: true or false?
It all comes down to details you have just seen.
1. In heating mode, the outdoor unit can produce water.
During defrost cycles. That water must drain away without forming ice.
2. You pick the capacity with a simple square-footage rule.
Windows, insulation, orientation and how the room is used all count. Capacity is chosen on site.
3. A multi-zone connects several indoor heads to a single condenser.
One head per room, all on the same condenser. Each room keeps its own temperature.
4. The disconnect can sit behind the patio furniture.
It must stay accessible: it is what shuts the unit off for service.
0 / 4 right answers
What people ask us about this kind of work
Does a wall-mounted heat pump heat in winter?
Wall-mounted or multi-zone: how do I choose?
Where does the outdoor unit go?
Are there grants?
Do I need a permit?
How cold can it heat?
How much can I save?
How is the LogisVert assistance calculated?
Is it noisy?
The outdoor unit is covered in ice: is that normal?
Does AirGreen hold the required licences?
Is the estimate free?
No question matches. Write to us: we answer.
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Each dot: a town where AirGreen has published projects. The glowing dot: this job.
Every house has its constraints. We see them before we install.
The on-site estimate is free and the quote follows within 24 hours.
Text and photo: a real AirGreen Climatisation & Chauffage job. The diagrams are generic illustrations of the type of installation, not a survey of this job site. Sources of the added figures: airgreen.ca product pages (NEEP / AHRI performance), Hydro-Québec (Heat pumps page, LogisVert, read on 13 October 2026), Régie de l’énergie (rate D as of 1 April 2026).