Four-season comfort in a renovated condo: our precise, clean and sustainable AirGreen approach
At AirGreen , we transform living spaces in Greater Montreal with HVAC solutions that are efficient, efficient, and adapted to the local climate. This project in Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie illustrates our approach: a carefully sized Gree Livo R32 wall-mounted heat pump , neatly installed under the ceiling to free up wall space and provide efficient heating in winter and gentle cooling in summer . In this newly renovated condo, still equipped with electric baseboard heaters, our mandate is clear: lower operating costs, stabilize humidity in summer, and ensure consistent comfort without noise or drafts.
The context: a compact space, new finishes and a requirement for absolute cleanliness
We are working in a multi-purpose room (office/bedroom) with freshly painted walls, recessed lighting, and existing baseboards. The client wants:
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A discreet, white, compact wall-mounted unit , positioned high to optimize air stratification and diffusion.
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A clean, dust-free construction site , compatible with protected floors.
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An energy-efficient solution to reduce reliance on baseboard heaters and stabilize the temperature in adjacent rooms.
The Gree Livo R32 stands out here for its excellent performance/price ratio, its R-32 fluid with a lower GWP than R-410A, and its reliable heating performance in cold weather. We are using a single-zone configuration of 12,000 BTU (typical for 350–550 sq ft depending on the envelope), confirmed after our measurements and load calculations.
Technical choices: why the Livo R32 is suitable for this project
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Heating efficiency in extreme cold : the Livo R32 maintains a useful power level at −25°C , ideal for Montreal. This significantly reduces the use of baseboards.
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Silence : a very quiet indoor head , perfect for teleworking and sleeping.
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R-32 : better volumetric efficiency and reduced environmental footprint compared to R-410A.
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Easy maintenance : washable filters, easy access for annual HVAC maintenance.
Interior head installation: height, aesthetics and air diffusion
We place the head under the ceiling , centered on the load-bearing wall, at ~2.1–2.2 m from the floor. This positioning:
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maximizes the reach of the air jet across the room and the neighboring corridor,
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avoids blowing directly on the occupants,
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protects finishes by limiting visible drilling.
The motorized shutter directs the air horizontally in summer and slightly downwards in winter to circulate the hot air accumulated near the ceiling. The result: a uniform temperature , fewer cold spots near the floor and comfort felt more quickly.
Refrigeration path and condensate evacuation: short, discreet and gravity-driven
Behind the head, we make a single 2 ¾–3 in. drilling with PVC sheath. The refrigeration path (insulated copper pipes + communication) follows a direct route to the outside, over a length of approximately 4–5 m , limiting pressure losses and facilitating service.
Condensate drainage is by gravity with a constant slope towards the outside: it is reliable , silent, and avoids the need for pump maintenance. For the exterior finish, we use discreet white UV capping , perfectly aligned with the moldings. Inside, there are no visible gutters: the result is clean .
Outdoor Condenser: Supports, Clearances and Winter Protection
Outside, we fix the Gree condenser on galvanized wall brackets with anti-vibration pads . We respect the standard clearances (rear, sides, front) to guarantee efficiency and accessibility.
In urban areas, drifting snow and ice are realities: we raise the condenser and, if necessary, add a retention tray and snow clearance . The external disconnect switch is installed in a waterproof box, and the dedicated power supply comes from the home's electrical panel via a circuit breaker adapted to the currents of the Livo R32.
Electricity and communication: security, compliance and discretion
Our certified electricians carry out:
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a circuit dedicated to the condenser, calibrated according to the nameplate,
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the shielded communication link between the indoor and outdoor unit,
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grounding and tightening to the prescribed torque.
We test for continuity and insulation, and clearly label the new circuit on the panel. Everything is invisible in the room, preserving the recent finishes.
Commissioning: vacuuming, charging, testing and balancing
Our standard procedure includes:
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Oxide-free solder with adequate flux, nitrogen protection.
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Nitrogen leak test (proof) according to the pressure recommended by Gree.
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Deep vacuum (< 500 microns), stabilization and residual humidity control.
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Load opening and checks for superheat/subcooling , currents, input/output delta T.
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Acoustic validation and comfort settings (speed, orientation, Wi-Fi if applicable).
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Submission of a commissioning report with photos and values.
Result: a quiet , responsive machine, optimized for Montreal's climate.
Real comfort and expected savings
In this type of configuration (well-insulated urban housing), the Livo R32 allows:
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to cover the majority of heating needs in the off-season and a good part of the winter,
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to significantly reduce the use of plinths, which are particularly expensive,
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to provide precise cooling in summer, with fine humidity management.
We leave the baseboards on as backup for rare extreme cold spells, ensuring redundancy in line with best practices.
Salient Installation Details and AirGreen Best Practices
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Short refrigeration length (~4–5 m): better efficiency and easier service.
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Gravity condensates : zero pump noise, increased reliability.
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White UV exterior capping : clean finish, long-lasting plastics.
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Calculated installation height : optimal diffusion in the adjacent corridor.
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Anti-vibration on supports: reduction of structural transmissions.
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End-of-construction cleaning : no residual dust, floors protected.
What to avoid (feedback from urban environments)
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Oversize the device: an 18,000 BTU that short cycles wears out the compressor, circulates the air less well and dehumidifies poorly.
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Condensates without slope : risk of interior dripping, odors and mold.
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Low-end exposed capping : premature yellowing and freeze/thaw cracks.
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Supports too low : grip on ice, reduced defrosting efficiency.
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R-410A in new buildings : we now favor the R-32 or R-454B ranges for their performance and lower environmental impact.
HVAC Maintenance: The Key to Longevity and Performance
We recommend annual HVAC maintenance :
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Washing the filters and checking the cleanliness of the internal exchanger,
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Inspection of the outdoor unit (battery, fan, tank), gentle cleaning,
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Checking electrical connections , line insulation and supports,
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Testing condensate drains in cold mode,
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Update of comfort settings (modes, speeds, time slots).
Regular maintenance keeps COP high, extends life and preserves warranty .
Grants and Eligibility
Recent R-32 wall-mounted heat pumps for extreme cold are generally eligible for assistance programs in effect in Quebec (e.g., Hydro-Québec programs and municipal programs where applicable). We assist our customers in gathering documents (detailed invoices, installation photos, serial numbers, technical data sheets) and optimizing the application according to the chosen configuration.
Deadlines, cleanliness and communication
Our teams operate dust-free : floor protection, drilling under vacuum, debris collection and cleanup . We plan the site in one day in most similar cases, including electricity and commissioning, while maintaining transparent communication before, during and after installation.
Results and guarantees: stable comfort, contained noise, reduced bill
In Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie, this Gree Livo R32 delivers stable and quiet comfort . The user notes:
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a reduction in the load on the plinths in winter,
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a gentle freshness in summer without drying out the air,
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a very low noise level during video conferences or at night.
At AirGreen, we guarantee installation, support after-sales service , and remain available for HVAC maintenance at regular intervals. Our goal: to ensure that every unit installed in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore and the South Shore operates at its best potential for many years.
Want a similar project?
We evaluate your home, validate the ideal BTU output , explain the possible refrigeration paths and finishes, then suggest the R-32/R-454B brands and ranges that meet your priorities (refrigeration performance, connectivity, budget). Our promise: a careful, durable HVAC installation and clear support, from the first call to the first comfortable evening at home.
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