A clean and durable installation on gravel with careful insulation of the connections: four-season comfort and simplified maintenance
Background and objectives
In a residential area of Sainte-Rose (Laval) , we are modernizing the comfort of a single-family home with a recent wall-mounted heat pump operating on R-32 . The client wants an efficient system for both heating and air conditioning , discreet on the outside, and easy to maintain. We direct the choice towards Gree – Livo R32 range , known for its stability at low temperatures and its inverter regulation.
Choice of equipment
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Type : wall-mounted heat pump (mini-split) , monosplit.
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Brand / Range : Gree – Livo R32 (9k to 24k BTU versions).
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Capacity target : sizing according to envelope and dominant room; typical selection 12k to 18k BTU for an open ground floor.
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Refrigerant : R-32 , better seasonal efficiency and reduced climate impact compared to older R-410A.
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Key functions : DC drive, extreme cold mode, automatic restart, precise humidity control in summer.
Outdoor installation on gravel bed
The ground offers a flat gravel area , ideal for limiting splashing and promoting drainage. We install the condenser on two large-section treated wooden sleepers to distribute the load and raise it by several centimeters. Each foot receives an anti-vibration pad to reduce the transmission of micro-vibrations to the ground. This configuration meets three challenges:
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Stability : even distribution of load on compacted gravel; level checked by laser.
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Longevity : elevation limiting corrosion linked to runoff water and melting snow.
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Maintenance : clear passage for inspection of the tank, fan and connections.
In the medium term, we often propose replacing sleepers with polymer bases or a composite slab in order to further increase durability, especially in very humid areas.
Route of refrigeration connections and power supply
The path between the indoor head and the condenser follows a short, direct line along the rear wall. The connections are continuously insulated with high-density UV-resistant foam, protected by a technical duct to preserve aesthetics and thermal performance.
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Drilling : a single, small diameter drilling , oriented with an outward slope for condensate management and envelope protection.
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Sealing : use of an elastomeric sealant compatible with masonry/weather protection, guaranteeing air and water tightness.
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Electricity : installation of an external disconnect box near the unit, wiring of the appropriate gauge according to the nominal intensity and the Code in force in Laval.
Condensate management
The interior head drain is gravity- driven with a continuous slope. Upon request, we add a heating cable to the exterior section when exposure to cold winds can freeze the water column. In this project, the low facade outlet and short distance eliminate any risk of retention.
Commissioning: AirGreen method
The performance of a heat pump depends on rigorous commissioning. Our protocol includes:
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Nitrogen test of the solders, followed by a deep vacuum controlled by micron-meter (objective < 500 microns, held on the plateau).
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Electrical checks : tightening of terminal blocks, grounding continuity, measurement of current at start-up and in operation.
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Functional checks : supply/return temperatures, superheating and subcooling in cooling mode; defrost test and capacity maintenance in heating mode.
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Settings : adjustment of speeds, night mode and eco setting.
Results obtained
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Reliable winter heating thanks to the inverter compressor and the maintenance of dry cold capacity in Laval.
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Even cooling in summer, with adjusted airflow to reduce stratification in the living area.
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Controlled noise : combination of external fan with profiled blades and anti-vibration pads ; compliance with neighborhood requirements.
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Low consumption : short journeys, adjusted refrigerant charge and perfect sealing limit losses.
Best practices specific to homes in Laval, Montreal, Longueuil, North Shore and South Shore
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Systematically raise the condenser (treated wood, polymer bases or wall support) to maintain minimal clearance above the snow.
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Limit the length of refrigeration connections: a compact route improves the COP and reduces the quantity of refrigerant.
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Protect the insulation of lines exposed to the sun with UV-resistant conduit .
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Provide free access in front of the grid: avoid dense plantings less than 60 cm to avoid recycling the air .
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Maintain annually : cleaning the external battery, checking the drain flow, electrical tightening, and measuring performance .
HVAC Maintenance: What We Plan with the Client
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Inner head filters : rinse every 4 to 8 weeks during use.
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Gentle cleaning of the external battery with a controlled jet (never at high pressure).
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Annual AirGreen inspection : reading of parameters (intensity, temperatures, pressure), checking of anti-vibration and leveling of supports, verification of the integrity of the drilling seal .
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Winterizing : Keep gravel clear and clear snow around sleepers to maintain air circulation.
Grants and Compliance
High-efficiency R-32 wall-mounted heat pumps are generally eligible for energy efficiency programs in Quebec. We confirm the eligibility of the Livo R32 profile according to the chosen capacity, prepare proof of installation and support the customer with the procedures. The installation complies with the rules of the art and municipal regulations of Laval .
Sizing Study: How We Determine the Correct BTU
Before installation, we assess:
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Surface area and ceiling height of the rooms served,
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Level of insulation (walls, roof, windows) and waterproofing ,
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Solar exposure and internal loads (appliances, occupants),
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Typical winter calculation temperature for Greater Montreal .
This method leads us to recommend the correct BTU rather than oversizing, which avoids short cycles , overconsumption and unnecessary noise.
What this installation teaches
Even when you opt for a gravel-based installation, a well-designed elevation , anti-vibration devices and connection protection ensure a reliable , silent and long-lasting result. At AirGreen , we focus on the details that make the difference: short distance , clean sealing , accessible disconnection and instrumented commissioning .
Fast Fair
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Location : Sainte-Rose (Laval) .
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Type : monosplit wall-mounted heat pump .
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Equipment : Gree Livo R32 (capacity adapted to the living space).
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Installation : raised on treated wooden sleepers with anti-vibration pads , connection protection conduit, electrical disconnection .
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Service areas : Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , North Shore , South Shore .
Need a similar HVAC installation?
We quickly respond to assess , size, and install your wall-mounted heat pump throughout Greater Montreal . Our technical visit confirms the location, line length , grant eligibility , and the most cost-effective maintenance plan .