Installation of a Gree Livo R32 wall-mounted heat pump in Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension
Renovated basement in Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension: AirGreen installs a Gree Livo R32 with discreet ceiling capping, a mini-condensate pump, and a slab-mounted condenser. Four-season comfort and impeccable HVAC finish for Greater Montreal.
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The job on one screen
The unit’s data sheet
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 article, chapter by chapter
Clean integration into a basement under renovation: performance, silence and perfectly controlled lines
At AirGreen , we installed a Gree wall-mounted heat pump – Livo R32 series in a residential basement in the Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension neighborhood of Montreal. The project is part of a complete renovation project: new recessed ceilings, brick accent wall, correction of thermal bridges and updating of the living room. Our mandate: to deliver four-season comfort with a neat, discreet and easily maintained HVAC installation , despite the usual constraints of a level partially below ground .
Why the Gree Livo R32 for this project?
The Gree Livo R32 is one of the new generation wall-mounted units with R-32 refrigerant , appreciated for its better seasonal efficiency and its reduced GWP compared to R-410A. It offers:
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Fine modulation inverter technology , avoiding short cycles and limiting power consumption.
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Capacities available from 9,000 to 24,000 BTU , allowing precise sizing according to calculated room loads.
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Efficient heating in cold weather (down to approx. −25°C, depending on configuration), perfectly suited to Greater Montreal winters.
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Dehumidification and filtration functions for healthier and more comfortable summers.
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Low noise levels , much appreciated in a teleworking/family room space like this.
For this open basement area, we chose a capacity of 12,000 BTU , offering the ideal balance between temperature rise, silence and annual efficiency.
Interior layout: aesthetics of the site and optimized air diffusion
The wall head is positioned set back from the brick wall , above the traffic area. This placement allows:
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An air diffusion that sweeps the entire room without blowing directly onto the seating area.
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Preserving the aesthetics of the brick accent wall, highlighted by recessed lighting.
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Clearances respected around the unit for maintenance and proper operation of the shutters.
Finishing of visible connections
The basement requires a ceiling path to reach the exit to the outside. We therefore installed a discreet capping of dark color along the finished ceiling, perfectly straight and laid with a ruler . This choice:
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Protects insulated copper and communication cable from shocks during and after work.
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Guarantees UV resistance of materials (high density insulation with outer skin) and increased longevity.
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It integrates with the design of the white ceiling, creating a single, continuous, simple and aesthetic technical line .
Refrigeration path and condensate management: safety and sustainability
The total equivalent distance typically reaches 18 to 22 m in this type of configuration (elevation + horizontals). Our method:
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Nitrogen brazing of the connections to avoid internal oxidation, followed by a deep vacuum (< 500 microns) with verified vacuum strength.
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Anti-vibration loops and bending radii respected to protect the compressor.
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Continuous insulation of the two lines with sealed connections, then ceiling cladding for mechanical protection and a clean finish.
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Refrigerant weighting according to actual length, superheat/subcooling control and ΔT readings in air conditioning and heating.
Condensates: the right solution in the right place
A basement often involves a drain above the collection point . We installed a silent mini condensate pump housed near the wall head:
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Pipe with constant slope towards the outlet point, anti-siphon , and anti-odor sleeve to prevent backflow.
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Drain insulation to prevent condensation in cold mode.
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Built-in overflow alarm : additional security in case of an anomaly.
Result: no traces of water, no stray drops, and simplified maintenance.
Outdoor installation: condenser on protected slab
Outside, the Gree condenser is placed on an anti-vibration slab in the backyard, with:
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Neoprene pads and windproof straps .
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Clearances conforming to the suction/discharge to avoid hot air intake and facilitate defrosting in winter.
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Snow guard and positioning away from roof snow chutes.
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Handy disconnect box and UV-protected wiring .
Electricity and communication: compliance and reliability
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Dedicated circuit from the panel, sized to the unit's MCA/MOCP.
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Grounding and polarity checked.
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Control cable correctly crimped and protected in the ceiling capping.
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Current and voltage test under load during commissioning.
These precautions prevent electromagnetic interference , untimely triggering and ensure stable communication between the indoor unit and the condenser.
AirGreen Commissioning: Measures, Not Assumptions
Our commissioning procedure includes:
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Nitrogen pressurization and electronic detector testing to track any micro-leaks.
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Deep vacuum and documented vacuum holding.
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Dynamic measurements (suction/discharge temperatures, intensity, pressures) in cold and hot modes.
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Setting of ventilation speeds, orientation of shutters and instructions to avoid direct air currents at the level of the seats.
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Acoustic validation in the basement and anti-vibration in the condenser.
What the customer gains: measurable comfort and sustainable savings
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Consistent comfort in the family room, summer and winter.
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Very low noise thanks to inverter modulation and the installation of the capacitor in the middle.
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Energy savings compared to electric heaters or portable air conditioners.
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Improved air quality through filtration and dehumidification in summer.
Grants and Eligibility
Recent R-32 wall-mounted heat pumps , which perform well in cold weather, are generally eligible for grant programs in Quebec. We support households in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore for:
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Check eligibility based on capacity, performance indices and building configuration.
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Prepare technical documents and the claim file .
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Optimize the choice of capacity to remain within the program criteria.
HVAC Maintenance: The Recipe for a Long-Lasting Machine
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Filters : Clean every 4 to 8 weeks during peak season.
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Outdoor unit : clear leaves and snow, maintain 1.2 m clearance.
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Drain : test the mini-pump at the start of each cold season and check the non-return valve.
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Annual AirGreen inspection : electrical tightening, pressure check, coil/fan cleaning, ΔT check and parameter updates if necessary.
Common Mistakes Avoided by AirGreen
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Unsealed holes in the envelope: we use compatible sleeves and sealants.
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Non-continuously insulated connections : risk of condensation and losses; our insulation is continuous and protected under capping.
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Unsecured drain : we integrate anti-siphon , alarm and controlled slope .
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Empirical sizing : we always perform a load calculation to choose the correct BTU .
Technical details of the installation (quick sheet)
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Machine type : Gree Livo R32 wall-mounted heat pump .
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Location : Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension (Montreal) .
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Interior layout : wall header at the top of the side wall, discreet black ceiling capping , clearances respected.
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Refrigeration path : approx. 18–22 m equivalent (elevation + horizontal), brazing under nitrogen , deep vacuum , R-32 top-up depending on length.
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Condensates : silent mini-pump , insulated drain, anti-odor.
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Outdoor installation : condenser on anti-vibration slab , snow shield, nearby disconnection, standard clearances.
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Electricity : dedicated circuit, compliant protections, protected control cable.
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Commissioning : ΔT measurements, intensity, pressures, shutter and speed adjustment.
Do you have a basement that needs to be refreshed and heated?
Montreal 's basements often have drainage and routing constraints. Our team designs clean and durable routes (ceiling capping, mini-pump, waterproof joints) so that the heat pump integrates perfectly into your renovation. Whether you are in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore or the South Shore , we size, install and maintain Gree Livo R32 , Sharp ZU1 , Fujitsu Orion/Altair and Midea28 , in order to obtain stable comfort and controlled operating costs.
AirGreen : the rigor of an installation that respects your site and the reliability of a local after-sales service.
The job tools
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.
How the job unfolds
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 we check on a job like this one
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.
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.
Good habits, once the unit is in place
Six simple habits that keep the unit going. Your list stays on this device.
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.
The right pages, at the right time
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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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).