A neat wall head, precise comfort and controlled savings in a Montreal apartment
In an apartment in Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension , our AirGreen team installed a Gree Livo R32 wall-mounted heat pump . The project required discreet and efficient integration into a living room with light walls, a high lintel, and limited clearance on the right-hand side. The goal: to provide four-season comfort with even air distribution, while reducing the electricity bill and improving air quality.
Why a Gree Livo R32 for urban housing?
Gree 's Livo R32 series is one of the latest wall-mounted heat pumps adapted to the Quebec climate. It combines a DC inverter on the compressor and fans, low-GWP R-32 refrigerant , and an electronic board optimized for fine modulation. The result:
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High efficiency in both air conditioning and heating, with stable performance in cold weather (extreme cold range down to −25°C depending on capacity).
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Quiet operation appreciated in an apartment.
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Discreet digital display on the front for immediate reading of the instruction.
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Easy maintenance thanks to an easy-access housing and easily removable filters.
Installation architecture: precision and cleanliness to the millimeter
Inner head positioning
We installed the head high under the ceiling , centered on the main wall section, above the circulation area. This placement creates an efficient transverse sweep : the conditioned air first ventilates the hot area of the ceiling in summer and then falls gently, while in winter the hot air is destratified to maintain a uniform temperature.
Technical points:
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Axle height: approx. 2.20–2.25 m .
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Clearance respected at the ceiling and side to guarantee suction and maintenance.
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Laser-controlled leveling to preserve the aesthetics and proper flow of the drain.
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Shutters adjusted to prevent direct wind onto the sofa and work table.
Refrigeration and electricity route
The room required a lateral passage of the connections to the right. We housed the refrigeration pipes, communication cable and drain in a matching rigid capping , installed perfectly level, which blends into the decor without creating an annoying excess thickness.
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Drilling behind the head, controlled slope towards the outside.
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Insulated copper refrigeration lines , bending radii respected to protect the compressor.
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Silver brazing , flares calibrated to the manufacturer's tightening torque.
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High vacuum (<500 microns), stabilization and nitrogen leak test before opening the fluid.
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Electrical connection on dedicated circuit breaker , with device protection and clear marking on the panel.
Condensate management
The gravity drain runs through the capping, exits outside with a non-return elbow and insulation on the inside to prevent surface dew. This strategy eliminates the noise and maintenance of a lifting pump, while making drainage more reliable in summer.
External support and winter protection
The Gree condenser corresponding to the Livo R32 head is installed on a raised support with anti-vibration pads . The elevation protects the unit from stagnant water and snow, improves air circulation and facilitates defrosting . The connections are covered up to the wall inlet for a clean and durable finish.
Sizing and performance
Following the thermal assessment (surface area, orientation, insulation quality, glazing, infiltration and use), we selected a capacity of 12,000 BTUs — the right compromise for a medium-sized open area.
Expectations of the installed wall-mounted heat pump :
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Rapid cooling at the start of heat waves, then maintenance with very low power modulation to limit cycles and noise.
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Efficient heating during the off-season and in moderate cold, with the home's electrical backup heater only taking over at extreme peaks .
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High SEER/HSPF ratings mean year-round savings .
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Very low noise level , compatible with teleworking and rest.
Daily comfort and air quality
The air diffusion is adjusted via the remote control :
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Auto mode for full modulation;
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Dry to control humidity on muggy days;
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Vertical and horizontal swing to sweep the room evenly;
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Eco/Night to further reduce consumption and noise.
Washable filters trap dust and pollen; regular maintenance improves the perceived air quality and maintains the device's performance .
Construction progress: AirGreen method
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Technical visit and verification of the power supply.
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Surface protection (cloths, ribbons, HEPA vacuum cleaner).
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Diamond bell drilling , controlled slope.
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Installation of the plate , anchors adapted to the support.
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Passing the connections and setting up the straight capping , miter cuts at changes of direction.
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Vacuum gauge , leak test and load opening .
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Measurements (superheat/subcooling, current, delta-T).
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Customer training : adjustments, maintenance instructions, seasonal usage recommendations.
Constraints encountered and solutions
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Reduced lateral space due to a wall shelf: we refined the capping outlet to avoid creating annoying shadows and kept filter access clear.
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Smooth painted wall : we opted for a light-colored capping and a perfectly horizontal layout for visual integration .
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Long drain path **: additional insulation on the interior section to prevent condensation on cold walls.
HVAC Maintenance: Maintaining Performance
To be done by the occupant:
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Clean filters every 4 to 6 weeks during periods of heavy use.
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Keep 1 m clear in front of the head.
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Run a blow test when summer resumes to check the drain flow.
To do by AirGreen (annual):
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Evaporator/condenser cleaning, electrical check, tightening and sensors.
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Check vibrations , pads , support and condition of UV capping .
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Performance report (delta-T, estimated consumption) and updated usage advice.
Good usage practices
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In summer, aim for 23–24°C with Auto ventilation ; close the blinds during sunny hours to limit the heat gain.
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In winter, set 20–21°C and shutters slightly downwards to break stratification.
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Prefer continuous modulation rather than high amplitude ON/OFF cycles.
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Leave doors ajar to distribute air to adjacent rooms.
Grants and administrative assistance
Gree R-32 wall-mounted heat pumps from the Livo range, when they meet the efficiency and low-temperature heating criteria, are eligible for the Efficient Heat Pump Programs (Hydro-Québec) and municipal efficiency programs. We provide:
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detailed invoice with brand, range and BTU capacity;
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serial numbers and installation photos ;
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guide to submitting evidence and scheduling inspection when required.
Why AirGreen
We operate throughout Greater Montreal ( Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, South Shore ) with a proven methodology : thermal study, choice of capacity , careful HVAC installation , instrumented commissioning and monitoring . Our expertise on Gree R-32 heat pumps and other recent lines allows us to guide you towards the best solution according to the building envelope, use and budget.
Conclusion: this Gree Livo R32 installed in Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension offers four-season comfort , optimized fuel consumption and aesthetic integration thanks to a clean hooded route and a reliable gravity drain . It is an achievement that illustrates our requirement: performance, cleanliness, longevity .
