A blue-brick neighborhood cafe that gains in comfort, silence and efficiency — without compromising its industrial aesthetic
Project background
In Plateau-Mont-Royal , many businesses occupy rehabilitated former spaces: exposed brick walls, embossed metal ceilings, filament light fixtures, and visible ductwork. This neighborhood café is no exception. The challenge: ensuring four-season comfort for customers and staff, while preserving the space's character and limiting business interruptions. We installed a GREE Livo R32 wall-mounted heat pump —a modern, reliable, and energy-efficient choice that blends naturally into the ambiance.
Why the GREE Livo R32 for this Plateau business?
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R-32 refrigerant : better environmental performance than R-410A and optimized performance.
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High seasonal efficiency (SEER/HSPF advantage), guaranteeing savings in heating and air conditioning .
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Quiet operation of the interior head—crucial in a restaurant space where conversation and ambiance are paramount.
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Cold weather operating range suitable for Greater Montreal winters.
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Neutral aesthetic : a compact white unit visually blends into the painted brick wall, between the wall lights and the steel structure.
Load analysis and sizing
Before any HVAC installation , we evaluate:
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Usable surface area and volume of the premises,
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Internal contributions (kitchen, equipment, lighting),
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Variable occupancy (peak hours vs. off-peak periods),
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Solar exposure of the facade,
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Air infiltrations typical of old buildings.
For a medium-sized café space with light cooking and high traffic, the 12,000–18,000 BTU range is generally suitable. The chosen Livo R32 offers wide modulation, ensuring thermal stability, effective dehumidification in summer and rapid heating upon opening.
Architectural integration and choice of location
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Installation height calculated for optimal airflow without blowing directly onto seated customers.
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Respect clearances around the unit for maintenance and proper air intake.
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Visual alignment with existing elements (wall lights and steel uprights) in order to maintain the symmetry of the accent wall.
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Compact and discreet refrigeration connection route: rear outlet with simple capping on the service side, so as not to disturb the wall composition.
Technical details of the installation
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Precise drilling into brick with suitable anchors and anti-vibration pads to protect the masonry and eliminate unwanted noise.
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Gravity flow of condensates preferred: continuous slope towards the outside for reliability and silence, without pump in this case.
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Insulated refrigeration connections (thickness consistent with Montreal 's climate) and carefully flared to the couple, then placed under nitrogen during brazing to prevent internal oxidation.
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Nitrogen leak test , deep vacuum (<500 microns) and stabilization to ensure absence of moisture.
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Dedicated power supply , circuit breaker of the prescribed rating and accessible service switch .
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Defrost management and blower settings configured for opening hours to avoid cold air sensations in winter.
Daily operation: comfort, silence, humidity control
In a cafe, three points matter more than anything:
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Temperature stability for customer and staff well-being — heat pump modulation maintains setpoint smoothly.
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Low noise level : the Livo R32 operates at low revs most of the time, which preserves the atmosphere.
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Humidity management : In summer, dehumidification improves the perception of freshness and protects woodwork, supplies and food.
Results observed after commissioning
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Significant reduction in temperature variations between the room and the service area.
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Reduced comfort recovery time at morning opening.
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Mechanical noises and vibrations imperceptible on the customer side.
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Better controlled energy billing thanks to seasonal efficiency and R-32 .
Operating tips for businesses in Greater Montreal
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Program differentiated instructions (opening, peak, closing).
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Keep filters spotless: Grinding dust and flour can accumulate; light bi-monthly HVAC maintenance on the user side prevents loss of flow.
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Schedule a thorough cleaning of the evaporator and condensate tray at least once a year, ideally before the hot season.
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Check the tightness of the capping on the outside after strong winds or freeze/thaw cycles.
Good installation practices in brick premises
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Identify joints and hard/soft areas for clean drilling.
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Use suitable anchors with wide washers to distribute the loads.
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Careful sealing of the drilling (foam + sealant) to eliminate air and water infiltration.
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Short-distance connections to minimize load losses and preserve aesthetics.
Grants and Compliance
High-efficiency wall-mounted heat pumps operating on R-32 are generally eligible for financial assistance when they meet the required performance thresholds. We validate the eligibility of each project for the programs in force and provide, if necessary, the necessary certificates for Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , North Shore and South Shore .
What we consistently deliver
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Study and sizing adapted to actual use.
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Clean, safe and guaranteed HVAC installation .
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Complete commissioning : vacuum draw, electrical checks, functional test in cold/hot conditions.
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Quick training of the team on use, cleaning of filters , programming.
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After-sales service and planned maintenance to maintain performance and longevity.
Common Mistakes…and How We Avoid Them
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Unit poorly positioned : it blows on customers or stirs up dust. → Study of air flows and deflection settings.
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Poorly managed condensate : odors and leaks. → Controlled slope, watertight joints, flow test.
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Rough drilling in the brick: vibrations and weak anchors. → Suitable tools, anti-vibration , clean sealing.
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Undersizing in relation to internal contributions (kitchen/lighting). → Load calculation taking into account sensible and latent contributions .
Recommended maintenance (typical schedule)
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Every 2–4 weeks : Filters are dusted by the coffee team.
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In spring : complete professional maintenance of the interior (evaporator, turbine) + flow check.
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In the fall : inspection of the outdoor unit, tightening of connections, validation of sensors; preparation for heating.
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Anytime : Quick call in case of change in noise, odor or performance — early intervention protects the compressor and avoids overconsumption.
Conclusion
In a characterful location in Plateau-Mont-Royal , the GREE Livo R32 provides measurable air quality and comfort , while respecting the aesthetics of the space. The combination of rigorous sizing , careful installation on brick , and methodical commissioning ensures stable performance in the middle of summer and the heart of winter. For businesses in Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , the North Shore and the South Shore , this modern wall-mounted solution represents a sustainable investment that pays for itself through energy savings and customer satisfaction.