Installation of a GREE LIVO R32 Wall-Mounted Heat Pump - Air Conditioner - Mini Split in Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve in Montreal
AirGreen installs a GREE LIVO R32 wall-mounted heat pump in Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve: compact mini split, neat installation above a wooden frame, and durable HVAC comfort.
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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
A wall-mounted heat pump precisely installed above a wood frame in a Montreal residence
In the Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve borough, in Montreal, AirGreen completed the installation of a wall-mounted heat pump GREE LIVO R32, a mini split system designed to improve indoor comfort while respecting the very real constraints of an existing urban dwelling. This project was exactly the type of intervention where field expertise makes all the difference: an indoor unit to be installed in a recessed space, above a solid wood door frame, with limited side clearance and an interior finish to preserve.
The photo clearly shows the GREE unit positioned in a wall alcove, just above an interior opening. The available space was well defined: low ceiling, return wall on the right, dark wood moldings under the unit, furniture and decorative elements nearby. In such a configuration, the installation cannot be improvised. Precise measurements are required, air circulation must be validated, access for HVAC maintenance must be planned, reliable condensate drainage ensured, and the device installed so that it is stable, discreet, and efficient.
At AirGreen, we often see this type of challenge in older neighborhoods of Montreal, notably in Hochelaga, Mercier, Rosemont, Villeray, Côte-des-Neiges, Outremont, or Verdun. The buildings have character, the walls are not always perfectly even, the woodwork must be protected, and mechanical spaces are rarely as simple as in new construction. It is precisely in this context that a careful HVAC installation makes all the difference.
Why the GREE LIVO R32 was well suited for this installation
The GREE LIVO R32 is a wall-mounted solution appreciated for residential projects where a reliable, compact, and efficient device is sought. It combines the advantages of a wall air conditioner and a heat pump in a single system, with a discreet indoor unit and an outdoor unit connected by refrigerant lines.
In this project in Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, the client wanted to improve the comfort of a living area without cluttering the floor with a portable air conditioner or heavily altering the interior appearance of the home. The goal was clear: to achieve a more stable temperature during hot periods, benefit from supplemental heating on cool days, and maintain the warm look of the room, especially around the wooden frame visible under the unit.
The GREE LIVO R32 range meets this type of need well thanks to several important features:
- use of refrigerant R32, common in several recent wall systems;
- compact indoor format, suitable for residential spaces;
- modulating operation according to demand;
- adjustable air diffusion to better distribute comfort;
- possibility of installation in homes, condos, plexes, and small commercial spaces;
- good balance between performance, accessibility, and ease of use.
The BTU capacity must always be chosen according to the building’s reality: area, ceiling height, sun exposure, insulation, presence of open or closed doors, room usage, and general layout. In this project, the capacity selection was made based on the actual needs of the area to be treated, rather than relying solely on an approximate square footage rule.
An installation above a door: a practical but demanding choice
Installing a wall-mounted heat pump above a door or passage can be an excellent solution when other walls are occupied by windows, furniture, artwork, cabinets, or structural constraints. In this specific case, the location above the wooden frame allowed the side walls to be freed and air to be distributed toward the main area without creating an obstacle on the floor.
This type of position, however, requires special attention.
Ceiling clearance
The indoor unit must be able to draw air from the top. When installed near the ceiling, insufficient clearance can reduce efficiency, make cleaning more difficult, or increase the perceived noise level. In this installation, the unit is placed high, but the installation was done to maintain a functional space around the device.
Our technicians had to work with the shape of the alcove and the proximity of the ceiling. A poorly positioned unit in this context could have given the impression of being stuck in its place. The task was therefore to find the right balance between height, alignment, air circulation, and aesthetics.
The close side walls
The presence of a wall return on the right made planning more delicate. A wall unit must be able to breathe, but it must also be accessible for filters, the flap, the remote control, and future interventions. We assessed the available width so that the GREE LIVO R32 could operate normally without being hindered by the side wall.
In a Montreal dwelling, this kind of detail is common. The best installations are not those where the device is forced into the first free space, but those where a location truly compatible with the system’s operation is chosen.
Protecting existing woodwork
The dark wood door frame gives a lot of character to the room. Therefore, the installation had to be done without damaging it, without leaving unnecessary marks, and without creating a messy finish above the molding. This type of environment requires clean work, careful handling of tools, and precise planning of fastening points.
At AirGreen, we place great importance on preserving existing finishes. In houses, condos, and plexes in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore, clients often entrust us with already furnished spaces. Our role is to add a modern HVAC solution while respecting the character of the place.
The routing of the lines: an invisible but crucial step
When the installation is complete, the customer mainly sees the indoor unit. However, a large part of the quality of a mini split system lies in what is less visible: the refrigerant lines, the communication cable, the power supply, the condensate drain, and the connection to the outdoor unit.
In this project, the indoor location required a well-thought-out path. Since the unit was located in an alcove above a passageway, any approximate solution that could compromise condensate drainage or create an unattractive layout had to be avoided.
Condensate drainage
In air conditioning mode, the indoor unit removes moisture from the air. This water must be continuously and reliably drained. A poorly installed drain can cause leaks, odors, stains on the walls, or system interruptions. This is one of the most common mistakes in wall-mounted installations done too quickly.
For this installation, drainage was planned according to the available slope and building configuration. In a borough like Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, where housing may have been renovated multiple times over the years, it is often necessary to deal with walls that hide surprises. That is why our teams take the time to verify the route before finalizing the connection.
The refrigeration connection
The connection of a wall heat pump must be carried out by qualified technicians, with the right tools and according to applicable standards. The lines must be properly insulated, protected, and connected to ensure system performance. Poor installation can reduce the device’s efficiency, cause performance losses, or accelerate wear of certain components.
At AirGreen, we refuse shortcuts. A durable installation starts with well-executed connections, rigorous commissioning, and thorough testing.
Indoor comfort: a tangible improvement in a real living space
The main advantage of this installation is the immediate improvement in comfort. In many homes in Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, rooms can become hot in summer, especially when natural ventilation is limited or when heat remains trapped between walls and openings. A well-placed wall air conditioner allows for a more stable temperature reduction than a portable unit, while freeing up floor space.
The GREE LIVO R32 also offers useful supplementary heating during transition periods, in spring and autumn, when the main heating system is not always necessary. This modulated comfort is especially appreciated in homes where some rooms warm up or cool down faster than others.
The location above the door allows for interesting air distribution: the air can be directed toward the open space rather than directly onto a nearby seated person. This point is important. A good installation not only aims to cool or heat quickly; it must also avoid unpleasant drafts.
A solution adapted to the housing of Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve
The Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve borough features a wide variety of buildings: traditional multiplexes, renovated apartments, condos, buildings with old woodwork, multi-level housing, narrow spaces, or rooms with unusual layouts. This diversity requires a personalized approach for each HVAC installation.
In this project, several elements clearly reflect this reality:
- device installed in a recessed area;
- immediate proximity to a wooden frame;
- close side wall;
- relatively low ceiling;
- need to preserve interior appearance;
- limited wall space to optimize air distribution.
These are very concrete constraints that cannot be solved with a standard solution. Before recommending a model or location, AirGreen analyzes the building, room usage, and client habits. This approach helps avoid costly mistakes and achieve a more reliable result.
Comparison with a portable air conditioner or a window unit
Several clients from Montreal first consider a portable air conditioner or a window unit, especially when looking for a quick solution. These devices can help temporarily but often have limitations: higher noise, loss of space, reduced efficiency, seasonal installation, decreased window security, and less uniform comfort.
A GREE LIVO R32 wall-mounted heat pump offers a more integrated solution. It stays in place year-round, does not take up floor space, allows better air distribution, and can be used for both cooling and supplemental heating. For an owner planning to stay in their home or improve the functional value of a property, the wall system often represents a more coherent choice.
The main steps of the installation by AirGreen
For this installation in Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, our team followed a structured method to ensure a clean and reliable result.
1. Validation of the indoor location
We confirmed that the unit could be installed above the door without compromising access, air distribution, or maintenance. Measurements were taken precisely to align with the frame.
2. Surface preparation
The work area was prepared to protect existing finishes. The mounting plate was securely fixed to ensure the stability of the indoor unit.
3. Planning the technical routing
The routing of lines, wiring, and drainage was organized according to the building's layout. The goal was to minimize visual impact while ensuring reliable operation.
4. Installation and connection of the unit
The GREE LIVO R32 unit has been installed, connected, and checked. Special attention was given to leveling, stability, and final positioning.
5. Commissioning and tests
After connection, the system was tested to validate ventilation, operating modes, drainage, and device response. The client also received the necessary explanations for daily use and basic maintenance.
HVAC maintenance: best practices after installation
A wall-mounted heat pump works better when regularly maintained. Even a well-installed device can lose efficiency if the filters are neglected or if the outdoor unit is obstructed.
For this type of system, we especially recommend:
- clean the indoor unit filters according to the frequency of use;
- keep the space around the unit clear;
- avoid blocking the air outlet;
- check that no water accumulates near the device;
- have the system inspected periodically by a professional;
- plan a more comprehensive HVAC maintenance when the device is heavily used.
In a residence where there is a lot of dust, creative activities, textiles, or materials hanging near the treated area, filters can clog more quickly. Regular maintenance helps maintain good air quality and prolong the system's lifespan.
Subsidies and eligibility: an element to verify according to the exact model
Financial aid programs for heat pumps can represent a significant advantage for clients in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore. However, eligibility depends on the exact model, installed capacity, efficiency criteria, and the rules in effect at the time of the application.
For a GREE LIVO R32, eligibility must be validated according to the precise technical sheet of the device and the applicable program. AirGreen assists its clients in understanding the necessary documents, including the invoice, model numbers, technical information, and the usual steps to submit an application when the device is eligible.
We always recommend first choosing a system suited to the building, then considering the subsidy as an additional benefit. An eligible device that is poorly sized or poorly installed will not deliver the expected results.
Mistakes to avoid in a similar installation
This project illustrates several important points for homeowners considering a wall-mounted heat pump installation in a Montreal residence.
Choosing the location just because it is free
An available wall is not always a good wall. Air distribution, drainage, clearances, structure, and future access must be checked.
Installing the unit too high without checking air intake
Near the ceiling, the unit must have enough space to operate properly. A device that is too tight can lose efficiency.
Underestimating the importance of the drain
Drainage is often invisible after installation, but it is essential. Poorly planned slope can cause serious problems.
Neglecting aesthetics
In a home with woodwork, moldings, and architectural details, a poorly aligned installation is immediately noticeable. The work must be clean, straight, and well integrated.
Comparing prices only
The cost of an installation is not just about the device. The quality of the installation, the technicians' expertise, after-sales service, and compliance with work standards directly influence long-term performance.
A GREE LIVO R32 installation that respects the character of the home and the demands of modern comfort
This installation of a GREE LIVO R32 wall-mounted heat pump in Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve demonstrates how a mini split system can be carefully integrated into an existing residential space, even when the available location is limited. The indoor unit was installed above a wooden frame, in a narrow alcove, with particular attention paid to alignment, clearance, air distribution, and finishing.
For AirGreen, every project is a combination of technique, observation, and adaptation to the building. We install HVAC systems in very diverse contexts in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore and on the South Shore, but our goal remains the same: to offer a comfortable, reliable, properly sized, and neatly installed solution.
In this Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve home, the GREE LIVO R32 provides a concrete solution to the client's needs: better air conditioning, convenient supplementary heating, space saving, and discreet integration into a room with strong character. This is precisely the type of project that shows the importance of choosing an HVAC contractor capable of working rigorously under the real conditions of Montreal buildings.
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).