Custom-made comfort in an open living area: a clean, quiet HVAC system designed for our winters
Context and objectives of the project
At AirGreen , we were approached by a Laval homeowner who wanted to stabilize the temperature in his kitchen, which opened onto the dining area and living room, while reducing his electricity bill in both summer and winter. The solution chosen: a Gree R32 wall-mounted heat pump , known for its high seasonal efficiency, quiet operation and compatibility with energy efficiency programs in effect in Greater Montreal .
The area to be treated has typical characteristics: standard ceiling, large window near a patio door, frequent outside traffic, and heat-dissipating appliances. Our mandate: to propose a discreet, well-sized unit with a short refrigeration path , gravity-fed condensate drainage , and a blower that effectively covers the kitchen-dining area without creating drafts.
Why the Gree R32 for Laval
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R-32 refrigerant : more efficient than R-410A and with lower GWP.
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Recent range : fine modulation inverter compressor, ideal for maintaining a stable temperature throughout the seasons.
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Typical capacity range : 9,000 to 24,000 BTU/h depending on heating/cooling load; for an average sized open kitchen-living room area, we generally aim for a calibration around 12,000 BTU/h (to be confirmed based on load calculation).
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Cold weather operation : Several Gree R32 models maintain good capacity down to about −25°C, suitable for Laval , the North Shore and all of Montreal .
Sizing and load calculation: the basis for lasting comfort
Before any HVAC installation , we validate the insulation, sunlight, air infiltration, internal inputs (oven, refrigerator, occupants) and the orientation of the openings. In this project:
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Use : heavily used kitchen, patio door leading to the courtyard; needs quick cooling in summer.
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Envelope : recent residence, good joinery; moderate infiltration rates .
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Result : selection of a power close to 12,000 BTU/h , sufficient for the targeted open area, while keeping the possibility of an efficient dehumidification mode when the humidity rises.
Inner head location: free and aesthetic breath
The wall head is fixed at the top of the side wall , perfectly level , without any obstacle in front of the blower outlet. This positioning:
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Promotes controlled stratification and uniform diffusion towards the dining area and living room.
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Protects the appliance from direct cooking vapors.
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Allows a single outward drilling with adequate slope for the flow of condensates by gravity (no pump noise, no additional maintenance).
Refrigeration and finishing process
We favor the shortest possible path between the indoor head and the outdoor condenser to reduce pressure losses and optimize efficiency. Here:
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Service hole ≈ 65 mm with watertight bulkhead.
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Insulated and sheathed refrigerant lines exit at the rear of the head for an ultra-clean interior finish.
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Outside, discreet cladding and anti-vibration wall supports maintain the necessary clearance for service and snow removal.
Power supply and protections
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Dedicated circuit sized according to the nameplate of the installed model.
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Code compliant circuit breaker , grounded, torque tested.
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Outside, accessible and waterproof disconnect switch for maintenance.
Methodical commissioning
Our procedure includes:
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Nitrogen leak test and deep vacuum test with micronmeter.
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Load opening and checking for overheating/subcooling according to the conditions of the day.
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Performance measurements (supply/return temperature, intensity, acoustics) and configuration of heating , cooling , auto and dehumidification modes.
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Fin configuration to prevent direct air currents on the cooking area.
Immediate results
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Rapid cooling of the kitchen-dining area during cooking periods.
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Very low noise thanks to the fine pitch fan and inverter.
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Optimized consumption : modulation maintains the setpoint without energy-consuming back-and-forth switching.
HVAC Maintenance: Dos and Don'ts
To do:
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Clean filters every 4 to 8 weeks during periods of heavy use.
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Schedule annual HVAC maintenance : cleaning of exchanger, turbine, condensate tray, electrical and refrigeration check.
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Keep the area around the condenser clear (snow, leaves, BBQ).
To avoid:
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Block the blower vent with shelves or decorations.
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Allow the cooking oil and steam to charge the exchanger: use the hood and clean regularly.
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Delay professional degreasing of the turbine indefinitely, as this is a source of loss of flow and noise.
Grants, Eligibility and Compliance
Several high-performance R32 models may be eligible for energy efficiency assistance depending on the configuration and seasonal rating. We systematically check the criteria applicable to Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , South Shore and North Shore at the time of the quote, and we support our customers in the administrative procedures when relevant.
Common pitfalls and our solutions
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Drain without slope → here, gravity evacuation with controlled slope and protected outlet.
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Poor air circulation → choice of a clear side wall, adjustment of fins up-down and left-right according to use.
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External vibrations → anti-vibration wall mounts and compliance with clearances.
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Oversizing → sizing based on a calculation and the actual use of the part to avoid short-cycle.
Why AirGreen for your HVAC installation in Laval
We operate weekly in Greater Montreal . Our strengths include detailed engineering , site cleanliness, comprehensive documentation (photos, commissioning values, personalized advice), and after-sales service that supports the equipment throughout its lifetime. Whether you're looking for a wall-mounted heat pump , a wall-mounted air conditioner , a MultiZone heat pump , or a central solution, we adapt the technology to your space, not the other way around.
Express datasheet — Gree R32 (depending on configuration)
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Type : wall-mounted inverter heat pump
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Typical capacities : 9k, 12k, 18k, 24k BTU/h
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Refrigerant : R-32
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Operating range : efficient cooling in summer; efficient heating in cold weather (down to approx. −25 °C depending on model)
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Functions : dehumidification, auto restart, smart defrost, Wi-Fi on some models
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Recommended maintenance : 1 HVAC maintenance visit/year + filters every 4–8 weeks
And for your house on the South Shore , the North Shore or in Longueuil ?
The same AirGreen expertise applies: load study , choice of the appropriate R32/R-454B brand and range , clean and documented HVAC installation , and HVAC maintenance that preserves seasonal efficiency. Our local team covers all of Greater Montreal with flexible time slots.
Looking for a similar solution in Laval or elsewhere in Greater Montreal ? Contact us: we'll size, install, and maintain your system for lasting comfort, summer and winter.