High-end finish on brick facade: brick-colored metallic cladding, clean vertical connections and four-season performance for a Montreal condo
Context and comfort objectives
At AirGreen , we are modernizing a red brick condo in Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension with a new-generation GREE R-32 wall-mounted heat pump. The main challenge: ensuring reliable heating in winter and gentle cooling in summer, while integrating the installation into a facade visible from the courtyard. The client wanted a discreet , clean , and easy-to-maintain finish, without compromising on longevity.
Why a GREE wall-mounted heat pump (R-32) for this project?
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Four-season efficiency : inverter modulation and very good low-temperature performance for constant comfort.
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R-32 refrigerant : better volumetric performance and reduced climate footprint compared to older generations of R-410A.
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Mini-split format : ideal for urban housing in Greater Montreal , without a duct network.
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Power portfolio (9,000 to 18,000 BTU) allowing precise sizing according to the calculated thermal load.
Our practice: we validate the power by calculating the load (orientation, glazing, infiltration, insulation). This rigor prevents oversizing, reduces short cycles and stabilizes humidity.
Reading the site and architectural choices
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Red brick facade with dark woodwork: Montreal heritage context.
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Low wall condenser , protected from the prevailing winds of the alley, in the immediate vicinity of the refrigerated crossing .
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Brick-colored metallized vertical cladding on two parallel uprights: cladding which visually disappears into the facade and protects the connections ( insulated copper , communication cable , drain ).
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Very short path between the outdoor unit and the indoor head: limited pressure losses and optimized commissioning .
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Power supply with drop loop and protected connections: reliability in rain and ice.
Our installation process (AirGreen method)
Step 1 — Preparation, drilling and sealing
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Marking of axes and clean **coring** through the brick with sleeve and slope ensuring gravity flow of condensates.
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Vapor barrier on the interior side to maintain the continuity of the envelope.
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Exterior sealing with brick-compatible elastomer to prevent infiltration and air bridges.
Step 2 — Mechanical installation of the condenser
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Level the base/stand, check front and side clearances for non-recirculating airflow .
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Vibration decoupling (pads and torque tightening) for a very low noise level on masonry.
Step 3 — Refrigeration connections and hooding
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Large radius bending of insulated copper tubes; no mechanical stress on the flanges.
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Nitrogen brazing , deep vacuum and micron leak testing.
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Installation of a vertical metallized cladding tinted close to the brick: UV/shock protection and aesthetic integration . Useful length of approximately 2.5–3 m , finished with waterproof finishing pieces.
Step 4 — Electricity and Safety
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Connection to a dedicated circuit with a rating in accordance with the GREE nameplate.
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Establishment of an accessible and labeled service section for maintenance.
Step 5 — Commissioning
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Control of pressures , temperatures , currents and superheat/subcooling .
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Setting of modes and speeds ; heating instructions based on the room comfort curve .
Visible details that make the difference
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Brick-colored cladding : the metal sheath matches the color of the wall and conceals the connections, a guarantee of acceptance by the co-ownerships.
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Straight vertical path : fewer bends = better reliability and maintained yields .
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Drip loop on the power supply**: prevents water from dripping towards the connectors.
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Free service access **: ease of annual maintenance, reduced intervention time.
Results observed
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Uniform comfort in the living area, with reduced stratification near the windows.
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Silence on the facade thanks to the separation and the cover which prevents unwanted noise.
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Careful aesthetics respecting the rhythm of the brick and metal uprights.
AirGreen Best Practices for Montreal Brick
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Drilling to the correct diameter and rigid sleeve to prevent the joints from bursting.
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Two-component waterproofing : exterior sealant + interior vapor barrier .
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UV and de-icing salt resistant cover ; stainless steel screws only.
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Clearances maintained around the turbine and exchanger to preserve heating capacity .
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Annual HVAC maintenance : cleaning of battery/fan, checking of pressures and insulation of connections.
Sizing and choice of range
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For a condo living area, the 9,000–12,000 BTU range covers most needs; more open or north-facing layouts may require 15,000–18,000 BTU .
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In the current offer, we recommend the GREE R-32 ranges (e.g. Livo R32 , Vireo R32 , Clivia R32 ) for their stability in extreme cold , their sobriety and their silence . The final choice is made at the time of submission after calculating the load and installation constraints.
Grants and Eligibility
R-32 wall-mounted heat pumps with capacity maintenance at around −25°C/−30°C are often eligible for assistance programs in Quebec. We support our customers with:
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the assembly of the file (serial numbers, photos, installation certificate),
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verification of criteria (power, yields, certification),
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coordination with the paying agency.
Maintenance: Owner's Guide
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Leave 60–90 cm free in front of the blower front.
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Clean the inner head filters every 4–8 weeks during use.
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Inspect the leak tightness of the hole and the condition of the cover every spring.
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Avoid any obstacles leaning against the vertical hood (bins, bicycles, ladders).
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Schedule annual HVAC maintenance to maintain performance and warranty .
Frequently asked questions that we address upfront
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Noise for the neighbors? The inverter + anti-vibration mounts combination limits structural transmission. We optimize the minimum nighttime speed if necessary.
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Harsh winter? Proper elevation, defrost management , and clearances ensure cold weather capacity .
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Aesthetics? The brick-colored cladding aligns the installation with the facade; the chosen interior heads remain discreet and easy to integrate.
In summary
This HVAC installation illustrates our approach to working in the plexes and condos of Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension : carefully sized GREE (R-32) wall-mounted heat pump , perfectly aligned brick -colored metal cladding , short connections and rigorous commissioning . We apply the same standards throughout Greater Montreal ( Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , North Shore , South Shore ) to deliver lasting comfort , controlled energy bills and a finish that respects the local architecture.