An HVAC solution designed for brick buildings and urban terraces
At AirGreen , we carried out an exemplary HVAC installation in a typical building in Southwest Montreal (Saint-Henri/Griffintown sector): a GREE R32 single-zone wall-mounted heat pump , perfect for Montreal brick dwellings with access to a courtyard/terrace. The objective: to offer four-season comfort while respecting the aesthetics of the building and the constraints of an urban site.
Client context and needs
The client wanted:
-
Efficiently heat and cool the main living area without ducts.
-
Minimize the visual footprint on the brick facade.
-
Guarantee winter reliability and discreet acoustics for the neighborhood.
-
Optimize grant eligibility and electricity consumption.
Our recommendation was a latest generation GREE wall-mounted heat pump with R-32 refrigerant , known for its high seasonal efficiency and its compatibility with Montreal winters when configured in the “extreme cold” version.
The GREE R32 choice: performance and peace of mind
GREE R32 wall-mounted heat pumps ( Livo/Vireo/Sapphire R32 families, depending on the configuration chosen) combine:
-
Continuously modulating inverter compressor for stable comfort.
-
Superior energy efficiency (high SEER/HSPF) reduces bills.
-
Extreme cold operation on “cold-climate” versions: ideal for Montreal.
-
R-32 refrigerant , with reduced global warming potential compared to R-410A.
-
Careful acoustics of the indoor and outdoor units.
This technological base meets the requirements of a duplex/condo in the Southwest , where a discreet, efficient and aesthetic device is sought.
Exterior integration: clean, durable and designed for winter
The GREE outdoor unit is fixed on a raised base made of galvanized steel . This technical decision brings several major benefits:
-
Snow clearance and drainage : the elevation prevents snow accumulation and facilitates water evacuation during defrost cycles, essential for a heat pump in Montreal.
-
Simplified maintenance : quick access to service panels for maintenance.
-
Controlled vibrations : anti-vibration pads and torque tightening ensure minimal sound transmission to the structure.
The refrigerant connections are routed flush with the brick in discreet UV black capping , with compliant bend radii to avoid any stress on the insulated copper. The electrical supply is protected by an external disconnect box placed within easy reach, compliant with the Canadian Electrical Code . The electrical and refrigerant routing has been designed to limit the length of the lines (approximately 3 to 5 m), which improves efficiency and reduces pressure losses.
Interior integration: uniform comfort and preserved aesthetics
The wall-mounted head is positioned to sweep the living area (living room-kitchen) without blowing directly onto the occupants. We have taken care to:
-
Respect the side and top clearances required by GREE.
-
Provide a gravity condensate drain to the outside, with a controlled slope to avoid any backflow.
-
Match the interior duct covers to the color of the walls.
Result: gentle diffusion in summer and rapid heating in the off-season, without aesthetic compromise.
Key steps in AirGreen installation
-
Structural verification of the wall support and positioning of the raised base.
-
Clean through-hole with sealing ring and vapor barrier .
-
Compliant flares and brazing , deep vacuum (< 500 microns) and nitrogen leak test .
-
Loading according to actual lengths (when applicable), superheat/subcool control.
-
Electrical connection on dedicated 240 V circuit , GFCI/tightening test.
-
Start-up, configuration and calibration of probes, comfort setting and weekly programming.
-
Submission of a test report and HVAC maintenance advice to the owner.
These practices guarantee the performance , longevity and quiet operation of the system.
Sizing and results
For a 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 bedroom apartment in the Southwest , the 9,000 to 18,000 BTU range covers most needs. Here, the chosen size provides:
-
Rapid temperature rise on cool mornings.
-
Controlled relative humidity in summer thanks to Dry mode.
-
Optimized consumption thanks to inverter control which stabilizes demand without repeated switching on and off.
The first operating measurements confirm a homogeneous air flow , a compliant internal static pressure , and compressor frequency stability which avoids energy-consuming jolts.
Finishing and protection of the envelope
-
Careful airtightness around the drilling, to prevent infiltration and thermal bridges.
-
Stainless steel and galvanized fasteners to resist salt and freeze/thaw cycles.
-
Condensate management and directed defrosting flow , to avoid ice cubes and puddles on the terrace.
-
Discreet routing of cables and connections, invisible from the street.
These details make the difference in durability and ease of use.
Grants and Compliance
GREE R32 wall-mounted heat pumps , when selected in the extreme cold/ENERGY STAR certified version , may be eligible for Rénoclimat/Chauffez vert programs and local assistance from the municipalities of Montreal, Laval and Longueuil , as well as on the North Shore and South Shore . Our team verifies the eligibility of the exact model and prepares, if necessary, the required documents to maximize your return on investment.
HVAC Maintenance: Ensuring Performance Year After Year
To maintain performance:
-
Clean the internal filters every 2 to 3 months during use.
-
Annual inspection by AirGreen: pressures, vacuum gauge, connections, defrosting, condensates.
-
Winter clearance around the outdoor unit (manufacturer minimums respected).
-
Spring check of flow and electrical tightening.
Rigorous HVAC maintenance ensures HSPF/SEER close to original values and extends equipment life.
What this installation proves
-
A well-sized and properly integrated wall-mounted heat pump is ideal for brick buildings in the Southwest .
-
Raising the outdoor unit is a winning choice for winter reliability.
-
Short, clean line routing improves performance and aesthetics.
-
Using AirGreen ensures a compliant, durable and visually appealing installation .
Conclusion
With this GREE R32 installed in Le Sud-Ouest (Montreal) , we demonstrate that it is possible to combine four-season comfort , energy efficiency and respect for built heritage . Our approach — site study, choice of materials, finishes and monitoring — guarantees an impeccable result for owners in Montreal, Laval , Longueuil , as well as on the North Shore and the South Shore .
AirGreen remains your trusted partner for all heat pump installations , HVAC maintenance and grant advice in Greater Montreal.