A clean, robust installation designed for our winters: a look back at an AirGreen installation on the South Shore
Client context and objectives
In Boucherville, the owner of a single-family, light-colored brick home entrusted us with improving his four-season comfort. His expectations were clear: stable heating until the bitter cold , quiet cooling in the summer , controlled consumption , a discreet finish, and simplified HVAC maintenance . We offered and installed a Gree wall-mounted heat pump (recent residential range, R-32 refrigerant; exact model not shown) , perfectly suited to the main rooms of the house and compatible with energy efficiency programs when the performance criteria are met.
Reading the site and preparing
The side facade has a concrete base and a light brick facing, with a large grassy area facilitating access. This configuration allows us to:
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to opt for wall mounting on brackets at the base (instead of a slab on the ground) to raise the condenser above the snow, reduce dust and limit vibrations ;
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to install a cut-off box in the immediate vicinity of the unit, on a dedicated circuit, in accordance with the Quebec Electrical Code ;
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to draw a short and direct route for refrigerant connections and power supply, in order to optimize yields.
Before drilling, we validate regulatory setbacks (walls, windows, corners, aisles) and blowing clearances to ensure a free flow of air in heating and defrosting mode.
Equipment Selection and BTU Adequacy
The Gree R-32 wall-mounted range covers capacities from 9,000 to 24,000 BTU (and more on certain series). BTU selection is made after taking measurements, load calculations and taking into account:
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insulation and sealing of the envelope;
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the surface area to be air-conditioned/heated, the volume and the ceiling height ;
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sunshine ;
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openings between rooms.
In this case, the objective is to condition the main living area with a comfortable margin of heating in cold weather. We favor a size offering a high COP at usual loads and a low temperature operating range suitable for the South Shore .
Installation details: clean, solid, durable
Brackets and anti-vibrations. The Gree condenser is fixed on robust galvanized brackets , mechanically anchored in the concrete . We add anti-vibration pads and spacers to protect the wall, reduce noise transmission and facilitate rear clearance.
Height and snow removal. The unit is positioned above the typical snow level in Boucherville. This decision prevents the batteries from clogging in winter and improves defrosting .
Route and capping. The insulated refrigeration lines and the condensate drain are capped in white to match the cladding. The route is short (≈ 2–4 m visible) , neat, with bend radii respected to preserve the integrity of the copper tubes and limit losses . The clip-on covers facilitate rapid intervention during HVAC maintenance.
Power supply and safety. Installation of a dedicated circuit breaker for the panel and a waterproof external disconnect , sheathed wiring, and proper grounding . The electrical routing is compact, clean, and protects the facade.
Condensate management. The drainage from the inner head is gravity- driven to the outside, reducing maintenance . In sensitive areas or over long distances, we integrate a silent condensate pump with a vapor barrier and scheduled maintenance as needed.
Waterproofing and air barrier. The opening is sealed with elastomeric mastic and an air barrier/vapor barrier to prevent air and moisture infiltration , improving the overall energy efficiency of the home.
Meticulous commissioning
Our technicians carry out:
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Vacuum draw to the required values to remove moisture and air;
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Leak test ;
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Checking currents and voltages ;
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Measurement of blown/intake temperatures ;
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Fine adjustment (flow rates, shutters, settings) for consistent comfort ;
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Customer training : filter cleaning, use of defrost modes , seasonal HVAC maintenance tips.
Immediate results
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Remarkable silence from the condenser, barely audible in the side yard;
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Rapid response to air conditioning demand;
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In heating mode , a stable and comfortable blower , particularly appreciated in the open area;
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Aesthetics : the white capping blends in with the tone of the light brick, with a discreet finish along the entire length of the facade.
Why this configuration works so well in Boucherville
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Local Climate : Wall mounting protects the unit from snow drifts and splashes.
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Maintenance : The clearance around the condenser makes cleaning the coils simple and safe.
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Acoustics : the concrete structure limits noise reverberation towards the courtyard.
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Performance : short connections , careful sealing and precise calibration maximize seasonal efficiency .
AirGreen Best Practices for a Sustainable HVAC Installation
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Height : aim for 45–60 cm from the finished exterior ground, modulated by local snow accumulation.
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Clearances : respect the minimum rear/side/front distances indicated by the manufacturer for air recirculation .
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Water discharges : plan for frost management and defrosting to avoid ice at the base of the wall.
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Electricity : dedicated , calibrated and protected circuit; disconnection within easy reach.
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Capping : favor colors that match the facing and a straight path; reduce elbows to preserve the cooling load.
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Maintenance : annual cleaning of the condenser , washing of the filters and visual inspection of the wiring and covers .
Grants and eligibilities (Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, South Shore)
Gree R-32 high-efficiency wall-mounted heat pumps may be eligible for provincial and/or federal assistance programs when performance criteria (seasonal efficiency, low-temperature capacity, certifications) are met. We verify for each file:
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SEER/SCOP/HSPF required;
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Heating operating range down to −25°C/−30°C depending on the series;
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Energy Star compliance where applicable;
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Particularities of the residence (insulation, main heating, replacement of a less efficient appliance).
Our team takes care of documenting the installation and guiding the customer through the administrative steps.
Pitfalls to avoid when installing on a brick facade
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Undersized fixings in concrete: we use mechanical anchors suitable for dynamic weight and freeze/thaw cycles.
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Air discharges facing an obstacle : always maintain a free zone in front to avoid recycling in heating.
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Too long a route or tight bends: pressure losses, reduced efficiency ; hence our optimized route and our compliant radii.
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Poorly designed drainage : risk of dripping onto the paths or ice in winter; provide adequate slope and drainage .
What the customer gains on a daily basis
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Immediate comfort in the living area, contained noise , controlled consumption ;
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Aesthetics integrated into the facade, aligned capping and discreet cut-off box;
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Reliability : rigid supports, rigorous vacuum, drilling sealing ;
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Serenity : a local AirGreen service for HVAC maintenance and seasonal monitoring .
What if you are hesitating between several Gree models?
Our advisors recommend the capacity and series based on your envelope and occupancy habits . For a master bedroom, a 9–12 k BTU indoor head is often sufficient; for a large open area, a 15–18 k BTU size may be required. In single-family homes on the South Shore or the North Shore , the wall-mounted option remains a safe bet for winter.
Our AirGreen commitment
Each project is carried out by certified technicians , with quality control and complete documentation (anchor photos, vacuum values, electrical readings). We remain available for monitoring , maintenance and seasonal optimizations to keep your heat pump at its best level of performance.
In short
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Gree wall-mounted heat pump , wall installation on brackets on the base ;
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Neat white capping , short run , adjacent cut-off box ;
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Height and clearances designed for winter ;
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Complete commissioning and user training;
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Ideal solution for residences in Boucherville , and more broadly Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, South Shore .
Need a turnkey HVAC installation in Greater Montreal?
We assess your home, recommend the right capacity , ensure careful installation and efficient maintenance . Contact us for a precise quote and, if eligible, to take charge of your grant application .