Precise comfort in an open-concept urban condo: How we optimize a recessed Gree wall-mounted head for consistent, quiet, and energy-efficient ventilation while preserving the aesthetics of the living room.
The context: a modern condo in the Southwest
In a recent building in Southwest Montreal , the owner wanted an efficient and discreet HVAC solution for a living area combining a living room, dining area and kitchen. The existing indoor unit was planned above a storage unit, in a niche close to the ceiling. Our mandate: replace/optimize the installation with a Gree wall-mounted heat pump using R-32 refrigerant , ensure comfortable blowing year-round, limit noise and improve accessibility to maintenance.
The choice of Gree equipment: four-season performance
The Gree wall-mounted range (R-32) offers an excellent compromise between seasonal efficiency, silence and compactness. Depending on the surface area and orientation of the condo, we generally size between 9,000 and 12,000 BTU for medium-sized open areas, with capacity maintained in cold weather. Gree's recent R-32 models are energy efficient , use a low GWP fluid and are suitable for four-season use (intermediate heating and cooling).
Key advantages of a Gree wall-mounted heat pump:
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High efficiency at partial load thanks to the inverter.
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Quiet operation, ideal for open living areas.
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Compact format facilitating integration into niches without compromising air diffusion.
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Compatibility with eligibility criteria for several grant programs when the configuration meets the requirements (approved models, low temperature performance, etc.).
Actual site constraints
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Recessed niche above cabinets, with limited clearance at the top and sides.
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Smooth ceiling and recessed lighting requiring careful integration.
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Route of the connections to be hidden to preserve a clean aesthetic of the main wall.
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Condensate management to be ensured by gravity without visual piping corridor.
These constraints require precise work on the clearances, distribution and routing of refrigeration and electrical lines, in order to avoid air recirculation, vibrations or traces of condensation.
Our HVAC installation solution
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Positioning and clearances
We re-center the Gree head in a niche, preserving useful clearance at the bottom, which is critical for laminar blowing. We check that there are no immediate obstacles on the blowing plane (cabinet overhang, ceiling drop). Anti-vibration mounting ensures the stability of the chassis. -
Drilling and routing of connections
A controlled drilling with a gentle slope towards the outside is carried out behind the unit in order to keep the refrigeration lines , the communication cable and the condensate drain invisible. The route is made over a short estimated length (3–5 m) , favorable to performance. The connections are continuously insulated and protected externally by a technical cover matching the facade when required. -
Condensate management
The installation height facilitates gravity drainage . We check the slope and install an anti-odor siphon if necessary. No condensate pump is required here, which reduces noise and maintenance. -
Power supply
The connection is made on a dedicated circuit compliant with the Canadian Electrical Code , with a circuit breaker adapted to the size of the outdoor compressor. The wiring is channeled and identified for future work. -
Pressurization, vacuuming and commissioning
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Nitrogen test for network tightness.
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Vacuum draw to a deep level, hold control.
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Setting up the remote control and checking the room sensor.
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Measurement of supply and return temperatures to validate the delta-T in cooling and heating modes.
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Result: consistent comfort and preserved aesthetics
The horizontal blowing covers the living room-kitchen area without direct air current on the occupants. The niche acts as a frame, while maintaining the necessary clearances for maintenance (opening the front panel, cleaning the filter). The noise level remains low thanks to the inverter electronics and the absence of a pump. Visually, nothing disrupts the line of the wall: the connections and the evacuation are integrated .
Sizing: Practical guidelines for urban condos
For comparable housing in Montreal (modern windows, good insulation):
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9,000 BTU : Well-insulated studios/2 1/2s or compact open areas.
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12,000 BTU : 4 1/2 medium open area, mixed exposure.
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18,000 BTU : large 5 1/2 or penthouses, south/west exposure and high windows.
These benchmarks remain indicative: we take into account solar gains , ceiling height, occupancy and heat-generating appliances (open kitchen).
Good practices for daily use
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Moderate Auto mode to smooth out consumption and noise.
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Stable setpoint (avoid variations of more than 2°C).
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Shutters : in summer, slightly upwards to promote stratification; in mid-season, horizontal to sweep the living area.
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Filters : gentle cleaning every 4 to 8 weeks depending on urban dust.
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Open doors between rooms for better heat/coolness transfer.
HVAC Maintenance: What We Do During Visits
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Disassembly and cleaning of filters and internal exchanger.
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Checking the clearances in the niche and the absence of obstacles.
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Condensate flow control (gravity) and external cover.
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Visual inspection of the condenser (fins, defrost, supports).
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Operating records to confirm seasonal performance.
Regular maintenance extends lifespan and maintains efficiency—critical for Montreal winters and summer heatwaves.
Grants and eligibility (Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, South Shore)
Several programs recognize efficient heat pumps , including high-performance R-32 models for winter use. Eligibility depends on the exact model , certified efficiencies , and low-temperature operating range . We systematically verify:
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Relevant certification (e.g. ENERGY STAR where applicable).
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Heating capacity maintained below −20°C / −25°C as required.
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Technical documentation required by the paying body.
Our team supports each client in Greater Montreal (Montreal, Laval , Longueuil , North Shore , South Shore ) to maximize the available assistance and put together the complete file.
Why integrate a wall head into a niche?
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Visual discretion without penalizing the blowing.
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Impact protection and integration with furniture.
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Facilitating the passage of connections through the rear of the unit.
Points to watch out for : respect the clearances recommended by the manufacturer, avoid niches that are too deep which recirculate air, leave the necessary access for maintenance.
What we remember from this achievement
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A Gree R-32 heat pump neatly installed in a niche above the storage units, with gravity drainage and short routing of the connections.
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Stable and quiet comfort for an open-plan space.
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An HVAC system designed for performance, maintenance and aesthetics — exactly what urban condominiums in the Southwest are looking for.
Need a similar installation?
We work throughout Greater Montreal on residential projects: central condos, traditional plexes, suburban homes. Our team sizes, installs, and maintains heat pumps and wall-mounted air conditioners , optimizing every detail (route, clearances, acoustics, subsidies).
Internal keywords : heat pump , wall-mounted air conditioner , HVAC installation , HVAC maintenance , Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , North Shore , South Shore .