Precise comfort in a living room open to the backyard
At AirGreen , we install wall-mounted heat pumps that blend naturally into Montreal plexes. In this project located in Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve , our team installed a Gree indoor unit above a patio door leading to a rear balcony. The owner's goal is twofold: to stabilize the temperature in the living room/kitchen in the summer and to benefit from a quiet heating supplement during the off-season, all without sacrificing aesthetics or access to the balcony.
Context and expectations
The accommodation benefits from a large bay window facing the courtyard, with curtains and sliding joinery. The initial expectations were:
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a uniform air flow in the open area (living room/dining room);
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a very low noise level for the night;
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a clean HVAC installation , with a short refrigeration path and discreet finishes.
Positioning the inner head: efficiency and discretion
We place the unit high on the wall above the patio door. This choice has several advantages:
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the stratification of hot air in summer is better controlled;
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the flow can follow the ceiling and then sweep across the living area without a direct draft on the sofa;
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the head remains out of the passage areas and away from the curtains.
To avoid any disruption to airflow:
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we respect the clearance from the doorway and the ceiling drop;
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we adjust the orientation of the fins to project the air in depth and not towards the window;
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We check the space around window treatments to prevent fabrics from being sucked in.
Sizing and choice of series
The BTU capacity of the Gree heat pump is determined from:
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the surface area to be treated, the sunshine and the glazing/wall ratio;
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insulation, ceiling height and internal inputs (kitchen, appliances, people).
The inverter technology compressor modulates the power as close as possible to the actual load, ensuring:
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a stable temperature without jolts;
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controlled consumption ;
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a significantly lower noise , especially at night.
A controlled installation process from start to finish
Drilling, connections and sealing
We drill a clean core through the exterior wall to the balcony. The insulated copper lines , communication cable and condensate drain are bundled, sheathed and secured with UV-resistant clamps. On the outside, a white cover protects the connections up to the outdoor unit. The perimeter of the drilling is treated with a vapor barrier and polyurethane sealant , guaranteeing air and water tightness.
Technical points of attention:
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curvature radii respected to preserve the tubes;
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short and straight route to limit pressure losses;
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continuous insulation of the lines to prevent condensation on the copper in summer.
Condensate management: priority to gravity
In this configuration, the drain of the interior head has a regular slope towards the outside; gravity flow is therefore retained. We test the evacuation by filling and check the absence of counter-slopes . If the architecture does not allow it, we integrate a silent condensate pump with a check valve and safety tray. Here, gravity flow simplifies HVAC maintenance and reduces maintenance.
Power supply and compliance
The equipment has a dedicated circuit with appropriate protection. A disconnect box is located outside, within easy reach of technicians. We check:
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ground continuity and torque tightening;
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conductor insulation;
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the conformity of conduits and cable glands for outdoor use.
Vacuuming, charging and testing
After the refrigeration connection, we carry out a deep vacuum and then a micron leak test. We then carry out the commissioning :
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reading of parameters (pressure, discharge temperature, intensity);
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superheat/subcooling control depending on the series;
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adjustment of ventilation speeds and setpoints for daily use.
Acoustics and real comfort
The Gree indoor head operates at low speed in a living room, which assumes:
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perfectly anchored supports ;
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a level setting to avoid any flow noise;
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partial load vibration tests (the most common condition in residential settings).
Result: gentle diffusion , a stable temperature and a contained noise level , even when the patio door is used frequently.
Finishes and visual integration
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Exterior passage covered in a light color to blend in with the woodwork.
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Horizontal alignment of the head in relation to the patio door lintel .
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Clean and accessible cable routing for future interventions.
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Documentation provided to the customer: route diagram, installation photos , serial numbers, commissioning parameters.
Good usage practices
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Maintain a stable setpoint ; inverter modulation is optimal for continuous load.
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Use the fins in horizontal blowing to sweep the room and avoid direct jet on the seats.
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In a heatwave, anticipate the increase in temperature one hour before occupying the room.
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In the off-season, the heating mode provides an economical boost; for prolonged cold spells, keep the main system as a backup.
Recommended HVAC maintenance
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Clean filters every 4–8 weeks during use.
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Annual inspection : pressures, connections, sealing, draining.
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Gentle washing of the internal exchanger, checking the tank and drain .
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Outside, clear around the unit, remove leaves and check the silent blocks .
An AirGreen maintenance plan maintains seasonal performance and extends the lifespan of the system.
Grants and energy compliance
Depending on the Gree series installed and its SEER/HSPF (or SEER2/HSPF2) values, eligibility for assistance programs may apply. We validate eligibility on a case-by-case basis for our customers in Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , as well as the North Shore and the South Shore , taking into account performance criteria and installation rules.
Common Pitfalls…and How We Avoid Them
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Curtains or blinds too close to the suction: we maintain sufficient clearance so as not to slow down the flow.
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Poorly sealed openings : vapor barrier and sealing suitable for the exterior wall.
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Drain without slope : systematic flow test upon commissioning.
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Summer overheating by radiation : orientation of the fins and Dry mode when humidity is high.
Concrete benefits for the customer
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Even temperature in the open area, less gradients near the bay window.
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Quiet operation, especially in night mode.
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Energy savings thanks to inverter modulation and precise sizing.
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Discreet finishes: the head visually blends into the decor, above the patio door.
Our AirGreen commitment
We deliver documented , compliant, and durable installations, with after-sales service available throughout Greater Montreal . For each project, we adapt the route, head position, and settings so that the heat pump operates in its optimal performance zone throughout the year.
In conclusion, the Gree wall-mounted heat pump installed in Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve offers superior comfort in a very glazed room, with a short path, a reliable gravity drain and careful commissioning. It is an efficient and elegant solution for apartments and plexes in Greater Montreal, from Montreal to Laval and Longueuil , as far as the North Shore and the South Shore .