Four-season comfort and reliable performance in a brick plex in the heart of Montreal
Context: Modernizing the comfort of a Montreal brick home
In a typical Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie duplex, our client wanted a discreet, energy-efficient HVAC system suited to Montreal winters. The goal: to add precise cooling in the summer and efficient heating for the off-season, while limiting the visual footprint on the brick facade and respecting the neighborhood.
We recommended the installation of a Gree wall-mounted heat pump (new generation R-32 ), a compact and efficient solution meeting the needs of a medium-sized apartment with an open living area and adjoining bedroom.
Why Gree for this project?
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R-32 Technology : Lower GWP refrigerant than R-410A, allowing for higher seasonal efficiencies and reduced load.
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Winter operating range : stable heating capacities down to negative temperatures common in Montreal.
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Quiet and comfortable : low-noise outdoor unit, ideal for a courtyard or shared balcony.
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Aesthetics : compact design compatible with installation on wall brackets , freeing up floor space.
Technical note: Since the exact model is not shown in the photo, we are sticking with the recent Gree R-32 wall-mounted family (Livo/Clivia/Airy/Sapphire ranges). The performance and installation principles are similar and comply with AirGreen standards.
Installation details: clean, solid and designed to last
Support and implementation
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Fixing on high-strength galvanized wall brackets , anchored in the brick with appropriate sealing.
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Installation height : approximately 2.2 m under soffit, sufficient upper clearance for air intake and maintenance.
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Natural protection : installation under a balcony/awning limiting the accumulation of snow, driving rain and falling ice.
Refrigeration and electrical routing
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Short and optimized route (approximately 2.5 to 3 m visible) between the outdoor unit and the indoor head located on the living room side.
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Rigid grey casing (capping) ensuring the protection of insulated refrigeration lines , the condensate drain and the communication cable .
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Flexible electrical conduit to disconnect box, supply protected by dedicated circuit breaker in accordance with Code.
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Drain management : gravity drainage with continuous slope; optionally, a heating cable is provided to secure the flow in very cold weather if required by exposure.
Drilling and sealing
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Single drilling through brick with controlled slope angle;
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Sleeve and vapor barrier to preserve the thermal envelope of the building;
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UV resistant grouting and sealing for a durable and waterproof finish.
Commissioning and controls
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Nitrogen leak test , deep vacuum , micro-leak check and validation of R-32 charge according to exact length.
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Checking the intensities , pressures, and calibration of the probe ; configuring silent modes and dehumidification for summer.
AirGreen Site Challenges and Solutions
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Old brick facade : we chose precisely sized anchors and spacing to avoid any stress on the joints.
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Narrow balcony : raised installation to free up circulation and avoid shocks during movement or maintenance.
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Acoustic respect : activation of night mode and anti-vibration pads on the unit; orientation of the breath to limit resonance on the wall.
Results obtained
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Fast and even cooling of main rooms, with fine humidity control during heat waves.
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Energy-efficient supplemental heating during fall and spring, reducing demand on the main system and operating costs.
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Successful visual integration : discreetly channeled cables and connections, compact outdoor unit aligned under the overhang.
Usage and maintenance tips (added value)
In summer
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Maintain the setpoint at 22–24°C for a balance between comfort and economy.
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Use dehumidification mode on very humid days to avoid overcooling.
In winter and off-season
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Leave the machine in continuous heating mode with automatic ventilation to benefit from intelligent defrosting .
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Do not obstruct the space under the outdoor unit; the high installation naturally limits snow accumulation.
Annual maintenance recommended
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Clean the inner head filters every 2–3 months.
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Gentle washing of the outdoor heat exchanger in spring.
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Annual AirGreen inspection : pressures, compressor, connections, condensates and parameter updates.
Grants, Compliance and Eligibility
High-efficiency wall-mounted heat pumps using R-32 and offering low-temperature capacity maintenance are generally eligible for current provincial support programs . We support our customers in:
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verification of technical criteria ;
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documentation (serial numbers, technical sheets);
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submission of applications.
Our installations comply with the Quebec Electrical Code , the NBC for envelope perforations and the manufacturer's guidelines for R-32.
AirGreen Best Practices for Brick Facades
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Suitable anchors and seals compatible with masonry;
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UV capping matching the facade for discreet integration;
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Compliant clearances around the unit (rear, sides, top) to optimize COP ;
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Shortest possible route to reduce pressure losses and improve efficiency ;
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Thoughtful installation height : easy maintenance, protection against snow, safety of occupants.
What the customer remembers
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Controlled comfort in all seasons, without heavy construction or ducts.
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Optimized electricity consumption thanks to the inverter and R-32.
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A clean, solid, reversible installation, ready for years of service.
Summary technical sheet
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Type : Gree wall-mounted heat pump , new generation R-32
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Building : brick plex in Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie
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Installation : galvanized wall brackets under soffit, height ~2.2 m
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Connections : ~2.5–3 m, grey capping , single piercing with vapor barrier
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Power supply : dedicated circuit breaker , external disconnection
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Drain : gravity with continuous slope
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Commissioning : pressure test, deep vacuum , silent settings and defrosting
AirGreen: local expertise, attentive service
We assist owners and co-owners in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore in choosing and installing high-performance wall-mounted heat pumps and HVAC systems . Our team understands the constraints of Montreal brick plexes and balconies, from sizing to after-sales service. For a similar project in Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie, we offer a technical visit and a detailed quote with equipment and maintenance options.
Next steps
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Thermal assessment of the area to be air conditioned/heated (m², sunshine, insulation).
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Selection of the most suitable Gree R-32 range (Livo, Airy, Clivia, Sapphire, etc.).
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Installation plan : route, height, capping colors, drain management.
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Checking available aid and preparing the file.
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AirGreen installation and certified commissioning .
Keywords worked on : heat pump , wall-mounted heat pump , HVAC installation , HVAC maintenance , Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , North Shore , South Shore , Gree , R-32 , Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie .