A controlled installation under the soffit: winter performance, simplified maintenance
At AirGreen , we adapt each HVAC installation to the residential building of Greater Montreal. Here, in Sainte-Dorothée (Laval) , we install a Gree wall-mounted heat pump on wall brackets under a ventilated soffit , against a brick facade. The goal: to guarantee reliable heating in winter and stable air conditioning in summer, while protecting the unit from the elements and freeing up floor space.
Gree was chosen for its efficient modulation, low-temperature performance, and parts availability. The outdoor unit uses R-32 refrigerant, which ensures a better environmental profile and high seasonal efficiencies. The configuration also features blue anti-vibration pads , a nearby electrical disconnect , and a short, neat, and protected refrigeration path .
Project context and client objectives
The owner of a brick house was looking for:
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A four-season system capable of ensuring comfort in the main living area.
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A compact installation without encroaching on the side passage.
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Natural protection against snow and rain, while respecting clearances.
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A long-lasting and easy-to-maintain solution.
We proposed a Gree wall-mounted heat pump with a single indoor head, sized for the main zone, and installed the condenser on wall brackets to clear the slab and secure the equipment during frost and thaw periods.
Location study: why under the soffit?
Placing a condenser under the soffit can be excellent provided that the manufacturer's clearances are respected and air circulation is guaranteed :
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Natural protection against heavy snow, runoff and hail.
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Reduced ice buildup on the top grill and connections.
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Easy maintenance : free front clearance for washing the exchanger.
We checked the clearance above the unit, the depth of the soffit , and the absence of any obstacles on the facade. The discharge axis is perfectly clear: no opposing wall or vegetation within close proximity. In winter, this arrangement helps defrost cycles flow without hot air being forced back toward the intake.
Technical details of the installation
Supports, fixing and anti-vibration
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Galvanized steel wall brackets , anchored in the brick with suitable anchors (load and pull-out).
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Anti-vibration pads under the condenser base: reduction of sound transmission inside.
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Level and counter-jib adjusted to naturally evacuate defrost water forward.
Refrigeration and drilling
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Core drilling through the brick with an outward slope.
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Short, continuously insulated copper connections , with bending radius respected to preserve the load.
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Sealing of the through-hole (elastomeric sealant + weatherstripping) to prevent any infiltration of water or air.
Condensate management
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Gravity drain on the inside, discharged to the outside at the same crossing. The absence of a pump reduces noise and maintenance.
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Outside, the outlet is channeled to prevent splashing on the siding and the formation of ice at the base of the wall.
Power supply and electrical safety
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Dedicated 240V circuit , circuit breaker rating as per nameplate.
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Disconnect box mounted within easy reach, marked and protected from impacts.
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Grounding and mechanical routing according to the Canadian Electrical Code .
Refrigeration procedure and commissioning
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Brazing under nitrogen and leak testing with dry nitrogen.
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Deep vacuum draw down to the required threshold; stabilization and control of the ascent rate.
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Reading of supply/return temperatures , compressor intensity and operating pressures.
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Initial settings: heating/air conditioning modes, shutter adjustment, basic programming and comfort instructions to the customer.
What Gree brings to everyday life
Gree Inverter units shine with:
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Continuous compressor modulation : fewer cycles, stable comfort and energy savings.
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Quiet operation , useful on the side facade near the bedrooms.
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Solid cold weather performance (depending on model), relevant for Laval and the North Shore .
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Simple maintenance : accessible exchanger, washable filters on the inside, clear diagnostics.
The presence of R-32 improves seasonal efficiency and reduces the amount of refrigerant required for the same capacity. The result: optimized consumption and improved environmental impact.
Best practices applied by AirGreen (and pitfalls avoided)
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Clearances : Avoid enclosing the condenser in a recess; the front remains completely free.
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Height : Install high enough to clear the snow drift area, without sticking to the soffit to preserve vertical air intake.
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Anti-vibration : the pads under the sole protect the masonry and reduce structure-borne noise.
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Drainage : no water discharges against the brick; runoff moves away from the pedestrian path.
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Electricity : Disconnection in the immediate vicinity for HVAC maintenance and service work.
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Short path : limits pressure losses, improves defrosting reliability and overall efficiency .
Results: comfort, silence and freed up space
From the moment it is put into service, the house benefits from:
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Even blowing and rapid temperature rise in mid-season.
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Reduced noise levels both indoors and outdoors thanks to the wall mounting and pads.
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Exemplary maintenance access : the front facade provides a large work space for cleaning the exchanger and taking service measurements.
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Freed up floor space , ideal for narrow passages and landscaping.
Recommended maintenance
To maintain the performance of your heat pump :
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Clean the indoor unit filters every 4 to 8 weeks during periods of heavy use.
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Rinse the outdoor heat exchanger as needed (debris, pollen, dust).
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Check the drain in spring and before winter; make sure the slope remains clear.
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Schedule an annual inspection (electrical, temperatures, pressures, tightening, condition of insulation).
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Clear the area in front of the unit of any snow or bulky objects so as not to obstruct the airflow.
Grants and support
Depending on the Gree model chosen and its seasonal performance , the installation may be eligible for assistance programs in Quebec. We support our customers in Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , as well as the North Shore and the South Shore , for:
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Check eligibility (SEER/HSPF/SCOP ratings, minimum operating temperature).
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Prepare the required documents (detailed invoice, photos, serial numbers).
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Optimize BTU sizing to meet criteria and ensure lasting comfort.
Conclusion
This HVAC installation in Sainte-Dorothée illustrates a rigorous approach: robust wall brackets , short refrigeration path , careful drain management , accessible electrical disconnection and strict compliance with soffit clearances. The result: a Gree wall-mounted heat pump ready to face Laval winters, with simplified maintenance and tangible daily comfort . Our teams apply the same level of requirement throughout Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore and the South Shore .