A careful modernization for a brick plex in Rosemont
At AirGreen , we offer reliable and sustainable HVAC solutions for Montreal buildings. In this project, our team is installing a Gree wall-mounted heat pump ( Inverter technology, R32 refrigerant) on the rear facade of a typical Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie plex. The goal: to provide efficient supplemental heating in spring/fall and pleasant air conditioning all summer long, without compromising on silence or aesthetics.
The building context and the client's expectations
The apartment, located on the upper floor of a red brick plex, features a narrow backyard and a shared side passage—a classic setting in Montreal 's central areas. The owner wanted:
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a compact and economical system to stabilize the temperature of living areas;
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a clean installation, which limits vibrations and noise for the neighborhood;
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a high installation to maintain the necessary clearance in winter and avoid snow accumulation.
Our installation approach: precision, durability, silence
Choosing an outdoor location
We fix the outdoor unit on a brick facade facing the courtyard, away from the neighbors' windows. This position:
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reduces sound transmission;
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facilitates maintenance (front clearance of the fan);
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protects equipment from falling ice from a neighboring roof.
Wall mount and vibration management
The equipment rests on galvanized wall brackets sized for the weight and dynamic forces of the unit. We add anti-vibration pads under the skids of the device to:
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absorb micro-vibrations from the inverter compressor;
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limit structural propagation to masonry;
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preserve acoustic comfort in a dense urban environment.
Height and winter protection
The unit is installed at height in order to:
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maintain clearance above snow accumulation ;
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improve air circulation around the exchanger;
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facilitate drainage during defrosting in cold weather.
Where site conditions require it, we recommend adding a snow guard and a protective awning without obstructing airflow. Here, the overhang of the upper balcony and the setback from the ground already provide good protection.
Drilling, refrigeration lines and sealing
We carry out a precise drilling in the brick with professional coring, then:
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we pass the insulated refrigeration lines (outward/return) and the communication cable to the indoor head;
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we ensure waterproofing via a vapor barrier and polyurethane sealing to prevent air and water infiltration;
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we apply a discreet, UV-resistant outer cap .
The short, straight route of the connections helps to reduce pressure losses and optimize system efficiency .
Power supply and compliance
We install a disconnect box near the unit, in accordance with standards. The wiring is protected by conduits suitable for outdoor conditions (UV, rain, frost). All connections are tested under load to ensure long-term safety and reliability .
Condensate management
On the interior side, we favor gravity drainage whenever the architecture allows it. When the slope is insufficient, we integrate a silent condensate pump with a non-return valve and safety tank. Here, the layout allows for protected gravity drainage to the exterior discharge, which reduces maintenance requirements.
Why Gree and R32 refrigerant?
The Gree Inverter R32 range is distinguished by:
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interesting energy efficiency in air conditioning;
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a heating operating temperature adapted to our inter-seasons;
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a contained noise level , appreciable in the backyard;
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the use of R32 (A2L) , a refrigerant with reduced global warming potential compared to R410A.
By selecting the right BTU capacity based on the surface area, orientation, and insulation level, we ensure stable comfort without overconsumption. For Montreal apartments with 1 to 3 rooms, a well-sized wall unit effectively covers summer needs and provides much-needed additional heating in spring and fall.
Construction progress: cleanliness, safety, efficiency
Key steps
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Structural verification of masonry and jointing; sealing of suitable mechanical anchors.
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Place the brackets and level them for uniform load recovery.
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Hanging the unit and installing the silent blocks .
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Clean coring , line routing and sealing .
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Refrigeration connections , deep vacuum and micron leak testing .
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Electrical connection , disconnection installation and safety checks.
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Commissioning , pressure/parameter readings and inverter adjustments.
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Customer training on HVAC adjustments and maintenance .
Aesthetic details and durability
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Routing of connections in a discreet external cover , resistant to UV and freeze/thaw.
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Bending radii respected to protect copper tubes.
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Stainless steel fasteners and cut treatment to limit corrosion.
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Unit level control to ensure internal flow and avoid parasitic vibrations.
Results: comfort, silence and savings
Comfort in summer
The Gree wall-mounted heat pump provides consistent air conditioning with precise compressor speed control. Modulated fan speeds improve air quality and reduce noise peaks during the night—an asset in dense neighborhoods like Rosemont and Villeray .
Additional heating in the off-season
In heating, Inverter technology helps maintain a comfortable temperature during cool nights in May or October, while consuming significantly less than a traditional convector.
Efficiency and operating costs
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Power modulation according to actual load;
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R32 promoting good thermodynamic performance;
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Raised mounting that protects the exchanger in winter, limiting frost and untimely maintenance.
Depending on the series selected and the housing configuration, Energy Star certified units may provide access to assistance programs when the performance and installation criteria are met in Greater Montreal (Montreal, Laval , Longueuil , North Shore , South Shore ). We always validate eligibility on a case-by-case basis.
HVAC Maintenance: Maintaining Performance Year After Year
What we recommend
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Clean the internal filters every 4 to 8 weeks during use.
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Annual inspection : pressures, exchangers, electrical connections, condensate pump/line.
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Clearance of 30–60 cm around the outdoor unit, removal of leaves and dust.
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Winter check of clearance under the unit to avoid snow build-up.
Signs that should lead to a visit
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Unusual noise, new vibration, loss of efficiency felt;
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Droplets on the hood or condensation backflow ;
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Error messages on the indoor unit.
An AirGreen maintenance plan extends equipment life and maintains seasonal yields .
Tips for choosing apartments and plexes in Greater Montreal
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BTU capacity : size according to surface area and sunlight; avoid oversizing.
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Noise level : check the dB of the indoor and outdoor units, important in the backyard.
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Defrost technology and low temperature performance if heating use is a priority.
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Routes of connections : favor short and accessible routes for maintenance.
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Support : in urban environments, a wall mount with anti-vibration is often the best solution.
What the customer gets with AirGreen
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Accurate and transparent sizing ;
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A certified, orderly HVAC installation , respecting the masonry and common access;
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Documented commissioning , with optimized inverter settings;
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Support for subsidies where applicable;
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Follow-up and after-sales service available in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore and South Shore .
The result in Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie: a Gree wall-mounted heat pump that integrates seamlessly into the plex, provides quiet comfort , and reduces seasonal operating costs—with ease.
