An indoor head positioned on the landing to heat and air condition the entire floor
In a renovated cottage in Montreal , Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension district, we are installing aMidea wall-mounted heat pump to provide efficient cooling in the summer and economical supplemental heating the rest of the year. The client is looking for a discreet system, capable of supplying several rooms without invasive work or visible ducts. Our proposal: an interior head at the staircase landing , a strategic location to circulate air towards the bedrooms and living room, with careful installation that respects the existing moldings and openings.
Indoor Head Positioning: The Key to Airflow
The wall unit is installed high under the ceiling , directly above the stairwell. This choice allows:
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controlled stratification : the cooled air descends naturally in summer;
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a sweep that pushes conditioned air towards the corridor and adjacent rooms;
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easy air return from the staircase, limiting dead zones;
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aesthetic integration : clearance preserved around door frames.
We maintain the manufacturer's recommended clearance above and to the sides (free space to promote air intake and for maintenance access). The directional vanes are adjusted to avoid any direct jet onto the passageway and to direct the air towards the corridor and bedrooms.
Finishing details and integration into the envelope
The hallway features moldings and an adjacent door frame . The headboard layout takes into account:
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full opening of the doors without interference with the housing;
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from a minimalist technical channel to the drilling point;
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clean filling of the crossings with vapor barrier sealant and paint finish.
A section of wall is opened along the frame to take up the refrigeration connections and the electrical supply ; after leak tests and functional tests, it is closed and pulled at the joint to preserve the aesthetics of the corridor.
Condensate management: gravity when possible
The inner head is installed with a slight outward flow slope . When gravity is not sufficient, we integrate a silent condensate pump , equipped with a check valve and a vibration damper. Here, the layout favors a natural flow for reliability and silence, with an extended evacuation test at the end of the installation.
Midea Equipment Specifications
The Midea wall-mounted unit selected is one of the latest generations with inverters that finely modulate power. Depending on the surface area served, we generally offer:
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9,000 to 12,000 BTUs for a bedroom or office;
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12,000 to 18,000 BTU for a landing serving several rooms;
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18,000 to 24,000 BTUs for a more generous open area.
For projects aiming for maximum efficiency and a better environmental footprint, we recommend the Midea28 range (R-454B) or the R-32 series (Midea25/Midea35) when the sizing justifies it. The final choice is validated by calculation (losses/loads), taking into account insulation, sunlight and ceiling height.
Midea’s advantages for Montreal:
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Efficient heating at low temperatures in the off-season;
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Inverter compressor for temperature stability and low noise ;
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Easy filtration and maintenance (washable filters);
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Discreet temperature display on the front;
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Compatibility with the criteria of several grant programs when the model meets the required performance thresholds.
Refrigerated and electrical journey: cleanliness and sustainability
The drilling is done with an outward slope to avoid any risk of infiltration. The insulated copper tubes are sheathed and protected against abrasion at the crossing points. On the outside, the connections are capped in a UV-resistant capping; on the inside, they are boxed for a clean finish.
On the electrical side, the line is dedicated from the main panel and protected by an appropriate circuit breaker. The external disconnect switch is positioned within easy reach of the technician. Everything complies with the Canadian Electrical Code and the manufacturer's specifications.
Noise, vibrations and acoustic comfort
The Midea head operates at low speed in maintenance mode thanks to inverter modulation. We configure:
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silent night mode ;
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auto speed with comfort priority;
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the orientation of fins to avoid whistling against the frames.
The indoor unit is anchored to a solid, level plate ; the dowels are adapted to the support to eliminate unwanted vibrations.
Defrosting and winter behavior
In heating, the machine manages intelligent defrost cycles . The condenser's location (courtyard side) provides sufficient clearances to allow the evacuation of condensation and defrost water without hindering circulation. In periods of intense cold, the heat pump provides very economical backup , and the residence retains its main system as needed.
Result: uniform comfort on two levels
The landing installation acts as a broadcast hub :
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Rapid cooling of rooms and corridor;
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Comfortable additional heating when getting up and in the evening;
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Intuitive controls with clear display of the instructions;
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The aesthetics of the corridor are maintained thanks to the integrated path and the clean plasterwork.
HVAC Maintenance: Simple Actions, Long-Lasting Benefits
To maintain yields :
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Rinse filters every 4 to 8 weeks during the season;
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Carry out annual maintenance : pressure check, electrical check, inspection of the condensate pump, gentle cleaning of the exchanger;
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Clear snow from the outdoor condenser in winter (if there is accumulation);
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Check the capping and sealing of the crossings every spring.
Regular maintenance stabilizes consumption and extends lifespan.
Grants and Eligibility
In Greater Montreal ( Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, South Shore ), some high-efficiency heat pumps meet provincial/federal program criteria. Eligibility depends on seasonal performance and low-temperature capacity maintenance. We validate these points upon submission and provide the required documentation (serial numbers, technical data sheets, AHRI certificates when requested).
Layout advice for landings and corridors
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Leave ≥ 10–15 cm above the unit for air intake;
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Position the head perpendicular to the flow towards the corridor to extend the reach;
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Avoid obstacles (piers, partition returns) which create vortices ;
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In the presence of glass doors , direct the air to break up solar radiation in summer;
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Provide maintenance access without dismantling permanent structures.
What we deliver to every installation
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Clear and transparent sizing (BTUs adapted to the room);
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Careful finishing of drillings and rework;
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Compliant electrical measurements and accessible disconnector;
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Commissioning with surveys and rapid user training;
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HVAC maintenance plan and recommended schedule.
AirGreen: your HVAC partner in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore and South Shore
Our team supports owners of plexes, cottages, and condos in Greater Montreal . Our preferred brands— Midea, Gree, Fujitsu, Sharp , among others—allow us to precisely tailor the solution to the layout of the premises and the budget. A successful HVAC installation starts with a good location and impeccable execution : this is exactly what we implement on every project.
Technical FAQ (selection)
Why install the head on the landing rather than in a bedroom?
To serve multiple rooms with a single head and maximize natural air circulation between levels.
Does the wall unit replace a main heating system?
It provides a very economical and comfortable backup . Depending on the house, a main system is still required for cold peaks .
Can existing connections be reused?
Only if they meet the diameters and condition required by the new model. Otherwise, we replace them to guarantee performance and durability.
What noise to expect?
In steady state, the Midea head operates at a low noise level ; the adjustment of the vanes and the automatic speed optimize the acoustic comfort of the corridor and bedrooms.
AirGreen responds quickly throughout Greater Montreal and offers detailed quotes with BTU recommendations, site evaluation and support for grants where applicable.