Installation of a MRCOOL wall-mounted heat pump in Sainte-Dorothée (Laval)
AirGreen installs a MRCOOL wall-mounted heat pump in Sainte-Dorothée (Laval): slab-mounted, anti-vibration pads, short connections, and waterproof finishes for lasting comfort. HVAC service in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, and South Shore.
- City
- Region
- Equipment
- Brand
- Challenges
- Published
The job on one screen
The article, chapter by chapter
A compact, clean and durable installation — perfect for Laval’s typical side yards
Project context and client expectations
At AirGreen , we were commissioned to modernize the comfort of a single-family home in Sainte-Dorothée (Laval) . The need was clear: a high-performance heat pump to provide air conditioning in the summer and supplementary heating in the spring/fall, with a neat HVAC installation in a narrow passage on the side facade. The client wanted a discreet device, a low noise level and a durable installation despite the proximity of the ground and fences.
Equipment selection and justification
The site is suitable for a MRCOOL wall-mounted heat pump (mini-split) . This residential range is appreciated for its compact condenser, limited rear clearance , and accessible maintenance . We have chosen a single indoor head / single condenser configuration to optimize consumption and ease of maintenance.
Key points that motivate this choice:
-
Small footprint : ideal along vinyl siding with a narrow corridor.
-
Quick maintenance : direct access to the service valve and electrical cover.
-
Modulated comfort : inverter technology with fine power modulation to reduce on/off cycles.
Site preparation and constraints management
The lateral passage requires installation on slabs rather than on wall brackets to avoid vibrations transmitted to the structure. We retain:
-
Two leveled and compacted concrete slabs on a stone bed, with anti-vibration pads under the condenser feet.
-
Orientation of the air discharge towards the axis of the passage to limit recirculation.
-
Respect clearances around the unit (maintenance access, air circulation, winter snow removal).
-
Condensate management : gravity path planned on the interior side, with continuous slope and insulation of sensitive sections to prevent frost.
Refrigeration connections and power supply
We install a short and direct route : wall outlet to the right of the condenser, insulated refrigerant connections and protective sheath up to the facade inlet. The connections are crimped/flared to the torque , with leak tests (nitrogen + vacuum gauge) before opening the valves.
Electrical side:
-
Circuit dedication to the main panel, sized to match the unit's current rating.
-
Adjacent outdoor disconnect (required by code), cable protected by UV-resistant flexible conduit.
-
Grounding and polarity check checked before powering up.
Visible details of the production (AirGreen quality)
-
Seated on slabs with precise wedging: limits settlement, reduces vibrations and facilitates snow removal.
-
Anti-vibration pads under each foot: real improvement in acoustic comfort for neighbors and occupants.
-
Finishing the connections : continuous insulation, sealing tape at the outlets, tight caps and cable glands.
-
Short path (≈ 3 to 4 m): minimal pressure losses and optimized efficiency .
-
Designed drilling height **:** allows for a gravity slope for the drain and keeps connections out of splashes.
Results: comfort, silence and aesthetics
The MRCOOL condenser fits neatly along the siding, without any visual overload. The noise level in nominal mode remains low in the yard, the vibration is almost imperceptible thanks to the pads and the mineral bed. Inside, the head ensures regular blowing , efficient drying in air conditioning mode and a reliable mid-season top-up .
Best practices and advice for homes in Laval and surrounding areas
-
Slabs vs. brackets : In a narrow passage, slabs reduce vibration transmission into the building and simplify service.
-
Snow clearances : Provide a minimum clearance of the unit and a free zone of 60–90 cm all around to avoid the suction of powdery snow.
-
Connection protection : UV-resistant outer sheath and service loop to limit mechanical stress.
-
Annual HVAC maintenance **:** condenser washing, filter cleaning, crawl space and drain check.
-
Acoustics : anti-vibration pads + stable slab = clear reduction of low frequencies perceived by neighbors.
Grants and Eligibility
Grant programs in Quebec require an eligible appliance and professional installation by a licensed contractor. Eligibility varies depending on the refrigerant , efficiency , and cold operating range . AirGreen systematically verifies these criteria (Montreal, Laval , Longueuil , North Shore , South Shore ) and advises on the best performance/cost ratio to access aid when the model allows it.
Why AirGreen for your HVAC installation in Laval
-
Certified team : technicians trained in recent mini-splits, sealing and vacuuming procedures traced.
-
Rigorous finish : clean cable management, sealing of crossings, durable leveling .
-
After-sales service : maintenance reminder, rapid diagnosis in the event of an alert, accessible parts.
-
Local expertise : adaptation to Greater Montreal winters , recommendations on snow guards , clearing and de-icing.
Key steps of our method (operational summary)
-
Technical visit and clearance measurements .
-
BTU sizing according to insulation, orientation and sensible/latent load.
-
Installation on slabs, wedging and level control .
-
Drilling and passage of connections with continuous insulation.
-
Brazing/flaring with torque, nitrogen and deep vacuum .
-
Electrical connection , disconnector and functional tests.
-
Calibration : superheat/subcooling check, defrost tests .
-
Delivery to the customer: instructions for cleaning filters , snow removal and HVAC maintenance .
Maintenance and longevity
A well-installed mini-split in a Laval side passage can exceed 10–15 years with:
-
Cleaning the condenser in spring,
-
Dusting the filters every 2–3 months in summer,
-
Annual inspection (electricity, pressure, drain),
-
Winter clearing after heavy snowfall.
What if your home is in Montreal, Longueuil, North Shore or South Shore?
Our AirGreen team covers the entire Greater Montreal area. The conclusions drawn here (slab foundation, pads, short path, waterproof finishes) apply to homes in Montreal , Longueuil , the North Shore , and the South Shore , with adjustments based on wind direction, snow depth, and facade configuration.
Take action
Are you considering a similar HVAC installation in Laval or the surrounding area? We assess your home, size the right heat pump , and ensure a clean, efficient, and durable installation. AirGreen will assist you from quote to annual maintenance.
The job tools
Two quick checks with real numbers: what heat costs, and what your current heaters add up to in BTU/h.
Conversion: 1 W = 3.412 BTU/h. An indication, not a load calculation: baseboards and furnaces are often stronger than the real need, and they can stay as backup. AirGreen confirms the capacity on site.
How the job unfolds
The main steps of this kind of job at AirGreen. Every house has its quirks: the estimate brings them out.
We look at the room, the outside wall, the line route and where the outdoor unit will go. That is where the capacity gets chosen.
Model, capacity and price, in writing. We also check whether the model qualifies for assistance programs.
Floors and furniture protected, wall plate position marked level, wall opening located.
A single opening, with the slope the drain needs to flow outside.
Set on a stand raised above the snow, with the clearances the manufacturer requires.
Connected, insulated and protected. The opening is then sealed against water, cold air and insects.
A dedicated circuit and an accessible disconnect near the outdoor unit.
Leak test, vacuum, then start-up and a check of heating and cooling.
Remote, modes, filters: we show you the essentials before we leave.
- The on-site estimateWe look at the room, the outside wall, the line route and where the outdoor unit will go. That is where the capacity gets chosen.
- The quoteModel, capacity and price, in writing. We also check whether the model qualifies for assistance programs.
- Getting readyFloors and furniture protected, wall plate position marked level, wall opening located.
- The wall openingA single opening, with the slope the drain needs to flow outside.
- The outdoor unitSet on a stand raised above the snow, with the clearances the manufacturer requires.
- Lines, cable and drainConnected, insulated and protected. The opening is then sealed against water, cold air and insects.
- The electrical workA dedicated circuit and an accessible disconnect near the outdoor unit.
- Tests and start-upLeak test, vacuum, then start-up and a check of heating and cooling.
- The walkthroughRemote, modes, filters: we show you the essentials before we leave.
What we check on a job like this one
Each number is a point we check on site. Switch between summer and winter to watch air and heat move.
In summer, the outdoor unit rejects the house's heat outside.
Generic illustration of this type of installation, not a survey of this job site. Tap a number.
Mounted level on a wall plate, high enough for the air to reach the whole room, with enough space around it to slide the filters out easily.
The refrigerant lines, the communication cable and the drain go through the wall in a single opening, sealed against water, cold air and insects.
Two insulated copper pipes connect the two units. Outside, a line cover can protect them from sun, knocks and weather.
A shut-off switch near the outdoor unit isolates it safely for service. It must stay accessible at all times.
The compressor and the fan. In heating mode it captures heat from the outdoor air, even in winter, and moves it inside.
On the ground or on the wall, it keeps the unit above accumulated snow. The unit stays clear and defrost water can drain away.
The fan needs to blow freely. Storage, a fence or a wall too close, and efficiency drops while noise goes up.
Is your home ready?
Check what applies at your place. A "no" is not a refusal: it is what we sort out during the estimate.
Good habits, once the unit is in place
Six simple habits that keep the unit going. Your list stays on this device.
What to do, season by season
Three habits per season for this unit. They take a few minutes and prevent many calls.
- Clean the indoor unit's filters.
- Clear leaves and debris left on the outdoor unit by winter.
- Test cooling before the first hot days.
- Clean the filters more often when the unit runs a lot.
- Keep plants away from the outdoor unit.
- Check that no water drips from the indoor unit.
- Rake the leaves around the outdoor unit.
- Test heating before the first cold days.
- Book periodic maintenance before winter.
- Keep snow away from the stand and the front of the unit.
- Let the unit defrost: it is normal.
- Never hit the ice on the fins; call us if the unit stays iced up.
The right pages, at the right time
Four statements: true or false?
It all comes down to details you have just seen.
1. In heating mode, the outdoor unit can produce water.
During defrost cycles. That water must drain away without forming ice.
2. You pick the capacity with a simple square-footage rule.
Windows, insulation, orientation and how the room is used all count. Capacity is chosen on site.
3. A multi-zone connects several indoor heads to a single condenser.
One head per room, all on the same condenser. Each room keeps its own temperature.
4. The disconnect can sit behind the patio furniture.
It must stay accessible: it is what shuts the unit off for service.
0 / 4 right answers
What people ask us about this kind of work
Does a wall-mounted heat pump heat in winter?
Wall-mounted or multi-zone: how do I choose?
Where does the outdoor unit go?
Are there grants?
Do I need a permit?
How cold can it heat?
How much can I save?
How is the LogisVert assistance calculated?
Is it noisy?
The outdoor unit is covered in ice: is that normal?
Does AirGreen hold the required licences?
Is the estimate free?
No question matches. Write to us: we answer.
More jobs to see, near you
By town, by equipment or by region: browse more than 4,700 published projects.
Each dot: a town where AirGreen has published projects. The glowing dot: this job.
An on-site estimate, the right capacity, the right equipment.
The on-site estimate is free and the quote follows within 24 hours.
Text and photo: a real AirGreen Climatisation & Chauffage job. The diagrams are generic illustrations of the type of installation, not a survey of this job site. Sources of the added figures: airgreen.ca product pages (NEEP / AHRI performance), Hydro-Québec (Heat pumps page, LogisVert, read on 13 October 2026), Régie de l’énergie (rate D as of 1 April 2026).