Installation of a 2-head GREE FreeMatch R32 heat pump in a residence in Saint-Lazare

Two comfort zones, limited wall space, and an installation checked down to the millimeter

In this Saint-Lazare residence, the goal was not simply to install two wall-mounted air conditioners connected to an outdoor unit. We had to create two distinct comfort zones, choose locations capable of distributing air effectively, and integrate each indoor unit without visually weighing down the rooms.

The photo shows one of the two wall-mounted units of the GREE FreeMatch R32 heat pump. It is installed above a large window, in a relatively narrow strip of wall between the window trim and the ceiling. This type of location requires particularly precise preparation: the unit must remain accessible for maintenance, meet the clearances required for air circulation, and be perfectly aligned with the room’s architectural elements.

One detail clearly sums up our work method: the level placed on the unit. This check is not merely an aesthetic formality. It directly contributes to proper condensate drainage, the stability of the wall-mounted unit, and the quality of the finish.

A wall-mounted unit placed above a window without compromising maintenance access

The space above a patio door or window is often considered a practical location for a wall-mounted heat pump. It frees up the main walls, minimizes the impact on furnishings, and sometimes makes it possible to direct the air toward the center of the room.

However, a successful installation in this location requires several checks.

We must take several factors into account, including:

• the available distance between the trim and the ceiling;
• the opening of the front panel for filter cleaning;
• the space required for air intake from above;
• the direction of the airflow;
• the strength of the surface behind the wall finish;
• the routing of the refrigerant lines, wiring, and drain;
• the slope required to drain condensation;

In the project shown, the GREE indoor unit was carefully centered above the window. Its white casing blends in with the trim and ceiling without encroaching on the opening. The elevated position also promotes air distribution across much of the room, rather than directing a concentrated stream straight at the occupants.

Why is leveling the indoor unit so important?

An indoor unit that is slightly tilted may seem acceptable from a distance, but a few millimetres can have consequences.

The condensate pan inside the head collects the moisture removed from the air during cooling. This water must then flow to the drain. When the mounting plate or the unit is improperly positioned, several problems can occur:

• slow or irregular drainage;
• water accumulating in the pan;
• dripping noises;
• risk of overflow;
• moisture marks on the wall;
• visually inadequate alignment with the windows and trim.

We therefore check the wall plate before installation, then the unit itself once it is engaged on its support. The level visible in the photo corresponds to this final inspection step.

Why a two-head heat pump was suitable for this Saint-Lazare residence

A two-head heat pump can power two indoor units from a single outdoor unit. Each head has its own temperature control and can operate according to the needs of its zone.

This configuration is particularly relevant when two spaces have different conditions, for example:

• a ground floor with many windows and an upstairs bedroom;
• a living room exposed to the sun and a more shaded office;
• two floors that are difficult to balance with a single wall-mounted air conditioner;
• a common area and an enclosed room;
• an extension with needs that differ from those of the main building.

The main advantage does not lie solely in having two units. It comes from the ability to adjust the setpoint, fan speed, and air distribution in each zone.

However, it is important to understand a key characteristic of multi-zone systems: indoor units connected to the same outdoor unit normally share the overall operating mode. One head therefore cannot request cooling while the other simultaneously requests heating. This reality should be explained before installation so that the owner uses the system correctly.

The GREE FreeMatch R32: a multi-zone range designed for Quebec’s climate

The documentation for the GREE FreeMatch R32 range announces efficiency of up to 21 SEER2, 12.5 EER2, and 10 HSPF2. It also indicates an operating range in cooling mode from -30 °C to 48 °C and a heating range from -30 °C to 24 °C. Depending on the outdoor model, the total pipe length can reach up to 100 metres.

These features are particularly valuable for a heat pump installation in Saint-Lazare, where the equipment must handle both hot, humid periods and winter temperatures well below freezing.

Page 1 of the technical data sheet also lists several features integrated into the series:

• inverter technology G10;
• intelligent defrosting;
• self-diagnostics;
• automatic voltage adaptation;
• quiet operation;
• powering the indoor units through the outdoor unit;
• a choice of up to seven types of indoor units;
• A2L leak detection sensor included.

For this project, wall-mounted heads were selected. However, the FreeMatch platform can accommodate other types of configurations when the building layout requires them, provided that the combinations approved by the manufacturer are respected.

Several outdoor capacities, but sizing must never be guessed

The FreeMatch R32 range includes several outdoor units. The technical table on page 2 presents the following main options:

The mere fact that an installation has two heads does not automatically mean that an 18,000 BTU/h outdoor unit is appropriate. Several models in the range can supply two zones, but their capacity must match the building’s actual loads. The models, the permissible number of heads, and the rated capacities are detailed in the manufacturer’s table.

At AirGreen, we never infer an installation’s capacity from the apparent size of the indoor unit casing. We consider, among other factors:

• the area of each zone;
• ceiling height;
• the level of insulation;
• the number and type of windows;
• sun exposure;
• room locations;
• air infiltration;
• heating requirements during extreme cold;
• the actual capacity that can be distributed between the two heads.

An oversized system can reach its setpoint quickly, run for excessively short periods, and dehumidify less effectively. An undersized system may run almost continuously without maintaining the desired comfort level. BTU selection must therefore be justified by the building’s characteristics, rather than by an approximate rule based solely on floor area.

The main steps in our HVAC installation

Even when the final result looks simple, a multi-zone HVAC installation involves several operations that must be coordinated.

1. Validating the indoor unit locations

We determine the position of each head based on airflow, furniture, occupied areas, and future access to the filters.

In the room shown in the photo, the space above the window allowed us to keep the side walls available while directing the air toward the living area. We had to work around the proximity of the ceiling and the frame, which made leveling and positioning the plate particularly important.

2. Checking the wall support

The mounting plate must be secured to a surface capable of supporting the unit without vibration or movement. We locate the structure behind the wall and choose the appropriate anchors.

Inadequate fastening can cause noise, gradual movement of the unit, or deformation of the plate.

3. Planning the lines and drain

Each head must be connected to the outdoor unit by:

• a liquid line;
• a gas line;
• a power or communication cable;
• a condensate drain pipe.

The route is planned before drilling. We must avoid structural elements, electrical wires, plumbing, and areas where a sufficient drainage slope would be impossible.

4. Mounting and leveling the head

After securing the plate, we check that it is level. The unit is then installed, locked onto its bracket, and checked a second time.

The level placed on the GREE in the photo clearly illustrates this check. The unit must appear parallel to the trim, but above all, it must allow the drainage system to function as intended.

5. Refrigerant connections and leak test

The connections must be prepared with suitable tools, tightened according to technical requirements, and subjected to a leak test. We then evacuate the system to remove air and moisture from the circuit before commissioning.

Poor pipe preparation can result in refrigerant loss, reduced performance, or premature compressor wear.

6. Commissioning the two zones

We check the two indoor units separately:

• response to the remote controls;
• ventilation;
• discharge air temperature;
• louver opening;
• drainage;
• absence of vibration;
• communication with the outdoor unit;
• operation in heating and cooling mode according to the available conditions.

This step also helps explain to the owner how to coordinate the settings of the two heads.

Electrical requirements vary depending on the outdoor unit.

All outdoor units in this product line operate at 208/230 V, but electrical requirements vary from one model to another. The manufacturer's table indicates a minimum circuit ampacity, or MCA, ranging from 14.5 A to 30 A, as well as maximum overcurrent protection ranging from 20 A to 45 A.

It would therefore be incorrect to automatically choose a circuit breaker based on the number of heads. Electrical sizing must be based on the nameplate of the outdoor unit actually installed.

We have this confirmed:

• the available voltage;
• the wire gauge;
• the MCA;
• the MOCP;
• the presence of a compliant disconnect switch;
• the electrical panel capacity;
• clearances around the outdoor unit.

Since the indoor units are powered by the outdoor unit according to the documentation for this product line, the system must be wired as a complete system rather than as two independent air conditioners.

Piping lengths must be verified for each model.

The stated maximum length of 100 meters does not apply indiscriminately to all FreeMatch R32 units.

Page 2 indicates the following limits:

• 18,000 BTU/h model: up to 40 m of total length and a 15 m elevation difference;
• 24,000 BTU/h model: up to 60 m and a 15 m elevation difference;
• 30,000 and 36,000 BTU/h models: up to 80 m and a 25 m elevation difference;
• 42,000 BTU/h model: up to 100 m and a 25 m elevation difference.

The specifications also call for 1/4 in. liquid lines and 3/8 in. gas lines, as well as different precharged lengths depending on the outdoor unit.

These limits directly affect the design of a two-head heat pump. The lengths of the different branches must be added together, the elevation differences checked, and any additional refrigerant charge required calculated.

A common mistake is to examine only the distance between the outdoor unit and the nearest indoor head. In a multi-zone installation, the entire refrigerant piping network must be considered.

Mistakes to avoid with a multi-zone heat pump

An aesthetically pleasing installation does not by itself guarantee good performance. Here are the errors we systematically seek to prevent.

1. Choose the capacity based only on the number of heads.
   Two heads can be paired with outdoor units of several capacities. Room loads must be calculated.
2. Install a head too close to the ceiling.
   Insufficient space can restrict air intake and make filter cleaning more difficult.
3. Neglect the drain slope.
   Poorly planned drainage can cause water to leak indoors.
4. Place the appliance based on symmetry alone.
   The unit must also distribute air properly and avoid blowing directly onto a bed, sofa, or workstation.
5. Use the same setting in both zones without considering their exposure.
   A heavily glazed room may have different needs from a shaded bedroom.
6. Create conflicting demands between the heads.
   The controls must remain consistent with the overall mode of the outdoor unit.
7. Assume that a model is automatically eligible for a subsidy.
   Eligibility must be confirmed based on the exact combination, AHRI number, and rules of the current program.
8. Choose the circuit breaker based on an estimate.
   The MCA and MOCP of the outdoor unit must be observed.

Energy efficiency, AHRI numbers, rebates, and warranty

Page 2 of the documentation associates different AHRI numbers with ductless, ducted, and mixed configurations. This distinction is important because eligibility for a financial assistance program may depend on the exact combination of indoor and outdoor units, not simply on the FreeMatch R32 trade name.

The product sheet also indicates that the range is eligible for local rebates. However, we verify each application at the time of submission, since equipment lists, documentation requirements, and amounts may vary.

To avoid a denial, the following documents should normally be carefully retained:

• itemized invoice;
• complete models of the indoor and outdoor units;
• serial numbers;
• proof of installation;
• corresponding AHRI number;
• photos of the nameplates;
• documents required by the applicable program.

The same product sheet mentions a standard 10-year warranty, as well as a possible additional two-year extension through Wolseley when the registration or proof-of-installation requirements are met. Warranties for parts, the compressor, and labor must always be clearly distinguished in the quotation.

What this Saint-Lazare installation shows before purchasing a 2-head heat pump

A good installation is recognized by its visible and invisible details

In the photo, the homeowner mainly sees a GREE indoor unit neatly aligned above a window. Behind this finish, however, are several technical decisions: installation height, upper clearance, support strength, drilling location, drain slope, refrigerant-line routing, and airflow direction.

The expected result is tangible:

• two zones that can be controlled separately;
• a single outdoor unit;
• less wall space used;
• air distribution better suited to the building;
• variable-capacity operation through inverter technology;
• heating capacity suited to winter conditions;
• an interior finish that is consistent with the windows and trim.

Points to have confirmed before signing a quote

Before a multi-zone heat pump installation, we recommend having the following items clearly included:

1. the exact capacity of the outdoor unit;
2. the capacity of each of the two indoor units;
3. the complete appliance model numbers;
4. the applicable AHRI combination;
5. included line-set lengths;
6. drain locations;
7. the required wire gauge and circuit breaker;
8. the outdoor unit’s support method;
9. protection against snow and water;
10. warranty conditions;
11. maintenance requirements;
12. actual eligibility for a rebate program.

This level of precision makes it easier to compare contractors. Two proposals mentioning a “2-head GREE heat pump” may cover very different capacities, piping lengths, electrical work, and warranties.

A method applicable in Saint-Lazare and throughout Greater Montreal

This installation reflects the approach we use for our wall-mounted heat pump projects, multi-zone systems, and HVAC installations in Saint-Lazare, Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore.

We begin with the building’s actual constraints. We then position the indoor units according to airflow, maintenance access, and architectural integration. Finally, we verify sizing, electrical work, drainage, refrigerant lines, and commissioning.

In this project, the level placed on the GREE FreeMatch R32 indoor unit represents more than a simple finish check. It shows that a durable installation is built on precise inspections, even when they will no longer be visible once the work is complete.