Project

Installation of a Gree central heat pump in Boucherville

In Boucherville, AirGreen replaced an old system with a Gree central heat pump installed under the deck on a raised platform. The result: efficient heating and cooling, protection against snow, and a significant reduction in energy bills.

By AirGreen Climatisation & Chauffage Admin6 min read
Installation of a Gree central heat pump in Boucherville
Installation of a Gree central heat pump in Boucherville
Generic diagram: central heat pump, indoor module and ducts

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.

  1. It captures or rejects heat outside. It sits on a level base, above the snow, with free space all around.

  2. The insulated refrigerant lines enter the house through a sealed opening and run to the indoor coil.

  3. A shut-off switch near the outdoor unit isolates it safely for service.

  4. Sitting on the indoor module, it moves heat between the house air and the refrigerant.

  5. Electric furnace or air handler: its fan pushes air through the ducts. The electric backup takes over in extreme cold.

  6. Supply ducts bring air to the rooms; returns bring it back to the unit. Their condition matters as much as the unit's.

  7. It protects the coil and the fan. A dirty filter cuts airflow, so it gets checked regularly.

  8. It runs the heat pump and the backup heat. It must be compatible with the installed system.

For this project, our AirGreen team was tasked with modernizing the heating and air conditioning system of a single-family home in Boucherville , on Montreal's South Shore. The homeowners wanted to replace their old, energy-inefficient system with a high-performance Gree central heat pump , capable of providing comfort and energy savings year-round.

The photo clearly shows the Gree outdoor unit installed under a wooden deck, raised on a metal stand above a bed of stones. This is a typical setup for a Gree Flexx Ultra R32 central heat pump weighing approximately 2 to 3 tons, connected to an air manager and existing ductwork inside the house.


The context: a house with ducts already in place

The Boucherville residence already had a centralized air distribution system:

  • conduits present throughout the house;

  • old, aging, noisy and less efficient outdoor unit;

  • high energy consumption in both winter and summer.

The owners wanted:

  • reduce their electricity bills ;

  • to enjoy uniform comfort in all rooms;

  • to have a reliable system to cope with Quebec's harsh winters ;

  • protect the equipment as much as possible from the elements (snow, ice, sun, driving rain).

This is exactly the type of situation where a Gree central heat pump makes perfect sense.


The system choice: Gree Flexx Ultra R32 central heat pump

We recommended the installation of a Gree Flexx Ultra R32 central heat pump , a range designed for North American homes equipped with ductwork:

  • Inverter technology : the compressor continuously modulates its speed to adapt to the actual needs of the house, which reduces on/off cycles and improves comfort.

  • R-32 refrigerant : more efficient and more environmentally friendly than R-410A, with better energy efficiency.

  • Performance in heating in cold weather : the Flexx Ultra range is designed to offer excellent performance even when the mercury drops, making it a true heating solution and not just a supplement.

  • Compatibility with existing ducts : the Gree outdoor unit integrates with an indoor air manager, allowing reuse of the ventilation network and limiting invasive work.

Thanks to this choice, the owners now have a unique system that provides both heating and air conditioning, with significantly greater efficiency than their old equipment.


Outdoor installation details: a well-considered location

Installation under the terrace

The Gree outdoor unit is installed under the wooden deck structure . This choice offers several concrete advantages:

  • Protection against snow and ice : the terrace acts as a natural roof, limiting direct accumulation.

  • Protection against driving rain and sun : the device is less exposed to extreme weather conditions, which helps to prolong its lifespan.

  • Reduction of perceived noise : the location under the terrace, combined with a bed of stones, helps to mitigate the propagation of sound towards the courtyard.

While taking advantage of this shelter, we obviously respected the required clearances around the device : the ventilated front panel remains completely clear to ensure optimal air circulation.

Raised support and drainage base

The unit is placed on a raised metal support , itself anchored to solid slabs:

  • sufficient height to keep the bottom of the unit well above the snow level;

  • mechanical stability to limit vibrations;

  • base made of slabs on a bed of stones to promote water drainage and prevent the formation of puddles and ice under the equipment.

This approach is particularly important in the Quebec context: poor support or a device placed directly on the ground can be damaged by recurring freeze/thaw cycles.

Refrigerant line and drain management

The photo also shows:

  • the protective conduit that runs along the wall to carry the refrigeration lines and cables;

  • Careful insulation of the pipes is essential to limit energy losses;

  • The condensation drain is properly directed to prevent water from accumulating near the foundation.

Everything is designed to ensure that the installation is visually clean , efficient and easy to maintain.


Winter and summer performance

Efficient heating in Quebec's climate

Thanks to Gree Flexx Ultra R32 central heat pump technology:

  • the house benefits from efficient heating even in cold weather , with a COP significantly higher than that of a conventional electric furnace;

  • the system can cover a large part, or even all, of the heating needs, resulting in a significant reduction in energy costs ;

  • The heat diffused by the ducts is homogeneous , without marked cold zones.

Comfortable central air conditioning

In summer, the Gree heat pump functions like a high-performance central air conditioner:

  • distribution of fresh air to all rooms supplied by the ducts;

  • dehumidification more effective than a simple window air conditioner;

  • increased comfort during periods of high heat, while maintaining reasonable consumption .


Concrete advantages for homeowners in Boucherville

With this Gree central heat pump installation, the homeowners now benefit from:

  1. Four-season comfort throughout the house
    A single technology covers both heating and air conditioning, with simple control via a central thermostat.

  2. Significant energy savings
    By replacing an old, inefficient system, the Gree heat pump helps to lower the annual bill while reducing the carbon footprint of the residence.

  3. Durable and well-protected installation
    The location under the terrace, the raised base, the bed of stones and the careful management of the conduits all contribute to extending the life of the equipment.

  4. Added value to the property
    A modern central heat pump is an important asset for the resale value of the house, particularly in a market like Boucherville where buyers are looking for energy-efficient solutions.


An installation by AirGreen

At AirGreen, we don't just "replace one machine with another." For each project, we:

  • Let's analyze the reality of the house (insulation, ducts, heating and air conditioning needs);

  • let's choose the most suitable Gree heat pump model (capacity, operating range, configuration);

  • Let's plan the outdoor location to maximize both performance and durability;

  • We carry out the installation according to the strictest standards , with complete commissioning and explanations to the customer.

This Gree central heat pump installation in Boucherville illustrates our expertise: clean, thoughtful and sustainable work, serving the comfort of families in Greater Montreal.

The steps

How it goes, from the first call to the end

The main steps of this kind of job at AirGreen. Every house has its quirks: the estimate brings them out.

Step 1 of 9The on-site estimate

We look at the ducts, the current indoor module, the electrical panel and the planned spot for the outdoor unit.

  1. The on-site estimateWe look at the ducts, the current indoor module, the electrical panel and the planned spot for the outdoor unit.
  2. The quoteThe equipment combination, capacity and price, in writing. We check whether the combination qualifies for assistance programs.
  3. Getting readyAccess protected, old unit disconnected and removed when it is being replaced.
  4. The indoor moduleElectric furnace or air handler, with its coil, connected to the supply and return ducts.
  5. The outdoor unitOn a level base, raised above the snow, with free space all around.
  6. The refrigerant linesInsulated, they enter through a sealed opening and run to the indoor coil.
  7. Electrical and thermostatDedicated circuits, accessible disconnect, a thermostat that works with the heat pump and the backup heat.
  8. Tests and start-upLeak test, vacuum, start-up, airflow check and a test of both modes.
  9. The walkthroughFilter, thermostat, backup heat in extreme cold: what to know before winter.
Your numbers

And at your place?

Two quick checks with real numbers: what heat costs, and what your current heaters add up to in BTU/h.

Size checkYour electric furnace, in BTU/h
–BTU/h of installed electric heat

    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.

    Through the seasons

    What to do, season by season

    Three habits per season for this unit. They take a few minutes and prevent many calls.

    • Check the indoor module's filter.
    • Clear winter debris from the outdoor unit.
    • Test cooling before the heat arrives.
    And at your place?

    Which type of equipment for your project?

    Pick what looks like your need.

    Mistakes avoided

    Four mistakes we do not make

    Flip each card to see what we do instead.

    Frequently asked questions

    What people ask us about this kind of work

    11 questions
    Can I keep my current ducts?
    Often, yes: the central heat pump connects to the existing ducts. We check their condition and size during the estimate.
    What happens in extreme cold?
    The indoor module (furnace or air handler) works with the central heat pump and takes over in extreme cold.
    Furnace, air handler, ducted: what is the difference?
    The furnace or air handler is the indoor module of the central system. A ducted system hides in the ceiling: all you see are small supply grilles.
    Are there grants?
    Depending on the equipment and your situation, assistance programs may apply. AirGreen checks the exact combination before quoting an amount. See the grants.
    Do I need a permit?
    Rules vary from city to city. See permits and by-laws, and we check for your address.
    How much can I save?
    Hydro-Québec says a heat pump can be up to three times more efficient than baseboards for heating in the colder months. The result depends on the house, the climate and how it is used.
    How is the LogisVert assistance calculated?
    For ENERGY STAR cold-climate certified heat pumps, Hydro-Québec lists assistance of $120 per 1,000 BTU/h of heating capacity at −8 °C. AirGreen checks the exact model before quoting an amount; only Hydro-Québec confirms the assistance granted. See the grants.
    Will my current thermostat work?
    Not always: the thermostat has to run the heat pump and the backup heat. We check compatibility during the estimate.
    Central or wall units: which one?
    If the house has ducts in good shape, a central system heats and cools every room at once. Without ducts, wall units or a multi-zone are often simpler. We compare on site.
    Does AirGreen hold the required licences?
    Yes. AirGreen holds RBQ licence 5645-9605-01, subclasses 15.8 Ventilation, 15.10 Refrigeration and 16 Electricity.
    Is the estimate free?
    Yes. The on-site estimate is free and the quote follows within 24 hours. Book my free estimate.
    Going further

    Useful pages for what comes next

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    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).

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