Installation of a Gree central heat pump on a flat roof in Plateau-Mont-Royal
AirGreen installs a Gree central heat pump on a flat roof in Plateau-Mont-Royal: reliable heating, efficient air conditioning and HVAC installation adapted to the winters of Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore and South Shore.
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The article, chapter by chapter
A high-performance HVAC solution adapted to urban buildings
In a residential building in Plateau-Mont-Royal , our AirGreen team installed a Gree central heat pump on a snow-covered flat roof. This type of intervention perfectly illustrates our expertise when it comes to reconciling energy performance, architectural constraints and the demanding climatic conditions of Greater Montreal.
The objective of this project was to provide occupants with an efficient and sustainable HVAC system, while respecting safety standards and the structural specificities of the building.
Technical characteristics of the installed central heat pump
The central heat pump chosen here comes from the Gree range, renowned for its reliability and robustness in urban environments.
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Heating and cooling capacity : suitable to cover an entire residential space.
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Inverter technology : intelligent power adjustment to maximize energy savings.
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Energy Star Certification : Eligible for provincial and federal grant programs.
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Extreme cold performance : efficient operation down to -25°C, an essential asset for Montreal winters.
Flat roof installation procedure
Installing a unit on a flat roof involves technical specificities that require a methodical approach.
Support and elevation
The unit was installed on a raised metal structure , allowing the unit to be freed from accumulated snow and to promote air circulation. The wooden rails under the structure ensure weight distribution and protect the roof membrane.
Weather protection
In winter, wind and snow pose additional challenges. The heat pump's elevation and strategic positioning ensure it remains operational even during heavy snowfall.
Routing of pipes
The refrigerant and electrical pipes were carefully insulated and secured, passing through the roof through a watertight hole, to prevent any water infiltration.
Technical challenges and solutions provided
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Harsh climate : Our team planned the installation in dry and cold weather, taking care to ensure safe work on a snowy and slippery surface.
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Limited access : Bringing the unit to the roof required the use of suitable equipment and precise coordination to avoid damaging the existing structure.
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Roof preservation : each attachment was made to protect the roof's waterproofing, an essential consideration in Montreal buildings with flat roofs.
Results obtained for occupants
Thanks to this installation, residents now benefit from:
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Efficient and economical heating , even during extreme cold spells.
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Discreet and quiet central air conditioning , ideal for Montreal summers.
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A long-lasting installation , designed to withstand harsh winters and freeze-thaw cycles.
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Harmonious integration , without encroaching on the living space or the backyard.
AirGreen: solutions adapted to Montreal realities
Every installation is unique. Here in the Plateau-Mont-Royal , we have demonstrated the importance of specialized expertise for flat roofs and dense urban environments.
At AirGreen, we support our clients in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore in their heating and air conditioning projects, by offering custom, safe and optimized HVAC installations for lasting comfort.
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 ducts, the current indoor module, the electrical panel and the planned spot for the outdoor unit.
The equipment combination, capacity and price, in writing. We check whether the combination qualifies for assistance programs.
Access protected, old unit disconnected and removed when it is being replaced.
Electric furnace or air handler, with its coil, connected to the supply and return ducts.
On a level base, raised above the snow, with free space all around.
Insulated, they enter through a sealed opening and run to the indoor coil.
Dedicated circuits, accessible disconnect, a thermostat that works with the heat pump and the backup heat.
Leak test, vacuum, start-up, airflow check and a test of both modes.
Filter, thermostat, backup heat in extreme cold: what to know before winter.
- The on-site estimateWe look at the ducts, the current indoor module, the electrical panel and the planned spot for the outdoor unit.
- The quoteThe equipment combination, capacity and price, in writing. We check whether the combination qualifies for assistance programs.
- Getting readyAccess protected, old unit disconnected and removed when it is being replaced.
- The indoor moduleElectric furnace or air handler, with its coil, connected to the supply and return ducts.
- The outdoor unitOn a level base, raised above the snow, with free space all around.
- The refrigerant linesInsulated, they enter through a sealed opening and run to the indoor coil.
- Electrical and thermostatDedicated circuits, accessible disconnect, a thermostat that works with the heat pump and the backup heat.
- Tests and start-upLeak test, vacuum, start-up, airflow check and a test of both modes.
- The walkthroughFilter, thermostat, backup heat in extreme cold: what to know before winter.
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.
It captures or rejects heat outside. It sits on a level base, above the snow, with free space all around.
The insulated refrigerant lines enter the house through a sealed opening and run to the indoor coil.
A shut-off switch near the outdoor unit isolates it safely for service.
Sitting on the indoor module, it moves heat between the house air and the refrigerant.
Electric furnace or air handler: its fan pushes air through the ducts. The electric backup takes over in extreme cold.
Supply ducts bring air to the rooms; returns bring it back to the unit. Their condition matters as much as the unit's.
It protects the coil and the fan. A dirty filter cuts airflow, so it gets checked regularly.
It runs the heat pump and the backup heat. It must be compatible with the installed system.
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.
- Check the indoor module's filter.
- Clear winter debris from the outdoor unit.
- Test cooling before the heat arrives.
- Check the filter more often in peak season.
- Keep registers and returns clear.
- Watch condensate drainage near the coil.
- Change or clean the filter.
- Test heating and backup heat before the cold.
- Book periodic maintenance.
- Clear snow around the outdoor unit.
- Store nothing in front of the indoor module.
- Note any unusual noise or smell and call us.
The right pages, at the right time
Four statements: true or false?
It all comes down to details you have just seen.
1. A central heat pump uses the house's ducts.
It connects to the existing ducts to heat and cool everywhere.
2. In extreme cold, electric backup heat can take over.
The indoor module (furnace or air handler) works with the heat pump and takes over in extreme cold.
3. The filter only gets changed when the unit breaks down.
A dirty filter cuts airflow. It gets checked regularly.
4. You can reuse the old unit's size without checking.
The house may have changed: insulation, windows, added rooms. Capacity is confirmed on site.
0 / 4 right answers
What people ask us about this kind of work
Can I keep my current ducts?
What happens in extreme cold?
Furnace, air handler, ducted: what is the difference?
Are there grants?
Do I need a permit?
How much can I save?
How is the LogisVert assistance calculated?
Will my current thermostat work?
Central or wall units: which one?
Does AirGreen hold the required licences?
Is the estimate free?
No question matches. Write to us: we answer.
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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).