Project

Installation of a Midea ATOM X central heat pump in Sainte-Dorothée (Laval)

In Sainte-Dorothée (Laval), AirGreen installed a Midea ATOM X central heat pump with an outdoor unit on wall brackets, an installation designed for snow resistance, quiet operation, and durability. A clean and optimized project for four-season comfort.

By AirGreen Climatisation & Chauffage Admin6 min read
Installation of a Midea ATOM X central heat pump in Sainte-Dorothée (Laval)
Installation of a Midea ATOM X central heat pump in Sainte-Dorothée (Laval)
–chapters in this story
6 minreading time
–type of installation
2026year published
The tour

Take a tour of the installation

Each number is a point we check on site. Switch between summer and winter to watch air and heat move.

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.

The job

In Sainte-Dorothée, many single-family homes have a semi-basement, foundation windows, and landscaping that must remain clean and functional despite snow, ice, and freeze/thaw cycles. This is exactly the kind of situation where a well-chosen and properly installed central heat pump makes all the difference.

At AirGreen , we recently installed a Midea ATOM X (confirmed brand: Midea ) for a client who wanted:

  • stable comfort (heating + air conditioning)

  • a discreet solution , without cluttering the courtyard

  • an installation designed for Quebec winters , especially with regard to the outdoor unit

The result: a clean, robust installation, optimized for performance… and for peace of mind.


Why a central heat pump in Sainte-Dorothée is often the best choice

In several areas of Laval (and particularly in Sainte-Dorothée), properties already have existing air distribution systems (ducts, plenums, centralized ventilation). In these cases, a central heat pump allows for:

  • air-condition the whole house evenly , not just one or two rooms

  • to heat efficiently during the shoulder seasons (and well beyond, depending on the configuration)

  • reduce temperature differences between the upper floor, the ground floor, and the basement

  • maintain a clean interior aesthetic (no visible wall-mounted headboards)

The Midea ATOM X fits very well into this type of project, especially for customers who want a modern, reliable and consistent solution with a house already “ready” for central.


The installed model: Midea ATOM X (central heat pump)

The photo clearly shows the Midea ATOM X outdoor unit: central format, large front fan, compact chassis, and understated design. Within the range of central systems, the ATOM X is designed to meet the realities of North America: temperature variations, the need for performance in both summer and winter, and stable operation over extended periods.

Without overwhelming the client with technical details, our role at AirGreen is to size and configure the system to suit the house (volume, insulation, windows, occupancy habits), and then install everything in a way that maximizes:

  • air circulation

  • the actual performance

  • sustainability

  • silence

  • accessibility for maintenance


Visible installation details: a layout designed to last

This installation in Sainte-Dorothée is a good example of what we like to do: clean, solid, and logical .

1) Outdoor unit on wall brackets (elevated)

The unit is installed on wall brackets fixed to the foundation, which offers several tangible advantages:

  • useful elevation against snow accumulation

  • reduced risk of obstruction by slush/ice

  • improved protection during freeze/thaw cycles on the ground

  • Easier maintenance (access, clearance, inspection)

In Laval, it's a detail that quickly becomes "non-negotiable" when you want to avoid problems in the middle of winter.

2) Location between basement windows: space and noise management

We can see that the unit is placed along a foundation wall, between two windows. This type of positioning requires careful planning:

  • clearances for air circulation

  • the distance from the openings (acoustic comfort)

  • visual cleanliness (central unit, clean lines, controlled cabling)

Our goal: that it works, but also that it “fits in” as if it had always been planned.

3) Refrigeration connections and clean inlet to the interior

We distinguish between the pipework outlet and the inlet to the house. Good execution at this stage involves:

  • limit losses and risks (protection, fixing, sealing)

  • Avoid areas where water can accumulate.

  • maintain a clean (and easy to inspect) finish

4) Electrical connection with a nearby disconnect switch

The power supply and service box are also visible near the unit. This is a crucial point for:

  • security

  • compliance

  • future maintenance (technician, diagnosis, intervention)

5) Soil management: clear and stable area

On the ground, a clear area (with stones) is visible under the device. In real life, this helps to:

  • reduce mud and splashing

  • keep the underside “clean”

  • limit stagnant moisture around the installation


How AirGreen approaches this type of project (and why it changes everything)

A central heat pump isn't just about "installing an outdoor unit." To have a system that truly performs, the project must be treated as a whole:

Typical steps we apply

  1. Building analysis (surface area, insulation, orientation, habits)

  2. Validation of the conduit network (leaks, restrictions, balancing)

  3. Choosing the right tonnage/configuration (neither too small nor too large)

  4. Intelligent outdoor installation (snow, noise, access, drainage)

  5. Complete commissioning (testing, adjustments, functional validation)

It is this method that transforms a “correct” installation into an excellent one, especially in a city like Laval where winter puts everything to the test.


Comfort, savings and stability: what the customer gains on a daily basis

After installation, the benefits are very tangible:

  • Uniform temperature throughout the house (fewer areas that are too hot or too cold)

  • Efficient air conditioning in summer , without excessive noise

  • More economical heating for a good part of the year

  • Improved comfort in the basement , often a sensitive point in Sainte-Dorothée

  • A discreet system on the outside, without sacrificing performance

And above all: an installation designed for durability. Because a heat pump isn't a purchase "for 2 years." It's an investment that must remain reliable, year after year.


Recommended maintenance (essential to maintain performance)

Even with a good installation, maintenance remains key to avoiding drops in performance and preventable problems.

At AirGreen, we particularly recommend:

  • Periodic cleaning (depending on the environment: dust, leaves, pollen)

  • inspection of clearances around the outdoor unit

  • checking drainage and the condition of the supports

  • complete preventative maintenance at regular intervals

A high-performing central system is a clean, well-tuned and monitored system.


Conclusion: a properly installed Midea ATOM X offers "unsurprising" comfort

This installation in Sainte-Dorothée (Laval) perfectly illustrates our philosophy:
create a solid, clean installation, optimized for winter, and pleasant for everyday use .

The Midea ATOM X is an excellent base… but it's the quality of the installation, connections, clearances, and commissioning that determines the customer experience. And that's precisely where AirGreen stands out.

The steps

The big day, step by step

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

What would it look like 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.

    Mistakes avoided

    Four mistakes we do not make

    Flip each card to see what we do instead.

    Going further

    Your own project, step by step

    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.
    At your place

    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.

    0 / 6 checked
    True or false

    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.

    2. In extreme cold, electric backup heat can take over.

    3. The filter only gets changed when the unit breaks down.

    4. You can reuse the old unit's size without checking.

    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.

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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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