A central installation in an already occupied technical area: elevated heat pump, basement window, existing unit, and pool equipment
At L’Île-Bizard–Sainte-Geneviève, we completed an installation of a MIDEA EVOX G3 central heat pump that perfectly illustrates a common reality in renovations: the ideal location on paper does not always exist on the actual building. Here, the outdoor unit had to be integrated into a heavily used side passage, against a brick wall, near a basement window, another existing outdoor unit, and a pool filtration system.
The photo taken after our work immediately shows why this project required precise planning. The MIDEA EVOX G3 was not placed on the ground. We installed it on elevated metal wall brackets, at a higher level than the other equipment located in this part of the property. This positioning allowed us to make smart use of the vertical space without further sacrificing the ground-level passage.
The other important detail concerns the orientation. The MIDEA’s large front fan is directed toward the open space in front of the unit, while the refrigerant and electrical connections are located on the right side, against the wall. We were therefore able to maintain both a good air discharge area and reasonable access to the service components.
For a central heat pump in L’Île-Bizard–Sainte-Geneviève project, the outdoor location must be considered as carefully as the tonnage selection. The machine must operate in July as well as January, when snow, ice, and defrost cycles completely change the conditions around the equipment.
Use the available height rather than cluttering the ground further
The first challenge of this project was the available space.
In the foreground of the photo, another white outdoor unit already occupies a significant portion of the area. On the right, the pool equipment also encroaches on the workspace. Behind the appliances, a basement window must remain accessible. Finally, the paved passage on the left must continue to serve its purpose.
Placing the new MIDEA directly on the ground would have reduced this area even further.
We therefore made use of the available height by securing the heat pump against the building structure on supports designed to bear its weight.
This solution offers several advantages:
- preserve the ground-level passage;
- keep the new unit away from the other condenser;
- better accommodate snow accumulation;
- create space for defrost water;
- maintain better accessibility around the different units;
- avoid occupying the area already used by the pool equipment.
In this specific context, raising the unit was not an aesthetic option. It was part of the project's overall logic.
A heat pump designed to operate down to -30 °C must be installed to survive a real winter
Midea documentation for the EVOX G3 Extreme Heat range states continuous operation down to -30 °C. In its test conditions, the manufacturer also indicates up to 100% heating capacity at around -25 °C, with a COP that can reach approximately 1.9.
This low-temperature performance is only truly useful if the outdoor installation remains functional throughout the winter.
A central heat pump used for heating must deal with two very real factors: snow and defrost water.
When the outdoor coil accumulates frost, the unit periodically runs a defrost cycle. The ice then melts, and the water falls beneath the unit. In cold weather, this water can refreeze.
That is why we never treat the lower clearance as a detail.
The MIDEA visible in this installation is high enough to leave a clear area beneath its cabinet. This provides more clearance when water freezes or snow accumulates around the building.
An elevated installation without compromising the basement window
The window located behind and below the equipment area represented another important constraint.
A heat pump should not unnecessarily block an existing opening when more thoughtful positioning is possible.
We must consider:
access to the window,
cleaning access,
air circulation,
refrigerant lines,
drainage,
and future maintenance of the heat pump.
In this project, using wall brackets made it possible to keep the unit above part of this area rather than fill the entire ground-level space.
This type of decision is important in the residential areas of L’Île-Bizard–Sainte-Geneviève, where existing homes were not necessarily originally designed to accommodate multiple modern outdoor units.
Fitting two outdoor units into the same area
The presence of a second outdoor unit changes a lot.
When two units are located in a relatively compact area, we must prevent the discharge air from one from adversely affecting the intake of the other. We must also leave enough space to access the service panels.
The MIDEA EVOX G3 uses a horizontal front discharge.
According to Midea, the outdoor unit combines a horizontal-discharge fan with a vertical heat exchanger. The manufacturer states that this configuration promotes more uniform airflow across the heat exchanger's surface and improved heat-transfer efficiency as the temperature decreases.
On this installation, this geometry is particularly useful: the air is discharged directly toward the open area in front of the machine rather than toward the brick wall.
The presence of a pool system also changes how the job site is organized
On the right side of the photo, a pool filtration system with piping and hoses can be clearly seen.
This equipment occupies an area that must also remain accessible.
We therefore avoid treating the heat pump as if it were the property's only technical equipment. A good installation must take into account everything that is already there.
On this job, we had to preserve enough space to:
- work on the heat pump;
- work on the other outdoor unit;
- access the pool system;
- move along the building;
- reach the electrical connections;
- keep the basement window functional.
This coordination becomes particularly important when several contractors may work in the same area over the years.
Refrigerant lines protected and grouped against the wall
The photograph also shows the routing of the refrigerant lines.
The pipes exit from the right side of the heat pump and then enter a vertical duct installed on the façade. The insulated lines are therefore not simply left hanging against the building.
This protection serves several purposes.
It limits the insulation's exposure to UV rays, protects the lines from physical damage, improves the support of the run and gives it a much neater finish.
Installing a central heat pump sometimes involves several metres of refrigerant line. How this line is protected can therefore have a significant impact on the installation's durability.
The service valves must remain accessible
The photo also shows a good view of the right side of the MIDEA unit, where the refrigerant connections are located.
This area must remain accessible because it may be needed for:
- diagnostics;
- pressure testing;
- refrigerant circuit service;
- certain repairs;
- checking the connections;
- long-term maintenance.
When we position a heat pump against a wall or near other equipment, we must think about the person who will return to work on the machine ten years from now, not just the team installing it today.
M-Powevi technology and maintaining low-temperature heating
The EVOX G3 uses the M-Powevi compressor technology described by Midea.
According to the manufacturer, when operating in extreme cold, the machine can inject vapor at an intermediate temperature to increase the amount of compressed refrigerant and support heat production.
Midea also mentions a test on a three-ton system in which the system reaches up to 118% of its rated heating capacity at around -25 °C, with a COP of 1.92 under the stated conditions.
We never automatically apply this figure to every installed unit.
It depends on the model, capacity, and precise test conditions. Nevertheless, it clearly shows that the EVOX G3 platform was developed with cold-weather heating as a major objective.
From the outdoor unit to the ductwork: why an EVOX G3 must be considered as a complete central system
Capacities ranging from approximately 18,000 to 54,000 BTU/h
The term MIDEA EVOX G3 refers to a complete product line.
The documentation shows cooling capacities ranging from approximately 18,000 to 54,000 BTU/h, with efficiencies reaching up to 19 SEER2, 12.5 EER2, and 10.8 HSPF2 depending on the configuration.
The Extreme Heat series presented by Midea includes, among others:
- 18,000 BTU: MAUSE-H18B-2A + MO1HE-H18B-2A
- 24,000 BTU: MAUSE-H24B-2A + MO1HE-H24B-2A
- 30,000 BTU: MAUSE-H30B-2A + MO1HE-H30B-2A
- 36,000 BTU: MAUSE-H36B-2A + MO1HE-H36B-2A
- 48,000 BTU: MAUSE-H48B-2A + MO1HE-H48B-2A
- 54,000 BTU: MAUSE-H60B-2A + MO1HE-H60B-2A.
The rating plate of the photographed unit is located on its side, but its text does not allow us to confirm the exact capacity of this installation with sufficient certainty.
We therefore do not assign it a tonnage based on a visual estimate.
Efficiency depends on the exact indoor-outdoor pairing
The Midea table shows, among other things, the following performance figures for the Extreme Heat combinations described:
- 18,000 BTU: 19 SEER2, 12.5 EER2, 10.1 HSPF2
- 24,000 BTU: 18.6 SEER2, 12 EER2, 10 HSPF2
- 30,000 BTU: 17.2 SEER2, 12 EER2, 10.8 HSPF2
- 36,000 BTU: 17.7 SEER2, 12 EER2, 10.0 HSPF2
- 48,000 BTU: 17.5 SEER2, 12 EER2, 9.5 HSPF2
- 54,000 BTU: 17.5 SEER2, 12 EER2, 9.5 HSPF2.
This shows why the word “EVOX” on a quote is not enough.
We want to know the exact outdoor model, indoor model, and their certified combination.
The right tonnage is not necessarily the largest
For a home in L’Île-Bizard–Sainte-Geneviève, we size the heat pump according to the actual building.
We consider, in particular:
- heat loss;
- insulation;
- heated floor area;
- windows;
- airtightness;
- ceiling height;
- existing ductwork;
- return-air paths;
- required airflow;
- available electrical capacity;
- auxiliary heating.
An oversized system can create its own operating problems. Conversely, insufficient capacity can unnecessarily increase reliance on auxiliary heating.
Sizing therefore remains an essential step.
Computational Constant Airflow 2.0: an important feature when retaining existing ductwork
In a central heat pump, the ductwork can become the system’s limiting factor.
Midea equips the EVOX G3 with Computational Constant Airflow 2.0 technology. The documentation indicates that the indoor fan can adjust its output based on the resistance encountered in the ductwork. Midea presents examples of up to approximately 1.2 in. of water column static pressure and mentions up to 60 airflow adjustment levels.
This capability can be useful in an existing home where the ductwork is not new.
Factors such as a denser filter, certain elbows, duct length, or limited return air can increase resistance.
But an important distinction must be kept in mind: an adaptable fan does not replace good ductwork.
If the system is improperly sized, we must identify and correct the problem whenever possible.
The M-Coil and symmetrical fan of the indoor module
The EVOX G3 documentation also presents an M-Coil combined with a symmetrical fan.
In the comparison shown by Midea, this architecture is intended to achieve more even air distribution through the evaporator. The manufacturer presents an approximately 2% difference in airflow between the heat exchanger sections and less than 0.02 in. of water column pressure loss in the example shown.
The homeowner never sees this part when looking at the outdoor unit in the yard.
Yet it influences the operation of the entire system.
A modular indoor unit for difficult basements and mechanical rooms
The EVOX G3 uses a Block N Lock architecture that allows different orientations of the indoor unit.
Midea offers up to six configurations, including vertical, horizontal, and low-boy installations.
This design becomes particularly interesting in renovations.
In several homes in the West Island and L’Île-Bizard–Sainte-Geneviève, the mechanical room may have long contained a water heater, piping, storage, or other equipment.
Being able to configure the indoor unit more easily gives us greater flexibility to integrate the system without unnecessarily rebuilding the entire room.
A width designed to facilitate certain furnace replacements
Midea lists indoor unit widths of approximately 14.5 to 21.5 inches, depending on capacity.
The documentation also indicates compatibility with 115 V and 208/230 V indoor power supplies in the applicable configurations.
This facilitates certain modernization projects involving an older furnace.
But before discussing a direct replacement, we always check:
the plenum,
the ducts,
the returns,
the electrical supply,
the protections,
and the auxiliary heating configuration.
Auxiliary heating: up to 25 kW depending on the configuration
Midea's documentation provides for auxiliary heating kits rated at 10 kW, 15 kW, and 25 kW, with staged control.
The largest component is not automatically the best.
We must find a balance between the home's heat loss, the heat pump's low-temperature performance, and the capacity of the electrical panel.
485 communication or 24 V control
The EVOX G3 lineup also provides different control methods.
Midea indicates compatibility with 485 communication as well as 24 V controls, with automatic identification of the control mode in certain configurations and the option to use third-party thermostats.
This flexibility can be useful when replacing an existing system.
The manufacturer also describes its communicating thermostat and the SmartHome app, with scheduling, consumption monitoring, diagnostics, and remote update features.
Filtration up to MERV 13
The brochure presents a module that can accommodate 1-, 2-, or 4-inch filters, including MERV 13 in the configuration described.
A higher-performance filter media can trap more dust, pollen, and particles.
However, its impact on static pressure must always be considered.
We therefore do not choose a filter simply because its MERV rating is higher. We first want to ensure that the system maintains the required airflow.
R-454B: a new refrigerant that also changes service practices
The EVOX lineup presented by Midea uses R-454B.
The documentation identifies it as an A2L refrigerant with a GWP of 466.
For the homeowner, this difference is barely noticeable in everyday use.
For our refrigeration technicians, it means that the equipment, practices, and service procedures must be adapted to this new generation.
LogisVert Rebate: why we do not announce an amount without the exact combination
Midea indicates that its featured range exceeds the ENERGY STAR Most Efficient specifications mentioned in its documentation.
However, this alone does not confirm the amount of financial assistance available in Quebec for this specific project.
To determine eligibility for a central heat pump in L’Île-Bizard–Sainte-Geneviève, we always verify:
- the outdoor model;
- the indoor model;
- the certified combination;
- the AHRI number;
- the capacity;
- the program rules applicable at the time of installation.
Best practice is to start with the exact model numbers, not only the EVOX G3 commercial name.
The mistakes this project helps illustrate
Adding a new unit without considering the equipment already in place
The presence of the other condenser and pool equipment had to be incorporated into our plan from the outset.
Installing the new heat pump directly on the ground
This would have reduced clearance and provided less room for snow and defrosting.
Blocking the basement window
The installation must respect the building’s existing functions as much as possible.
Forgetting about future service work
The connections and service panels must remain accessible after the work is completed.
Neglecting air discharge
A large front fan must not blow directly into an obstacle or into another piece of equipment’s intake.
A central installation that truly adapts to the property
This MIDEA EVOX G3 central heat pump project in L’Île-Bizard–Sainte-Geneviève clearly shows why a professional installation is not limited to the specifications on a technical sheet.
We had to work in an area already occupied by several pieces of equipment. We therefore used wall brackets to free up the ground, kept an open area in front of the fan, organized the connections on the technical side, and protected the lines running up the facade.
The MIDEA EVOX G3 offers an interesting platform for Quebec’s climate: Inverter technology, low-temperature operation, an adaptable indoor module, advanced airflow management, and a new generation of refrigerant.
At AirGreen, our responsibility is then to turn these characteristics into a HVAC installation that is consistent with the actual home.
It is this same approach that we apply to L’Île-Bizard–Sainte-Geneviève, Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore and on the South Shore: analyze the building, anticipate constraints, then install the system so that it remains efficient, accessible, and practical for many years.