Installation of a MIDEA EVOX G3 central heat pump in Les Coteaux, Montérégie

In Les Coteaux, a MIDEA EVOX G3 installed on an independent structure to combine stability, clearance, and accessibility

This MIDEA EVOX G3 central heat pump installation in Les Coteaux shows an outdoor configuration that differs significantly from several other residential projects: rather than attaching the unit directly to the foundation, we positioned it on an independent, elevated metal structure, installed on the paved surface next to the residence.

The photo was taken while the work was still in progress. A cable coil is nearby, sections of copper are still visible, and some connections clearly still need to be completed. This is precisely an excellent time to understand what goes into a successful central installation: before the aesthetic finishing come positioning, mechanics, refrigerant connections, electrical work, drainage, and commissioning.

The Midea outdoor unit faces a large open area. Behind it, the masonry wall remains clear. To the right, we can see the electrical meter and the residence's service equipment. A fence is located farther away, but it does not immediately enclose the heat pump.

This arrangement allows us to reconcile several elements that truly matter for a central heat pump in Quebec: airflow, stability, accessibility, and sufficient height for winter conditions.

Why choose an independent structure rather than a wall bracket?

There is no single universal method for installing an outdoor unit.

On some projects, we attach the heat pump to the foundation. On others, a slab or ground support is preferable. Here, the photo clearly shows a third approach: a freestanding metal frame, consisting of four legs and a horizontal platform on which the EVOX G3 rests.

This choice can offer several advantages depending on the building's configuration.

Reduce direct vibration transmission to the wall

When the unit is mounted directly on a foundation, some mechanical vibrations can be transmitted to the building structure. The phenomenon obviously depends on the model, mounting method, and construction of the house, but an independent structure allows the outdoor unit to be further isolated from the masonry.

With a modern inverter heat pump, vibrations are generally better controlled than with some older fixed-speed compressors, but the support remains an important part of the installation.

Position the unit precisely without relying on the wall

At this Les Coteaux project, the presence of the electrical meter and various service components on the facade also limits the places where we can simply mount a unit.

An independent structure makes it possible to move or slightly offset the equipment in order to preserve:

• access to the service panel;
• clearance around the fan;
• access to the meter and electrical installations;
• a logical path for the refrigerant lines;
• enough space for future HVAC maintenance.

The position of a heat pump should therefore be determined based on the entire building, not just on the spot where the wall appears most empty.

The support height already prepares the installation for winter

In the photo, the EVOX G3 is installed well above the pavers.

This height is particularly relevant in Quebec.

In heating mode, the outdoor unit must continue exchanging air while snow can accumulate around the home. It also periodically runs defrost cycles that produce water.

A unit installed almost at ground level has little clearance when several storms occur in succession.

Here, the clearance beneath the unit makes it easier to:

• drainage of defrost water;
• maintenance beneath the unit;
• snow removal;
• protection against certain accumulations;
• air circulation around the bottom of the chassis.

We always recommend that the owner keep the area around their central heat pump clear during the winter. A higher support does not relieve them of this responsibility, but it gives the unit operating clearance that is much more consistent with our climate.

The front fan has a wide-open discharge area

Another interesting detail is the unit's orientation.

The large front fan faces the open space in front of the house rather than directly toward the stone wall.

This orientation reflects the very design of the EVOX G3. For this series, Midea uses an outdoor unit with horizontal discharge and a vertical coil, an architecture designed to promote uniform airflow across the coil and maintain good performance as the temperature drops.

For us, this design consideration directly affects the worksite.

Installing a horizontal-discharge unit in front of a fence that is too close, a wall, or another condenser can encourage recirculation of the discharged air. A heat pump may then end up re-aspirating some of the air it has just cooled or heated.

At Les Coteaux, we have a much more open area in front of the fan.

The proximity of the electrical service also requires precise planning

On the facade, immediately to the right of the unit, we can see the meter and the components associated with the building’s electrical supply.

This proximity can be advantageous for certain electrical runs, but it also creates a constraint: we must maintain access to the equipment and avoid placing the condenser in a way that makes electrical servicing more difficult.

Installing a MIDEA central heat pump involves much more than two copper pipes.

We must coordinate:

• the outdoor unit’s power supply;
• the indoor air handler;
• the thermostat or communicating system;
• auxiliary electric heating, when present;
• the refrigerant circuit;
• drainage;
• compatibility with the existing electrical panel.

That is why we analyze the entire installation before definitively choosing the location of the unit.

MIDEA EVOX G3: an Inverter central heat pump designed for cold climates and the modernization of existing systems

The EVOX G3 is a family of ducted central heat pumps, not a single model.

Midea’s documentation presents several capacities and different combinations of outdoor units and indoor air handlers. We find configurations of 18,000, 24,000, 30,000, 36,000, 48,000, and 54,000 BTU/h, with different efficiency ratings depending on the selected combination.

In the photo of this project in Les Coteaux, the complete rating plate is not visible. We therefore cannot rigorously confirm the exact capacity of the installed system from the image alone.

This is an important detail: when a homeowner compares two quotes, “MIDEA EVOX G3” is not enough. The exact model numbers must appear on the quote.

A range capable of continuing to heat down to -30 °C

Midea positions the Extreme Heat version of the EVOX G3 as a heating solution for cold climates.

The manufacturer's documentation indicates continuous operation down to -30 °C. Midea also presents test results for a three-ton system with a capacity that can reach 100% of the rated value at around -25 °C, accompanied by a COP of approximately 1.9 under the conditions described.

This performance relies in particular on the M-Powevi compressor technology. According to Midea, when the temperature becomes very low, the compressor uses intermediate vapor injection to increase the amount of compressed refrigerant and support heat production.

For a home in Les Coteaux, this behavior is significantly more important than the simple ability to produce warm air on a +5 °C day.

Quebec's heating season includes long periods below zero. A central heat pump must therefore be evaluated based on its performance when the home's load actually increases.

An essential nuance: -30 °C does not guarantee that auxiliary heat will never operate

We emphasize this distinction with our clients.

The minimum operating temperature of a heat pump is not the same as the temperature at which it can cover 100% of the heat loss of a specific home.

Let's take two homes with the same floor area.

The first has:

• recent windows;
• excellent insulation;
• little air infiltration;
• a compact layout.

The second may have:

• a lot of glazing;
• an older building envelope;
• more air infiltration;
• a highly exposed basement;
• large outdoor areas.

The two buildings will not need the same capacity at -20 °C.

We must therefore size the system according to the heating load, rather than simply choosing the largest heat pump that fits in the available space.

Different efficiency levels depending on the EVOX G3 capacity selected

Midea states that this family can achieve 19 SEER2, 12.5 EER2, 10.8 HSPF2, and a COP of 2.14 at 5 °F, depending on the combination.

The brochure's technical table provides more precise information:

• 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 HSPF2;
• 48,000 BTU: 17.5 SEER2, 12 EER2, 9.5 HSPF2;
• 54,000 BTU: 17.5 SEER2, 12 EER2, 9.5 HSPF2.

That is why the expression "up to 19 SEER2" must be interpreted correctly. It describes the maximum for the range, not necessarily the rating of every capacity.

Inverter technology that also aims to enhance everyday comfort

The benefit of an Inverter system is not limited to an efficiency rating.

A variable-capacity unit can adapt its operation more closely to the building’s actual load.

When it is only a few degrees below zero, the home generally does not need the same output as it does at -20 °C. Rather than alternating only between full output and shutdown, the system can modulate its operation.

This modulation helps to:

• maintain a more consistent temperature;
• extend certain cycles;
• reduce sudden temperature variations;
• make better use of the ventilation network;
• limit unnecessary starts.

For a homeowner replacing an old central system, the difference in comfort can be just as significant as the difference in energy consumption.

The indoor air handler was designed for furnace replacements

One of the EVOX G3’s goals is to make it easier to modernize buildings that already have a duct network.

Midea offers air handlers approximately between 14.5 and 21.5 inches wide, depending on capacity. The manufacturer directly compares these dimensions with those of several residential furnaces of equivalent capacity.

Midea also incorporates adaptive power supply 115 V or 208/230 V for the applicable indoor units.

This compatibility can help us avoid unnecessary modifications when performing a conversion from an old furnace to a central heat pump.

In many homes in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore, the mechanical room offers almost no additional space around the existing equipment. A wider air handler could require rebuilding the return air and a significant portion of the plenum.

Six orientation options to adapt the air handler to the building

The EVOX G3 documentation also provides up to six installation configurations for the indoor module, including:

• vertical upflow;
• vertical downflow;
• horizontal right;
• horizontal left;
• “low-boy” configurations when available height is limited.

Midea also uses its Block N Lock modular system, allowing certain sections of the air handler to be separated and reconfigured. The manufacturer particularly highlights this advantage for basements, attics, and tight access areas.

For us, this flexibility means it becomes easier to design the installation around the existing building instead of forcing the building to adapt to a single machine orientation.

The ductwork remains decisive

A central heat pump produces heat or cooling, but the ducts must transport that energy throughout the home.

An overly restrictive duct system can limit comfort even with an excellent heat pump.

The EVOX G3 integrates Computational Constant Airflow 2.0 technology. In its documentation, Midea shows operation reaching 1.2 in. of external static pressure under the conditions presented.

The central unit also offers up to 60 airflow adjustment levels and adjusts its blower power to maintain airflow as ductwork conditions change. Midea specifically mentions the influence of filters, coils, and various resistances in the ducts.

This is a very interesting technology for renovations.

However, it does not replace a proper inspection of the ductwork.

If a main duct is much too small, the professional solution is still to correct the problem rather than asking the blower motor to compensate indefinitely.

MERV 13 filtration with media of various thicknesses

Midea also offers a filtration module compatible with 1-, 2-, or 4-inch MERV 13 filters.

According to the brochure, this system is specifically designed to capture more:

• of dust;
• of pollen;
• of particles;
• of pet hair and dander.

It also helps keep the evaporator cleaner.

In a central heat pump, filtration is particularly beneficial because air from several rooms continuously passes through the same central unit.

However, we must maintain a balance between filtration quality and resistance to airflow. Installing a highly restrictive filter without checking the system can unnecessarily increase static pressure.

Auxiliary heating up to 25 kW depending on the configuration

When the heat pump does not fully cover the home's load, the EVOX G3 can be combined with an auxiliary electric heating kit.

Midea offers three-stage kits that can reach 25 kW, with activation adapted to changing temperatures.

Here again, the largest element is not automatically the best.

We must take into account:

1. of the actual heating load;
2. of the low-temperature heat pump capacity;
3. of the electrical panel capacity;
4. of the available connection;
5. of the control strategy.

A properly sized system should aim to use the compressor efficiently before unnecessarily relying on a large amount of resistance heating.

Communication suited to both new installations and renovations

The EVOX G3 platform offers several control methods.

The documentation mentions compatibility with 485 communication or certain 24 V thermostats, as well as automatic detection of the mode being used.

Midea also plans Sub-1 GHz wireless communication between certain EVOX components and its communicating thermostat, reducing the need to run certain new communication wires.

This option becomes particularly interesting when a home is already finished and opening the walls to add wiring would be disproportionate compared with the rest of the work.

R-454B: Midea's new generation of refrigerant

The EVOX G3 uses R-454B, an A2L-category refrigerant.

Midea indicates a global warming potential of 466 and states that it was adopted for this new product range.

The homeowner does not need to change the way they use the system day to day.

However, on the installation and service side, R-454B requires procedures, tools and practices suited to its classification.

This includes, in particular:

• refrigerant connection;
• leak tests;
• evacuation;
• certain recovery and service procedures;
• start-up.

The quality of the refrigeration technician's work therefore becomes even more important with the new generations of HVAC systems.

A visible detail in the photo: the installation was not yet complete

The cable reel, copper tubing laid on the ground and certain components still waiting to be connected clearly indicate that this photo was taken during the work.

This is interesting because it shows a phase that the end customer usually does not see.

Once the installation is complete, the tools, offcuts and cable reels disappear. The homeowner simply sees the outdoor unit in place.

For us, however, the previous steps are where much of the system's quality is determined:

• final location;
• leveling;
• line insulation;
• connections;
• sealing;
• electrical supply;
• evacuation;
• commissioning;
• verification of operating parameters.

The finish matters. But performance is built before the finish.

Why we do not automatically advertise a LogisVert amount for this installation

The LogisVert rebate is almost always a question when a homeowner compares central heat pumps in Quebec.

The Midea brochure states that its range exceeds certain ENERGY STAR Most Efficient specifications, which is an interesting indication of its performance level.

However, this brochure alone is not sufficient to confirm eligibility or the exact amount of Hydro-Québec assistance for the specific Les Coteaux installation.

To perform this verification correctly, it is necessary to know:

• the exact outdoor unit number;
• the exact indoor central unit number;
• the certified combination;
• the applicable AHRI or ENERGY STAR number;
• the capacity recognized under the conditions used by the program;
• the criteria in effect on the installation date.

Since the nameplate is not legible in the supplied photo, we will not present an arbitrary amount.

This is a useful rule for any homeowner comparing quotes: a subsidy should be tied to a specific combination, not simply to the EVOX G3 trade name.

What this Les Coteaux project illustrates particularly well

This project highlights a very concrete aspect of our work at AirGreen: we adapt the installation to the site rather than automatically applying the same setup everywhere.

On this job:

• the condenser is installed on a self-supporting structure;
• the unit is elevated;
• its fan faces an unobstructed area;
• the electrical meter remains accessible;
• the masonry is not used to directly support the weight of the unit;
• the equipment remains accessible for servicing;
• the refrigerant circuit can remain relatively compact.

None of these elements appears in the SEER2 rating.

Yet they directly influence the actual quality of the HVAC installation.

We apply this same approach to our central heat pump projects in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore: first understand the building, then select the system, and finally choose an installation method suited to the realities of the job site.

The MIDEA EVOX G3 provides the necessary technology: an inverter compressor, cold-climate heating, R-454B refrigerant, a modular central unit, advanced flow management, and numerous control options.

Our job is to turn these technical features into a system that works properly in a real home.

In Les Coteaux, the independent support visible in the photo neatly sums up this philosophy: sometimes, a few decisions made at the outdoor installation level determine the system's ease of maintenance, stability, and quality of use for many years.