Project

Installation of a GREE FREE MATCH R32 2-zone, 2-head DualZone heat pump in Verdun

AirGreen installs a GREE FREE MATCH R32 DoubleZone heat pump in Verdun: 2 zones, 2 heads, outdoor unit elevated on a balcony, and a clean, compact, and durable HVAC installation.

By AirGreen Climatisation & Chauffage Admin14 min read
Installation of a GREE FREE MATCH R32 2-zone, 2-head DualZone heat pump in Verdun
Installation of a GREE FREE MATCH R32 2-zone, 2-head DualZone heat pump in Verdun
–chapters in this story
14 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: wall-mounted heat pump, indoor and outdoor units

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. Mounted level on a wall plate, high enough for the air to reach the whole room, with enough space around it to slide the filters out easily.

  2. The refrigerant lines, the communication cable and the drain go through the wall in a single opening, sealed against water, cold air and insects.

  3. Two insulated copper pipes connect the two units. Outside, a line cover can protect them from sun, knocks and weather.

  4. A shut-off switch near the outdoor unit isolates it safely for service. It must stay accessible at all times.

  5. The compressor and the fan. In heating mode it captures heat from the outdoor air, even in winter, and moves it inside.

  6. On the ground or on the wall, it keeps the unit above accumulated snow. The unit stays clear and defrost water can drain away.

  7. The fan needs to blow freely. Storage, a fence or a wall too close, and efficiency drops while noise goes up.

The job

A multi-zone installation on a balcony in Verdun: precision, discretion, and comfort in a limited urban space

In Verdun, heat pump installations often require planning that is very different from that of a house with an open backyard. Between balconies, party walls, railings, narrow access points, co-ownership rules, and neighborhood proximity, every detail matters. For this project, our AirGreen team installed a DoubleZone GREE FREE MATCH R32 heat pump, configured as 2 zones with 2 wall-mounted units, on a typical residential balcony of a Montreal urban building.

The project photo highlights one of the most important aspects of this installation: the GREE outdoor unit was placed on a raised metal base, directly on the balcony, between a brick wall, an exterior facade, and a railing. Everything was carefully integrated to maintain usable space, ensure necessary ventilation clearances, and limit visual impact. The neatly protected and grouped pipes running along the facade are also visible, an essential detail for a durable and aesthetic HVAC installation.

In this type of project, the challenge is not just to install a machine. The solution must be adapted to an environment where every inch counts. The client wanted to achieve better comfort in two interior zones without multiplying outdoor units. The GREE FREE MATCH R32 therefore emerged as a logical solution: a single outdoor condenser, two indoor units, modulating operation, and a compact installation, perfectly suited to the realities of Verdun and Montreal.

Why a DoubleZone heat pump is ideal for urban housing

A DoubleZone heat pump addresses a common problem in Verdun housing: not all rooms have the same heating and cooling needs. A sun-facing room can become very hot in summer, while a bedroom further from the main area may remain less comfortable. In many Montreal apartments, condos, or plexes, air distribution is not uniform, especially when buildings have been renovated in stages.

With a 2-zone, 2-head system, the client can control two areas independently. This allows for comfort adjustment based on the actual use of the rooms, without imposing the same temperature everywhere. One wall-mounted unit can serve the main living area, while the other can be installed in a bedroom, an office, or a more remote section of the dwelling.

The advantages are very concrete:

  • A single outdoor condenser for two zones.
  • Better distribution of indoor comfort.
  • Reduced clutter on the balcony.
  • Independent control of wall-mounted units.
  • A more discreet solution than multiple outdoor units.
  • An installation adapted to the realities of condos, plexes, and housing in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore.

In the case of this installation in Verdun, this logic was particularly important. The balcony had to remain accessible and functional. The outdoor unit had to be sufficiently clear for ventilation, while being placed so as not to unnecessarily block circulation space.

An outdoor unit installed on a support to preserve the balcony

The outdoor unit visible in the photo rests on a stable metal support, rather than directly on the ground. This choice is important for several reasons. Firstly, it protects the condenser from moisture, dirt, and small water accumulations that can form on a balcony surface. Secondly, it improves the stability of the installation and allows for better vibration control.

On a balcony, vibrations must be taken seriously. A poorly installed appliance can transmit unpleasant noise to the structure, especially in an apartment building. At AirGreen, we use appropriate fastening methods and supports to reduce these nuisances. In this project, the support feet and unit bearing points were positioned to ensure a solid, clean, and durable installation.

The support also offers a practical advantage: it facilitates maintenance around the appliance. The technician can inspect connections, clean the area, and check the general condition of the installation more easily than with a unit placed directly on the balcony tiles.

Specific constraints of a balcony installation

Installing a multi-zone wall-mounted heat pump on a balcony in Verdun requires careful analysis of the space. The photo shows a condenser placed between several fixed elements: a brick wall, a railing, an adjacent door or window, as well as the pipes running along the facade. This configuration demands precise execution.

Our technicians had to consider several elements:

  1. clearance in front of the fan;
  2. distance between the unit and the railing;
  3. proximity to the brick wall;
  4. possible circulation on the balcony;
  5. safety of the refrigerant lines;
  6. noise level for occupants and neighbors;
  7. stability of the support;
  8. future access for HVAC maintenance;
  9. visual integration of the system.

A common mistake is installing the outdoor unit too close to an obstruction. A condenser needs to be able to expel hot air in summer and operate efficiently for heating when temperatures drop. If the expelled air returns too quickly to the unit, efficiency can decrease. In this project, the unit was positioned to maintain adequate airflow despite the limited space.

Pipe management: a detail that changes everything

On the left of the photo, the refrigerant lines and protections installed along the facade are visible. In a multi-zone installation, this part of the job is fundamental. The pipes must connect the outdoor unit to the two indoor units, while remaining protected against impacts, weather, and wear.

At AirGreen, we place great importance on pipe routing. A poorly thought-out path can detract from the building's appearance, complicate maintenance, or expose the lines to damage. In this project in Verdun, we opted for a compact and clean route, grouping the pipes in an orderly fashion.

This attention to detail is particularly useful in urban areas where installations are visible from balconies, alleys, or inner courtyards. A well-executed HVAC installation must be technically compliant, but also visually acceptable to occupants, co-owners, and neighbors.

GREE FREE MATCH R32: a flexible solution for two comfort zones

The GREE FREE MATCH R32 is a popular option for multi-zone projects because it allows multiple indoor units to be connected to a single outdoor unit, depending on the chosen configuration. In this installation, the system was designed to power 2 wall-mounted units, each dedicated to a specific zone of the dwelling.

The R32 refrigerant, visible on the appliance label, is one of the new generation technologies used in several modern HVAC systems. It contributes to good performance and is part of the evolution of equipment towards more efficient solutions better suited to current residential needs.

For the client, the benefits are not theoretical. The system allows for better daily temperature management, both during hot periods and cooler seasons. In Verdun, where many dwellings can accumulate a lot of heat in summer due to sunlight, brick, and urban density, a DoubleZone heat pump becomes a true comfort tool.

An HVAC installation designed for performance, maintenance, and daily life

A successful installation must work efficiently from day one, but also remain practical for years. That's why our team doesn't just find an available spot. We evaluate the actual use of the balcony, circulation, distances, ventilation, vibrations, future maintenance, and visual impact.

Indoor comfort: two heads, two uses, one outdoor unit

In urban housing, comfort needs can vary greatly from room to room. An open-plan area may require more air conditioning in the afternoon, while a bedroom may need a gentler setting for the night. With two wall-mounted units, the client can adapt each zone without depending on a single general temperature.

This type of configuration is particularly relevant for:

  • a condo with separate living room and bedroom;
  • a two-level dwelling;
  • a plex with uneven heat zones;
  • a main living area and an office;
  • a bedroom located opposite the living room;
  • a dwelling where installing a central system would be too complex.

The DoubleZone heat pump also limits outdoor clutter. On a balcony like the one in the photo, installing two condensers would have been much more difficult, if not impossible, depending on the available clearances. A single outdoor unit therefore represents a better compromise between comfort, performance, and integration.

Technical steps carried out by AirGreen

To ensure reliable commissioning, our technicians follow a rigorous method. On this project in Verdun, the key steps included:

  • validation of the outdoor location on the balcony;
  • installation of the metal support;
  • leveling of the outdoor unit;
  • secure fastening of the condenser;
  • routing and protection of the pipes;
  • connection of the refrigerant lines;
  • compliant electrical connection;
  • verification of communications between the outdoor unit and the indoor units;
  • vacuuming of the lines;
  • leak test;
  • system start-up;
  • validation of the operation of the two zones;
  • explanation of use to the client.

Vacuuming and leak testing are two steps we consider indispensable. A modern heat pump must be installed with precision to deliver its full performance. Even an excellent machine can lose efficiency if the lines are poorly prepared or if the connections are not made correctly.

Mistakes to avoid during a balcony installation

Balconies are sensitive areas for HVAC installations. They are exposed to wind, sometimes rain, sometimes snow, and they are often used as living space. A bad installation can quickly become disruptive.

Placing the unit too close to the railing

A condenser needs sufficient clearance in front of the fan. If it is too close to a railing or an obstacle, air circulation can be poor.

Forgetting the use of the balcony

The appliance must be positioned to maintain a minimum of practical space. An installation that completely blocks passage becomes irritating for the client.

Neglecting vibrations

On a balcony structure, vibrations can transmit more easily. An appropriate support and suitable mounts must be used.

Leaving pipes exposed

Refrigerant and electrical lines must be protected. A poorly secured pipe can be damaged over time or accidentally snagged.

Ignoring future maintenance

The condenser must remain accessible. Panels, fittings, and important components must be able to be inspected without dismantling part of the balcony.

In this project, these elements were integrated from the planning stage. The goal was to deliver a compact, efficient, and easy-to-maintain installation.

HVAC maintenance: preserving the performance of a multi-zone heat pump

A multi-zone heat pump requires regular maintenance. Since two zones depend on the same condenser, the outdoor unit must remain clean and clear. On a balcony, it is necessary to monitor leaves, dust, debris, blown snow, and any object that could be placed too close to the fan.

We recommend the client to:

  • regularly clean the filters of the indoor units;
  • maintain sufficient clearance in front of the outdoor unit;
  • avoid storing objects against the condenser;
  • check the condition of visible pipes;
  • monitor for any unusual noise;
  • have periodic HVAC maintenance performed by a qualified team.

Proper maintenance extends the system's lifespan, maintains energy efficiency, and reduces the risk of breakdowns during periods when comfort is most important.

Subsidies and eligibility: an essential verification

Subsidy programs can reduce the actual cost of a heat pump installation, but eligibility depends on several factors: exact model, unit combination, capacity, certifications, installation date, and current program criteria. For a multi-zone system like the GREE FREE MATCH R32, it is important to confirm the complete configuration before validating a potential amount.

At AirGreen, we support our clients in this step by providing relevant information on the installed equipment and the necessary documents when the system is eligible. This assistance is particularly useful for owners who are comparing several quotes and want to understand the true cost of the project after subsidies.

Why AirGreen is the right partner for an installation in Verdun

Verdun is one of the areas where our expertise in HVAC installation in Montreal is particularly useful. The dwellings there are varied: recent condos, plexes, older buildings, units with balconies, compact backyards, brick walls, and sometimes narrow access points. Each building imposes its own constraints.

Our advantage lies in our ability to adapt the solution to the specific site. We do not offer a uniform configuration to all clients. We analyze the available space, comfort needs, installation constraints, technical requirements, and future maintenance. For this installation, this approach allowed us to integrate a GREE FREE MATCH R32 DualZone heat pump into a confined space while maintaining a clean and professional installation.

AirGreen regularly operates in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore, and the South Shore, for both single-zone installations and more complex multi-zone projects. This field experience allows us to quickly identify the details that can make the difference between a correct installation and a truly durable one.

A Result Adapted to Verdun's Reality

The final result is a compact, stable, and well-integrated installation on the balcony. The outdoor unit is elevated, the conduits are grouped, the frontal clearance is respected, and the system can power two indoor zones without multiplying visible outdoor units.

For the client, this achievement means more precise comfort, effective air conditioning in summer, useful heating during cooler periods, and better daily room management. For AirGreen, it perfectly illustrates our way of working: a technical solution adapted to the building's architecture, attention to detail visible in the finish, and an installation designed to last.

In Verdun, where outdoor space is often limited, a well-installed DualZone heat pump can transform a home's comfort without compromising balcony use. This GREE FREE MATCH R32 installation is an excellent example: compact, clean, efficient, and designed to meet the client's real needs.

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 room, the outside wall, the line route and where the outdoor unit will go. That is where the capacity gets chosen.

  1. The on-site estimateWe look at the room, the outside wall, the line route and where the outdoor unit will go. That is where the capacity gets chosen.
  2. The quoteModel, capacity and price, in writing. We also check whether the model qualifies for assistance programs.
  3. Getting readyFloors and furniture protected, wall plate position marked level, wall opening located.
  4. The wall openingA single opening, with the slope the drain needs to flow outside.
  5. The outdoor unitSet on a stand raised above the snow, with the clearances the manufacturer requires.
  6. Lines, cable and drainConnected, insulated and protected. The opening is then sealed against water, cold air and insects.
  7. The electrical workA dedicated circuit and an accessible disconnect near the outdoor unit.
  8. Tests and start-upLeak test, vacuum, then start-up and a check of heating and cooling.
  9. The walkthroughRemote, modes, filters: we show you the essentials before we leave.
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 baseboards, 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.

    • Clean the indoor unit's filters.
    • Clear leaves and debris left on the outdoor unit by winter.
    • Test cooling before the first hot days.
    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. In heating mode, the outdoor unit can produce water.

    2. You pick the capacity with a simple square-footage rule.

    3. A multi-zone connects several indoor heads to a single condenser.

    4. The disconnect can sit behind the patio furniture.

    Frequently asked questions

    What people ask us about this kind of work

    12 questions
    Does a wall-mounted heat pump heat in winter?
    Yes, it heats and cools. Its capacity drops in very cold weather; the operating range depends on the model and is listed on its spec sheet.
    Wall-mounted or multi-zone: how do I choose?
    One wall head and one condenser outside: the direct solution for a room or an open area. For two to five rooms, a multi-zone puts one head in each room on a single condenser.
    Where does the outdoor unit go?
    Where it stays above the snow, clear and accessible, away from walkways. We decide it with you during the estimate.
    Are there grants?
    Depending on the model and your situation, assistance programs may apply, including Hydro-Québec's LogisVert. AirGreen checks the model number before quoting an amount. See the grants.
    Do I need a permit?
    Rules vary from city to city: location, distances, noise. See permits and by-laws, and we check for your address.
    How cold can it heat?
    It depends on the model. According to Hydro-Québec, newer models work down to a temperature between −15 °C and −25 °C, and some cold-climate models are certified lower. The minimum temperature is on each unit's spec sheet.
    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.
    Is it noisy?
    The sound level depends on the model and is listed in decibels on each unit's spec sheet. Location matters too: when possible, we avoid putting the outdoor unit under a bedroom window.
    The outdoor unit is covered in ice: is that normal?
    Some frost is: the unit runs defrost cycles. Never hit the ice. If the unit stays iced up or stops heating, call us.
    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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