An HVAC installation designed for a Baie-D’Urfé home where the outdoor space had to remain clean, accessible, and durable
In Baie-D’Urfé, in the west of Montreal island, our AirGreen team completed a particularly interesting HVAC installation: a GREE FREE MATCH R32 DoubleZone heat pump, designed to power two wall-mounted units from a single outdoor unit. This type of configuration is highly sought after in homes where the goal is to cool and heat two distinct spaces without multiplying outdoor equipment or overloading the facade.
The project photo clearly illustrates one of the key elements of this installation: the GREE outdoor unit was installed on an elevated structure, directly on a concrete balcony, against a brick wall. This approach protects the device, facilitates maintenance, ensures adequate ventilation clearance, and maintains safe access around the equipment. In a residential area like Baie-D’Urfé, where exterior aesthetics and discreet work are often as important as technical performance, every detail matters.
The client wanted a reliable, efficient, and versatile solution to improve indoor comfort in two zones of the house. The GREE FREE MATCH R32 heat pump proved to be an excellent choice thanks to its multi-zone capacity, inverter operation, R32 refrigerant, and installation flexibility.
Why choose a GREE FREE MATCH R32 DoubleZone heat pump?
A DoubleZone heat pump allows two indoor units to be connected to a single outdoor unit. For homeowners, this offers several concrete advantages:
- better temperature control in two rooms or two floors;
- an outdoor installation more discreet than with two separate systems;
- optimization of space around the house;
- energy consumption better adapted to actual needs;
- more stable comfort during hot and cold periods.
The GREE FREE MATCH R32 system is designed to offer great flexibility. It allows heating and cooling to be adapted according to the actual use of the rooms. For example, one zone may be used more during the day, while another is mainly used in the evening or at night. Thanks to inverter modulation, the heat pump adjusts its operation instead of simply starting and stopping at full power. This modulation helps reduce temperature fluctuations, improve comfort, and limit consumption peaks.
The refrigerant R32 is also an important element in choosing this system. Increasingly present in new generations of wall-mounted heat pumps and multi-zone systems, it allows for designing efficient equipment with a more modern approach to energy use. For an owner investing in a durable installation, choosing an R32 system represents a decision consistent with recent HVAC market standards.
An outdoor unit precisely installed on a balcony
One of the challenges of this project in Baie-D’Urfé concerned the location of the outdoor unit. The balcony offered a practical surface, but it was necessary to avoid a makeshift installation that could have hindered circulation, ventilation, or the overall appearance of the facade.
We therefore installed the outdoor unit on an elevated metal support, with stable feet and a base adapted to the weight of the unit. This setup keeps the unit off the balcony floor, which helps limit the accumulation of water, snow, leaves, or small debris around the base. Even though the balcony is partially protected by its location, an elevated installation remains a wise practice to ensure better durability.
The clearance in front of the fan was maintained so that air can circulate freely. This is an essential point that is too often overlooked. A poorly cleared outdoor unit can lose efficiency, generate more noise, strain its compressor more, and reduce the system's lifespan. In this project, the orientation of the unit respects the balcony constraints while maintaining good accessibility for future HVAC maintenance work.
A neat integration on a brick wall
The building features a red brick facade, with a nearby patio door opening, a window protected by bars, and several existing elements on the exterior wall. In this context, the integration of the pipes had to be particularly neat.
We routed the refrigerant lines, communication wiring, and drains in an orderly manner, using a vertical protective sheath colored to match the existing architectural trim. This brown downpipe, visible in the photo, was installed to blend into the immediate environment of the wall. The result is much more discreet than exposed piping runs.
This type of finish is important to AirGreen. A heat pump installation is not judged only by the operation of the unit on the day it is started. It must also remain clean, stable, and visually acceptable several years after the work. The lines must be protected against weather, UV rays, light impacts, and thermal movements. On a brick facade, proper fastening and well-aligned protection make all the difference.
Electrical management and service access
In the photo, you can also see an electrical device installed near the outdoor unit. For a multi-zone installation like this, the electrical supply must be carefully planned. The circuit rating, protection, outdoor disconnect switch, grounding, and wiring routing must comply with the applicable requirements in Quebec.
Our installations are carried out according to best practices by qualified technicians. In a residential project in Baie-D’Urfé, as everywhere in Greater Montreal, we pay special attention to electrical safety and ease of access for service. A well-positioned disconnect switch allows safe intervention on the outdoor unit during maintenance or repair.
Two wall-mounted heads for two different comfort needs
The 2-zone, 2-head configuration offers great flexibility to occupants. In several residences in western Montreal, we install this type of system to serve, for example:
- a main open area and a bedroom;
- a ground floor and an upper floor;
- a living room and a home office;
- a kitchen/dining room and a family room;
- two bedrooms exposed differently to the sun.
Each wall-mounted head can be controlled independently, allowing the temperature to be adjusted according to the actual use of the room. This approach is much more efficient than a single centralized unit trying to compensate for temperature differences throughout the house.
In this installation, the choice of a DoubleZone GREE FREE MATCH R32 heat pump was precisely aimed at providing a personalized response to two distinct zones, while maintaining a single outdoor unit on the balcony. The client thus benefits from better-distributed comfort without compromising outdoor space.
The technical and practical details that make the difference in a multi-zone installation
The importance of refrigerant line routing
When installing a multi-zone heat pump, the routing of refrigerant lines is more complex than with a single-zone system. Each indoor unit must be connected to the outdoor unit, which requires careful planning. Pipe lengths, elevation changes, drillings, bends, and external protections must be validated before and during the work.
In this project, the brick wall required precise execution. The drillings must be clean, properly angled, and well sealed to protect the building envelope against water, air, and infiltration. Poor sealing can lead to problems much more costly than the installation itself: moisture in the wall, air leaks, infiltration around pipes, or premature material deterioration.
At AirGreen, we place great importance on this step. Our technicians do not just connect the equipment; they ensure that the installation respects the building. In brick houses in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore and the South Shore, this rigor is essential.
A positioning that facilitates HVAC maintenance
An outdoor unit must remain accessible. Too often, we see installations where the device is stuck in a hard-to-reach place, too close to a wall, too low to the ground, or blocked by obstacles. This complicates HVAC maintenance, increases intervention time, and may discourage owners from having their system checked regularly.
Here, the device is placed at a convenient height, on a stable platform, with relatively direct access from the balcony. This setup will facilitate:
- cleaning the outdoor unit;
- checking the connections;
- fan inspection;
- checking the condition of the supports;
- future interventions on the compressor or electrical components;
- seasonal performance checks.
For a heat pump used for both cooling and heating, regular maintenance is essential. A clean outdoor exchanger, maintained indoor filters, and regular inspections help preserve the device’s efficiency.
Performance, comfort, and energy efficiency
The GREE FREE MATCH R32 range is designed to offer a good balance between performance, flexibility, and efficiency. In a DoubleZone configuration, the main advantage is better distributing capacity according to needs. Rooms are not all exposed the same way: some receive a lot of sunlight, others lose heat more quickly, some are occupied all day while others only for a few hours.
A properly sized multi-zone system helps better manage these differences. The inverter compressor modulates its effort according to the combined demand of the two heads. This provides more stable comfort, with fewer abrupt cycles. For occupants, this often translates into a more uniform temperature sensation and quieter operation.
Choosing an R32 system also fits within a logic of modern efficiency. Without going into an unnecessarily heavy technical list, it should be noted that recent R32 devices are designed to meet current expectations in terms of performance, reliability, and compatibility with new market standards.
Subsidies and eligibility: a point to verify before purchase
Subsidy programs, such as provincial aids related to efficient heat pumps, are an important factor for many homeowners in Quebec. For a system like the GREE FREE MATCH R32, eligibility generally depends on the exact combination of indoor and outdoor units, model numbers, certifications, and criteria in effect at the time of installation.
That is why we always recommend validating the complete setup before making a final decision. A heat pump can be efficient, but it’s not just the brand that determines eligibility: it’s the entire installed system. At AirGreen, we help our clients understand the necessary information and keep the required documents, including invoices and relevant technical sheets.
For owners in Baie-D’Urfé, Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore, this preliminary check can influence the choice of model, installed capacity, and the overall project strategy.
Mistakes to avoid with a DoubleZone heat pump
A multi-zone installation requires more thought than a simple wall unit. Here are the mistakes we frequently see in projects taken over or corrected by our team:
Choosing capacity based only on area
The area is important, but it is not enough. You also have to consider insulation, solar orientation, number of occupants, ceiling height, openings, closed rooms, stairs, and usage habits. Two houses of the same area can require very different configurations.
Installing the outdoor unit too close to an obstacle
An outdoor unit needs air. If it is too close to a wall, fence, guardrail, or outdoor storage, its performance can be affected. In this project, the balcony positioning was planned to preserve air circulation around the unit.
Neglecting the appearance of the pipes
The external pipes are part of the final result. A poorly aligned, too visible, or badly fixed duct can harm the building's appearance. In this installation in Baie-D’Urfé, the use of a well-integrated vertical protection contributes to a more professional result.
Forgetting access for service
A device must be maintainable. When access is difficult, the cost and complexity of interventions increase. The elevated structure used here facilitates access while keeping the unit well cleared.
Entrusting the installation to a non-specialized team
An HVAC installation is not just about mounting a machine on the wall. You have to manage the refrigerant, connections, vacuum, tests, drainage, electricity, drilling, sealing, and commissioning. A mistake at any of these stages can reduce system performance or cause problems in the medium term.
A customer experience focused on clarity
For this project, our approach was simple: propose a solution adapted to the house, explain the technical constraints, install neatly, and deliver a functional, safe, and easy-to-use system. The client wanted to avoid a bulky installation and sought a reliable result for two zones of the residence. The choice of a GREE FREE MATCH R32 DoubleZone system met these priorities well.
During the work, our team paid special attention to surface protection, positioning of the outdoor unit, and wall finishing. In houses where access is via a balcony or terrace, logistics must be well organized: moving equipment, platform stability, safety around the guardrail, and respecting clearances.
The final result is a compact, clean, and functional installation, with a well-positioned outdoor unit and protected piping. The system can now provide heating and cooling to two zones, with finer control of indoor comfort.
AirGreen's expertise in multi-zone installations
AirGreen regularly installs wall-mounted heat pumps, wall-mounted air conditioners, DoubleZone, TripleZone, and multi-zone systems in Greater Montreal. Each project has its particularities: high-rise condo, semi-detached house, bungalow, duplex, plex, residence with brick facade, narrow yard, back balcony, limited side passage, or specific aesthetic requirements.
In Montreal, we often have to deal with masonry walls, restricted access, and condominium rules. In Laval, single-family homes sometimes require longer runs or discreet installations in side yards. In Longueuil and on the South Shore, multi-zone projects are common in two-story houses. On the North Shore, many clients are looking for an efficient heating solution to reduce their dependence on electric baseboards. In all cases, our goal remains the same: to design a durable, clean, efficient installation adapted to the building.
This project in Baie-D’Urfé reflects this way of working well. The outdoor unit was not simply placed on the balcony. It was integrated with a logic of service, ventilation, protection, and aesthetics.
Practical advice for homeowners considering a similar installation
Before installing a DoubleZone heat pump, it is useful to prepare some information:
- rooms to heat and cool;
- approximate dimensions of the zones;
- desired location of the wall-mounted heads;
- possible location of the outdoor unit;
- approximate distance between the heads and the outdoor unit;
- available electrical access;
- condominium constraints, if applicable;
- aesthetic requirements for outdoor piping;
- exposure to sun and wind;
- current comfort issues.
These details allow for a more accurate quote and help avoid unpleasant surprises. For a home like the one in Baie-D’Urfé, the choice of outdoor unit location has a direct impact on the quality of the final result. A balcony can be an excellent option, but only if the device is well cleared, well supported, and installed with a durable finish.
An investment in daily comfort
A GREE FREE MATCH R32 DoubleZone heat pump is not just a mechanical device. It is a concrete improvement in home quality of life. In summer, it cools the most used areas without relying on a single poorly distributed system. In cold periods, it provides efficient and modulated heating, often more pleasant than a heat source that operates with abrupt cycles.
In Baie-D’Urfé, this installation offers the client a solution adapted to the reality of their home: two zones, a single outdoor unit, a neat finish on brick, an accessible device for maintenance, and an integration that respects the balcony space.
At AirGreen, we believe that a good installation starts well before the system is turned on. It begins with listening to the needs, analyzing the building, choosing the right model, and rigorous on-site execution. It is this combination that allows for a high-performance, durable system that is pleasant to use daily.