Installation of a GREE All Match Slim Duct R32 ducted heat pump in Fabreville, Laval: Slim Duct system integrated into the attic with insulated ductwork

A GREE ducted installation in a residential attic in Fabreville where every inch counted

In Fabreville, in the western sector of Laval, AirGreen completed an HVAC installation that clearly demonstrates the real complexity of a well-designed ducted system. In this project, the GREE indoor unit was integrated into the attic, with a network of ducted ducts insulated to distribute air to targeted areas of the home, without installing a visible wall unit in the main rooms.

This type of solution, also called Slim Duct, ductable, or discreet duct system, meets an increasingly common need among homeowners: to enjoy the comfort of a high-performance heat pump while maintaining a clean interior finish. Unlike a traditional wall air conditioner, the ducted system hides the equipment in a technical space, then distributes air through carefully positioned grilles or diffusers.

In this Fabreville residence, the main challenge was related to the attic space. The construction photo clearly shows the roof trusses, blown insulation, restricted passage areas, and black flexible ducts already routed between the framing elements. This type of environment requires careful planning because the work must be done without compressing the insulation, compromising the structure, creating air leaks, or making the equipment inaccessible for future HVAC maintenance.

Why a GREE ducted system was the right choice for this home

The client wanted a solution capable of improving home comfort without affecting the appearance of the rooms. In several residences in Laval, especially in residential areas like Fabreville, Sainte-Dorothée, Chomedey, or Vimont, homeowners want to avoid adding a wall unit in a living room, bedroom, or hallway. The GREE All Match Slim Duct R32 system precisely meets this need.

The GREE ducted systems offered by AirGreen cover several capacities, including 9,000, 12,000, 18,000, 21,000, 24,000, 30,000, and 36,000 BTU, depending on the chosen configuration. The right model always depends on the actual heat load, the area to be treated, insulation, the number of air outlets, duct length, and the required static pressure.

In this project, our approach was to validate the feasibility of the passage in the attic, determine the most logical location for the indoor unit, then organize the air distribution network to reduce pressure losses. A ducted installation is never just about placing a machine in an attic. A complete system must be designed: indoor unit, ducts, plenums, drainage, electrical supply, refrigerant lines, insulation, mechanical support, and service access.

The attic: a practical but demanding space

Installing a ducted unit in an attic has several advantages. The equipment remains hidden, the ducts can be distributed to different rooms, and the visual impact in the house is minimal. However, the attic also imposes significant constraints.

In this installation in Fabreville, our technicians had to work around several elements:

• closely spaced roof trusses;
• limited working height;
• blown insulation to preserve;
• restricted access for transporting equipment;
• need to maintain a service path;
• duct passage without crushing;
• vibration control;
• safe management of condensate drainage.

One of the most important points was not to unnecessarily compress the insulation. In an attic, blown insulation directly contributes to the home's energy efficiency. If too many crushed areas or poorly protected passages are created, the building's thermal performance can be reduced. Our teams therefore work methodically to limit the impact of the worksite and maintain a clean installation.

Insulated flexible ducts: the quality of the path makes all the difference

The photo shows an insulated flexible duct running between the roof trusses. This detail is important because the performance of a ducted system strongly depends on the quality of the air network. A duct that is too long, too bent, too crushed, or poorly connected can reduce the airflow available to the diffusers.

To achieve stable comfort, we pay special attention to several elements:

• maintain wide curves rather than sharp angles;
• avoid compressed sections;
• reduce unnecessary lengths;
• seal joints well;
• properly insulate ducts in unconditioned areas;
• limit pressure losses;
• balance airflow rates at the outlets.

In an unheated or uncooled attic, duct insulation is essential. In summer, a poorly insulated duct can lose some cooling before the air even reaches the room. In winter, heat loss can reduce efficiency. A well-installed duct thus protects both comfort and energy efficiency.

Low static pressure or high static pressure: an important technical choice

GREE ducted systems can be offered in low static pressure or high static pressure configurations, depending on the project’s needs. This distinction is essential.

Low static pressure

Low static pressure is suitable for short networks with few bends and few outlets. It is often used when a unit serves a nearby area or a few adjacent rooms.

High static pressure

High static pressure becomes relevant when the duct network is longer, when there are more outlets, or when the air must travel a more complex path. In an attic like the one in this Fabreville residence, this analysis is crucial because the route must respect the roof trusses and the building’s physical constraints.

At AirGreen, we don’t choose a setup based solely on BTU capacity. We also assess the available pressure, the planned duct network, the desired air distribution, and the site constraints. This thoroughness helps avoid a common problem: a good brand machine that is poorly suited to the duct network.

The role of R32 in recent GREE installations

The GREE All Match Slim Duct R32 series belongs to a generation of systems that use the refrigerant R32, valued for its efficiency and improved environmental profile compared to some older refrigerants. For homeowners planning a sustainable solution, this technical detail matters.

R32 generally allows good thermal performance and integrates well with modern heating and air conditioning systems. As always, handling refrigerant requires professional work. Refrigerant lines must be installed, tested, vacuumed, and checked by qualified refrigeration technicians. At AirGreen, this step is carried out with the appropriate instruments and according to industry best practices.

Condensate drainage: a critical point in an attic

A ducted system installed in an attic must always be designed with special attention to drainage. In air conditioning mode, the indoor unit produces condensation. This water must be drained without risk of backflow, leaks, or ceiling damage.

In an attic, a drainage error can quickly become costly. That is why we verify:

• the available slope;
• the drain routing;
• the presence or absence of a condensate pump;
• stability of the connections;
• protection against vibrations;
• access for inspection and cleaning;
• the final drainage point.

This part of the work is often invisible to the client after installation, but it plays a major role in the system's reliability. A nice interior finish is not enough: the system must also remain dry, stable, and safe.

A discreet solution that requires true HVAC expertise

System commissioning and balancing

Once the equipment is installed, AirGreen carries out a complete commissioning. This step includes checking the operation of air conditioning, heating, drainage, electrical connections, refrigerant lines, airflow, and controls.

In a Slim Duct system, air balancing is particularly important. Each outlet must receive a flow rate consistent with the room it serves. Too high a flow can create noise or a draft sensation. Too low a flow can leave a room less comfortable. The goal is to achieve a uniform temperature, with gentle diffusion and controlled noise levels.

In this Fabreville house, the attic layout required special attention to the duct routing. The roof trusses did not allow ducts to pass just anywhere. Our team therefore worked precisely to maintain a clean, functional, and accessible network.

Advantages experienced by the client

After this type of installation, the client mainly notices the comfort and discretion. There is no bulky wall unit in the room. The air is distributed through integrated grilles or diffusers, while the main equipment remains hidden in the attic.

The concrete advantages are numerous:

• more uniform comfort in served areas;
• better aesthetic integration;
• reduction of wall clutter;
• discreet operation;
• possibility to adapt air distribution according to the configuration;
• solution adapted to renovations and homes where interior appearance matters.

For many homeowners in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore, this type of installation represents a very interesting compromise between performance and discretion.

Mistakes to avoid in a ducted attic installation

A ducted system installed in the attic can deliver excellent results, but only if certain pitfalls are avoided.

Crushing flexible ducts

A crushed flexible duct reduces airflow. Even slight compression can have a significant impact on final performance.

Forgetting the impact of insulation

Blown insulation must be respected. A poorly done installation can create thermal loss zones around technician passages or equipment.

Incorrectly sizing static pressure

A low-pressure device installed on an overly restrictive network will give disappointing results. Choosing the right configuration is essential.

Neglecting service access

A hidden unit should never be impossible to maintain. At AirGreen, we plan reasonable access to important components.

Underestimating drainage

Drainage is one of the most sensitive points in an attic. Insufficient slope or a poorly protected connection can cause serious problems.

Subsidies and energy efficiency

GREE ducted systems may be eligible for certain subsidies depending on the exact model, capacity, certifications, and criteria in effect at the time of installation. Programs like Hydro-Québec's LogisVert generally require specific information, including model numbers, the invoice, performance data, and sometimes certification references.

At AirGreen, we help customers understand the documents required for their file. However, we remain precise: eligibility must always be validated according to the equipment actually installed and the program conditions at the time of the work.

Why choose AirGreen for a GREE ducted project in Laval

AirGreen is a GREE Elite dealer, with specialized expertise in ducted systems, duct networks, static pressure, and discreet installations in tight spaces. Our teams regularly work in Laval, Montreal, Longueuil, on the North Shore, the South Shore, and in Montérégie.

Our approach is based on concrete elements:

• technical evaluation before installation;
• choice of a model suited to the home;
• design of the duct routing;
• installation by experienced refrigeration technicians;
• careful sealing and insulation;
• complete commissioning;
• clear explanations to the client;
• civil liability insurance from 5 000 000 $;
• structured after-sales service.

In a project like the one in Fabreville, experience makes all the difference. The attic does not always offer a simple environment. You have to work in a tight space, preserve the insulation, respect the framework, and install an air network that will remain efficient for years.

An installation that visually disappears, but not in comfort

This project in Fabreville, in Laval, perfectly illustrates the value of a well-installed GREE All Match Slim Duct R32 ducted heat pump. The system becomes almost invisible in the rooms, but its effect is felt every day: more stable temperature, better air distribution, comfort in summer and winter, and preserved interior appearance.

The visible work in the attic represents the technical part of the project: insulated ducts, passage between roof trusses, space management, insulation protection, and mechanical preparation. Once the installation is complete, these details are no longer in the spotlight, but they remain responsible for the system's actual performance.

At AirGreen, we design each ducted HVAC installation as a complete project. The machine matters, but the air network, drainage, service access, and commissioning are just as important. This approach ensures a discreet, durable system truly suited to the home.