Installation of a GREE FREE MATCH R32 DualZone Heat Pump – 2 zones – 2 heads in Kirkland
AirGreen installs a GREE FREE MATCH R32 Dual-Zone heat pump in Kirkland: two wall-mounted units, targeted comfort, energy efficiency, and HVAC execution adapted to the constraints of a residential roof.
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.
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.
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.
The refrigerant lines, the communication cable and the drain go through the wall in a single opening, sealed against water, cold air and insects.
Two insulated copper pipes connect the two units. Outside, a line cover can protect them from sun, knocks and weather.
A shut-off switch near the outdoor unit isolates it safely for service. It must stay accessible at all times.
The compressor and the fan. In heating mode it captures heat from the outdoor air, even in winter, and moves it inside.
On the ground or on the wall, it keeps the unit above accumulated snow. The unit stays clear and defrost water can drain away.
The fan needs to blow freely. Storage, a fence or a wall too close, and efficiency drops while noise goes up.
A Dual-Zone Installation Designed for Real Home Comfort in Kirkland
In Kirkland, in the west of Montreal Island, AirGreen recently completed the installation of a GREE FREE MATCH R32 Dual-Zone heat pump with 2 zones and 2 wall-mounted units, a particularly relevant choice for homeowners who want to improve the comfort of several rooms without multiplying outdoor units. This project perfectly illustrates what we often see in the residential areas of Kirkland, Beaconsfield, Pointe-Claire, and Dollard-des-Ormeaux: well-maintained homes, sometimes renovated over the years, where the addition of a modern HVAC system must be done with precision, discretion, and respect for the existing architecture.
The construction site photo shows the outdoor unit installed on a raised structure, with clear service access, verification hoses connected to the pressure manifold, and a technical startup in progress. This step is essential: it allows our technicians to confirm the proper refrigeration behavior of the system, validate pressures, check operational stability, and ensure that the installation complies with best practices related to R32 refrigerant.
The GREE FREE MATCH R32 is a very popular solution for multi-zone projects, especially when two distinct living spaces need to be heated and air-conditioned independently. In this specific case, the client wanted to avoid an overly cumbersome approach while achieving efficient comfort in two strategic areas of the house. The Dual-Zone solution allows for adjusting the temperature room by room, reducing comfort discrepancies between floors or living areas, and optimizing energy consumption by avoiding unnecessary full-house conditioning at the same level.
Rigorous Rooftop HVAC Execution: Precision, Safety, and Durability
Installing a heat pump on a roof or an elevated section requires a different approach than a ground-level installation. In Kirkland, many homes have configurations where the ideal location for the outdoor unit is not necessarily at ground level. In this project, our team had to work in a technical environment where every detail mattered: support stability, clearances around the unit, duct management, protection of refrigerant lines, future access for HVAC maintenance, and visual integration with the existing environment.
Why the GREE FREE MATCH R32 model was suitable for this project
The GREE FREE MATCH R32 system stands out for its flexibility. Unlike a single-zone installation, a Dual-Zone configuration allows two indoor units to be connected to a single outdoor unit. This represents a significant advantage in residential areas of Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore, where available outdoor space, aesthetic constraints, or co-ownership requirements can limit the number of visible mechanical units.
In this installation in Kirkland, the choice of GREE was compelling for several reasons:
- Dual-Zone System allowing two spaces to be served by a single outdoor unit.
- Use of R32 refrigerant, known for its better environmental profile compared to some older refrigerants.
- Good heating and cooling performance for residential conditions in Quebec.
- Possibility of independent control for both zones.
- Outdoor format well-suited for installations where technical space needs to remain organized.
- GREE's reputation for reliable and accessible multi-zone systems.
The client was looking for a balanced solution: powerful enough to improve daily comfort, but without unnecessarily complicating the installation. This is precisely the role of a well-sized and well-installed Dual-Zone heat pump.
Site analysis: what the image reveals about installation quality
The image shows an outdoor unit placed on a robust base, above the rooftop surface. This arrangement is not insignificant. It protects the unit against water, snow, ice, and debris accumulation, while promoting good air circulation around the heat exchanger. For a durable HVAC installation, the base is as important as the unit itself.
The use of a pressure manifold connected to the system is also noticeable. This step indicates that technicians are performing the necessary checks after connection. At AirGreen, we never consider an installation complete simply because the equipment is attached to the wall or connected outdoors. Commissioning is an integral part of the quality of the final result.
The refrigerant and electrical lines are visible in a controlled pathway. On a roof, this point is crucial: conduits must be protected, stabilized, and arranged to reduce the risk of premature wear caused by wind, vibrations, thermal displacement, or prolonged exposure to bad weather. A clean installation today must remain reliable for many years to come.
Specific Challenges of a Dual-Zone Heat Pump in Kirkland
Each multi-zone project presents its own challenges. In a two-head configuration, it's not enough to "just connect two indoor units." The path of the refrigerant lines must be planned, permissible lengths anticipated, condensation drains organized, consistent indoor unit locations chosen, and assurance that both zones receive capacity suited to their actual use.
In Kirkland, homes can feature large open-plan rooms, extensions, bedrooms far from the central system, or spaces that overheat in summer due to solar orientation. In this project, the goal was to create two distinct comfort zones without compromising exterior aesthetics. Our team therefore worked with discretion in mind: limiting visible lengths, protecting connections, preserving technical accessibility, and avoiding a visually cluttered result.
Another important point concerned the roof. When a unit is installed on an elevated surface, future maintenance must be considered. A difficult-to-access device can become expensive to maintain, even if it works perfectly at first. We therefore chose a location that allows technicians to intervene adequately during maintenance, cleaning, diagnostics, or seasonal checks.
The Importance of R32 in Modern Installations
R32 refrigerant is increasingly present in modern heat pump and wall-mounted air conditioner systems. It offers better thermal efficiency and a reduced environmental impact compared to several older solutions. For homeowners, this means that choosing a device like the GREE FREE MATCH R32 aligns with both practical and responsible reasoning.
However, R32 requires work performed by qualified professionals. Refrigerant handling must be carried out according to standards, with appropriate tools, necessary checks, and excellent connection mastery. At AirGreen, we always insist on this point: a quality machine can only perform at its best if the installation is done correctly.
A common mistake is choosing a high-performing device on paper, then neglecting the quality of installation. Bad vacuum, improperly tightened connections, poorly insulated lines, improvised drainage, overly restricted outdoor location: these details can reduce performance, create noise, cause leaks, or shorten the system's lifespan. Our approach aims precisely to avoid these problems.
Two Zones, Two Needs, One Comfort Strategy
In a house, not all rooms react the same way. A sun-exposed living room, a bedroom above a garage, a home office, or a basement family room do not have the same needs. The strength of a Dual-Zone system is to allow for finer adjustment.
For this project in Kirkland, the two wall-mounted units give the client the ability to manage zones separately. This improves comfort, but also efficiency. For example, one zone can operate more in the evening while another remains at a more moderate temperature. In winter, heating can be directed to the most occupied spaces. In summer, air conditioning can target the rooms that accumulate the most heat.
This logic is particularly interesting for families with variable schedules, for homeowners who work from home, or for residences where certain rooms are used only at specific times of the day. A well-designed Dual-Zone heat pump does more than just heat and cool: it makes the house easier to live in.
What we check before handing the system over to the client
Once the physical installation is complete, our team performs a series of checks. These steps are often invisible to the client, but they make all the difference.
We notably validate:
- The stability of the outdoor unit on its support.
- The correct connection of the refrigerant lines.
- The tightness of the circuit.
- The quality of the pipe insulation.
- The independent operation of the two zones.
- Adequate condensate drainage.
- Communication between the outdoor unit and the indoor units.
- Startup parameters for heating and cooling.
- Operating pressures during commissioning.
- The sound level and absence of abnormal vibrations.
In the case visible in the photo, the manifold connected to the outdoor unit testifies to this validation step. An AirGreen installation is never left to chance: we want the client to get a stable, high-performing system ready to face the typical temperature variations of the greater Montreal area.
Practical advice for homeowners considering a multi-zone installation
For a homeowner in Kirkland, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, or the South Shore considering a similar installation, the first piece of advice is not to choose capacity based solely on total area. A house is not just a number in square feet. You need to consider insulation, solar orientation, ceiling heights, room distribution, lifestyle habits, internal heat sources, and potential indoor unit locations.
The second piece of advice concerns the outdoor location. An outdoor unit needs to breathe. A device placed too close to a wall, enclosed in a corner, exposed to excessive snow accumulation, or difficult to access for maintenance risks losing performance. In a rooftop installation like this one, the base, clearances, and mechanical protection become even more important.
The third piece of advice relates to choosing the contractor. A multi-zone HVAC installation requires experience. Mistakes can be costly to correct afterward. At AirGreen, we are accustomed to working in varied contexts: single-family homes, condos, plexes, light commercial buildings, complex mechanical rooms, flat roofs, and properties with architectural constraints. This experience allows us to anticipate problems before they arise.
Subsidies and Eligibility: A Point to Validate Before Installation
Many homeowners who contact us for a heat pump also want to understand the available subsidies. Programs can vary depending on periods, models, efficiency criteria, and administrative requirements. A unit like the GREE FREE MATCH R32 can, depending on its exact configuration, AHRI number, and current criteria, be among the equipment sought by clients who wish to maximize their return on investment.
At AirGreen, we help our clients better understand the necessary documents, information to retain, and usual steps to follow after installation. The most important point is to validate the eligibility of the specific model before making a final decision. A multi-zone system must be evaluated according to its actual combination: outdoor unit, indoor units, capacity, and certified performance.
An installation reflecting the AirGreen method
This project in Kirkland perfectly summarizes our way of working. We don't just sell a mechanical box. We analyze a house, its use, constraints, budget, and comfort expectations. We then propose a solution that makes technical sense and remains consistent with the building.
The GREE FREE MATCH R32 Dual-Zone installed here met a concrete need: to improve comfort in two zones without cluttering the exterior with multiple units, while taking advantage of modern and efficient technology. The result is a clean, accessible, technically verified, and durable installation.
For homeowners in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore, this type of project demonstrates that a good installation begins well before the day of the work. It starts with a thorough evaluation, proper sizing, suitable equipment selection, and a team capable of executing every detail with rigor.
Why entrust a Dual-Zone installation to AirGreen
A Dual-Zone heat pump represents a significant investment. It impacts daily comfort, energy consumption, property value, and the peace of mind of occupants. Our role is to ensure that this investment is profitable, reliable, and well-integrated.
AirGreen stands out with a comprehensive approach: clear estimates, tailored recommendations, installation by qualified technicians, rigorous commissioning, and post-installation support. We know that clients want precise answers, realistic timelines, and clean work. This is what we apply on every job site, whether it's a wall-mounted air conditioner, a heat pump, a multi-zone system, or a more complex HVAC project.
In Kirkland, this GREE installation perfectly illustrates this vision: an effective solution, well-installed, adapted to the home, and ready to provide stable comfort for many seasons.
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.
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.
Model, capacity and price, in writing. We also check whether the model qualifies for assistance programs.
Floors and furniture protected, wall plate position marked level, wall opening located.
A single opening, with the slope the drain needs to flow outside.
Set on a stand raised above the snow, with the clearances the manufacturer requires.
Connected, insulated and protected. The opening is then sealed against water, cold air and insects.
A dedicated circuit and an accessible disconnect near the outdoor unit.
Leak test, vacuum, then start-up and a check of heating and cooling.
Remote, modes, filters: we show you the essentials before we leave.
- 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.
- The quoteModel, capacity and price, in writing. We also check whether the model qualifies for assistance programs.
- Getting readyFloors and furniture protected, wall plate position marked level, wall opening located.
- The wall openingA single opening, with the slope the drain needs to flow outside.
- The outdoor unitSet on a stand raised above the snow, with the clearances the manufacturer requires.
- Lines, cable and drainConnected, insulated and protected. The opening is then sealed against water, cold air and insects.
- The electrical workA dedicated circuit and an accessible disconnect near the outdoor unit.
- Tests and start-upLeak test, vacuum, then start-up and a check of heating and cooling.
- The walkthroughRemote, modes, filters: we show you the essentials before we leave.
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.
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.
Four mistakes we do not make
Flip each card to see what we do instead.
Your own project, step by step
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.
- Clean the filters more often when the unit runs a lot.
- Keep plants away from the outdoor unit.
- Check that no water drips from the indoor unit.
- Rake the leaves around the outdoor unit.
- Test heating before the first cold days.
- Book periodic maintenance before winter.
- Keep snow away from the stand and the front of the unit.
- Let the unit defrost: it is normal.
- Never hit the ice on the fins; call us if the unit stays iced up.
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.
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.
During defrost cycles. That water must drain away without forming ice.
2. You pick the capacity with a simple square-footage rule.
Windows, insulation, orientation and how the room is used all count. Capacity is chosen on site.
3. A multi-zone connects several indoor heads to a single condenser.
One head per room, all on the same condenser. Each room keeps its own temperature.
4. The disconnect can sit behind the patio furniture.
It must stay accessible: it is what shuts the unit off for service.
0 / 4 right answers
What people ask us about this kind of work
Does a wall-mounted heat pump heat in winter?
Wall-mounted or multi-zone: how do I choose?
Where does the outdoor unit go?
Are there grants?
Do I need a permit?
How cold can it heat?
How much can I save?
How is the LogisVert assistance calculated?
Is it noisy?
The outdoor unit is covered in ice: is that normal?
Does AirGreen hold the required licences?
Is the estimate free?
No question matches. Write to us: we answer.
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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).