When we think of a heat pump, we often picture the outdoor unit installed on a concrete slab in the garden, exposed to snow, wind, and ice buildup. However, in many Greater Montreal homes—especially when landscaping, aesthetics, or winter protection become priorities—another approach is possible: a wall-mounted installation, sheltered in a space such as a garage.
This is exactly what we recently achieved in Sainte-Dorothée, Laval , with a Gree FreeMatch system . The objective: to offer stable comfort across multiple zones, while optimizing the equipment's durability and maintaining a clean, safe, and quiet integration.
Why choose a Gree FreeMatch MultiZone for residential use?
The Gree FreeMatch range is particularly appreciated when the customer wants to air condition and heat more than one area (e.g. ground floor + upper floor, or open area + bedrooms) without multiplying the outdoor units.
In practical terms, a MultiZone configuration allows you to:
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Distribute comfort across multiple rooms with suitable indoor units (wall-mounted, console, etc.).
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Stabilize the temperature by modulating the power according to actual needs.
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Reduce the external footprint: a single outdoor unit instead of two or three.
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Improving the everyday experience: efficient heating in cold seasons and constant air conditioning in summer.
In an area like Sainte-Dorothée , where many properties have a garage and a basement offering interesting installation options, the MultiZone becomes a very logical choice to modernize comfort without transforming the facade or the yard.
The context of the project in Sainte-Dorothée: an installation designed for the Quebec winter
One of the striking features of this installation is the location of the outdoor unit: it was fixed to a concrete foundation wall , inside a garage-type space, with an open ceiling structure (exposed joists) and a garage door nearby.
This type of configuration addresses several issues typical of Quebec:
1) Protection against snow, ice and accumulation
In winter, an outdoor unit placed too low or poorly protected can suffer from:
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from the accumulation of snow around the base,
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more demanding defrosting cycles,
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ice or slush projections,
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drainage blockages.
Here, being elevated and sheltered helps to limit these problems and maintain more stable performance.
2) Preservation of the exterior aesthetics
Many clients don't want the outdoor unit visible on the facade, nor do they want to lose space in the yard. In this project, the wall-mounted solution allows for discreet integration while maintaining convenient technical access.
3) Reduction of the risk of accidental impact or damage
A unit on a slab near an entrance, driveway, or passageway can be subject to impacts (blower, recycling bin, equipment, etc.). Here, the unit is out of reach of daily traffic.
Visible installation details: what you notice (and why it's important)
Several elements in the photo indicate an installation carried out with a focus on robustness , safety , and ease of maintenance :
Sturdy wall brackets and elevation
The outdoor unit is installed on heavy-duty metal wall brackets , anchored in concrete. This choice provides:
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excellent stability
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improved vibration management,
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a height allowing for good clearance and better air circulation.
We can also see anti-vibration pads/insulators under the unit, a simple detail that contributes greatly to sound comfort (especially when the wall faces living spaces).
Clearances and air circulation
Even indoors/in a garage, the unit needs to breathe. Positioning it near the ceiling and joists requires careful attention to clearances :
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avoid any obstruction in front of the fan,
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maintain the required space around the interchange,
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to allow access for inspection and maintenance.
This is exactly the kind of point that AirGreen systematically checks: a heat pump performs well… only if the air circulates as intended.
Power supply and nearby disconnection
A power supply is clearly visible, brought above the unit, with a dedicated junction box/connection. In a residential setting, a clean installation involves:
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protected circuit
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The wiring is securely fastened.
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safe route
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Easy access for maintenance.
Routing of refrigeration lines
The connections and cables exit to the side, following an organized route. A clean passage limits:
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long-term wear and tear,
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friction or pinching,
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the risks of problematic condensation,
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the visual impact.
The model: a consistent Gree FreeMatch MultiZone for this type of project
The exact model isn't clearly visible in the photo, but the unit strongly resembles a Gree FreeMatch MultiZone (multi-split series). For a typical house project in Sainte-Dorothée, capacities of this type are frequently required:
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30,000 to 36,000 BTU in total (depending on the number of zones, surface areas, insulation, and windows),
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a 2-zone or 3-zone configuration (very common in family homes).
At AirGreen, we always size according to:
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the actual surface area and layout,
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orientation (sun, large windows),
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insulation (walls, roof, basement),
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occupational habits,
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comfort expectations per room (bedrooms vs open area).
The tangible benefits for the customer (on a daily basis)
After this type of installation, the gains are generally immediate:
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Multi-room comfort : more stable temperature, fewer “too hot/too cold” zones.
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Energy efficiency : the heat pump modulates its power rather than operating in on/off mode.
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Acoustic comfort : supports, anti-vibration mounts and a well-chosen location reduce noise.
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Peace of mind in winter : less exposure to bad weather, fewer risks related to snow.
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Clean and durable installation : when the assembly is designed for maintenance, the equipment ages better.
Our AirGreen approach: an installation that considers future maintenance
What we always aim for, beyond simply "making" the device work, is to deliver a complete installation:
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accessible for maintenance,
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mechanically sound (supports, fixing, vibrations),
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logic for the electrical and refrigeration system,
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adapted for Quebec (frost, defrost cycles, snow),
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and consistent with the house (aesthetics, constraints, noise).
In Sainte-Dorothée, this project perfectly illustrates this philosophy: a Gree FreeMatch MultiZone that is well positioned, well supported, and installed with attention to detail that makes a real difference over 10–15 years.