Installation of a Gree FreeMatch heat pump on a rooftop terrace in Plateau-Mont-Royal
AirGreen installed a Gree FreeMatch heat pump in the Plateau-Mont-Royal neighbourhood, with an outdoor unit on a rooftop terrace. Elevated mounting and careful pipework management ensure quiet operation, efficiency, and durability in Montreal.
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.
On this project in the Plateau-Mont-Royal borough , our AirGreen team installed a Gree FreeMatch MultiZone heat pump with an outdoor unit positioned on a rooftop terrace . This type of environment (brick wall, metal railings, roofing membrane) is very typical of Montreal residential buildings and requires rigorous execution to guarantee stability, quiet operation, and durability .
A logical choice for Montreal's plexes: MultiZone
The Gree FreeMatch is an ideal solution when a dwelling has several spaces to serve (open area + bedrooms, floor + mezzanine, etc.) and you want to maintain maximum control room by room.
Specifically, we are talking about a multi-zone heat pump (multi-zone mini-split) :
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an outdoor unit (condenser)
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capable of powering multiple indoor units (depending on the chosen configuration)
When the exact model is not legible on the label, we remain consistent with the range: a Gree FreeMatch Multi R32 (2 to 5 zone configuration), very common in residential areas in Greater Montreal.
Prominent installation details observed in the photo
1) Outdoor unit on an elevated support (roof terrace)
The unit is installed on an elevated metal structure , which is excellent practice on a rooftop:
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protects the membrane by preventing direct contact
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improves drainage (water, slush) under the device
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limits the accumulation of leaves and debris around the interchange
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facilitates seasonal maintenance and winter clearing
We also pay particular attention to load distribution , because on a roof terrace, it is necessary to avoid any excessive pressure point on the roof.
2) Proper management of conduits and wiring
The finishing elements of the construction site are clearly visible: pipes, cables, tools, and fasteners. In a densely populated area like the Plateau, the quality of the delivery (and its final appearance) makes all the difference.
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logical and safe route
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solid fixings to the brick (appropriate anchoring)
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protection of sections exposed to UV and weathering
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maintaining sufficient clearance for service
3) Noise and vibration reduction
In urban environments, comfort doesn't end inside the home: it's also important to respect the neighbors. For this type of installation, AirGreen systematically applies vibration control measures (depending on the substrate and structure) to:
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reduce transmission to the building
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avoid resonances on the structure
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maintain quiet operation, even when heating
4) Service areas and air circulation
The outdoor unit is positioned to maintain clearance around the fan and service panels. This is essential for:
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preserve efficiency (proper ventilation of the device)
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to facilitate maintenance and repairs
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avoid hot/cold air recirculation which reduces efficiency
Commissioning: our AirGreen method
A high-performing multi-zone installation relies as much on the equipment as on the commissioning. For this type of project, we notably carry out:
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leak tests and fitting checks
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vacuuming according to best practices
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Electrical inspection and safety measures
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validation of pressures/temperatures during operation
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calibration of heating/cooling modes for the actual comfort of the occupants
Why this installation is particularly well-suited to Plateau-Mont-Royal
The Plateau often combines: brick buildings, fragmented spaces, outdoor location constraints, close neighbors, and the need for winter/summer comfort. A well-installed Gree FreeMatch allows you to achieve:
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effective air conditioning during heat waves
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efficient heating during Quebec's cold weather
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A very practical zone-based management system for everyday use
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a discreet system that is well integrated into the building
Conclusion
This Gree FreeMatch MultiZone heat pump installation in Plateau-Mont-Royal perfectly illustrates the AirGreen approach: a clean, thoughtful and sustainable execution, with an exterior positioning optimized for the roof, performance and tranquility of the occupants.
How it goes, from the first call to the end
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.
And 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.
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.
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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?
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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).