In the Plateau-Mont-Royal borough , many residential buildings (plexes, renovated condos, townhouses) have a rooftop terrace or elevated technical access. This is convenient… but it also requires real expertise when it comes to installing an outdoor heat pump unit. In this project, the AirGreen team installed a Gree FreeMatch MultiZone heat pump , with an outdoor unit mounted on a stable platform designed to withstand Greater Montreal's winter conditions.
This type of installation is particularly relevant for homes on the Plateau: several rooms on one or two levels, open spaces, bedrooms at the rear, and the need for precise comfort without multiplying visible equipment .
Why the Gree FreeMatch is an excellent choice for multi-zone systems
The Gree FreeMatch is a multi-zone solution (multi-zone mini-split): a single outdoor unit powers several indoor units, allowing you to manage different zones of the house depending on occupancy (bedrooms, living room, office, upper floor, etc.). In a neighborhood like Plateau-Mont-Royal, this approach addresses three realities:
-
Optimizing space (often limited outdoors)
-
Reduce visual clutter (facades, balconies, backyard)
-
Achieve precise comfort with room-by-room management
In practice, the FreeMatch offers excellent temperature stability, reliable air conditioning performance in the summer, and efficient heating during cooler periods — an important advantage for Montreal's shoulder seasons, where the temperature can change rapidly.
The installation details that make all the difference
The photo clearly shows a Gree outdoor unit installed on a rooftop, with a terrace environment (wooden railings, clearances, access). In this context, our priority at AirGreen is twofold: performance and sustainability .
1) Installation on a raised and stable support
The unit is mounted on a robust metal structure, itself installed on a base designed to:
-
limit vibrations (acoustic comfort for occupants)
-
protect the unit in case of snow accumulation
-
maintain adequate clearance for air intake and exhaust
On a roof, the challenge is not just "to install the machine", but to install it without compromising the membrane , without creating weak points, and ensuring that the whole thing remains stable despite freezing/thawing and load variations.
2) Weight distribution and surface protection
A base of pads/blocks and shims helps distribute the load. On a roof terrace, this step is essential: it avoids excessively concentrated supports that can mark or damage the surface in the long term.
3) Careful routing of refrigeration lines
The connections are visible, neatly grouped, and protected (wrapped/insulated), indicating attention to detail. On a roof, we pay particular attention to:
-
mechanical protection (wind, friction, ice)
-
continuous insulation (reduced heat loss, prevented condensation)
-
a logical path allowing for future maintenance
4) Management of Quebec's climatic conditions
On a roof, the wind is stronger, snow can shift and accumulate, and ice can form around certain points. Therefore, a successful installation must take the following into account:
-
minimal clearances around the unit
-
orientation to avoid areas of turbulence
-
service access (yes, even in the middle of winter)
A typical Plateau installation: discreet, efficient, accessible
In many Plateau residences, a rooftop outdoor unit is often the best compromise: it avoids cluttering the yard, obstructing walkways, or adding noise near rear windows. But it must be done correctly.
At AirGreen, our approach to this type of project generally includes:
-
a check of clearances and air circulation
-
attention to noise and vibration control
-
a clean finish for the conduits and wiring
-
a layout designed for ease of maintenance (clearance, access, stability)
It is these details that make a heat pump remain reliable and efficient year after year.
Multi-zone comfort: better heating and cooling, room by room
The great advantage of a Gree FreeMatch multi-zone system is its flexibility of use. In a typical house on the Plateau:
-
The sun can heat certain rooms faster (front facade, upper floor)
-
The rooms often need to be cooler at night
-
An office can only be used for a few hours a day.
With a multi-zone system, you get targeted comfort and avoid unnecessarily overheating/overcooling the entire house. The result: a more consistent feeling of comfort and better-controlled energy consumption.
AirGreen: HVAC installation adapted to Greater Montreal
Each neighborhood in Greater Montreal has its own unique characteristics. Plateau-Mont-Royal often imposes:
-
more complex access points (stairs, alleyways, rooftops)
-
space constraints
-
a high importance placed on aesthetics and the neighborhood
That's precisely why our installations are never "generic". We adapt the location, the supports, the routing of connections and the finish to deliver a clean, durable installation designed for local realities.
If you are considering a Gree FreeMatch multi-zone heat pump in Montreal, Laval, on the North Shore or the South Shore, AirGreen will support you with a rigorous, transparent and performance-oriented approach — from system selection to commissioning.