A demanding residential project in a stairwell
At AirGreen , we regularly work in residential contexts where limited space and height pose particular challenges. The recent installation of a Gree wall-mounted heat pump in a home in Outremont perfectly illustrates this type of situation. The indoor head was positioned above the central staircase, a strategic location to ensure optimal diffusion of fresh air in summer and heat in winter, but one that requires careful planning and technical know-how.
Why install a wall-mounted heat pump in a stairwell?
A central staircase is often a natural air circulation point. Placing a wall-mounted heat pump in this space maximizes the distribution of comfort to the various rooms on the upper and lower floors. Air circulates freely, reducing areas of uneven heat or cold. Furthermore, in a typical Outremont home with relatively high ceilings, this positioning contributes to remarkable temperature uniformity.
Installation Steps
1. Access and security
Installing a device high above a staircase requires mobile scaffolding or an articulated ladder, as in this project. The priority is to ensure the safety of technicians while protecting the surrounding surfaces (walls, railings, flooring).
2. Drilling and passing the conduits
The exterior wall must be precisely drilled to accommodate the refrigerant pipes, electrical wiring, and condensate drainage pipe. In this case, discreet, neutral-colored capping was installed to protect the connections and maintain a neat aesthetic both inside and out.
3. Condensate management
Given the height and the absence of a possible gravity slope in the staircase, a condensate pump was integrated to evacuate the water to the outside. This is an essential detail in this type of configuration.
4. External connection
Outside, the compressor has been positioned on an anti-vibration slab to reduce noise and ensure the stability of the unit, even during the severe winter cold experienced by Outremont.
Features of the installed Gree heat pump
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Type : Wall-mounted heat pump (mini-split)
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Capacity : 12,000 BTU, suitable for an area of approximately 550 to 700 sq. ft.
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Energy efficiency : High SEER2 and HSPF2 optimized for heating down to -25°C
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Certification : Energy Star, making the system eligible for provincial and federal subsidies (notably LogisVert and Greener Homes)
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Warranty : 10 years parts and compressor
Technical challenges met
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Working height : securing the installation above the stairs.
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Condensate drainage : installation of a reliable pump to prevent any water infiltration.
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Aesthetics : discreet integration of conduits inside and outside.
These elements demonstrate the rigor and attention to detail of our teams, even in the most restrictive installation situations.
Result: year-round comfort
Thanks to this installation, the house now benefits from:
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optimized comfort in summer and winter ,
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a significant reduction in energy costs thanks to the efficiency of the system,
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and a harmonized interior environment , since the air circulates freely from the top of the stairs to the living areas.
At AirGreen, we understand that every home in Outremont, Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore has its own unique characteristics. That's why our teams tailor each HVAC system installation to the specific needs of the space and its occupants.