In this project in the Plateau-Mont-Royal neighbourhood , we assisted a client living in a typical Montreal brick triplex, complete with an exterior spiral staircase and a narrow backyard. His objective: to efficiently heat and cool his apartment while respecting the space, noise, and neighbourhood constraints inherent to the dense buildings of the Plateau.
The chosen solution: a Gree wall-mounted heat pump dedicated to the home, capable of offering four-season comfort with controlled energy consumption.
A typical triplex… with very real constraints
As is often the case in the Plateau, the building features:
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A brick rear facade;
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A spiral metal staircase leading to the upper floors;
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Access to the basement via a descent below;
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Basement windows close to ground level.
In this context, the installation of an outdoor condenser requires serious consideration: it is necessary to preserve traffic flow, avoid nuisances for neighbors, protect the equipment from snow and ice, while respecting the clearances necessary for the proper functioning of the heat pump.
Choosing a Gree wall-mounted heat pump
We proposed a new generation Gree wall-mounted heat pump , calibrated around 12,000 BTU to meet the needs of the home while remaining very quiet.
The main advantages for the customer:
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Efficient air conditioning during the summer heat waves of the Plateau;
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Efficient heating for much of the winter, reducing reliance on electric baseboard heaters;
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Gree inverter technology allows for continuous adaptation of the power supplied and limits consumption;
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Discreet operation , essential in a shared courtyard where every noise counts.
Inside, the Gree wall head(s) are positioned in the main living areas, so as to distribute air evenly throughout the home.
Optimal placement of the Gree outdoor unit
The photo clearly shows the Gree outdoor unit , fixed to the white wall at the intermediate level between the courtyard and the main floor:
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It is securely mounted on robust wall brackets , with anti-vibration pads to limit the transmission of noise to the structure;
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It is located in partial shelter under the terrace and metal staircase , which reduces the direct accumulation of snow and ice on the fan;
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However, it remains sufficiently clear to allow good air circulation around the condenser, which is essential for the system's efficiency;
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Its position avoids obstructing the small basement window while freeing up passage in the stairwell.
This placement is typically what we are looking for in Plateau: a smart compromise between performance, equipment protection, accessibility for maintenance and respect for the aesthetics of the backyard.
Refrigeration connections, power supply and finishing
Refrigerant lines, communication cabling, and power supply are neatly routed from the building to the outdoor unit. We use service ducts and enclosures where appropriate, in order to:
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Protect the copper tubing;
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Limit the visual impact on the brickwork;
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Ensure the watertightness of wall penetrations and prevent air or water infiltration.
The condensate drain is installed with the appropriate slope to evacuate the water produced in air conditioning mode away from the foundations and the stairway, thus avoiding puddles and freezing in winter.
Performance and comfort in Montreal's climate
Thanks to the Gree wall-mounted heat pump, the customer now benefits from:
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Rapid air conditioning of the main rooms during heat waves;
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Stable heating during cold autumn days, mild winters and spring;
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With remarkable acoustic comfort : the machine operates at a low noise level, which is crucial in a backyard shared with other dwellings;
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Lower electricity bills , as the heat pump is much more efficient than traditional electric heating.
In case of extreme cold, the baseboards remain as backup, but for a large part of the heating season, it is the Gree that does the bulk of the work.
A project representative of the realities of Plateau-Mont-Royal
This construction site perfectly illustrates what we regularly encounter in Plateau-Mont-Royal :
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Limited outdoor spaces;
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Close neighbors;
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Architectural constraints to be respected;
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A pressing need for comfort in both summer and winter.
At AirGreen , we are accustomed to working with these parameters to offer efficient, durable, and aesthetically pleasing Gree wall-mounted heat pump installations. From analyzing your needs to commissioning, including explaining how the system works and providing maintenance advice, we are there for you every step of the way.
Conclusion: an optimized courtyard, transformed comfort
By choosing a Gree wall-mounted heat pump strategically positioned in his backyard, this Plateau-Mont-Royal resident transformed his daily comfort without altering the architecture of his building. The outdoor unit is discreet, protected, and easily accessible, while the interior benefits from cool air in the summer and gentle warmth in the winter.
If you live in a triplex or condo in Plateau-Mont-Royal or elsewhere in Greater Montreal and you think you lack space to install a heat pump, let us assess your situation: there is almost always a Gree solution adapted to your building.