In the Plateau-Mont-Royal neighbourhood, apartments with kitchens opening onto back patios are very bright… and sometimes very hot in the summer, while being difficult to heat evenly in the winter. In this project, our AirGreen team was called in to install a Gree wall-mounted heat pump in a kitchen opening onto a backyard, in order to provide year-round comfort without compromising the room's aesthetics.
Context: a kitchen with many windows, between the backyard and the interior
The room is located at the back of a typical Plateau-Mont-Royal apartment:
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Large door giving access to the rear terrace ;
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Windows on each side, letting in plenty of light;
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Ceiling with recessed spotlights and exposed beam;
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Kitchen area with counter, open shelves and appliances (coffee makers, accessories).
This type of setup is pleasant for everyday use, but presents several challenges:
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Summer overheating occurs when the sun hits the windows and the door remains open;
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Winter discomfort due to cold air infiltration near the door and windows;
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Difficulty in distributing heat from the baseboards or central system in this room which is very open to the outside.
The occupants were therefore looking for a solution:
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Capable of effectively cooling down in the summer ;
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Providing efficient supplementary heating in winter ;
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Discreet, without visible conduit, and neatly integrated into the existing decor;
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Silent, so as not to disrupt daily life in the kitchen.
The chosen solution: a Gree wall-mounted heat pump
After a technical visit and a simplified load calculation (room volume, degree of insulation, orientation, use of the kitchen), we recommended the installation of a Gree single-zone wall-mounted heat pump , with a capacity of approximately 9,000 to 12,000 BTU , perfectly suited to this type of space.
Why a Gree wall-mounted heat pump?
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Versatile heating/air conditioning : a single unit to manage comfort all year round;
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Inverter technology : power continuously adjusts to actual needs, reducing electricity consumption;
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Excellent value for money , ideal for Plateau housing;
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Performance in northern climates , with stable heating capacity down to approximately −25 °C depending on the model;
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Reduced noise level, both inside and outside, which is valuable in a dense urban environment.
We therefore selected a new generation Gree wall-mounted heat pump , designed to combine comfort, energy savings and reliability in the Montreal context.
Interior installation details: above the door, in a confined space
The photo clearly shows the Gree wall unit installed directly above the patio door , at the junction between the wall and a ceiling return/beam.
This positioning has been carefully considered:
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Optimal height
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The unit is installed very close to the ceiling to promote stratification and good air circulation ;
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This height allows the walls to be clear for furniture, shelves, storage and kitchen workspace.
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Managing architectural constraints
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Due to the presence of a beam and a ceiling recess nearby, we precisely adjusted the position of the mounting plate to comply with the clearances recommended by Gree;
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The unit is centered above the door, which ensures even air distribution to the kitchen and the rest of the home.
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Everyday comfort
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The blown air can be directed slightly into the room to cut the cold effect coming from the door in winter;
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In summer, the flow of fresh air helps to counteract the significant heat gain due to the glazing and the door often being open to the terrace.
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Visual discretion
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The white unit blends perfectly with the moldings and door frame;
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No visible conduits: the refrigeration connections, the communication cable and the drain are passed through the wall , in compliance with standards.
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Drainage and outdoor unit management
Although the outdoor unit is not visible in the photo, its placement was crucial to the overall quality of the project.
Condensation drainage
In cooling mode, the heat pump produces condensation. To prevent any water from seeping into the kitchen:
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We have planned a gravity drain with a constant slope, starting from the indoor unit and heading outwards;
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The drain pipe is concealed behind the wall, then emerges in a discreet location, away from passageways;
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A flow test was carried out at the end of the project to verify that no water stagnates in the recovery tank.
Gree outdoor unit
The Gree outdoor unit was installed on the rear wall or on a suitable bracket near the terrace:
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Mounting on anti-vibration supports to limit the transmission of noise and vibrations;
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Sufficient clearance around the condenser to ensure good air circulation, even in winter;
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Refrigeration and electrical connections are routed in weatherproof protective covers for a clean and durable finish.
Performance and comfort in a high-traffic kitchen
Since being put into service, the Gree wall-mounted heat pump has fulfilled several roles in this Plateau-Mont-Royal kitchen:
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Air conditioning in summer
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The room remains comfortable even in the middle of a heatwave, despite the large glass surfaces and the frequent opening of the door;
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The dehumidification function significantly improves perceived comfort, especially on the heavy, humid days typical of Montreal.
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Heating in winter
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The device provides efficient supplementary heating , particularly appreciated in the morning and evening when the kitchen is heavily used;
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The heat pump relieves the electric baseboard heaters , resulting in significant energy savings.
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Air quality and quiet
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The integrated filters capture dust and particles, contributing to cleaner air in a room where cooking is taking place;
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Because it operates silently, occupants can talk, cook or work in the kitchen without being disturbed by noise.
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Commissioning, adjustments and customer support
Once the installation was complete, our team carried out the following:
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Vacuuming the refrigeration circuit to eliminate air and moisture;
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Checks of pressure, blowing temperature and electrical current;
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Functional tests in heating and air conditioning mode .
We then took the time to:
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Explain in detail the Gree remote control : available modes, programming, fan speed, fin oscillation;
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Provide advice for optimal use in winter (e.g., maintain a stable temperature rather than making large fluctuations);
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Remember the importance of regularly cleaning the filters (every 4 to 6 weeks depending on usage), particularly in a kitchen where the air can be more polluted.
Advantages for residents of Plateau-Mont-Royal
Thanks to this Gree wall-mounted heat pump installation, the occupants now benefit from:
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Stable thermal comfort in one of the most important rooms of the house;
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A possible reduction in their electricity bill , especially in the mid-season and during the mild winter;
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A solution that enhances the value of their property : an attractive advantage in case of resale or rental;
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A reliable system, supported by professional AirGreen installation and the reputation of the Gree brand.
Why entrust your project to AirGreen?
Beyond the product itself, it's the quality of the analysis and installation that makes the difference. At AirGreen, we:
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Let's study the actual configuration of your home (windows, air circulation, structural constraints);
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We recommend the Gree wall-mounted heat pump power and type best suited to your needs;
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Let's create clean, discreet installations that comply with electrical and refrigeration standards;
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We offer attentive after-sales service: maintenance, troubleshooting, system optimization.
Whether you are in Plateau-Mont-Royal , Mile-End, Rosemont, Le Sud-Ouest, Laval or on the South Shore, we can help you find the best wall-mounted heat pump solution for your situation.
Conclusion
This Gree wall-mounted heat pump installation in Plateau-Mont-Royal , above a door leading to the back terrace, demonstrates how a well-chosen and well-positioned system can transform the comfort of a kitchen with many windows.
With AirGreen, you benefit from comprehensive support, meticulous work and a system ready to face both the heat waves of July and the biting cold of January.