Project

GREE CHARMO R32 Wall-Mounted Heat Pump Installation in Sainte-Rose, Laval – Mini-split air conditioner installed in a heritage building

In Sainte-Rose, AirGreen installs a GREE CHARMO R32 wall-mounted heat pump in a space with old-world charm. A precise, discreet, and custom-fit HVAC installation for comfort needs in Laval.

By AirGreen Climatisation & Chauffage Admin12 min read
GREE CHARMO R32 Wall-Mounted Heat Pump Installation in Sainte-Rose, Laval – Mini-split air conditioner installed in a heritage building
GREE CHARMO R32 Wall-Mounted Heat Pump Installation in Sainte-Rose, Laval – Mini-split air conditioner installed in a heritage building
–chapters in this story
12 minreading time
–type of installation
2026year published
The tour

Take a tour of the installation

Each number is a point we check on site. Switch between summer and winter to watch air and heat move.

Generic diagram: wall-mounted heat pump, indoor and outdoor units

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.

  1. 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.

  2. The refrigerant lines, the communication cable and the drain go through the wall in a single opening, sealed against water, cold air and insects.

  3. Two insulated copper pipes connect the two units. Outside, a line cover can protect them from sun, knocks and weather.

  4. A shut-off switch near the outdoor unit isolates it safely for service. It must stay accessible at all times.

  5. The compressor and the fan. In heating mode it captures heat from the outdoor air, even in winter, and moves it inside.

  6. On the ground or on the wall, it keeps the unit above accumulated snow. The unit stays clear and defrost water can drain away.

  7. The fan needs to blow freely. Storage, a fence or a wall too close, and efficiency drops while noise goes up.

The job

Careful HVAC Integration in an Old Interior Space in Sainte-Rose

Installing a wall-mounted heat pump in a modern residence is one thing. Integrating it precisely into a heritage building, with large paned windows, dark wood moldings, existing radiators, and textured walls, requires a completely different approach. This is exactly the kind of challenge our AirGreen team took on during this GREE CHARMO R32 installation in Sainte-Rose, an area of Laval known for its distinct architectural style homes and buildings.

In this project, the client wanted to add an efficient wall-mounted air conditioning solution without altering the interior appearance of the room. The objective was clear: achieve modern comfort, both in summer and during transitional periods, while preserving the visual balance of a space already marked by strong architectural elements. The presence of tall old windows, a textured wall, a wall lamp, dark woodwork, and existing radiators necessitated a clean, discreet, and thoughtful installation.

The choice fell on a GREE CHARMO R32 wall-mounted heat pump, a mini split air conditioner well-suited for spaces where a combination of performance, visual discretion, and quiet operation is sought. The indoor unit was positioned between two windows, in a wall area that allowed for excellent air diffusion while respecting the room's aesthetics.

This project perfectly illustrates what we regularly do at AirGreen: transform an installation constraint into a clean, durable, and building-adapted solution.

A Room with Significant Architectural Constraints

The image of this project immediately shows that the installation was not done in a standard space. The room has several elements that influenced our planning:

  • Two large old paned windows, framed by imposing moldings.
  • A textured wall that required careful handling to avoid visible chips or marks.
  • A wall lamp installed near the chosen location.
  • Existing cast-iron radiators, typical of some older buildings.
  • Dark woodwork that strongly structures the space.
  • Limited clearance between openings and decorative elements.

In such a context, the unit's positioning cannot be decided solely based on ease of installation. Account must be taken of air circulation, available height, duct routing, future maintenance access, final appearance, and protection of existing surfaces.

We therefore analyzed the room on-site before confirming the exact location of the indoor unit. The chosen positioning, between the two windows, allows the heat pump to distribute air efficiently without blowing directly on occupants sitting in the room. This approach improves daily comfort, especially in spaces used for extended periods.

An Installation Between Two Windows: Precision, Balance, and Performance

Installing a wall unit between two old windows requires great precision. The available space must be carefully measured to respect manufacturer clearances, ensure solid fastening, and maintain a balanced appearance.

In this project in Sainte-Rose, we paid particular attention to three elements:

Visual Alignment

The indoor unit had to be harmoniously centered relative to the windows and the wall lamp. A slightly too high, too low, or off-center installation would have been immediately visible in such a symmetrical room.

Our technicians therefore performed precise marking before fixing the wall plate. The height was determined to ensure good air diffusion, while preventing the device from appearing too imposing on the wall.

Protection of the Textured Wall

Textured walls require delicate handling. A drilling error or poor anchoring can leave marks that are difficult to correct. We used appropriate anchors and a clean drilling method to secure the unit without damaging the visible surface.

This type of finish also requires particular attention when passing refrigerant lines. The goal is always to maintain a professional appearance, both inside and out.

Clearance Around the Luminaire

The proximity of the wall lamp added a significant constraint. It was necessary to avoid any visual or functional obstruction, while ensuring that the heat emitted by the luminaire did not unnecessarily influence the unit's temperature reading.

The final result is clean and balanced: the GREE CHARMO R32 integrates into the space without dominating the existing architectural elements.

Why the GREE CHARMO R32 Was a Good Choice for This Installation

The GREE CHARMO R32 range meets the needs of owners looking for an efficient, discreet, and reliable wall-mounted unit. In this project, the client wanted a system capable of improving comfort without requiring major modifications to the existing building.

The GREE CHARMO R32 wall-mounted heat pump offers several concrete advantages:

  • A sober design, well-suited for residential or semi-commercial spaces.
  • Inverter technology allowing for more stable power modulation.
  • Quiet operation, important in spaces occupied for long periods.
  • Efficient air conditioning capacity during hot periods.
  • Useful auxiliary heating in spring and autumn.
  • Use of R32 refrigerant, known for its better environmental performance compared to some older refrigerants.

For an area like Sainte-Rose in Laval, where several buildings combine old charm and modern comfort needs, this type of appliance represents a logical solution. It avoids heavy ductwork while providing a rapid and measurable improvement in indoor comfort.

A Mini Split Solution Adapted to Ductless Buildings

One of the great advantages of a mini split air conditioner is its installation flexibility. In older buildings, it is not always realistic or cost-effective to add a complete central duct network. Existing walls, ceilings, moldings, and structures can make this type of modification costly and invasive.

The wall-mounted heat pump allows these constraints to be bypassed. It operates with a wall-mounted indoor unit connected to an outdoor unit by discreet refrigerant and electrical lines. This makes it possible to add comfort without transforming the entire building structure.

In this project, this approach was particularly relevant. The interior space retained its character, while the client benefited from a modern air conditioning and auxiliary heating system.

Key Steps of Our HVAC Installation in Sainte-Rose

Every HVAC installation carried out by AirGreen follows a rigorous method. For this project, our team proceeded in several steps to guarantee a reliable and clean result.

Location Analysis

Before installation, we evaluated:

  • The available height on the wall.
  • The distance between the windows.
  • The proximity of the luminaire.
  • The structure behind the wall.
  • The most discreet route for the conduits.
  • The optimal area for the outdoor unit.

This step avoids unpleasant surprises and allows for a result that respects both technical requirements and the building's appearance.

Wall Plate Mounting

The support plate must be perfectly leveled. A misaligned unit can hinder condensate flow, create a sloppy appearance, and complicate future maintenance. Our technicians therefore fixed the plate carefully, taking into account the wall texture and available support.

Drilling and Conduit Routing

The conduits were routed to minimize visual impact. In an old building, this step requires particular precision, as the materials can be more delicate than in a recent construction.

We ensured:

  • Adequate slope for drainage.
  • Good sealing.
  • Protection of surfaces.
  • A clean finish.

Connections and Commissioning

After mechanical installation, we completed the refrigerant and electrical connections, then performed commissioning. This step includes the necessary checks to confirm that the appliance is working correctly, that the pressure is compliant, and that performance is stable.

Errors to Avoid in This Type of Installation

This project highlights several common errors that homeowners should avoid when planning the installation of a wall-mounted heat pump in an old building.

Choosing the Location Solely for Appearance

Appearance matters, especially in a space like this. However, the location must also allow for good air circulation, adequate drainage, and simple maintenance. A unit installed in too cramped a corner can lose efficiency.

Underestimating the Importance of Drainage

Condensate drainage is essential. Poor slope or approximate installation can cause water leaks, odors, or even wall damage. In old buildings, these problems can become particularly costly to correct.

Installing Too Close to a Heat Source

A luminaire, radiator, or any other heat source can influence the unit's temperature reading. Therefore, the location must be planned to avoid false readings and inadequate operating cycles.

Neglecting Access for HVAC Maintenance

A unit must remain accessible for filter cleaning and periodic HVAC maintenance. In this project, the chosen location allows simple access to the indoor unit, which will facilitate long-term maintenance.

Local Expertise in Laval, Montreal, and Both Shores

AirGreen regularly works in varied contexts: recent condos in Montreal, single-family homes in Laval, residential buildings in Longueuil, properties on the North Shore, and more technical projects on the South Shore. This diversity allows us to adapt our methods to each building's reality.

An installation in a recent house in Brossard does not require the same precautions as an installation in an older building in Sainte-Rose. Similarly, a unit installed in a Montreal condo often requires coordination with the syndicate, insurance documents, facade requirements, and strict rules for the outdoor unit.

Our strength lies in anticipating these constraints. We don't just install a device: we analyze the building, the actual use of the room, the client's expectations, and the manufacturer's technical requirements.

Comfort Obtained After Installation

After commissioning the GREE CHARMO R32, the client immediately noticed an improvement in comfort in the room. The air was distributed more uniformly, without the sensation of aggressive drafts. The quiet noise level of the indoor unit was also an important point, particularly in a space where occupants may sit for long periods.

The system now allows for:

  • Quickly cooling the room during hot days.
  • Maintaining a stable temperature.
  • Reducing reliance on temporary air conditioning methods.
  • Adding effective auxiliary heating in mid-season.
  • Improving comfort without altering the architectural character of the place.

Subsidies and Potential Eligibility

Subsidy programs may vary depending on models, capacities, energy criteria, and updates from responsible organizations. When a client chooses an eligible heat pump, AirGreen helps them understand the necessary documents, including the paid invoice and the appliance's technical information.

For owners in Laval, Montreal, Longueuil, on the North Shore or the South Shore, it is always recommended to confirm the exact model's eligibility before final purchase. Our team can guide the client in this verification to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Maintenance Tips to Preserve Performance

Once the appliance is installed, a few good habits can extend its lifespan:

  • Clean filters regularly, especially during intensive use.
  • Keep the area in front of the unit clear.
  • Avoid blocking airflow with curtains or furniture.
  • Schedule periodic professional HVAC maintenance.
  • Monitor for any unusual noises or performance drops.

In old buildings, maintenance is even more important, as dust, radiators, old windows, and humidity variations can affect indoor air quality.

A Successful GREE CHARMO R32 Installation in a Place Where Every Detail Mattered

This project in Sainte-Rose demonstrates that a wall-mounted heat pump installation can be technical, aesthetic, and respectful of a building's character all at once. The GREE CHARMO R32 was installed with precision between two old windows, in a space where visual balance was as important as performance.

At AirGreen, we approach every project with the same rigor, whether it's a condo in Montreal, a house in Laval, a building in Longueuil, a property on the North Shore, or a commercial building on the South Shore. Our goal remains the same: to offer a reliable, durable, well-installed HVAC solution adapted to the client's reality.

This project illustrates our ability to install a modern mini-split air conditioner in an older environment without compromising the appearance of the place. The final result is clean, functional, and perfectly aligned with the client's needs: more comfort, fewer compromises, and an installation carried out with the attention to detail that characterizes AirGreen.

The steps

The big day, step by step

The main steps of this kind of job at AirGreen. Every house has its quirks: the estimate brings them out.

Step 1 of 9The on-site estimate

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.

  1. 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.
  2. The quoteModel, capacity and price, in writing. We also check whether the model qualifies for assistance programs.
  3. Getting readyFloors and furniture protected, wall plate position marked level, wall opening located.
  4. The wall openingA single opening, with the slope the drain needs to flow outside.
  5. The outdoor unitSet on a stand raised above the snow, with the clearances the manufacturer requires.
  6. Lines, cable and drainConnected, insulated and protected. The opening is then sealed against water, cold air and insects.
  7. The electrical workA dedicated circuit and an accessible disconnect near the outdoor unit.
  8. Tests and start-upLeak test, vacuum, then start-up and a check of heating and cooling.
  9. The walkthroughRemote, modes, filters: we show you the essentials before we leave.
Your numbers

What would it look like at your place?

Two quick checks with real numbers: what heat costs, and what your current heaters add up to in BTU/h.

Size checkYour baseboards, in BTU/h
–BTU/h of installed electric heat

    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.

    Mistakes avoided

    Four mistakes we do not make

    Flip each card to see what we do instead.

    Going further

    Your own project, step by step

    Through the seasons

    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.
    At your place

    Is your home ready?

    Check what applies at your place. A "no" is not a refusal: it is what we sort out during the estimate.

    0 / 6 checked
    True or false

    Four statements: true or false?

    It all comes down to details you have just seen.

    1. In heating mode, the outdoor unit can produce water.

    2. You pick the capacity with a simple square-footage rule.

    3. A multi-zone connects several indoor heads to a single condenser.

    4. The disconnect can sit behind the patio furniture.

    Frequently asked questions

    What people ask us about this kind of work

    12 questions
    Does a wall-mounted heat pump heat in winter?
    Yes, it heats and cools. Its capacity drops in very cold weather; the operating range depends on the model and is listed on its spec sheet.
    Wall-mounted or multi-zone: how do I choose?
    One wall head and one condenser outside: the direct solution for a room or an open area. For two to five rooms, a multi-zone puts one head in each room on a single condenser.
    Where does the outdoor unit go?
    Where it stays above the snow, clear and accessible, away from walkways. We decide it with you during the estimate.
    Are there grants?
    Depending on the model and your situation, assistance programs may apply, including Hydro-Québec's LogisVert. AirGreen checks the model number before quoting an amount. See the grants.
    Do I need a permit?
    Rules vary from city to city: location, distances, noise. See permits and by-laws, and we check for your address.
    How cold can it heat?
    It depends on the model. According to Hydro-Québec, newer models work down to a temperature between −15 °C and −25 °C, and some cold-climate models are certified lower. The minimum temperature is on each unit's spec sheet.
    How much can I save?
    Hydro-Québec says a heat pump can be up to three times more efficient than baseboards for heating in the colder months. The result depends on the house, the climate and how it is used.
    How is the LogisVert assistance calculated?
    For ENERGY STAR cold-climate certified heat pumps, Hydro-Québec lists assistance of $120 per 1,000 BTU/h of heating capacity at −8 °C. AirGreen checks the exact model before quoting an amount; only Hydro-Québec confirms the assistance granted. See the grants.
    Is it noisy?
    The sound level depends on the model and is listed in decibels on each unit's spec sheet. Location matters too: when possible, we avoid putting the outdoor unit under a bedroom window.
    The outdoor unit is covered in ice: is that normal?
    Some frost is: the unit runs defrost cycles. Never hit the ice. If the unit stays iced up or stops heating, call us.
    Does AirGreen hold the required licences?
    Yes. AirGreen holds RBQ licence 5645-9605-01, subclasses 15.8 Ventilation, 15.10 Refrigeration and 16 Electricity.
    Is the estimate free?
    Yes. The on-site estimate is free and the quote follows within 24 hours. Book my free estimate.

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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).

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