Installation of a GREE CHARMO R32 Mini Split Wall-Mounted Heat Pump in Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, Laval

An HVAC Installation During Renovation: Precision, Coordination, and On-Site Adaptation

In Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, in eastern Laval, our AirGreen team installed a GREE CHARMO R32 wall-mounted heat pump in a residence undergoing interior renovation. This type of project requires a very different approach from a standard installation in an already finished house: walls are open in places, some moldings are not yet completed, door openings are in transition, and several trades may be working in the same space.

The construction site image clearly shows a real renovation context: a ladder in the adjacent room, wall openings to be completed, an exposed framing section, visible ducts before finishing, as well as an indoor unit still protected by its plastic film. This detail is important because it illustrates a precise stage of the process: the appliance is already installed and positioned, but the site has not yet received all its architectural finishes.

For the client, the objective was clear: to benefit from a modern, efficient, and discreet heating and air conditioning system, while integrating the installation at the right time in the work. By intervening during the renovation, we were able to coordinate the routing of pipes, the positioning of the unit, and the preparation of finishes with much more flexibility than an installation carried out afterward.

Why the location choice was strategic

The GREE CHARMO R32 indoor unit was installed high up, above an opening between two living areas. This choice is never made by chance. In a residence in Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, as in several houses in Laval, interior divisions can sometimes limit natural air circulation. Installing a wall-mounted heat pump in the right place allows for better distribution of tempered air to adjacent spaces, while avoiding visually cluttering a room.

In this project, the chosen location offered several advantages:

• favorable air distribution to the main area;
• a high position to free up useful wall space;
• better integration above an existing opening;
• a more direct path for refrigerant lines;
• an installation consistent with planned finishing work.

The clearance near the ceiling, however, had to be carefully evaluated. A wall unit requires enough space to ensure good air return, adequate access to filters, and future maintenance without complications. Even though the site was not finished, our technicians anticipated the next steps: painting, framing finish, moldings, wall repair, and possible cladding of the ducts.

A construction site where every detail counts

Installing a wall-mounted air conditioner or a wall-mounted heat pump in a renovation context requires excellent building understanding. Unlike a simple installation on a free wall, here, it was necessary to deal with a door opening, a partially prepared wall, a nearby ceiling section, as well as future interior finishes.

Our technicians paid particular attention to several elements:

The wall structure

Before fixing the indoor unit, it was necessary to confirm the solidity of the support. A wall-mounted heat pump must be installed on a stable, perfectly level base, capable of supporting the unit long-term without vibration. In a renovated house, some walls may have been modified recently. It is therefore essential not to rely solely on the appearance of the surface.

Duct routing

In the image, we can see the ducts running to the left of the unit. This step requires precise technical coordination, as the refrigerant lines, condensation drain, and communication wiring must follow an efficient, safe, and compliant path with good HVAC installation practices.

Incorrect routing can lead to several problems: inefficient drainage, noise, loss of performance, difficulty accessing during future HVAC maintenance, or more difficult wall finishing for the client. Our goal was therefore to plan a clear, accessible, and compatible path with the finishing work.

Protecting the appliance during work

The indoor unit is still covered with its protective film. On an active construction site, this is an essential detail. Drywall dust, wood particles, paint residue, or handling around the appliance can damage a new unit if it is not protected. At AirGreen, we attach great importance to this step, because a well-executed installation is not limited to making the appliance work: it must also deliver a clean and durable result.

The GREE CHARMO R32: a wall-mounted heat pump well adapted to residential needs in Laval

The GREE CHARMO R32 model is a wall-mounted mini split solution that responds very well to the needs of homeowners looking for a good balance between comfort, efficiency, and aesthetic integration. Its use of R32 refrigerant is a notable asset, as this refrigerant is recognized for its energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact compared to some older generations of refrigerants.

An effective solution for heating and air conditioning

In a residence in Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, a well-sized wall-mounted heat pump can improve comfort throughout the year. In summer, it acts as a wall-mounted air conditioner, quickly lowering the temperature and better controlling humidity. In winter, it provides effective heating in the served area, which can reduce the reliance on traditional electric heating.

The client thus benefits from a versatile system:

• effective air conditioning during warm periods;
• efficient heating for a large part of the cold season;
• better temperature stability;
• quiet operation;
• simple and quick control of the served area;
• optimized consumption thanks to inverter technology.

Inverter technology allows the appliance to modulate its capacity instead of operating solely by on-off cycles. This promotes a more constant temperature, fewer uncomfortable variations, and better energy efficiency under normal operating conditions.

A capacity adapted to the room, not just the surface area

A common mistake when choosing a heat pump is to select an appliance based solely on square footage. In reality, several factors must be taken into account:

• insulation level;
• ceiling height;
• solar orientation;
• number and size of windows;
• type of rooms served;
• air circulation between zones;
• presence of other heating sources;
• ongoing or planned renovation work.

In this project in Laval, the analysis of the location was particularly important, as the unit is installed in a passageway between two spaces. The positioning maximizes air distribution without creating an uncomfortable direct jet on occupants.

An installation that prepares for long-term comfort

The real advantage of an installation during renovations is the ability to plan for the future. We can better choose the routing of ducts, reduce aesthetic compromises, coordinate wall repairs, and avoid having to reopen already finished surfaces.

In this specific case, the installation was designed to harmonize with the subsequent stages of the construction site. Once the walls are closed, the frames completed, and the painting finished, the GREE CHARMO R32 unit will integrate much more discreetly into the space.

Technical challenges specific to this installation

This project in Saint-Vincent-de-Paul presented several challenges typical of residential renovations in Laval.

Working around existing openings

The unit is installed near a door opening, which requires great precision. Incorrect positioning could have adversely affected the frame finish, created a visual imbalance, or complicated air circulation.

Planning the finish around the ducts

The routing of the ducts had to consider the current state of the construction site and the desired final result. In some projects, ducts can be concealed in moldings, in a wall drop, or through a clean exterior path. Here, the priority was to maintain consistent access while allowing interior work to proceed correctly.

Keeping the unit clean during work

Renovation dust is one of the most common enemies of newly installed HVAC systems. Even if the appliance is new, prolonged exposure to drywall dust can clog filters, fins, and certain components. This is why temporary protection of the unit and commissioning at the right time are important steps.

Ensuring reliable drainage

Every wall-mounted air conditioner produces condensation in cooling mode. The drain must therefore be installed with an adequate slope and a path that limits the risk of backflow. Poor drain management can cause water leaks, wall stains, or humidity problems. Our technicians always rigorously check this point before finalizing an installation.

Practical advice for homeowners undergoing renovation

For homeowners in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, or the South Shore who are considering installing a heat pump during renovations, this project offers several useful lessons.

Plan HVAC installation before closing walls

When a wall is already open or a room is under construction, it is often the best time to integrate an HVAC solution. This can reduce finishing costs, improve the final appearance, and facilitate duct routing.

Do not choose the location solely for aesthetics

A wall unit must be aesthetic, but above all, it must function well. The location must promote good air circulation, easy access to filters, and a compliant installation.

Protect the appliance until the end of the work

Even after installation, it is preferable to keep the unit protected as long as dusty work is not finished. A final cleaning and a complete check then ensure commissioning under good conditions.

Request a professional evaluation

A poorly sized or misplaced system can be noisy, less efficient, or uncomfortable. At AirGreen, we always analyze the real context before recommending a model or location.

Subsidies and potential eligibility

GREE wall-mounted heat pump models using R32 may, depending on the exact configuration, be eligible for certain financial assistance programs, especially when the appliance meets the required criteria. Subsidies such as those associated with Hydro-Québec can represent a significant advantage for homeowners who wish to modernize their heating and air conditioning system.

At AirGreen, we help our clients understand the applicable criteria, necessary documents, and steps to follow after installation. Final eligibility always depends on the exact model, its certified performance, and the conditions of the program in effect at the time of the project.

AirGreen's experience on similar projects

We regularly carry out installations of wall-mounted heat pumps, mini splits, and wall-mounted air conditioners in comparable contexts: renovated houses in Laval, condos in Montreal, duplexes in Longueuil, family residences on the North Shore, and renovated properties on the South Shore.

In several projects, the difficulty does not only come from the appliance but from the surrounding environment: old walls, limited access, co-ownership constraints, low ceilings, complex duct passages, or simultaneous work by other contractors. Our experience allows us to anticipate these issues before they become problems.

In Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, this installation of the GREE CHARMO R32 perfectly demonstrates this know-how: intervening cleanly in a transitional space, installing the equipment in the right place, protecting the unit during work, and preparing a durable final result.

What the client gains with this installation

Once the work is completed, the client will benefit from a discreet, efficient, and well-integrated system. The benefits will be particularly noticeable during rapid temperature changes, common in Quebec.

The main expected advantages:

• more stable comfort in the served area;
• rapid air conditioning on hot days;
• efficient auxiliary heating in the cold season;
• possible reduction in consumption related to traditional heating;
• precise temperature control;
• installation designed for the final appearance of the room.

A successful installation begins before startup

For AirGreen, a good installation is not limited to when the appliance turns on. It begins with the building analysis, continues with the choice of location, is confirmed by the quality of the duct routing, and then ends with performance, drainage, and operational checks.

In this GREE CHARMO R32 wall-mounted heat pump project in Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, every decision was made to ensure a reliable, clean, and appropriate result for the ongoing renovation. It is this rigor that makes the difference between a merely functional installation and a truly durable one.