In several homes in Sainte-Dorothée, the stairwell acts like a thermal chimney: warm air rises quickly to the upper floor in winter, and humidity and heat accumulate there in summer. This is precisely why our clients contacted us: they wanted a reliable, discreet, and effective solution to stabilize the temperature between the ground floor and the upper floor, without turning the house into a construction site.
At AirGreen , we proposed and installed a Gree FreeMatch wall-mounted heat pump (multi-zone solution), with an indoor wall unit strategically positioned high up in the stairwell . This type of placement, when properly managed, allows for a very natural distribution of air conditioning and heating to several adjacent zones.
Why a Gree FreeMatch in a stairwell in Laval?
The stairwell is a crucial point: it connects the air spaces between floors. As a result:
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In winter , the upper floor is often too hot and the ground floor is cooler;
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In summer , heat and humidity rise and stagnate upstairs, especially at the end of the day;
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Air circulation becomes unpredictable depending on sunlight, closed doors, and the flow rate of the existing ventilation system.
The Gree FreeMatch is particularly interesting in these houses because it allows a multi-zone approach: one or more indoor units (wall-mounted, console, etc.) can be powered from the same outdoor configuration, which helps to balance comfort without multiplying visible equipment.
Type of machine installed
Here, we are clearly dealing with a wall-mounted heat pump (mini-split / wall unit) , in a typical residential context in Greater Montreal.
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Type: Wall-mounted heat pump
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Brand (supplied manually): Gree FreeMatch
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Model: Gree FreeMatch configuration (multi-zone) – wall-mounted indoor unit (exact model not visible in the photo; selection consistent with the residential FreeMatch range)
A technical location… but excellent for comfort
In the photo, the indoor unit is installed very high on a stairwell wall , near the ceiling, above the landing. This choice is not just aesthetic: it's a performance decision.
What this location actually offers
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Better airflow range : at higher altitudes, the airflow spreads further and naturally follows the vertical circulation.
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Reduction of temperature differences : the treated air is distributed better between levels, especially when the bedroom doors are not constantly open.
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Stable comfort during difficult periods: heat waves, thaws, extreme cold, windy days when the house is "working".
The constraints that AirGreen systematically manages
Installing in a stairwell requires a proper method, because you can't improvise:
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Safe access (ladders, step protection, working at height).
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Clearances : respecting distances for optimal air intake and to avoid recirculation.
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Flap orientation : adjusted so as not to blow directly into the stairwell (discomfort) while pushing air towards useful areas.
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Condensate drain : slope, securing, prevention of odor return and micro-leaks.
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Clean finishes : connection points, sealing, clean joints, respect for moldings and angles.
Prominent installation details observable
Even without seeing the exterior, certain elements are very telling:
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Compact wall-mounted indoor unit , installed close to the ceiling to maximize diffusion.
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Single-family residential context / suburban house (wooden railing, upholstered staircase, significant vertical volume).
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Wall-mounted control/remote control holder visible, positioned within reach for quick adjustments.
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Clear wall around the unit , which is ideal for maintenance (filters, periodic cleaning, inspection).
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Installation focused on discretion : no massive cable tray at first glance, the whole thing is understated and consistent with the interior.
Why we often recommend FreeMatch for Laval and the West Island
In areas like Sainte-Dorothée, Chomedey, Fabreville, or even the West Island, houses often have:
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open areas (living room/kitchen) + bedrooms upstairs;
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central stairwells;
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marked differences between the sunny facade and the shaded side.
A Gree FreeMatch solution makes it possible to envision "smart" comfort:
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an indoor unit in the stairwell or open area for basic comfort ;
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and, if necessary, one or two other units in key rooms (master bedroom, basement, office), without going back to a completely central system.
Expected results after installation
In this type of configuration, the goal is generally to:
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More uniform temperature between the ground floor and upper floor
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Humidity is better controlled during the summer months.
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Faster comfort during typical Quebec weather variations
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Reduced reliance on electric baseboard heaters (if present) during the shoulder seasons and part of the winter
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Simple to use on a daily basis (automatic modes, adjustments via remote control)
Best practices for use (AirGreen tips)
To get the most out of a wall-mounted heat pump in a stairwell:
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Maintain a stable temperature setting (avoid extreme morning/evening variations).
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Keep strategic doors (often the upper ones) ajar during critical hours to help traffic flow.
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Clean the filters regularly (especially if the stairwell collects dust and fibers).
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In summer, use the air conditioning mode with a blowing angle that does not directly hit the occupants on the steps or landing.
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Schedule periodic maintenance : an elevated unit deserves careful professional cleaning to maintain airflow and quality.
What AirGreen brings to this type of project
A stairwell installation is the kind of detail where experience makes all the difference. At AirGreen, we focus on:
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Choosing the right location (performance + comfort + aesthetics)
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Clean and safe installation at height
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Rigorous management of the drain and perforations
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Complete commissioning (tests, flow rate validation, shutter adjustments)
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Clear explanations so that the customer can use their system effectively from day one.
Conclusion
This Gree FreeMatch installation in Sainte-Dorothée (Laval) perfectly illustrates a very common reality in residential buildings: the stairwell is not just a passageway, it's a thermal control point. By installing a wall unit in the right place , you get more consistent comfort, more efficient air conditioning, and more pleasant heating for much of the year—all with a discreet, modern solution adapted to the lifestyle of families in Greater Montreal.