A clean and neat HVAC addition on a typical Montreal brick facade, designed for four-season comfort
Project context and client objectives
In a plex in Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie , a homeowner wanted to stabilize the temperature of his home year-round while reducing his energy costs. We offered him a GREE wall-mounted heat pump (R32 series) , sized for the main living areas, with excellent heating performance in cold weather and efficient air conditioning during heat waves. The priorities: discreet HVAC installation on a brick facade, simplified maintenance, and reliability in Montreal winters.
Equipment Choice: Why GREE in R-32
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R-32 refrigerant : more efficient than R-410A at equivalent charge, with better seasonal efficiency.
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Extreme cold operating range depending on the series: maintaining good heating capacities below zero, ideal for Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore .
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Quiet operation : large propeller outdoor unit + inverter compressor for low noise levels in the courtyard.
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Energy saving : fine modulation of the compressor avoiding on/off cycles, guaranteeing comfort and durability.
We remain in the recent GREE R-32 family (Livo, Vireo, Charmo, etc.), which guarantees available parts and modern controls (remote control, wifi control depending on configuration).
Feasibility study and route of connections
Before any breakthrough, we validate:
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Total length of refrigeration connections and power cable.
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Working heights on brick facade with flagstone floor.
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Condenser position for optimal air release and easy snow removal in winter.
The chosen route favors a low horizontal path along the basement, then a vertical climb to the entry point. This route:
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limits breakthroughs in the brick,
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protects connections from shocks,
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makes maintenance easier.
Salient installation details
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Support : the outdoor unit is fixed on galvanized wall brackets with silent blocks to decouple vibrations from the masonry and to free the unit from the ground (practical when clearing snow).
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Connection finish : dark-colored capped path to blend into the brick; regular fixing for long-lasting resistance to freezing/thawing. Refrigerant insulation is continuous to prevent losses and condensation.
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Condensates : dedicated gravity drainage (lower white tube), which avoids the addition of a pump in this specific case and simplifies maintenance.
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Piercing : a single clean passage through the envelope, sealed and airtight to preserve the building's energy efficiency.
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Electrical : Dedicated power supply with code-compliant circuit breaker, external service switch , and UV-resistant sheath. All positioned at an ergonomic height, without obstructing aisle traffic.
Integration into the facade and constraints resolved
Brick facade + cemented base : we fix the brackets in anchors sized for the masonry, with particular attention to the joints to preserve the integrity of the brick.
Narrow aisle : The unit is placed at a safe height that clears the passage and protects the fan from projections.
Aesthetics management : black capping and strict horizontal/vertical alignment ensure a clear visual signature.
Montreal winter : rear and front fan clearance is respected; defrosting is done without problematic accumulations thanks to the elevation and free evacuation of condensates.
Sizing and expected performance
We validate the thermal load of the accommodation based on:
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the surface to be conditioned and the orientation,
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insulation (walls, windows, roof),
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internal gains (occupancy, devices).
The result leads to a capacity in the range of 12,000 to 18,000 BTUs for the main zone. Within this range, the GREE R-32 wall-mounted series offers:
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high SEER/SEER2 coefficients for summer air conditioning,
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solid HSPF/HSPF2 coefficients for supplementary or main heating in the off-season,
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an inverter modulation that maintains a stable temperature and a comfortable humidity level .
AirGreen Installation Process, Step by Step
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Leveling the support and checking the load-bearing wall.
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Installation of the outdoor unit on brackets with level control.
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Route layout of the refrigerant connections and the communication/power cable.
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Continuous insulation and cover , with curvature radii respected to protect the compressor.
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Brazed/flared connections according to the manufacturer's recommendations, deep vacuum with micron meter and vacuum maintenance to validate the seal.
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Fluid opening and checks : superheating, subcooling, currents, pressures, and control of the direction of rotation of the fan.
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Functional test in cooling and heating modes, then customer briefing on HVAC use and maintenance.
Result: comfort, silence and savings
Once in service, the accommodation benefits from:
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precise air conditioning that avoids temperature variations,
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efficient heating on cool spring and autumn nights,
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discreet operation outdoors, without disturbing neighbors.
HVAC Maintenance and Best Practices
To maintain performance level:
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Internal filters : monthly cleaning during peak periods.
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Outdoor unit : minimum clearance of 60 cm all around; keep the bottom free of snow in winter.
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Annual inspection : checking electrical connections, pressure/temperature measurements, checking condensate drainage and the hood .
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Snow removal : avoid any accumulation in front of the fan and under the casing.
Potential Grants and Eligibility
Some high-efficiency R-32 wall-mounted heat pumps may be eligible for assistance programs in Quebec, particularly when they meet the required performance thresholds (efficient low-temperature heating, recognized certification). We support our customers in:
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collect installation evidence and technical data sheets,
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fill out the forms ,
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maximize the credits available for Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore.
Pro tips for brick facades
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Drill into joints where possible to limit the risk of cracking the brick.
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Use a dark UV capping on red brick: it is discreet and resists aging better.
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Raise the condenser : It's the best defense against drifting snow and thawing puddles.
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Preserve drainage slopes : gravity drainage prevents pump breakdowns in winter.
Why this installation is successful in Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie
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Tight sizing that fits the occupancy profile.
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An optimized, clean and easily accessible route of connections .
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An aesthetic integration on brick, without compromising on maintenance.
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Recent R-32 equipment from GREE, recognized for its reliability and efficiency in Greater Montreal.
What if we had to expand the system tomorrow?
The GREE R-32 wall-mounted series lends itself well to additions (e.g., a second head for a bedroom) by switching to a multi-zone configuration if the need evolves. We already plan the electrical power reserves and possible trajectories to remain consistent with the aesthetics of the facade.
Technical FAQs (selection)
Does the heat pump completely replace the main heating system?
Depending on the configuration and power, it can cover a large part of the needs; in very cold weather, additional heating may remain relevant depending on the building envelope.
Is the interview complex?
No. Annual HVAC maintenance by our technicians is sufficient, with regular filter cleaning by the occupant.
What about the noise?
The inverter compressor and large-diameter fan reduce noise pollution. Installation on brackets with silent blocks limits transmission to walls.
Conclusion
With this GREE wall-mounted heat pump (R-32) , the Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie homeowner benefits from stable comfort , controlled consumption , and careful exterior integration that respects the brick architecture so common in Montreal. We deliver a system ready for hot summers and harsh winters, accompanied by clear advice on maintenance and optimizing financial assistance.
Strategic keywords : heat pump , wall-mounted heat pump , GREE R-32 , HVAC installation , HVAC maintenance , Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , North Shore , South Shore , Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie .