Installation of a GREE LIVO R32 Wall-Mounted Heat Pump in Sainte-Julie: a Discreet Mini Split Air Conditioner Above a Bright Staircase
AirGreen installs a GREE LIVO R32 wall-mounted heat pump in Sainte-Julie in a bright entrance with stairs, for discreet, efficient HVAC comfort adapted to homes on the South Shore.
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The job on one screen
The unit’s data sheet
The range as published on airgreen.ca: pick a size to see its capacity in deep cold.
| Size | Heating at −8 °C | Heating at −15 °C | Coldest certified point | COP at −15 °C | SEER | HSPF | Indicative LogisVert aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gree Livo R32 9 000 (115 V) | 10,000 | 7,600 | −25 °C: 5,700 | 1.86 | 20.5 | 8.8 | – |
| Gree Livo R32 9 000 | 9,600 | 7,600 | −25 °C: 5,500 | 1.94 | 20.5 | 8.8 | – |
| Gree Livo R32 12 000 (115 V) | 9,700 | 8,500 | −25 °C: 6,500 | 1.75 | 19.0 | 8.5 | – |
| Gree Livo R32 12 000 | 9,700 | 9,100 | −25 °C: 6,500 | 1.8 | 19.0 | 8.5 | $1,164 |
| Gree Livo R32 18 000 | 15,300 | 12,100 | −25 °C: 10,200 | 1.85 | 20.0 | 8.5 | $1,836 |
| Gree Livo R32 24 000 | 19,200 | 15,700 | −25 °C: 10,500 | 1.75 | 19.0 | 8.5 | $2,304 |
| Gree Livo R32 30 000 | 24,000 | 23,000 | −25 °C: 16,900 | 1.8 | 22.0 | 9.0 | $2,880 |
| Gree Livo R32 36 000 | 27,400 | 24,600 | −25 °C: 21,000 | 1.8 | 21.0 | 8.5 | $3,288 |
According to NEEP, it delivers 10,000 BTU/h at −8 °C (17 °F), as much as at 8 °C. It heats as hard in moderate cold as in mild weather.
According to NEEP, its certified maximum capacity at −25 °C (−13 °F) is 5,700 BTU/h, 63% of its nominal 9,000 BTU size.
At 8 °C, its certified maximum capacity reaches 13,300 BTU/h, 48% more than its nominal 9,000 BTU size.
According to NEEP, its COP at −15 °C is 1.94: the highest of the Livo R32 line, which ranges from 1.75 to 1.86 at that temperature.
According to NEEP, its certified maximum capacity at −25 °C (−13 °F) is 5,500 BTU/h, 61% of its nominal 9,000 BTU size.
At 8 °C, its certified maximum capacity reaches 13,136 BTU/h, 46% more than its nominal 9,000 BTU size.
According to NEEP, it delivers 8,500 BTU/h at −15 °C, against 9,100 for the Gree Livo R32 12 000.
At −25 °C, its certified minimum capacity is 1,800 BTU/h (3,070 at 8 °C). It slows down instead of cycling on and off.
According to NEEP, its certified heating capacity at −15 °C (5 °F) is 8,500 BTU/h, 71% of its nominal 12,000 BTU size. Its COP there is 1.75.
According to NEEP, it delivers 9,100 BTU/h at −15 °C, against 8,500 for the Gree Livo R32 12 000 (115 V).
At −25 °C, its certified minimum capacity is 1,800 BTU/h (3,070 at 8 °C). It slows down instead of cycling on and off.
According to NEEP, its certified heating capacity at −15 °C (5 °F) is 9,100 BTU/h, 76% of its nominal 12,000 BTU size. Its COP there is 1.80.
At 8 °C, its certified maximum capacity reaches 22,500 BTU/h, 25% more than its nominal 18,000 BTU size.
According to NEEP, its certified minimum capacity is at least 7,000 BTU/h at every temperature. In a small, well-insulated room it will cycle on and off more often: size it carefully.
According to NEEP, its certified heating capacity at −15 °C (5 °F) is 12,100 BTU/h, 67% of its nominal 18,000 BTU size. Its COP there is 1.85.
At −25 °C, its certified minimum capacity is 3,100 BTU/h (5,800 at 8 °C). It slows down instead of cycling on and off.
According to NEEP, its certified heating capacity at −15 °C (5 °F) is 15,700 BTU/h, 65% of its nominal 24,000 BTU size. Its COP there is 1.75.
According to NEEP, its certified heating capacity at −15 °C (5 °F) is 23,000 BTU/h, 77% of its nominal 30,000 BTU size. Its COP there is 1.80.
According to NEEP, its COP at −25 °C is 1.54: the highest of the Livo R32 line, which ranges from 1.30 to 1.52 at that temperature.
At −25 °C, its certified minimum capacity is 7,000 BTU/h (10,000 at 8 °C). It slows down instead of cycling on and off.
According to NEEP, its certified heating capacity at −15 °C (5 °F) is 24,600 BTU/h, 68% of its nominal 36,000 BTU size. Its COP there is 1.80.
Data read live from the airgreen.ca page of each size (NEEP / AHRI certified performance). When the title names the installed size, it is highlighted; otherwise the whole range is shown. The aid shown is today’s, using Hydro-Québec’s rule ($120 per 1,000 BTU/h at −8 °C); amounts quoted in the article date from its publication. Only Hydro-Québec confirms the assistance granted.A dash in the aid column: amount to be confirmed for this model.
The article, chapter by chapter
A GREE LIVO R32 wall installation designed for an open, glazed entrance exposed to temperature variations
In this residence in Sainte-Julie, the AirGreen team carried out the HVAC installation of a GREE LIVO R32 wall-mounted heat pump, also used as a mini split wall air conditioner, in a space where location was as important as performance. The photo clearly shows the main challenge: a unit installed high above an interior staircase, between large glass surfaces and an entrance door, in an area where natural light is abundant and temperature variations can be felt quickly.
This type of environment is common in newer homes in Sainte-Julie, especially in constructions with higher ceilings, open entrances, large windows, and vertical air circulation between levels. The goal was not just to add an air conditioning unit. It was necessary to integrate a clean, efficient HVAC solution, well positioned and capable of improving comfort without compromising the carefully designed aesthetics of the space.
The GREE LIVO R32 was selected for its compact wall-mounted design, quiet operation, and use of the refrigerant R32, an increasingly popular choice in modern wall-mounted heat pump systems. In this project, the unit had to meet a very specific need: efficiently cooling an open area exposed to the sun, stabilizing the temperature near the entrance, and contributing to the overall comfort of the home without creating unpleasant drafts in the staircase.
A strategic position above the staircase
Installation above a staircase requires different planning than a standard wall mount in a living room or bedroom. Here, the indoor unit had to be installed quite high to promote good air distribution while remaining accessible for HVAC maintenance, filter cleaning, and future interventions.
At AirGreen, we always analyze the room before fixing the final location of a heat pump. In this specific case, several elements had to be taken into account:
- the available wall height;
- the proximity to the windows and the main entrance door;
- the natural circulation of air towards the staircase;
- the direction of the airflow to avoid discomfort;
- the visual integration with the architectural lines of the house;
- the possibility to route the pipes cleanly and safely.
The choice of the visible location in the photo allows the GREE unit to project air into an open area, without blocking passage, without encroaching on the windows, and without breaking the visual balance of the entrance. The device naturally integrates with the white wall, resulting in a discreet appearance despite its central position.
Why a wall-mounted heat pump is relevant in a glass entrance
Glass entrances and spaces with large windows are very pleasant to live in, but they also impose thermal constraints. In summer, the sun can quickly raise the temperature. In mid-season, the difference between the air near the windows and the air in the center of the house can create a feeling of discomfort. In winter, even with good glazing, the area near the door can become cooler.
A GREE LIVO R32 wall-mounted heat pump helps better manage these variations. In cooling mode, it helps evacuate the heat accumulated in the space. In heating mode, it can help maintain a more stable temperature, depending on the house configuration and the client’s needs.
In this installation in Sainte-Julie, the height positioning was particularly advantageous. The treated air can spread throughout the open space rather than being concentrated in a closed corner. For a house where the entrance connects to other traffic areas, this detail greatly improves the perceived comfort quality.
A clean installation in a highly visible space
A staircase, a main entrance, and a glass area leave little room for aesthetic mistakes. A poorly aligned installation, badly positioned visible pipes, or a unit placed too low can quickly harm the appearance of the space. That’s why our technicians paid special attention to the precision of the installation.
The indoor unit was installed straight, centered, and consistent with the wall’s volume. The final result is understated: the device is visible but does not dominate the room. The white finish of the GREE LIVO R32 blends with the wall, while the mounting height keeps the floor space completely clear.
This kind of detail is part of our approach at AirGreen. A good HVAC installation is not limited to mechanical operation. It must also respect the interior architecture, the client’s habits, and the actual use of each room.
The technical challenges of a high installation
Installing a wall-mounted heat pump above a staircase involves strict safety measures. Access is more complex, tools must be handled precisely, and the mounting must be perfectly stable. Before proceeding, our team checks the wall’s solidity, the necessary clearance around the unit, and the ideal airflow direction.
The installation must also consider condensate drainage. In air conditioning, the indoor unit produces condensation water that must be properly drained. An adequate slope, a well-planned route, and a clean finish are essential to avoid long-term problems. In a visible space like this, improvised solutions that could cause stains, noise, or repeated interventions must also be avoided.
Our technicians worked with a simple logic: keep the installation efficient, stable, discreet, and durable. This is exactly the kind of project where field experience matters. A high wall mount may seem simple in a photo, but it requires precise execution for the system to function properly for years.
GREE LIVO R32: a choice suited to residential needs
The GREE LIVO R32 range is popular in residential projects because it combines a convenient wall-mounted format, a simple aesthetic, and technology suited to common heating and air conditioning needs. The refrigerant R32 is one of the key elements of this generation of devices. It is used in several modern heat pump and wall air conditioner systems, especially to meet new expectations for efficiency and more contemporary HVAC equipment design.
In a home in Sainte-Julie, where the seasons require both cooling and supplemental heating, this type of unit offers interesting flexibility. It can be used during hot days, humid periods, cool spring evenings, and fall transitions. Comfort no longer depends solely on the central system or electric baseboards: the client gets direct control in a strategic area of the house.
The exact BTU capacity must always be validated according to the area, insulation, sun exposure, number of windows, ceiling height, and interior layout. In this project, space analysis was essential because an open entry with stairs is not calculated like a traditional closed room. An undersized unit would have worked too long without stabilizing the temperature. An oversized unit could have created short cycles and less even comfort.
What this installation in Sainte-Julie shows homeowners in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, and South Shore
This project clearly illustrates a reality we often see at AirGreen: the best location for a wall-mounted heat pump is not always the most obvious at first glance. Many clients initially think of installing the unit in the living room, above a window, or on the most free wall. But in an open house, the right decision depends on air circulation, ceiling height, and how the occupants use the space.
In Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore and the South Shore, we regularly work in homes where interior architecture requires more technical choices. Stairwells, entry walls, mezzanines, and open areas demand a complete understanding of the building. This project in Sainte-Julie shows how a well-thought-out installation can improve comfort while maintaining a visually clean result.
Mistakes to avoid in this type of installation
An installation above a staircase or near an entryway should never be improvised. Several mistakes can compromise the system's comfort or durability.
Installing the unit too low
A unit placed too low in an entryway can create direct airflow on occupants, interfere with door openings, or unbalance the wall's appearance. In this project, the chosen height allows better air distribution and keeps the device out of traffic areas.
Neglecting solar exposure
The large windows visible in the photo bring in a lot of natural light. They can also increase the thermal load in summer. When sizing, this additional heat must be taken into account. A successful HVAC installation starts with a good understanding of the real environment, not just an area estimate.
Forgetting future maintenance
Even when the unit is installed high up, it must remain accessible. Filters need to be cleaned, the unit must be inspectable, and periodic maintenance must remain possible. At AirGreen, we always think about post-installation because a well-maintained system maintains better performance and offers more consistent comfort.
Choosing a location just to hide the ducts
It is sometimes tempting to place a unit on the easiest wall to reduce the length of the ducts. This logic can result in a less efficient installation. Our approach is to balance efficiency, aesthetics, technical feasibility, and durability.
The comfort felt after installation
After starting up, the goal was to check the air distribution in the space and the room's response. In an open entryway, comfort is not only measured near the device. You have to observe the feeling on the stairs, near the windows, close to the door, and in adjacent areas.
The desired result was more stable air, a reduction of heat accumulated near the glazing, and quiet operation. The integrated light display on the unit, visible in the photo, gives the customer a quick reading of the set temperature. The whole system remains simple to use daily, which is important for a family that wants comfort without complexity.
An AirGreen approach based on the true context of the home
Each wall heat pump project is different. Two houses of the same size may require two different solutions if one has an open staircase, large windows, or an orientation more exposed to the sun. That is why we avoid generic recommendations.
For this GREE installation in Sainte-Julie, our team considered the entire context: wall height, interior circulation, aesthetics, comfort near the entrance, access constraints, and connection possibilities. This level of analysis allows for an installation that works well and looks natural in the home.
Our experience on the South Shore, in Montreal, in Laval, in Longueuil, and on the North Shore allows us to quickly recognize common pitfalls. In condos, townhouses, renovated bungalows, or new constructions, the constraints change, but the method remains the same: listen to the need, analyze the building, and install with precision.
Subsidies, performance, and technical validation
For homeowners considering the installation of a heat pump or a wall air conditioner in Quebec, subsidies can play an important role in the decision. Eligibility depends on the exact model, serial number, capacity, certified efficiency, and the criteria in effect at the time of installation. For a GREE LIVO R32, AirGreen verifies the applicable information at the time of the quote to avoid any confusion.
We assist our clients in understanding the available options, especially when programs like provincial aids or incentives related to energy efficiency may apply. The most important rule is simple: never rely solely on the commercial name of a device. You must validate the exact combination of the indoor unit, the outdoor unit, and the corresponding technical data.
Why call on AirGreen for this type of project
An installation like this requires more than a quality device. It requires a team capable of working cleanly in a finished space, securing work at height, respecting the home's aesthetics, and delivering a reliable system.
At AirGreen, we carry out installations of wall-mounted heat pumps, wall air conditioners, multi-zone systems, and HVAC solutions throughout the greater Montreal area. Our strength is especially evident in projects where placement is tricky: stairs, narrow walls, glass houses, condos with restrictions, renovated buildings, and open spaces that are difficult to balance.
In this residence in Sainte-Julie, the GREE LIVO R32 was installed with a clean finish, logical orientation, and special attention to air distribution. This is the kind of result we aim for in every project: a well-chosen device, a neat installation, real comfort, and integration that respects the home.
Practical advice for homeowners
Before buying a wall-mounted heat pump, it is best to have the space evaluated by a specialist. A photo can help, but it does not replace a complete analysis of the house. Ceiling height, insulation, window orientation, stair location, and lifestyle habits directly influence the choice of model and its placement.
For homeowners in Sainte-Julie, Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore, this installation shows that a well-planned project can transform the comfort of an often overlooked area: the main entrance. With a GREE LIVO R32 wall-mounted heat pump, the client gets a discreet, practical solution adapted to the architecture of their home.
The job tools
Two quick checks with real numbers: what heat costs, and what your current heaters add up to in BTU/h.
Baseboards and electric furnaces turn 1 kWh of electricity into 1 kWh of heat. A heat pump delivers more: that is its COP. At Hydro-Québec’s rate D (11.142¢/kWh above 40 kWh a day, since 1 April 2026):
Hydro-Québec: a heat pump can be up to three times more efficient than baseboards for heating in the colder months.
Estimate per kWh of heat, at the chosen temperature, using the certified COP from the product page. Taxes, access charge and backup heat not included.
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.
How the job unfolds
The main steps of this kind of job at AirGreen. Every house has its quirks: the estimate brings them out.
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.
Model, capacity and price, in writing. We also check whether the model qualifies for assistance programs.
Floors and furniture protected, wall plate position marked level, wall opening located.
A single opening, with the slope the drain needs to flow outside.
Set on a stand raised above the snow, with the clearances the manufacturer requires.
Connected, insulated and protected. The opening is then sealed against water, cold air and insects.
A dedicated circuit and an accessible disconnect near the outdoor unit.
Leak test, vacuum, then start-up and a check of heating and cooling.
Remote, modes, filters: we show you the essentials before we leave.
- 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.
- The quoteModel, capacity and price, in writing. We also check whether the model qualifies for assistance programs.
- Getting readyFloors and furniture protected, wall plate position marked level, wall opening located.
- The wall openingA single opening, with the slope the drain needs to flow outside.
- The outdoor unitSet on a stand raised above the snow, with the clearances the manufacturer requires.
- Lines, cable and drainConnected, insulated and protected. The opening is then sealed against water, cold air and insects.
- The electrical workA dedicated circuit and an accessible disconnect near the outdoor unit.
- Tests and start-upLeak test, vacuum, then start-up and a check of heating and cooling.
- The walkthroughRemote, modes, filters: we show you the essentials before we leave.
What we check on a job like this one
Each number is a point we check on site. Switch between summer and winter to watch air and heat move.
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.
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.
The refrigerant lines, the communication cable and the drain go through the wall in a single opening, sealed against water, cold air and insects.
Two insulated copper pipes connect the two units. Outside, a line cover can protect them from sun, knocks and weather.
A shut-off switch near the outdoor unit isolates it safely for service. It must stay accessible at all times.
The compressor and the fan. In heating mode it captures heat from the outdoor air, even in winter, and moves it inside.
On the ground or on the wall, it keeps the unit above accumulated snow. The unit stays clear and defrost water can drain away.
The fan needs to blow freely. Storage, a fence or a wall too close, and efficiency drops while noise goes up.
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.
Good habits, once the unit is in place
Six simple habits that keep the unit going. Your list stays on this device.
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.
- Clean the filters more often when the unit runs a lot.
- Keep plants away from the outdoor unit.
- Check that no water drips from the indoor unit.
- Rake the leaves around the outdoor unit.
- Test heating before the first cold days.
- Book periodic maintenance before winter.
- Keep snow away from the stand and the front of the unit.
- Let the unit defrost: it is normal.
- Never hit the ice on the fins; call us if the unit stays iced up.
The right pages, at the right time
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.
During defrost cycles. That water must drain away without forming ice.
2. You pick the capacity with a simple square-footage rule.
Windows, insulation, orientation and how the room is used all count. Capacity is chosen on site.
3. A multi-zone connects several indoor heads to a single condenser.
One head per room, all on the same condenser. Each room keeps its own temperature.
4. The disconnect can sit behind the patio furniture.
It must stay accessible: it is what shuts the unit off for service.
0 / 4 right answers
What people ask us about this kind of work
Does a wall-mounted heat pump heat in winter?
Wall-mounted or multi-zone: how do I choose?
Where does the outdoor unit go?
Are there grants?
Do I need a permit?
How cold can it heat?
How much can I save?
How is the LogisVert assistance calculated?
Is it noisy?
The outdoor unit is covered in ice: is that normal?
Does AirGreen hold the required licences?
Is the estimate free?
No question matches. Write to us: we answer.
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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).