Installation of a GREE LIVO R32 Wall-Mounted Heat Pump in Varennes – Residential Mini Split Air Conditioner by AirGreen
AirGreen installs a GREE LIVO R32 wall-mounted heat pump in Varennes: discreet mini split, neat installation above a window, precise comfort, and HVAC expertise for 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 clean, aligned wall installation designed for the comfort of a living room in Varennes
In this residence in Varennes, our AirGreen team installed a GREE LIVO R32 wall-mounted heat pump, a mini split wall air conditioner system designed to provide precise, discreet, and efficient comfort in a residential living area. The project stood out due to a well-visible indoor location: a wall unit installed above a large window, in a clean living room, with a television on the adjacent wall, an electric baseboard at the bottom of the wall, and recessed ceiling lights.
This type of environment requires special attention. A successful HVAC installation is not just about mounting a wall unit in the right place. It is necessary to consider air circulation, room aesthetics, clearances around the unit, wall structure, window orientation, the presence of an electric baseboard, and the actual comfort of occupants once the system is running.
In Varennes, the main challenge was to integrate the GREE LIVO R32 heat pump into an already well-furnished space without compromising the overall appearance of the room. The result is a clean, straight installation, well positioned and perfectly suited for daily use in heating and air conditioning.
A positioning choice that directly influences comfort
The indoor unit was installed high, above the main window. This positioning allows for effective air distribution in the room, while freeing the side walls and avoiding interference with furniture. In a living area like this, the choice of location is essential: a poorly placed unit can create areas that are too cold in summer, unpleasant drafts, or uneven heat distribution in winter.
At AirGreen, we always analyze several elements before confirming the final position of a wall-mounted heat pump:
- the available height between the window and the ceiling;
- the necessary distance to ensure proper air intake;
- the direction of the airflow;
- the presence of curtains, blinds, poles, or wall mounts;
- the proximity of existing heat sources, such as electric baseboards;
- Technical access for refrigerant lines, drainage, and future maintenance.
In this project in Varennes, the space above the window offered a logical solution, but service clearances and visual alignment still had to be respected. The GREE unit was carefully centered to avoid an unbalanced effect on the wall. The final result gives a clean and integrated impression, without visual overload.
Why the GREE LIVO R32 was suitable for this installation
The GREE LIVO R32 is an interesting solution for homeowners looking for a simple, efficient wall-mounted residential device well suited to common air conditioning and heating needs. The choice of this range is explained by its discreet format, variable speed operation, and the use of the refrigerant R32, increasingly present in new generations of mini split systems.
The exact capacity in BTU must always be confirmed based on the actual sizing of the room, not on a visual estimate. For this installation, our approach was to assess the volume to be treated, the room’s exposure, the window area, the level of insulation, and the daily use of the living room. This step is important because an oversized unit may start and stop too often, while an undersized unit risks running too long without reaching the desired comfort.
The available data for the LIVO R32 range varies depending on the capacity and configuration chosen. Some technical sheets and distributors indicate efficiencies reaching about 20.5 SEER2 and 8.8 HSPF2 depending on the models, while other R32 configurations in the LIVO range show up to 21 SEER2. These values should always be validated with the exact installed model and its AHRI number at the time of submission.
A careful installation in an already furnished room
This living room in Varennes had several visible features: a light wall, a wide window, an existing electric baseboard, a television placed on the adjacent wall, and an interior space with a minimalist style. In such a context, every detail matters. A device installed too low would have looked visually heavy. A misaligned unit would have drawn attention for the wrong reasons. Poorly planned conduit outlets could have compromised the overall finish.
Our team therefore worked with a clear priority: to carry out a clean, stable, and harmonious wall air conditioner installation. The indoor unit was firmly fixed, with precise alignment, maintaining a functional distance from the ceiling. This attention allows the device to breathe well while facilitating future interventions during HVAC maintenance.
A common mistake in wall installations is choosing only the most convenient spot to route the pipes outside, without considering indoor comfort. At AirGreen, we seek a balance between technique, performance, and appearance. The best location is rarely chosen at random: it is validated based on structure, drainage, refrigerant path, noise, aesthetics, and user experience.
The importance of drainage in an installation above a window
A point often underestimated in the installation of a wall-mounted mini split is condensation management. In cooling mode, the indoor unit removes moisture from the air and produces water that must be properly drained. When the unit is installed above a window, the drainage path must be carefully studied to avoid water backflow, insufficient slope, or accumulation in the pipe.
In this project, the positioning was planned to ensure reliable drainage. Poorly designed drainage can cause leaks, odors, marks on the wall, or avoidable service calls. That’s why our team always checks the slope, outlet, fittings, and protection of the wall passage.
This rigor is especially important in residences in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore, where buildings can vary greatly from one property to another: recent constructions, renovated houses, condos, plexes, brick walls, insulated walls, finished basements, open living rooms, or rooms with many windows.
A solution that smartly complements electric baseboards
In the photographed room, an electric baseboard heater is visible at the bottom of the wall. This detail is common in houses and condos in Greater Montreal. A well-sized wall-mounted heat pump can reduce the use of baseboards for much of the year while improving comfort in summer thanks to air conditioning.
The goal is not necessarily to remove the existing baseboards. In many AirGreen projects, the baseboards remain as supplementary heating, while the heat pump becomes the main source of comfort in the served area. This strategy often allows better temperature control and more balanced consumption, especially in frequently used rooms like the living room.
The GREE LIVO R32 installed in Varennes met this need well: providing more precise temperature control in the living space without completely changing the existing layout.
Mistakes to avoid during a similar installation
An installation like this may seem simple once finished, but several mistakes can compromise the result:
Installing the unit too close to the ceiling
An indoor unit needs sufficient clearance to properly draw air. If installed too high, air intake may be limited, which harms efficiency and can complicate maintenance.
Neglecting alignment with the window
In a very minimalist room, a slightly crooked or off-center unit quickly becomes noticeable. Alignment is an aesthetic issue but also a sign of professional rigor.
Underestimating the impact of the window
A large window can influence heat gains in summer and heat losses in winter. The BTU sizing must take this into account.
Ignoring drainage
A poorly planned condensation drain is one of the most common causes of problems after installation. The slope and route must be confirmed before final fixing.
Choosing capacity based only on area
The area alone is not enough. Insulation, orientation, ceiling height, usage habits, and room layout must also be evaluated.
Work done with a field approach
What sets AirGreen apart in this type of project is our way of treating each installation as a unique case. An HVAC installation in Varennes does not have the same constraints as an installation in a condo in Longueuil, an old house in Montreal, a bungalow in Laval, or a property on the North Shore. The walls, access points, duct distances, aesthetic expectations, and thermal needs vary from one client to another.
In this living room, our team favored a discreet finish. The white unit naturally blends with the light wall, and its placement above the window preserves usable space. The room remains visually light, without a sense of clutter. This is exactly what many homeowners are looking for: an effective HVAC solution that respects the style of their interior.
The comfort felt after installation
Once the system is installed and running, comfort is quickly noticeable. The wall blower distributes air throughout the living area, while the variable speed technology adjusts operation according to demand. Instead of a device that operates abruptly, the system modulates its output to maintain a more stable temperature.
For occupants, this generally means:
- less temperature variation;
- better comfort during hot days;
- an efficient heating option during cooler periods;
- reduced use of electric baseboards depending on conditions;
- simpler control of the atmosphere in the living room.
The goal of a GREE wall-mounted heat pump is not just to cool a room. It must provide constant comfort, with quiet operation and reliable installation.
AirGreen expertise tailored to homes in Varennes and Greater Montreal
AirGreen carries out installations of wall-mounted heat pumps, mini split air conditioners, and HVAC systems throughout the region: Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, and South Shore. Each project allows us to apply a clear method: assess the building, choose the right capacity, plan the technical route, install neatly, test the system, and explain its use to the client.
A complete commissioning, not just a wall mount
After installing the indoor unit and connecting it to the outdoor system, a professional installation requires a complete commissioning. This step notably includes checking the connections, properly evacuating the lines, controlling drainage, testing operation in both cooling and heating modes, as well as providing basic explanations on using the remote control or available functions depending on the model.
This is also when we remind you of good HVAC maintenance practices:
- clean the filters regularly;
- keep the space around the unit clear;
- avoid blocking the airflow with curtains or tall furniture;
- have the device checked periodically;
- monitor any unusual changes in noise, smell, or performance.
These simple actions extend the system’s lifespan and help maintain its efficiency.
Subsidies and eligibility: a check to do before installation
Subsidy programs can represent a significant advantage for owners who install an eligible heat pump. However, eligibility depends on the exact model, the indoor/outdoor combination, the AHRI number, and the rules in effect at the time of the application. For this reason, AirGreen always verifies the relevant information before confirming a quote related to financial aid.
For an owner in Varennes, this step avoids unpleasant surprises. It is not enough to choose a well-known brand or a popular range: it is necessary to confirm that the installed configuration truly meets the requirements of the applicable program. Our role is to support the client with clear information, without promising an unverified amount.
An installation that shows the importance of details
The Varennes project clearly illustrates an important reality: a good HVAC installation is the result of a series of precise decisions. The unit must be in the right place, at the right height, with the right technical path, the right capacity, and a finish that respects the client’s interior.
In this room, the choice of the GREE LIVO R32 fits well with the needs of a residential living room: comfort, discretion, temperature control, and visual integration. The final result gives a clean and professional impression, without compromising performance.
For owners considering a wall-mounted heat pump in Varennes, or elsewhere on the South Shore, this installation reminds us that it is essential to call on a team that understands both the technical aspects and real in-home experience. A well-chosen and well-installed HVAC system becomes a lasting investment in daily comfort.
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).