A narrow balcony, a brick facade, and HVAC execution thought out to the millimeter
In an apartment located in Chomedey (Laval) , we installed a new generation Gree R-32 wall-mounted heat pump. The work is taking place on a narrow balcony typical of Laval plexes: brick facade , steel railing , side privacy panel and a chest-height window . The objectives agreed with the owner are clear: four-season heating and air conditioning , silence , discreet integration and simplified maintenance . Our implementation plan focuses on a self-supporting support , a short refrigeration path and a hooded finish that respects the brick architecture.
Context and constraints of the site
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Building type: plex/apartment with continuous balcony .
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Available space: restricted passage between guardrail and brick wall , presence of a privacy panel on the gable side.
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Exposure: clear facade towards a courtyard and parking lots; moderate winds.
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Nuisances to avoid: vibration transmission to the slab, air intake in heating mode, condensate runoff .
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Aesthetics: preservation of a clean line on red brick; client request for a brown vertical cladding aligned with the existing metal cladding .
Why a Gree R-32 for this project?
The Gree wall-mounted ranges in R-32 (Livo, Vireo, Airy, etc.) are distinguished by:
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High efficiency inverter with fine modulation at low load (comfort and savings).
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Compact formats suitable for balconies or loggias, with reduced clearances possible when ventilation rules are respected.
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Easy maintenance : direct access to the valves and electrical compartment.
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Typical eligibility for assistance programs when the chosen configuration meets the extreme cold and Energy Star criteria.
On this site, the acoustic signature and compactness tipped the scales in favor of Gree: a gentle blowing and a compressor that runs at just the speed needed to maintain the setpoint, even at night.
Execution details: precision in the service of performance
1) Self-supporting support on slab
We prefer a self-supporting base made of galvanized steel with four legs , fixed to the chassis and leveled . This choice decouples the unit from the masonry and limits the propagation of structure-borne noise inside. Anti-vibration pads are interposed under the plates to absorb the critical frequencies of the compressor.
2) Short refrigerated journey and brown hood
The route follows the facade in a straight line up to the window, with a single wall crossing . The refrigeration connections (insulated copper) and the power/control cable are covered in a brown casing placed on the bare wall :
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Harmonious visual integration with the red brick and the existing vertical metal profile .
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UV and mechanical protection of insulation, essential on open facades.
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Curve radius respected to avoid pressure losses.
The total length of the connections is short (~1.5 to 2.5 m) , ideal for maintaining the nominal efficiency of the machine (less pressure drops, better subcooling stability).
3) Controlled gravity drainage
The condensate drain is installed with a continuous outward slope . An inspection point is provided to flush the line as needed. This pump-free approach eliminates a potentially noisy component and limits maintenance.
4) Ventilation and clearances
The unit is positioned away from the privacy panel to prevent air recirculation during heating. The front and rear clearances meet the manufacturer's recommendations: the air sweep is free, the air intake is not cut by obstacles, and the service cover remains accessible for maintenance.
5) Food and safety
Connection to a dedicated circuit , protections compliant with the Code. The proximity disconnector is installed so as to remain accessible while integrating into the facade. The tightening torques are checked with a torque screwdriver; the cable glands are sealed.
Everyday performance and comfort
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Heating : progressive modulation, gentle starts and maintenance of the set point without overheating the room.
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Air conditioning : efficient dehumidification , allowing a higher setpoint setting for the same feeling of freshness.
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Silence : thanks to the anti-vibration pads and variable speed , noises perceived from the adjacent room are contained.
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Efficiency : the combination of short connections + insulated hood brings seasonal COPs (HSPF/SEER) closer to factory values.
What we fixed on this narrow balcony
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Risk of slab resonance → Self-supporting support and elastomer wedging.
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Side obstacle (view-blocking panel) → setback and orientation of the unit to prevent air intake .
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Aesthetics on the brick facade → brown casing aligned with the metal profile, discreet screws, neat and sealed holes.
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Future maintenance → clear access to the taps , clear electrical cover , space for rinsing the condenser.
Grants and technological choices (Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, South Shore)
Quebec's assistance programs primarily target high-performance heat pumps using R-32/R-454B refrigerant and capable of heating in very cold weather (−25/−30°C).
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The Gree R-32 (Livo, Vireo, Airy, etc.), Fujitsu Orion/Altair and Midea28 (R-454B) ranges are among the common candidates when the model number and AHRI pairing meet the criteria.
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Our team verifies eligibility before purchase (exact model, BTU, Energy Star certificate) and supports the grant process for Laval , Montreal , Longueuil , North Shore and South Shore .
AirGreen Tip: When replacing in the medium term, choose the R-32/R-454B extreme cold series ; they reduce energy bills and lock in access to current assistance programs.
Recommended preventive maintenance
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Annually : cleaning of the condenser (gentle rinsing), washing of the filters and the inner head housing , preventive disinfection .
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Mid-season : check the gravity drain , purge if necessary.
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Inspection of the covered connections (UV integrity), the support (level, tightening) and the disconnector (torques).
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Performance diagnostics (superheating/subcooling deviations) to prevent any deviation.
An AirGreen maintenance contract stabilizes yields and extends lifespan .
Frequently asked questions from Laval co-owners
Does the privacy panel interfere with the machine?
No, if we respect clearances and an orientation that avoids recirculation ; it is integrated into our implementation plan.
Can the device be placed directly on the balcony floor?
The self-supporting support is preferable: it stabilizes , limits vibrations and protects the unit from stagnant water .
Is a condensate pump necessary?
Here, gravity is sufficient and remains more reliable and quiet . We only install a pump if the slope is impossible.
What about noise for the neighbors?
Inverter modulation and vibration decoupling keep noise levels low. If necessary, we can add an approved acoustic barrier without obstructing ventilation.
Result: discreet, efficient and ready for our winters
The installation delivered to Chomedey fits neatly into the brick , frees up the passage , and ensures stable comfort in both summer and winter. The brown cladding , the short path , and the self-supporting structure combine aesthetics , silence , and performance . This is exactly the AirGreen standard for HVAC installations on narrow balconies in Greater Montreal.
In brief - AirGreen's advantages
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Specialists in small spaces (balconies, loggias, terraces).
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Custom-made implementation plan , respecting co-ownership and codes .
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Selection of R-32/R-454B equipment and subsidy support for Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, South Shore .
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Rigorous after-sales service and planned maintenance .