In the Plateau-Mont-Royal neighbourhood, many flat-roofed buildings are seeking to improve comfort without adding further visual impact to their already heavily used façades. In this project, our AirGreen team installed a Gree wall-mounted heat pump with its outdoor condenser mounted on the roof, away from the street and neighbours, while remaining easily accessible for maintenance.
Context: a typical Plateau building
The building is a condo/plex-style residential building surrounded by mature trees and other multi-story buildings. The client wanted:
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Heating and cooling your unit efficiently all year round
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Avoid placing the device on the ground in the already limited courtyard.
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Minimize the noise perceived by the occupants and the neighborhood.
We therefore proposed a high-efficiency Gree wall-mounted heat pump, of approximately 12,000 BTU , perfectly suited to the size of the unit and the realities of the Montreal climate.
A Gree wall-mounted heat pump designed for the Quebec climate
The Gree wall-mounted heat pump chosen for this project offers:
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Efficient heating in winter , with an inverter compressor capable of maintaining good capacity even in cold weather.
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Stable and quiet air conditioning in summer
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An excellent compromise between comfort, energy efficiency and reliability
From the inside, the wall unit diffuses a homogeneous air and allows the customer to enjoy a pleasant temperature in all seasons, while reducing their dependence on electric baseboard heaters.
Installation of the outdoor unit on the flat roof
The photo shows the Gree outdoor unit installed at night on the building's flat roof. Several key elements of the installation were carefully planned:
1. Elevated support and membrane protection
The device rests on a galvanized steel support , itself fixed to two treated wooden beams placed on the roof membrane. This configuration allows:
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To raise the unit above the snow and ice accumulations
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To distribute the load so as not to damage the membrane
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To maintain good stability, even in strong winds
We use appropriate shims and anchors to comply with roof constraints and manufacturer recommendations.
2. Vibration and noise management
Vibration dampers are installed under the unit to limit the transmission of vibrations to the building structure. This is essential in a dense urban environment like the Plateau:
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Less noise for the occupants of the apartment directly below
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A better experience for the neighbors, especially at night
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Increased lifespan of mechanical components
3. Routing of refrigerated lines
The refrigeration lines, communication cable, and drain are bundled together and neatly secured along the parapet. We use:
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UV and weather resistant insulation
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Sturdy fasteners to prevent the pipes from flapping in the wind
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A layout that maintains sufficient clearance for rooftop traffic
The whole thing joins the indoor unit located below, following the shortest possible path in order to optimize the system's efficiency.
4. Secure power supply
Near the unit, you can see the electrical disconnect box, which conforms to current standards. It ensures:
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A quick shutdown point for maintenance or emergency interventions
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Adequate protection against the elements
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Complete coordination with the building's electrical panel
This step is crucial for the safety of the occupants and our technicians.
Performance and reliability on an urban rooftop
Installing an outdoor heat pump on a flat roof in an urban environment has several advantages:
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Excellent air circulation : no immediate obstruction around the unit, which improves efficiency.
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Less risk of vandalism or accidental impacts , compared to a ground-based installation.
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Reduction of perceived street noise : the condenser is further away from neighbors' windows.
We are also planning accessibility for future maintenance: safe passage, clearance around the unit, clear marking of the circuit.
Before leaving the construction site, our team carries out the following:
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A thorough evacuation of the refrigeration circuit
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Checking pressures and temperatures in heating and air conditioning mode
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Automatic defrosting and condensation water drainage tests
Thus, the system is ready to face the harsh winters of Plateau-Mont-Royal, while offering optimal comfort from the first warm days of spring.
The AirGreen approach in Plateau-Mont-Royal and throughout Montreal
For this project, as with all our projects, we support the client at every stage:
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Needs analysis : area to be air-conditioned, insulation, lifestyle habits, architectural constraints.
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Recommendation of the right capacity and the right location (indoor and outdoor).
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Careful installation , respecting the standards and aesthetics of the building.
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Complete commissioning , with explanation of operation, modes and correct settings to save energy.
We also offer maintenance contracts to ensure the longevity of the Gree wall-mounted heat pump: cleaning of the indoor unit, inspection of the outdoor unit on the roof, verification of connections and parameters.
Do you live in a flat-roofed building in the Plateau or elsewhere in Montreal?
If you live in a condo or a plex with a flat roof, as is common in Plateau-Mont-Royal, a Gree wall-mounted heat pump installed on the roof is often the ideal solution:
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4-season comfort
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Discreet and silent installation
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Better energy efficiency than traditional systems
Contact us at AirGreen: we will be happy to assess your project and offer you a tailor-made solution, perfectly adapted to your building and the Montreal climate.